All community members are invited to a Playground Design meeting for the new Argenziano School Playground on Saturday morning, Oct. 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. City staff and officials hope to hear from residents of all ages (children included!) about the proposed designs for the Argenziano Schoolyard, and the new children’s play and water spray area located at the core of the new park design. The meeting will be held in the Argenziano School cafeteria, and will include a walk outside to the park to review the new spaces.

Mayor Curtatone and City’s community-driven plan for area around new Green Line Station earn recognition from the Congress for the New Urbanism New England

The City of Somerville’s community-driven plan for the area around the future Green Line station in Gilman Square has won recognition for its people-centric design from the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) New England Chapter, which will also honor Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone for his leadership in urban planning and advocacy at the organization’s annual awards gala on Oct. 21.

Residents and city officials have been coming together for discussions on race and racism as the Community Conversations Series continues throughout the month of October.

By Mellow D.

Throughout October Somerville has been hosting the Community Conversations Series where residents are encouraged to attend and share their “experiences, concerns, and ideas.”

Somerville-trained boxer Melanie Costa will be making her bid for a place on the 2016 US Olympic Team at the trials being held in Memphis, TN. — Photo by Stephanie Buonopane

By George P. Hassett

A Somerville-trained boxer is on her way to Memphis this week to try and win a spot on next year’s US Olympic team.

Melanie Costa, 22, starts fighting Monday in the Olympic Trials. If she wins four fights she will represent the United States in women’s boxing in Rio De Janiero. “There’s one more step to making my dream come true and now I want to keep going,” says Costa.

Alderman Maryann Heuston is reminding everyone to come check out Food Day, presented by the Beacon Street Neighborhood Association. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on October 24 in the Whole Foods parking lot, 45 Beacon St. Help celebrate and enjoy healthy food. There will be games, activities for all ages, and food from seven Beacon Street restaurants. If you’re looking to see what’s going on in Ward 2 and want to get involved, follow Alderman Maryann on Twitter or go to her website for all the up-to-date news going on in Ward 2: www.maryannheuston.com.

Renaissance cowboy Kinky Friedman rides again
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Saddle up for a night of raucous humor and fine music as the one and only Kinky Friedman brings his stories, songs, and larger-than-life persona to Johnny D’s this coming Friday night. — Photo by Brian Kanof

By Jim Clark

“Being multi-talented is a curse.” So says wildly multi-talented country singer, songwriter, humorist, politician novelist, journalist, and all around raconteur Kinky Friedman.

By Benny Wheat, Nicole Dupre, and Greg Hill on behalf of Union United

(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)

In anticipation of the Green Line Extension, the City of Somerville set out a plan to develop key areas around the Union Square station, and selected US2 as the master developer. US2 is lucky to have the opportunity to work in the thriving, diverse neighborhood of Union Square, and that opportunity comes with an obligation to the community of people who have made this neighborhood desirable. In order for the project to be successful and our community to be preserved, residents and businesses currently vulnerable to displacement must be able to stay in Union Square and enjoy the benefits of the development and the Green Line.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Sunday, Oct. 18, residents flocked to Somerville Ave. for the annual Monster Mashed-Up @ SomerStreets event, the final installment of the City’s annual SomerStreets open streets series. The free event was open to residents of all ages.

Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston, Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rossetti and Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters are seen here with modern day Ghostbusters at last Saturday’s annual Monster Mashed-Up @ SomerStreets held in Union Square. The  good aldermen were probably asking the professional Ghostbusters to check out City Hall and maybe the police station for reported ghost sightings. Another example of our aldermen taking care of business. Maybe a report will be presented to the full Board on their findings at the next meeting. President of the Board Bill White will hopefully call for one.

Over the years there has been an increase in not only brands of hummus, but the unique flavors as well. Garlic, lemon, beet, roasted red pepper, and jalapeño to name a few. Since it’s one of my favorite snacks with crackers or pita bread, and even a spread on sandwiches, I usually have a couple of tubs in my refrigerator. A recent trip out to lunch with friends I noticed a big catering tray with sweet potato hummus accompanied with dukkah. I couldn’t wait to get home to try to make it!