Tufts students protested the impending custodial worker layoffs scheduled for next year at Friday’s unveiling of the new “Jumbo” statue recently donated to the campus. — Photos by Brianna Moody

By Anna Gaebler, Tufts Labor Coalition

On April 17, 2015, the Tufts administration held a communitywide event in celebration of the debut a brand new statue depicting Tufts’ mascot, Jumbo the elephant. Tufts Labor Coalition (TLC), a student group on campus, chose to disrupt this event in protest of the administration’s decision to fire 35 custodial workers later this month, nearly one in five on the campus.

Another reminder about Sunday, April 26, 4-8 p.m. at the Somerville City Club, when the family and friends of former Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor, who passed away recently, holds a “celebration of life” for Tom. It will also be Tom and Celia’s 25th anniversary on May 12. The invitations went out on Facebook, but if the family missed anyone please feel free to add yourself to this event. The family will need some help with food, drinks, and desserts. This is open to all of Tom’s friends who he knew over the many years.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a Summer St. residence last week on reports of an unwanted irate roommate.

Upon arrival, police were met by the reporting party, who reportedly only spoke Spanish. The officers called for an interpreter to come and assist them, and while waiting for the interpreter the alleged unwanted roommate, Juan Rodesno, came out of his bedroom and approached them, police said.

By Donald Norton

What has to be the coldest ever Patriots’ Day event was held this past Monday in Somerville. A crowd of about 100 attended this 239th year of the event at Foss Park.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Somerville High School hosted a Career Fair on last Wednesday in the school’s atrium. Approximately 300 high school juniors and seniors along with their teachers were in attendance. Their goal was to provide students with an opportunity to investigate the very best career, training, and educational opportunities in our area as they formulate their post-secondary plans.

It’s always a sad occasion when we have to say goodbye to old friends who we may never see again. Especially when such friends have meant so much to so many for generations.

After over 60 years in business, T.F. Murphy Florist will be calling it quits. — Photo by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

Another long time family-owned business in the city is closing its doors. T.F. Murphy Florist of 346 Highland Avenue was started in August 1953, when they opened their doors at Willow & Highland Ave. Their last day in business will be April 26.

Sarma

249 Pearl Street (East Somerville)

Hours:

Sun. – Thurs. 5:30p.m.-10p.m. (Late night menu available until 11p.m.) Bar 5p.m.-12a.m.
Fri. – Sat. 5:30p.m.-11p.m. (Late night menu available until 12a.m.) Bar 5p.m.-1a.m.

Sumptuous international cuisine and lively music highlighted The Welcome Project’s YUM event at The Arts at the Armory last Thursday. — Photos by Gabriela Martinez

By Gabriela Martinez

Last Thursday, The Welcome Project celebrated its 25 years of supporting immigrant communities in Somerville at Arts at the Armory. The event featured 13 immigrant-run Somerville restaurants, all of which were endorsed by Shape Up Somerville for including healthy dishes in their menus. The guests were able to sample the delicious tastes of these restaurants while listening to live music from Son Del Sol.

Many of the books published by the Ibbetson Street Press and other small presses in Somerville are housed at the University at Buffalo Libraries Special Collections. This is probably the premiere small press collection in the nation. I decided to interview Mike Basinski, the curator of the said collection, for The Somerville Times.