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)

2MI is short for too much information. Do we really need all the information that is now available at our fingertips 24/7 and in a flash? Are smart phones really smart? How can something be called smart that forces us to act dumb? Having your nose stuck in a cell phone or laptop for hours every day seems ridiculous. Is the obliteration of personal contact and interaction smart?

This weekend, Filmmakers Collaborative presents Boston International Kids Film Festival (BIKFF), hosted and produced in association with Tufts University’s Communication & Media Studies Program. The Festival offers a series of diverse feature films, documentaries and workshops at the Somerville Theatre and Tufts University’s Eaton Hall. Films are “…for, by and about kids from around the world.” For tickets and other information, visit http://bikff.org/

– Photos by Claudia Ferro

East Somerville Community School students dressed in book character costumes Wednesday and paraded through the streets to the Windsor House of the Bryant Manor where they sang for the residents.

By Jim Clark

A Myrtle St. residence became the center of activity for several police officers late last Saturday night, as reports of a loud party in progress brought them to the scene.

Upon arrival, several individuals were gathered in the backyard of the residence occupied by Dale Harding, 26, who was reportedly known to police for having past incidents of loud partying at his home. At this time loud music was coming from the basement of the residence, according to police.

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)

Fifty years ago, two men placed an advertisement in the Record American about a meeting at the VFW Logan Post for anyone interested in forming a youth hockey program in Somerville. Five men—all veterans—showed up to serve. By the end of the night, Somerville Youth Hockey had its first board in place: Raymond Deeran as president, Joseph Guidi as vice president, John Doncaster as secretary, George Hughes as treasurer and James Papaluca as players’ agent.

The Somerville Public Library and Tufts University’s Leonard Carmichael Society are partnering to offer free homework help to Somerville teens. Students needing assistance with math or science assignments can meet with Tufts University student tutors every Monday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Library’s Teen Room, at 79 Highland Ave. The program is free for all participating students. For more information, call 617-623-5000 ext. 2936.

By Jim Clark

Police were summoned to Somerville High School last week by school officials on a report of the theft of a student’s cell phone.

A witness reportedly told police that he saw the suspect, Tyson Valcourt, 19, take the victim’s phone and hide it on a shelf. A short time later, according to the witness, a female student, a juvenile, walked over to where the phone was and took it.

Lions and tigers and superheroes, oh my!
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Clio the Daisy and Vienna the Chick stealing hearts at the 10th Annual Pumpkin Stroll on Sunday.

By Erica Scharn

Two boys in Star Wars costumes engaged in a light saber duel as Davis Square’s Statue Park filled up with families before the start of the 10th Annual Pumpkin Stroll. They soon put down their arms when the noisemakers were handed out. “We encourage them to have a noisy parade,” said Kathleen Houghton, Recreation Specialist for the Somerville School Department.

Documentary on Somerville’s Rodent Epidemic

By Harry Kane

A Feat worth repeating again and again, Bill Payne and Gabe Ford play Johnny D’s this Wednesday night.

By Jim Clark

Ask anyone who is familiar with the work of the band Little Feat and they will tell you: Quality musicianship, good humor, and creative ingenuity are the hallmarks of the storied ensemble, going strong since the early 70s.

One of the core founding members of the group, Bill Payne, will be bringing his gift of musical prowess to Johnny D’s this Wednesday night in a rare appearance outside of his usual duties as keyboardist for Little Feat.