(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 am writing to thank my supporters during my bid for the 34th Middlesex District seat. Although I did not win the race, I know that Medford and Somerville will continue to thrive. I have walked the streets of this district, knocked on almost every door and talked to the residents and listened to their concerns. Although there is still a lot of work to be done in the district, I believe the commitment the residents have to their community will prevail.

Somerville High Auditorium. — Photo by Donald Norton

Join Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi, Somerville High School Headmaster John Oteri, and members of the Board of Aldermen and School Committee on Monday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. for the reopening ceremony of the Somerville High School auditorium. The auditorium had been closed since Oct. 2012 for extensive repairs following damage that occurred during Hurricane Sandy. The brief ceremony on Monday will include a short speaking program, and entertainment by the Somerville High School Orchestra, Drumline, and Chorus.

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)

There used to be three junior high schools in Somerville for grades 7,8 and 9. The Western Junior High School on Holland Street near Teele Square, The Northeastern Junior High School on Marshall Street near the High School, and The Southern Junior High School on Summer Street near Union Square. My mother graduated from the Southern in 1941 and I was a substitute teacher there in the 1980’s. It’s now basically a dog park and a pretty nice field.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Somerville Youth Arts Coordinator Jimmy Del Ponte, The Somerville High School Music Department and The Communications Department presented Somerville Rocks! on Friday, November 7.

Somerville Assessor’s Office to Release FY15 Property Assessments Early and to Host Evening Mobile Office Hours for Property Owners

As a courtesy to our property owners, The City of Somerville Board of Assessors is making fiscal year (FY) 2015 assessments available early and holding evening mobile office hours to answer property owner’s questions. Usually, property owners receive notice of their new assessed values in their third quarter tax bill in late December/early January. This year, to allow residents and property owners additional time to review their new values and request changes, the new values, which have been approved by the State Department of Revenue, are being made available as of Wednesday, Nov. 19. As always, formal appeals will be accepted, this year from Jan. 2 to Feb. 2, 2015. This year for the first time, owners may also request changes during an additional three-week period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 9, 2014.

Come celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Vernon Street Open Studios at the Somerville Museum.

By Rebecca Danvers

It’s hard to believe that Vernon Street Open Studios has been a Somerville institution for 40 years, but it has and a celebration is set for the next few weeks that will shine a light on this dynamic center of creativity.
A special exhibit highlighting Vernon Street will be in place at the Somerville Museum through mid-December, featuring the works of the studio’s artists, past and present.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to the Stop and Shop store on McGrath Hwy. in response to a report of a shoplifter who was unable to furnish identification for the store’s loss prevention personnel.

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)

We learned some great news this week, as software company SmartBear announced that it will be the first tenant in Assembly Row’s Class A office building, following Partners HealthCare’s announcement that it will build a new office building in Somerville’s newest neighborhood. In choosing Somerville, SmartBear’s CEO specifically cited public transit options, moving closer to other technology companies in the urban core, and amenities that tech workers seek—the culture, art, food scene and more that make Somerville attractive. The company’s move is an important indicator that the years of community planning we’ve done around smart, transit-oriented development, are building a stronger local economy for all our businesses, expanding our tax base and bringing high-quality jobs to Somerville. And we’ve done all this by staying true to ourselves and leaning on our strengths.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Milk Row Cemetery opened to celebrate Veterans Day. The following was read at the wreath presentation at Civil War Soldiers Monument, Milk Row Cemetery:

Somerville’s alternative transportation infrastructure improvements has led to its being named among the top cities in the nation when it comes to providing safe and sustainable methods for getting people around. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has long been a proponent of making Somerville the most bikeable, walkable and transit-accessible community in the nation. His goal appeared to take a major leap forward recently when the city was dubbed first among northeast cities in bicycle commuting and fifth in the nation overall regardless of population, according to the League of American Bicyclists’ annual report on bike commuting.