By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

I talk a lot about our mission of making Somerville a great place to live, work, play and raise a family, and there are good reasons why. If you live in a great neighborhood and have a good job and lead an active, engaged lifestyle and are able to raise your children in a stimulating environment, then you’re likely to be happy. I mean, that’s the American dream isn’t it? If you put in the work, you can have a dignified, rewarding life.

By Sal Ghamo

The Somerville Board of Aldermen’s Special Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy has been studying the issues of playing field use, turf choices, and related matters, seeking best practices policies.

At the most recent Board of Alderman meeting, Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang delivered a report on the subject of the Special Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy.

By Josie Grove

The Somerville Board of Aldermen is considering implementing a citywide ban on cannabinoids, as has been done recently in Boston.

Nationally, synthetic cannabinoids are second only to marijuana in use by high school seniors. Alderman-at-large Dennis Sullivan is concerned about the substances in Somerville. “Kids are using it. It’s having a negative effect,” said the alderman. He is particularly concerned about the synthetic drugs being marketed to children. “Lego, White Tiger, it looks like a cartoon, Scooby Doo.”

By Haley ED Houseman

Journalist, author, and former moderator of NBC News’ Sunday morning talk show Meet the Press, David Gregory lectured and met with students at Tufts University last week.

On Thursday of last week, the Tuft’s campus played host to David Gregory, a prominent television journalist, author, and former moderator of NBC News’ Sunday morning talk show Meet the Press.

Tonight, Wednesday, February 24 at The Norton Group Real Estate offices, 699 Broadway (Ball Square), they will be holding a FREE real estate buyers seminar. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Local Attorney Edwin Smith will be one of the speakers. They will have also a credit restoration company present to talk about credit and how to improve it. Also, bank mortgage officers will be speaking on the various options open to home buyers on mortgages. Free to the public and there will be free gifts for those attending as well. For the next six months, both buyers and sellers seminars will be held FREE to all who are reading this. Call 617-623-6600, The Norton Group Real Estate, for more details or go online to www.nortongroupre.com.

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So, you enjoy granola and have a favorite brand you purchase only to see its been discontinued when you go shopping to replenish your stash. Maybe you’re bored with the same old thing anyway. Why not try making your own? It’s easy and you can use your choice of ingredients.

Somerville High School Track and Field athlete Gabrielle Etienne finished second at the Massachusetts State Finals on Saturday at the Reggie Lewis center. Her second place throw of 40’11.5″ was her personal best throw of her career and set a new SHS record in the Shot Put.  The previous record of 40’7″ was set in 2009 by Jessica Masse. Pictured with Etienne is throws coach Carl Stauffer.

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The noted Somerville film critic William Falcetano’s latest review. You can find Bill in some dark corner in The Somerville Theatre on any given day or evening. Say hello to him – he may or may not reply – well, you know critics!

Janelle Solviletti writes the Lyrical: My name is Janelle Solviletti and I am currently a junior at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. I am working to finish my bachelors of communication degree with concentrations in public relations and advertising. I have a passion for creative writing and have been writing short stories and poems throughout all of high school and college in my spare time. I also devote my time to running cross-country and track at Marist and love being outdoors.

Arrests:
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Timothy Jones, of 2 North St., February 17, 12:07 p.m., arrested at Broadway on a charge of larceny of a person over 65.