Sityodtong Martial Arts Academy is providing world-class martial arts training in Somerville.

By Jacob Aguiar

Mark DellaGrotte became engrossed in martial arts at a young age, and has been training fighters in Somerville out of the same building that his father and uncle had practiced law in since 1996.

Collecting books and documents related to a specific location can serve as a great focal point for those who have special interests in certain places.

By Kenneth Gloss

People who collect books are often ones who have a love of history. It is this appreciation for the past, of countries, events or of themselves, that compels them to begin their collection. Our country’s bicentennial celebration in 1976, followed by the mini-series Roots, based on Alex Haley’s novel of the same name, inspired a many people to discover their own personal history. As people realized their family’s story was intertwined with that of the place they called home, historical associations received unprecedented donations, which allowed them to publish updated histories of local towns and regions. This fascination with the history of place continues strong today and for the most part, you can collect a lot of town history without spending a lot of money.

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)

Oh Boy, another birthday! As my mother used to say, “What’s the alternative?” I say, keep them coming! I am happy to report that I have never felt happier or healthier. And as the title of this column states, I have spent my life in the Ville!

A Full Weekend of Community, Family, and Pup-Friendly Fun on tap Saturday, Aug. 2 & Sunday, Aug. 3

som|dog and Assembly Row have announced today that the SecondAnnual Pet-Palooza will be held Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. This year’s event will be hosted by som|dog and will make a splash at Assembly Row, literally. Somerville, at its newest neighborhood, is in store for a two-day, family focused festival to celebrate dogs of Somerville and surrounding cities. som|dog is an all volunteer organization dedicated to bringing canine education and training opportunities to the community, assisting local animal control and helping to maintain and expand city dog parks.

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 environmental wellbeing of the Mystic River is essential to Somerville, but the river has been cut off from the rest of the city by highways and heavy industry for too long. Today, we are undoing those mistakes of the past, with the gorgeous revitalization of Baxter Park at Assembly Square the first step in reconnecting Somerville with its riverfront, an achievement for which we owe thanks to the Department of Conservation and Recreation and our partners at Federal Realty. Assembly Square is Somerville’s newest neighborhood, but the opening of Baxter Park was really a rebirth—a recapturing of our waterfront and our history. It’s the riverfront park our community has always deserved. Six acres of waterfront green space, a new dock, and accessible walk and bike pathways along the Mystic, crowned by an amphitheater—perfect for a community as devoted to the arts as Somerville.

The Somerville Alibrandis baseball club will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary season on Friday, August 1 vs. McKay Club Beacons at Trum field at 8 p.m.

By Jim Clark

Police were summoned to a Perkins St. location last Thursday on reports that a man was pulling branches off of a newly planted tree.

Upon arrival, officers were met by the reporting party who immediately directed them to the man who was allegedly trying to destroy the tree.

Somerville Neighborhood News is a production of Somerville Community Access Television, made by professional journalists, volunteers and staff. The half-hour news show has as its mission to provide a lively, informative newscast focusing on the events, issues and information impacting Somerville residents. Here are the current Somerville Neighborhood News headlines: What’s the latest on the McGrath grounding? Are bikers obeying the laws in Somerville? City residents went downtown to a demonstration last week – why? What’s going on at the new facility for veterans up near Teele Square? These stories and more on Somerville Neighborhood News #20. Watch it on Channel 3 if you have cable TV, or online at http://www.somervilleneighborhoodnews.org.

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)

Since your actions demonstrate that greed is your primary motivator, let’s realistically assess your chances of fulfilling those dreams of avarice. Considering the breathtaking rate at which you are destroying shareholder value, chances are slim.

 — Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Somerville Council on Aging Teen empowerment and Artist Emily Bhargava teamed up during workshops held over the past few months for the East Somerville peace quilt project. The quilt will serve to welcome guests to the COA Cross Street Center.