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)

Somerville joined an exciting new partnership this week that aims to make our region a leader for the life sciences industry. Somerville, Boston, Cambridge, Quincy and Braintree united this week to launch the Life Sciences Corridor initiative to attract more life science businesses and jobs to the region. By promoting both the individual strengths of our cities and our collective draw as a region, the initiative aims to ensure that this vital and expanding industry grows right here. Our goals are to retain the innovative companies we already have, promote collaboration between those businesses and our world-class universities and institutions, and draw new high-quality life sciences jobs to the region. In other words, we’re putting Somerville—and the corridor—on the life sciences map.

Delivery of rodent-resistant trash carts to begin in June

To help control the rodent population and reduce the city’s solid waste tonnage, the City of Somerville will begin distributing uniform trash carts to residential units in June. Every household that receives trash service from the city will be provided, free of charge, with one 64-gallon, rodent-resistant wheeled trash cart similar to the Zero-Sort recycling carts already in use.

 — Photos by Claudia Ferro

Ms. Rice’s 1st grade class from ESCS visited The Somerville Fire Dept. headquarters at 266 Broadway last week.

The kids toured the facility and various types of fire fighting equipment was demonstrated.

By Jim Clark

A reported attempted armed robbery brought police officers to a Chester St. location last Friday night.

The victim reportedly told police that he was robbed at knife point while exiting his vehicle that he had parked in the Day Street parking lot.

Friends and neighbors will share music and good times as this year’s edition of PorchFest hits town this coming weekend.

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The artistic community in Somerville is highly active, and will once again participate in the highly unique PorchFest event this Saturday, May 17, when neighborhoods come alive with song and conversation. This is anything but a typical festival, as residents come together for a community event in which musicians play on their porches and stoops, allowing passersby to enjoy the tunes while walking around the city.

Last Saturday, the Union United coalition met to discuss priorities for the Union Square redevelopment process and begin to craft a community benefits agreement that can eventually be negotiated with the city and the master developer.

Last shot before the big drawing this week. There are still tickets available, and they need to be sold.   The Somerville High Scholarship Foundation is having its annual $10K drawing this Friday evening, May 16, at the Highlander Café at Somerville High (gym entrance off Highland Avenue). This foundation has been busy now for just over 25 years and has given thousands and thousands of dollars to students to go on to college. Call Eugene Brune at 617 -628-5835 only 250 tickets will be sold.  Lots of door prizes for those that attend, and a great night for a worthy cause. If you haven’t been before, come at 7p.m. to the Highlander Café. Refreshments will be served.