The Somerville Public Library is doing something no other public library has done before. In a partnership with the Harvard Library Innovation Lab, the SPL is the first public library to have an “Awesome Box.”

Part 2:  Implications
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By William C. Shelton

 (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Last month the School Committee chose a replacement for their colleague, Maureen Bastardi, who had been appointed Ward 1 Alderman. They did so through an open process that involved soliciting interest from potential candidates and publicly interviewing them.

The Somerville Arts Council presents an event to celebrate the profound cultural contributions of cats. Inspired by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, which held an Internet Cat Video Festival last year that was attended by over 10,000 people and featured in the New York Times, we proudly announce the Somerville Copy Cat Festival. Yet our feline extravaganza will feature not only cat videos – produced locally and globally – but also cat stories, cat limericks and a slideshow of local cats. Emcee will be Jef Czekaj, who will kick off the event by reading his book Cat Secrets for cat-crazy kids. There will also be a cat costume table and most likely an appearance from a famous local cat. Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Sunday, Feb. 17. 4-7 p.m. – SOLD OUT.  NEW SHOW ADDED: 12-3 p.m. Tickets are $5.

By Jim Clark

A reported case of disorderly conduct by a drunken customer brought police to El Potro restaurant at 61 Union Sq. on Thursday evening, just past midnight.

Sophomore Amanda Andre.

The St. Clement Lady Anchors collected two more wins last week defeating non-league opponent Fellowship Christian Academy and league rival St Joseph Academy.  Fellowship Christian Academy fell to the Anchors on Feb. 4 as the Lady Anchors jumped out to an early lead led by Freshman Katie Monestime’s (Somerville) 16 points. Senior Captain Allison Caloggero (Medford) also came up big scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

February 14, 2013 to be V-Day’s Largest Day of Action Ever

Tonight, February 14, at 7 p.m., Somerville will join with activists around the world for One Billion Rising, the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Until last Thursday, it had been a full two years since we last declared a snow emergency in the City of Somerville. As if to make up for the long respite – or perhaps to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the infamous blizzard of 1978 – Mother Nature slammed us with one of the most historic snow storms in the state’s history, but despite the challenges presented by more than two feet of snow, high winds and the like, Somerville has weathered “Nemo” quite well (pun intended).

Jimmy Tingle presides over the festivities at “Amore at the Armory! A celebration of Arts at the Armory” this weekend.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

Somerville comedian extraordinaire Jimmy Tingle will be the emcee at Amore at the Armory! A celebration of Arts at the Armory, this Saturday, Feb. 16. There will be music, food and classes including art lessons.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Dear Sir/Madam:

Beacon Street Reconfiguration Plan – Unworkable and Dangerous

 
The last few days have given us a picture of what Beacon Street would look like if the Curtatone administration has its way in re-configuring Beacon St., Somerville.  It’s not pretty.  Indeed, it is unworkable and dangerous.  Over the objections of residents and businesses, the City plans to install cycle tracks that will narrow the road and reduce parking by half.  With this storm, Beacon was narrowed to approximately the width the City’s plan calls for and it looked more like a parking lot than a main artery.  Every delivery truck that double parked turned Beacon into a one lane road.  Every resident that parked to unload groceries did the same.  If two vehicles double parked in opposite lanes,  Beacon would be literally impassable.   This is the future that Beacon St. faces 24/7/365 if the Curtatone plan goes through.

City workers and independent contractors worked around the clock over the weekend clearing streets in Somerville. ~ Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

A massive snow storm cut a huge swath of freezing tribulation across much of the northeast last week, leaving roads blocked, schools closed, and many wondering, “When will it end?”