*

This is my interview with my old pal, Alan Ringel, experimental jazz producer and a founder of About Time Records. I met Al over 30 years ago at McLean Hospital, where we worked as counselors. Al talked about one of his artists Henry Threadgill, who just won the Pulitzer-Prize, the “jazz loft” scene in the 70s in NYC, the role of improvisation and composition in jazz, misconceptions about Louis Armstrong, jazz writer Stanley Crouch, the jazz clubs in Greenwich Village, and much more. We had our discussion at the Thai restaurant Sweet Ginger in Union Square, Somerville.

*

Richard Wilhelm is a painter and poet who has lived in Somerville Since 1984. He is the author of one book of poems, Awakenings (Ibbetson Street Press, 2007), and was one of three editors of the anthology City of Poets: 18 Boston Voices (2000).

While the Board of Aldermen debate with the Mayor over the new water and sewer fee and rate changes at tonight’s Board of Aldermen meeting, host Joe Lynch wants to hear what you think about paying substantially more for water and sewer services.  Call in your concerns, outrage and frustrations live at 617-628-9876 and let the Mayor know what you think.  Showtime is 7:30 PM till 8:00 on channel 3, SCATV.  Somerville Community Access Television.  Let your voice be heard.

Info Session for Interested Persons on Thursday, Sept. 15, 5-7 p.m.

The City of Somerville is recruiting paid polling place workers to assist with the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 8, election.

To be eligible to work at polling locations you must be a registered Massachusetts voter. Interested residents are invited to attend a polling place worker information session Thursday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall, located at 93 Highland Ave.

Arrests:
#

Jeffrey Cetoute, of 65 Lowell St. Malden, September 5, 5:18 p.m., arrested at Middlesex Ave. on charges of shoplifting by concealing merchandise and drug possession to distribute.

Johnny Hines, of 112 South Hampton, Boston, September 6, 10:14 a.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on multiple charges of larceny under $250.

Strike Up the Bands @ SomerStreets will be rocking Somerville this coming Sunday.

Free Open Streets event to feature live music, family-friendly activities, food, and more.

Celebrate the season at “Strike Up The Bands,” the September installment of the City’s SomerStreets festival, on Sunday, Sept 18, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. between School St. and Lowell St. on Highland Ave. SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles, and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and other modes of activity. Through SomerStreets, the City and its community partners aim to promote and encourage easy access to physical activity, fresh foods, and reconnecting with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment.

Beginning on Monday, September 12, MassDOT contractor, Newport Construction, will excavate the portion of Beacon St. between Park St. and Washington St., and vehicle traffic will be detoured onto Washington St. and Dane St. Because this portion of the street will not be accessible to vehicles for approximately six weeks, the MBTA bus route, #83, will be detoured as outlined below, and bus stops in this section of Beacon St. will be temporarily relocated.

Youth Arts Arise is a free afterschool program for students ages 11-16. Participants will have the opportunity to explore creativity in a wide range of artistic mediums and disciplines. Workshop themes encourage positive self-expression while exploring a multitude of cultures and traditions, embracing diversity while simultaneously working towards a better understanding of individual identity.

By Tom Bannister

Come on out on Sunday, September 25 and have a fun day at the Annual Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day 4.2 mile Road Race, followed by post race party with DJ, food, drinks, prizes and more to benefit the Brian Higgins Foundation, helping children with special needs have a fun quality of life. Hosted by the Pub, Ball Square, Somerville.

Luciana Camargos is an Elder Care Advisor for the SCES Aging Information Center, a free service that provides information and guidance on a wide variety of aging, disability, and caregiving programs.

By Colleen Morrissey

Helping people maintain health and wellbeing in the comfort of their own home is central to their mission at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES), and their Aging Information Center plays a key role in making that happen.