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)

The last time I saw most of the people I was with Saturday at a restaurant in Medford, they were wearing white shirts and ties and uniforms. I left St. Clement Elementary School after the eighth grade. One thing that was accomplished at the reunion was that I cleared up one common rumor: I was not thrown out; I left on my own accord. I jumped ship to The Western Junior High School and then onto Somerville High. Eight years of crazy nuns was enough for me. But I had spent those years with most of these kids, and a few remained my friends through my 20s. Then we lost contact. So up steps a couple of my former student pals and they decide to put together…a get together. It was awesome. There had been a couple of reunions in the past (none that I was aware of), but this was the first time I would see some of my old school mates in 47 years. 47 years!

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Residents of and visitors to East Somerville were treated to an old-fashioned block party Thursday, April 17. Specifically, the WORLD on a STRING 3rd Thursday Block Party Kickoff! Held at Chuckie Harris Park, the event featured live music, games, boxing demonstrations and much more. The parties will continue on the third Thursday of each month through the summer.

By Jim Clark

On Wednesday of last week, a police officer was dispatched to Somerville District Court at 175 Fellsway to assist Court officers in handling an unruly woman who was reportedly causing a disturbance.

Part 1: The evidence
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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)

Storm after storm, my neighbors and I gathered to shovel snow with grudging good humor. Occasionally I heard someone question how the planet could be warming while much of the country was in a record-setting deepfreeze.

Artists invited to take part in creative bus project
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By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The Somerville Arts Council has released an open call for artists interested in helping transform an old school bus into something completely different. While the officials involved have set the goal of the vehicle remaining completely functional – in that they wish it to remain road-ready – the project is to use the bus as a very large palette for creative design.

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 safety of my children is the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning, and the last thought that runs through my head before I fall asleep each night. Like all of us, the disturbing allegations against a former Somerville Public Schools teacher that we learned of late last week have left me shaken, angered and heartbroken.

By Jim Clark

Police were called to a Pearl St. apartment building last week on reports of a man armed with a gun threatening residents there.

Upon arrival, officers cautiously approached the third floor level where the suspect, later identified as Stephen Tolliver, 62, was spotted sitting in front of his apartment door with his back to them.

Police sketch of assault suspect — click to enlarge

On Monday, April 21, 2014, during the early morning hours, a woman reported to the Somerville Police that she was the victim of an assault near the 300 block of Beacon Street.  She had departed the Porter Square MBTA Station and was walking alone on Beacon Street when her attacker grabbed her from behind and made an attempt to force her into a nearby alley.  The victim was able to scream and fend off her attacker.  The victim described her attacker as a thin black male, in his 30’s, 6-00, clean shaven, and wearing dark clothing.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The 239th annual Patriot’s Day celebration was held at Foss Park on Monday, April 21.

Residents, city officials — and, yes, Paul Revere — gathered to celebrate Somerville’s Colonial Era heritage, highlighted by games, period apparel, and the ceremonial reenactment of Revere’s ride through Somerville from Boston to Lexington.