The Somerville Foundation for Animals proudly presents the 5th annual Somerville Dog Festival this coming Sunday, September 13 at Trum Field at 1:00 p.m.

The City of Somerville invites all community members to join in the annual 9/11 Vigil Walk to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 in 2001.

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 news that the projected cost of the Green Line Extension could be an additional $700 million to $1 billion more than previously estimated is in no way welcome, but it does not spell the end. To keep this project moving forward, our community has fought for it for decades, overcoming numerous stumbling blocks (Remember when Big Dig cost overruns threatened to cancel the Green Line Extension entirely?). As we confront this new hurdle, I am confident that the Governor’s team can and will find a way forward—and swiftly. They will succeed because they are committed to the project and are focusing on all the areas that matter: cutting costs, reviewing the bid process, scaling down the scope of the project (without giving up any stations), and looking for additional funding sources and mechanisms.

In its 8th year, Riverfest is the culmination of a summer of activity at Assembly Row. In partnership with The City of Somerville and DCR, celebrate all that is great about the neighborhood! Join us for a day full of live local music, dozens of local artists, free children’s activities, a sidewalk sale, and of course the annual fireworks show over the Mystic River at sundown. September 12, 12 p.m. -8:00 p.m. at Assembly Row and Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park.

By Jim Clark

Police received a call from the Loss Prevention Manager at the Saks Off 5th store on Canal St. last week, advising them that he was going to apprehend two males who were allegedly observed committing acts of larceny in the store.

Keith LaPorta’s journey from addiction to recovery has led him to Somerville Overcoming Addiction, an organization that lends hope and support to those most in need of it.

By Patrick McDonagh

Keith LaPorta remembers his addiction’s bottom: April 22, 10:17 a.m., arrested at 194 Pearl Street, Somerville, on a warrant charge of receiving stolen property over $250 and felony daytime breaking and entering.

(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)

Dear Editor:

I was hoping that you would assist me in recognizing a group of people that are too often under appreciated; Direct Support Professionals working with adults with intellectual disabilities.

Enter the 4th Annual Ryan Harrington Foundation Corn Toss Tournament. Show off your skills. Win a juicy CASH PRIZE and have your name added to the growing list of winners on the official RZH Tournament plaque. The proceeds from this event will go towards Somerville youth programs and helping out disadvantage Somerville youth by sponsoring everything from little league teams to sponsoring individual children to attend camp.

Many in the community feel that natural grass is the best way to go for the playing fields of Lincoln Park, while artificial turf proponents continue to press their case. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Mariya Manzhos

The City of Somerville’s plan to install synthetic turf at Lincoln Park has spurred a vibrant discussion among a group of residents who wish to preserve the natural grass.

Over the last three weeks, the natural grass proponents gathered 671 signatures in support of keeping grass. The petition was presented at the Board of Aldermen meeting on August 27.

The Somerville Times endorses Charles J. Chisholm for the position of Ward 6 Alderman in the upcoming primary election on Thursday, September 17.

By The Times Staff

Our endorsement for Ward 6 Alderman is Charles J. Chisholm. We urge voters in Ward 6 to read his literature, talk to him and visit his website to see his record of things done already as a former Alderman here in Somerville and, more importantly, what he stands for and what he believes an alderman should be.