Spotlight on The East Somerville Community School Phoenix News
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The East Somerville Community School Phoenix News was established when the new school building opened in the fall of 2013. The online student newspaper was named by asking students for nominations and then asking the entire ESCS community to vote on the proposed names.

By Ted Bodenrader

The iconic fixture on Broadway that has affected so many lives is soon to be a thing of the past – and perhaps the future? — Photo by Donald Norton.

Maria Cella once ventured out into the local workforce as a highly ambitious teen, hoping to add a little extra dough to her piggy bank. Little did the then-St. Clements High School freshman know that she’d soon be rolling it too.

The Somerville Office of Commissions and LGBTQ Liaison Andra Oshinsky invite all community members to join the City of Somerville in celebrating International Family Equality Day on May 3, 2015. For the first time, Somerville will join in the annual event with LGBTQ family organizations from around the world to increase the international visibility of LGBTQ families. Somerville’s event is being held in partnership with The Rainbow Initiative and Family Equality Council.

“Tango” by Nancy Hall Brooks, one of the many local artists to be spotlighted at Somerville Open Studios 2015.

By Rebecca Danvers

Somerville Open Studios (SOS) is set to take place this weekend, May 2–3, noon-6 p.m., with sneak previews presented at selected sites on Friday, May 1.

SOS is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of producing an annual open studio and related events in Somerville, Massachusetts.

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)

Last week I went to two of the meetings that have proliferated in response to the Green Line’s imminent arrival, the zoning overhaul, and proactive efforts by city planners.

Somerville Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher resigns.

After 37 and one-half years of distinguished service with the Somerville Fire Department and 18 and one-half years at the helm of the department, Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher, whose official title is Chief Engineer of the Somerville Fire Department, will be retiring as of May 16, 2015, announced Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

By Donald Norton

This past Saturday evening at the Masonic Hall, 125 Highland Avenue, the new officers of Somerville Fraternal Chapter #136 of the Order of Eastern Star were installed.

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)

The data-based approach to improving government services took a big step forward earlier this year, when the White House named its first ever chief data scientist and chief technology officer for data policy. In appointing Dr. DJ Patil to this new role, the Obama Administration is making a strong statement about the importance of data-based management and decision-making. It’s not enough for government officials to simply advocate for one policy or another. We have to show our work. And we know in Somerville that sometimes the best solutions come from the community. None of that is possible unless we start with data.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Family, friends and colleagues of former Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor gathered on Sunday to celebrate his life and share their common love for him.

The event took place at the City Club in Somerville, and was attended by people from all walks of life who were touched by his passionate commitment to service and good will.

Somerville Little League will officially begin its 76th season this Saturday, May 2, with a parade, starting at the Somerville High School Concourse at 10 a.m. Led by units of the Somerville Police and Fire departments, kids and coaches will march down Highland Avenue to Central Street, to Somerville Avenue, arriving at Conway Park at 10:30 a.m. An on-field ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m., starting with the recognition of several longtime champions of Somerville Little League baseball who will be honored for their service. Somerville Police and Fire units will be on hand, along with the Somerville Police Honor Guard, who will present their colors. After the national anthem is sung, a special guest will throw the ceremonial first pitch, at Conway Field, at 11 a.m. Come on down, watch the parade, and cheer the kids on. For more information, email Sean Fitzgerald at seanjfitz@comcast.net.