Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that the City’s annual Mayor’s Wellness Challenge Kick-Off and Somerville Recreation 5K Road Race will be held on Sunday morning, April 24, starting and ending at the Somerville High School concourse, 93 Highland Avenue.  The day will begin with a 1-mile children’s “Fun Run” at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 5K adult race and walk at 11:00 a.m.

In response to resident interest, more meetings looking at specific areas of the proposed Zoning Overhaul have been added. Each of these meetings will be held at the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell St., starting at 6:30 p.m.

Runners and walkers always have a great time at the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5 km.

From 9 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. Day St., Herbert St., and Chester St. will be closed to traffic for the Race of Ireland road race, which supports Somerville youth.

The Somerville High School Building Committee has two upcoming meetings planned where residents can learn more about options for future plans for Somerville High School and share their comments.

A regular meeting of the Building Committee is scheduled for Monday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kennedy School, 5 Cherry St. This meeting will include updates on the process so far, information on what’s coming next, and an opportunity for public comment.

The Lady Wizards’ defensive skills have established their dominance on the court heading into the championship race.

By Charles Lane

Defense – with a splash of offense when needed – has the Prospect Hill Academy Lady Wizards positioned to play in this year’s girls basketball championship of the 2016 Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization set for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, at U Mass Boston’s Clark Athletic Center.

The online registration is closing down today, Friday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. for the Rás na hÉireann USA 5Km in Somerville, Massachusetts, taking place on March 13.

By Mayor 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)

Last week was an important milestone in the most recent chapter of the Green Line Extension story. The state’s new project management team hosted an open house event to update the public and share their preliminary efforts to save money and get the project back on track. Once again, our community rose to the occasion admirably. Hundreds filled the Arts at the Armory. The message Somerville residents sent was clear and unmistakable: Find a way to get this done. Finish what you’ve started. Build the Green Line.

On March 12, celebrate Somerville’s annual Maple Syrup Boil Down Festival. Community members of all ages are invited to the Community Growing Center at 22 Vinal Avenue between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to watch and learn for free as sap from local sugar maple trees is boiled down into pure maple syrup over a warm fire.

By Charles Lane

12 residents from Somerville will run to conquer cancer as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team in the 120th Boston Marathon® on April 18.

The local runners are Micho Pilotte, Erica Omobono, Jennifer Primeau, Kathryn Nathan, Christopher Pollard, Scott Aland, Heather Hagerty, Sara Marden, Laura Burke, Miranda Hooker, Amy Holmstrom, and Jackie Silago.