A fun time was had by all who attending this year’s City of Somerville Fireworks Celebration last week.  Pictured above, Margie Ray, Irene McCune and Mary Wessick. Below, Singers of Sunsetters and Moonlighters led by Jimmy Del Ponte.

Families from all over Somerville gathered together to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. – Photos by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

Instead of letting your kids chase around a splash pad, jump into a kidpool or just having a picnic in a park in the hot summer, Somerville residents have their own holiday to celebrate a quality family time, Family Fun Day.

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.)

This week 237 years ago, our nation’s forefathers declared, “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” That maxim in the Declaration of Independence has echoed throughout history ever since, but did so a little more loudly   last week when the Supreme Court struck down and dismissed federal and state acts that denied equality to married gay and lesbian couples.

Voice opposition to Everett proposal
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This image, taken from the Wynn Everett website, shows an architect’s rendering of the casino complex that Wynn Resorts plans to build on the Everett shore of the Mystic River.

By Elizabeth Sheeran

When it comes to plans for a resort casino on the Mystic River, Somerville’s elected officials say the city’s being dealt a bad hand.

Mayor Curtatone joined Alderman at Large Bruce Desmond in reporting on the state of the city’s job market and steps that would be taken to enhance employment opportunities across the board.

By Cathleen Twardzik

At a recent Somerville Jobs Advisory Committee (JAC) meeting, Mayor Curtatone and Bruce Desmond, Alderman At Large and JAC Chair, presented the formal findings and recommendations about which the committee decided.  In 2012, the mayor convened that action, assessing and examining the landscape of the local job market, as well as the workforce development system within the city of Somerville.

It turned out to be a good night last week at the Trum Field fireworks. It didn’t look too good at the beginning, but as the night went on and it got closer to the fireworks the crowd got huge, and the fireworks were great as usual. What a show for all to see. A nice proud night for the city and for Mayor Joe Curtatone.

The Somerville Arts Council is helping to promote appreciation of the art of dance by sponsoring events such as Dancing in the Streets. – Photo by Martynas Limantas

By Martynas Limantas

Dancing in the Streets, a series of performances that hit City Hall, local plazas, parks and basketball courts over the past month, finished off the lineup this past Saturday at Davis Square with showings from Weber Dance and EgoArt Inc. The shows sought to engage the public in live performances, expressive movement and create awareness of American dance.

The Somerville Alibrandis team currently holds an impressive 13-1 record for the season. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Mike Stoller

The beat goes on for the Somerville Alibrandis baseball team, which seems to be playing to the tune of Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.

With two more wins, Alibrandis improved to 13-1 in the Yawkey League last week.

First, Alibrandis defeated the Brighton Braves, 9-0, at Rogers Park in Brighton.

“Once again the bats we’re going for us,” Alibrandis assistant coach Cam Lynch said. “If the weather stays in our favor and we play consistent baseball, we will be a tough team to beat.”

Jon Morse was again terrific on the hill, tossing five scoreless innings, while allowing only one hit and improving his season ledger to 4-1.

A number of years ago I had the privilege to work with George Hassett, the baby-faced former editor at The Somerville News. And during his tenure at the paper I became aware of  his interest in crime. He was a student of the Winter Hill Gang, the machinations of Whitey Bulger, and many others of this ilk. Because of Hassett’s passion for the ne’er-do-wells of the world it came to no surprise for me that he penned Gangsters of Boston.

7th grade students from the Healey School recently sent in their letters to the editor that they wrote as part of a self-directed project related to gun control issues. They decided to create a website, make some videos, contact politicians and send letters to the editors of Somerville newspapers about their opinions. The following letters are unedited and reflect the opinions of the kids: