The Executive Director of MassBike Richard Fries praised state legislators for their support of improved conditions and safety measures for Massachusetts cycling enthusiasts.

By Tom Bannister

The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (“MassBike”) recently expressed its deep appreciation of each of the state legislators that sponsored bills to make roadways safer and more convenient for bicyclists. Among them, 27th Middlesex Rep. Denise Provost supported both bills that were presented, and 34th Middlesex Rep. Christine Barber supported the Bike Lane Protection Bill.

Somerville Pop Warner is hosting a Cookies and Cocoa Registration at Clarendon Hill Towers Wednesday (today) from 6-8 p.m. at the community room, 1374 Broadway. Somerville Pop Warner and Cheerleading registration for boys and girls, aged 5–15, by July 31. Fee: $20. Scholarships available. No child is ever turned away for inability to pay.

By Tom Bannister

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced grand jury indictments against the following Somerville residents:

Full Circle’s Gabrielle Etienne had good cause to celebrate after her outstanding performance at the New England Track Finals.

By Rebecca Danvers

Gabrielle Etienne, a junior at Full Circle and member of Somerville’s Varsity Girls’ Track Team, heaved a personal best of 40’0″ at the New England Track Finals on Friday, February 27 to earn a 6th-place finish in the shot put event. She topped her previous personal record by more than 2 feet.

Arrests:
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Patrick Courtney, of 202 Oliver St., Malden, March 2, 10:22 p.m., arrested at 97 Washington St. on charges of resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, and disorderly conduct.

There is something to be said about sitting at your favorite table, beside a fireplace, having a bagel, with the requisite smoked fish–tomatoes and onions, and a dark roast. Of course I am talking about my favorite haunt Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square, Somerville. My guest on this cold winter’s morning was the founder of Somerville’s Theatre@First, Elizabeth Hunter, and playwright Andrea Humez. 

Susan Tepper sent us what we hope will be the last winter poem for awhile.

The city’s longest snow emergency in history is coming to an end as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, and I have important updates for you, so please read this full message.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, cars may park on both sides of the street unless otherwise posted. HOWEVER, to ensure emergency access, drivers must leave 12-feet of clearance between their car and the car parked opposite them or they may be ticketed and towed. Despite DPW’s massive snow removal effort to clear the even sides of nearly all of our streets, some streets remain narrow, especially for emergency vehicles to pass, and we will enforce the 12-foot regulation to ensure public safety. Crews will also be back for targeted snow removal on some streets, which will be posted in advance.

By Tom Bannister

The City of Somerville has announced that the Somerville Arts Council, in partnership with Kitchen Inc. (a culinary incubator in Union Square) and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, has launched the Nibble Entrepreneurship Program (NEP), an 8-week workshop and mentoring program designed to educate and empower immigrants interested in launching culinary careers while strengthening the city’s existing reputation as a hot and diverse food destination.

Somerville by Design is hosting a 3-day design charrette in Union Square that kicks off today to get the community’s ideas for what the neighborhood will look like in the future. Community members are invited to stop in the former Union Square Post Office, 237 Washington St., anytime from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. There will also be scheduled discussion groups happening throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday night from 7:30-9 p.m., the pin-up presentation will showcase ideas generated by the community through the charrette for the future of Union Square. For more information, visit somervillebydesign.com.