By William C. Shelton

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

Last week I went to two of the meetings that have proliferated in response to the Green Line’s imminent arrival, the zoning overhaul, and proactive efforts by city planners.

Somerville Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher resigns.

After 37 and one-half years of distinguished service with the Somerville Fire Department and 18 and one-half years at the helm of the department, Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher, whose official title is Chief Engineer of the Somerville Fire Department, will be retiring as of May 16, 2015, announced Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

By Donald Norton

This past Saturday evening at the Masonic Hall, 125 Highland Avenue, the new officers of Somerville Fraternal Chapter #136 of the Order of Eastern Star were installed.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

The data-based approach to improving government services took a big step forward earlier this year, when the White House named its first ever chief data scientist and chief technology officer for data policy. In appointing Dr. DJ Patil to this new role, the Obama Administration is making a strong statement about the importance of data-based management and decision-making. It’s not enough for government officials to simply advocate for one policy or another. We have to show our work. And we know in Somerville that sometimes the best solutions come from the community. None of that is possible unless we start with data.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Family, friends and colleagues of former Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor gathered on Sunday to celebrate his life and share their common love for him.

The event took place at the City Club in Somerville, and was attended by people from all walks of life who were touched by his passionate commitment to service and good will.

Somerville Little League will officially begin its 76th season this Saturday, May 2, with a parade, starting at the Somerville High School Concourse at 10 a.m. Led by units of the Somerville Police and Fire departments, kids and coaches will march down Highland Avenue to Central Street, to Somerville Avenue, arriving at Conway Park at 10:30 a.m. An on-field ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m., starting with the recognition of several longtime champions of Somerville Little League baseball who will be honored for their service. Somerville Police and Fire units will be on hand, along with the Somerville Police Honor Guard, who will present their colors. After the national anthem is sung, a special guest will throw the ceremonial first pitch, at Conway Field, at 11 a.m. Come on down, watch the parade, and cheer the kids on. For more information, email Sean Fitzgerald at seanjfitz@comcast.net.

T.F. Murphy Florist is wrapping up a 60+ year run as Somerville’s premiere provider of fragrant bouquets, spectacularly colorful floral arrangements, and priceless memories.

By Douglas Yu

Tom Murphy Jr. seemed no different than on any of the other days he’s spent for over a decade in his flower shop: he woke up early in the morning to select fresh and shining flowers in a downtown market, fielded phone calls from his customers, and designed flower arrangements.

A candlelight vigil in remembrance of the victims of this weekend’s devastating earthquake in Nepal, and to support Somerville’s Nepali community members as the rescue and cleanup efforts continue, will take place on the evening of Wed., April 29. The vigil will be held beginning with musical selections at 6:45 p.m. on the Somerville High School concourse, 81 Highland Ave. If you have any questions, please call the Somerville Health and Human Services Department at 617-625-6600 ext. 4300. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health resources, contact the Somerville Trauma Response Network at 857-221-0942. Members of the TRN will also be in attendance on Wednesday evening.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police officers on a morning patrol last week received reports of a stolen car Lo-Jack code being transmitted in the area sent them on a search for the vehicle.

Prateek Poddar is but one of the semi-regular singer/songwriters who grace the stage at Arts at the Armory’s “The Loop” event.

By Josie Grove

On the fourth Thursday evening of every month, The Loop convenes at the Arts at the Armory on Highland Avenue. According to organizer Maxwell Bailey, “The Loop is a monthly singer-songwriter event. It’s run by artists, for artists.”