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.)

Memorial Day is a day of honor. We honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to America. We honor the sacrifices made by their families. Honoring those brave soldiers and their loved ones does not need to end, however, once the sun sets on Memorial Day. We can honor them each and every day by supporting the veterans still among us and our Gold and Silver Star families.

Mary (Walker) Ireland celebrated her 100th birthday at the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Thanks to their wonderful care, Mary is thriving and enjoys her bingo every week.

Catholic Charities raises $1.3M
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Marshall Sloane, left, of Century Bank smiles towards his wife, Barbara, as she speaks about receiving the Justice and Compassion Award as their grandchildren, Rachel and Joshua, look on during Catholic Charities Annual Spring Celebration at the JFK Library and Museum in Boston Wednesday, May 15. –
Photos by Rebecca Comella/Catholic Charities of Boston

On May 15, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston held its annual Spring Celebration at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. The event raised more than $1.3 million to fund the agency’s programs and services that support 200,000 people in need throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Max Gratchev is ready to start coaching hockey in Somerville.

By William Tauro

Max Gratchev of the Russian KHL Hockey League will be coaching the Boston Stars Hockey Team here in Somerville.

The young left wing will be joining his dad Igor, coaching the select Somerville Youth Hockey players on the “Boston Stars” team this coming summer at the ice skating rink that’s located on Somerville Avenue.

By William Tauro

After being removed over the winter for much needed repairs, the newly renovated clock tower was delivered back to the Somerville Courthouse looking good. It will be hoisted to the top of the courthouse rooftop by crane to its final resting place while the remainder of the building’s decaying exterior gets a well-needed makeover as well.

(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.)

The city of Somerville has come a long way from its days as a streetcar suburb, and even farther from the plaguing late century “Slumerville” reputation. In this 21^st century, the city has become a beacon of social diversity, and the demand to live here is high. Where major infrastructure improvements like the Green Line Extension and Assembly Square Redevelopment promise to bring new opportunities to the people of Somerville, they also threaten to make living here significantly more expensive. Just since 2000, properties values have surged by 75% or more in parts of East and West Somerville, and in Union Square- where extension of Green Line is slated to open in 2017– upwards of 162%.  In a community where diversity and affordability are consistently identified through public process as core values, it is critical that we take steps today to ensure that Somerville continue to be a place where everyone is welcome tomorrow. 

The currently undefeated Somerville Alibrandis Baseball Club continues its impressive drive through the 2013 season. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Alibrandis Baseball Club has been unstoppable for the first six games of the season. At 6-0, the Alibrandis are sitting in the catbird seat with a perfect record.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to the Rite Aid on Highland Ave. in response to reports that shoplifters had entered the store after being allegedly spotted stealing items from the Found store on Elm St.

The Herbert/Day St. property’s destiny is up in the air as plans for a Davis Sq. hotel are temporarily set aside. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

The Curtatone Administration delayed discussions regarding the building of a boutique hotel in Davis Square and is instead holding a series of meetings to dream up future design concepts to spruce up the neighborhood.

It looks as though Styrofoam food containers will no longer be in use by this time next year. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

Although the ordinance won’t take effect until May 2014, the days of getting your hot drinks and food to go in expanded polystyrene cups and containers are definitely numbered.