The organizers of the Ras na hEireann USA 5K refer to it as the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. The race will be held on Sunday, March 15, starting at 11:00 a.m., beginning and ending in Davis Square. There will be loads of Craic – a celebration and appreciation of heritage and history, the magic and mystery that move everyone to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Go online at http://baevents.com/rasnaheireann/ for details and registration information.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Previously published on March 14, 2012.

(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)

If I had the one day to live over again, and I could do anything I wanted, I’d blend together all the best parts of my life in Somerville into 24 hours.

(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)

Dear Mayor Curtatone,

We wish to thank you and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) for undertaking a community-wide search for applicants to fill vacancies on several community boards related to development including the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. We hope that your office received a healthy pool of qualified candidates to fill these positions.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to Michael’s bar on Washington St. last week on a check condition call.

Upon arrival, other officers were spotted escorting a woman out of the bar while a man, later identified as Patrick Courtney, of Malden, reportedly kept trying to place himself between the officers and the woman.

By Tom Bannister

Seventy-eight Somerville High School students representing 45 projects competed in this year’s Science and Engineering fair, hosted by the Somerville High School Science Department on Thursday, March 5.

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)

This week, I once again had the pleasure of speaking to Somerville’s business community at the Somerville Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Town Meeting, about how we’re working to support and protect our local businesses. Our local businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods and squares. Not only do local residents rely on them for goods and services but more and more are becoming destinations that draw visitors from across Somerville and the region. They fill our neighborhoods with people, and become the places where we meet and greet our neighbors. Local businesses build community—on a personal level, but also on a financial level. They create the strong economic foundation that allows us to continue investing in the people of Somerville, but these benefits don’t happen by accident. They happen when we plan for, attract and support our businesses as well.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that Allen Harmon, 36, of Somerville, was arraigned today in Middlesex County Superior Court on charges of assault to rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and indecent assault and battery.  Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered Harmon held without bail until Harmon’s next scheduled court hearing on Thursday, April 16.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

“Flashback Friday” blasted off at the City Club on Friday, March 6. Participant took a journey back in time and danced the night away to songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90’s. All proceeds benefit The Somerville PTA Scholarship Dinner Dance.

By Jim Clark

While on patrol last Thursday evening, police performed a routine RMV inquiry on a vehicle that had pulled alongside the police cruiser near the intersection of Broadway and Cross St.

Volunteers come out to help boil down the sweet maple tree sap, while others come to sample the resulting syrup. — Photos By Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

Few people equate good quality syrup with Somerville. But when the Maple Syrup Boil Down Festival was first held in the city 16 years ago, many locals instantly pushed their Somervillian pride a bit further.