~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Aleppo Shriners’ Auditorium in Wilmington held the Commerford Zoo Kids Fun Fair during the February school vacation. They offered rides, games, and a unique chance to interact with exotic animals.

The City of Somerville’s Youth Arts Coordinator, Jimmy Del Ponte, announces three FREE opportunities for Somerville youth looking to learn to play the guitar or piano, or how to write songs. Somerville residents ages 12 and older are invited to apply for these ongoing programs, though space is limited. Jimmy Del Ponte is a published songwriter and musician with a background in radio and entertainment. For more information on each of these programs, contact Jimmy at 617-625-6600 ext. 2616, or Jdelponte@somervillema.gov.

Massachusetts State Attorney General and former Somerville Pride Coach Maura Healey held a girls basketball clinic at the Somerville High School Gymnasium on Tuesday, February 16. Girls of all ages were treated to a skills and activities session, as well as a motivational speech on pursuing excellence by A.G. Healey. The event was sponsored by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Recreation Department.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to the All Checks Cashed outlet in Union Square last Wednesday morning on reports of a larceny from a person.

Upon arrival, officers met with the victim of the larceny, a woman who was reportedly badly shaken up by the incident and was having trouble breathing. She was being tended to and comforted by employees and patrons of the establishment. She was taking oxygen from tanks that she had brought with her to the location.

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.