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 debate around casinos in Massachusetts has moved beyond whether to allow them. The voters have spoken, and agree or disagree—and everyone knows that I disagree—casinos are a reality in the Commonwealth. But the issues we must now resolve as plans are developed are just as urgent and critical to every community in the region. Most importantly, we must make sure that these projects follow the law and that the overseeing agencies take the time, do the work, and make sure that these locations work not only for the cities and towns that will host or be neighbors to the casinos, but for the entire region. Unfortunately, it appears that we are still not examining the potential impacts closely enough, and our environment, our health and our economy will suffer if we do not.

—Photos by Claudia Ferro

The city’s annual Shape Up Somerville/Somerville Recreation Road Race took place on Sunday. Beginning with a one mile children’s “Fun Run” at 10:30 a.m., the day’s events also included a 5K race and walk at 11 a.m., and a celebration for runners at Casey’s Grill. Top male and female finishers in each category received awards.

By Tom Bannister

Although a long winter has kept most teams practicing indoors right up to the start of the season, the Somerville Highlander Varsity Softball team began the season last week dropping their first three games against Cambridge, Everett and Salem.

By Donald Norton

The Third Annual “Sharing the Vision of St. Jeanne Jugan” dinner was held this past Saturday night at the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to a reported dispute taking place at a Memorial Rd. location last Thursday afternoon.

As the officers sorted out the reported incident underway in the building’s courtyard, they began hearing what seemed to be a fight in progress on the other side of the building.

“The Semi-Permanent Lifestyle Art Show” will bring urban street art indoors for a change, at The Arts at The Armory this Friday.

By Sarah Levine

At a historic armory and Somerville landmark, new and innovative young talent is headed to the Center for Arts at the Armory this Friday, April 24 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. With the purpose of putting on an art exhibition that is unlike that found in the usual stuffy art gallery, the collective will focus uniquely on urban art.

Victims of 2013’s Boston Marathon bombing and their loved ones are waiting for closure as the sentencing phase of convicted bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s trial unfolds.

By Josie Grove

Runner Kevin McWatters skipped the Boston Marathon this year. He ran the race twelve times, but his last race was in 2013.

That year, his then fiancée Karen Rand was waiting for him at the finish line with her friend Krystle Campbell. She lost her leg as a result of the bombing, and Campbell was among the three people killed that day.

Tufts students protested the impending custodial worker layoffs scheduled for next year at Friday’s unveiling of the new “Jumbo” statue recently donated to the campus. — Photos by Brianna Moody

By Anna Gaebler, Tufts Labor Coalition

On April 17, 2015, the Tufts administration held a communitywide event in celebration of the debut a brand new statue depicting Tufts’ mascot, Jumbo the elephant. Tufts Labor Coalition (TLC), a student group on campus, chose to disrupt this event in protest of the administration’s decision to fire 35 custodial workers later this month, nearly one in five on the campus.

Another reminder about Sunday, April 26, 4-8 p.m. at the Somerville City Club, when the family and friends of former Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor, who passed away recently, holds a “celebration of life” for Tom. It will also be Tom and Celia’s 25th anniversary on May 12. The invitations went out on Facebook, but if the family missed anyone please feel free to add yourself to this event. The family will need some help with food, drinks, and desserts. This is open to all of Tom’s friends who he knew over the many years.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a Summer St. residence last week on reports of an unwanted irate roommate.

Upon arrival, police were met by the reporting party, who reportedly only spoke Spanish. The officers called for an interpreter to come and assist them, and while waiting for the interpreter the alleged unwanted roommate, Juan Rodesno, came out of his bedroom and approached them, police said.