Villen’s United by Chris Haskell

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Imagine someone gave a former 70’s porn star his own variety hour/game show where laughs were had, tears were shed, and life lessons were learned and you may start to get an idea of what Old School Game Show is all about.

By Sal Ghamo

An increase in the inclusionary zoning rates proved to be a hot-button topic at last week’s Board of Alderman meeting. (click to enlarge map)

On March 24, The Board of Aldermen discussed the Land Use Committee’s March 22 meeting that concerned a citizens’ petition supporting an increase in the inclusionary zoning rates to 20% citywide.

By Jim Clark

Jesse Clingan addressed the Board on Thursday night, speaking in favor of renaming Otis Park in honor of the memory of Deanna Cremin.

Ward 1 Alderman Matthew McLaughlin sponsored a resolution at the latest regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen last Thursday asking the administration to consider renaming Otis Park to Deanna Cremin Park.

Odd/even parking starts this week on April Fool’s day, and will continue through to December 31. Those traffic and parking people will be walking around handing out tickets, so watch the signs for the day your street is earmarked for street cleaning.

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the inevitable regular street sweeping activities throughout the city.

As inconvenient and annoying it may be to comply with schedule, it is an inescapable fact of life for us all and we must make the adjustment accordingly.

Eagle Feathers #100 – Beacon Street Beat

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Beacon Street is part of Somerville’s southern border with Cambridge, but wasn’t always called by that name. It was originally part of a toll road called the Middlesex Turnpike. Its marathon length of twenty-six miles connected the Charles River and the Merrimack River over land. Built in 1805, its competitors, the Lowell Railroad and the Middlesex Canal, put it out of business. Today, the turnpike’s existence is almost forgotten and best brought to mind by the Burlington Mall’s address at 75 Middlesex Turnpike. Let’s explore our section of the Turnpike: Beacon Street.

Dear readers,

As I near my retirement date of April 3, 2016, I want to say goodbye to all of my former working colleagues, and a special “Thank You” to Mayor Joe Curtatone. I have been honored to work for this Mayor since the beginning of his tenure. The changes he has helped implemented in Somerville is staggering. I sincerely thank him for his trust he placed in me these many years, and I have never been so proud to be a “Villen.”

By Jim Clark

Police responded to the Saks Fifth Avenue at Assembly Row last Friday evening on reports of a shoplifter in the store.

Upon arrival, a store employee reportedly told officers that a man, later identified as Volodymyr Gurin, of Newton, selected four pairs of sunglasses, removed their security tags and concealed them in his coat pocket. He then selected a pair of shoes, went to the register and paid for them.

Health & Human Services Director, Douglas Kress and Animal Control Officer April Terrio announced that the city will hold its 15th annual rabies clinic for cats and dogs on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the yard at the Department of Public Works, 1 Franey Rd. Enter gate to the right of the main building and follow signs for the Rabies Clinic. Rabies vaccinations and on-site licenses for dogs will be available at the clinic.

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Laurin Macios is a poet who feels her poems. She is not so much about the reader understanding the poem, but she is all about evoking emotion, and vivid sensory experiences in his or her reading of her work.