Assessor to provide update on Fiscal Year 2015 Property Assessments; Aldermen to vote on  allocation of the tax levy, exemptions and other provisions; Public invited to speak

Each year in November, the Chief Assessor for the city presents an update to the Board of Aldermen on the new property valuations and the anticipated tax rate for the coming fiscal year (FY). This annual Classification Hearing is open to members of the public, who are invited to speak. This year’s Hearing is on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall, 2^nd Floor, 93 Highland Ave.

Fans of Vernon Street Studios attended the opening of their 40th anniversary celebration at the Somerville Museum.

By Mariya Manzhos

In 1974, the Rogers Foam Factory on Vernon Street made the sixth and seventh floor of their building space available to new tenants. However, the conditions were not exactly inviting. “When we first came there it was filthy dirty, there were no walls, it was just an empty space with pigeons everywhere,” recalls Karen Moss, an original member of the small group of artists to rent the space.

Somerville’s popular and festive holiday celebrations will return in December 2014, including the annual Christmas Tree lighting at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 4, and the Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Tours on Saturday, Dec. 13. Mayor Curtatone and other city officials will also participate in a ceremonial Menorah lighting on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 16, in honor of the first day of Hanukkah.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte 

(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)

My stories are usually lighthearted looks back at Somerville in days gone by or some other hopefully amusing local subject. This article however is a bit more serious because it is about safety. As a lifelong resident of the College Ave. area, it is time to speak out about the horrendous habits of drivers on the dangerous stretch between Powder House Rotary and the lights near Wedgewood-Crane and Connolly.

We have some interesting headlines for the latest Somerville Neighborhood News show, a community news production brought to you by the dedicated staff, volunteers and interns at Somerville Community Access TV.

Alderman Ward 3 Bob McWatters, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Broker/Owner Donald Norton of The Norton Group. —Photo by Ross Blouin

By Ross Blouin

A large turnout this past Wednesday, November 19, for freshman Alderman Ward 3 Bob McWatters, at Sally O’Brien’s in Union Square. Well over 100 friends and family members turned out to show their support and appreciation for a job well done in his first year as alderman.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

I once told a psychiatrist acquaintance of mine that he should stop prescribing medications for patients suffering depression. Instead, he should prescribe an hour a day of Car Talk, National Public Radio’s syndicated show wherein Tom and Ray Magliozzi dispense weekly wisdom on car repair and life.

By Rebecca Danvers

The 3rd annual Shawna Shea Film Festival (SSFF) has grown this year with two full days of indie cinema at the Somerville Theatre on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22 in Somerville.

SSFF honors the independent spirit of the late Shawna Shea, the daughter of local filmmaker Skip Shea, and brings together independent filmmakers and while supporting young women graduating from high school and starting off on their path in the world.

By Jim Clark

A police officer en route to a call at the Home Depot store on Mystic Ave. last week got sidetracked when he spotted a vehicle running a red light at the corner of Grand Union Blvd. and Revolution Dr.

According to the officer’s report, the vehicle turned right onto Grand Union Blvd. on a red light, which is only allowed after coming to a full stop. The officer said that the vehicle did not even slow down as it made the turn.

State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, announced today that the MSBA Board voted to invite the City of Somerville to collaborate on a Feasibility Study to look at possible solutions to the deficiencies identified at the Somerville High School.