The City of Somerville will join more than 300 communities across the country to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day on May 18. Kids to Parks Day, in its third year, is organized by the National Park Trust to celebrate the First Lady’s Let’s Move Outside! Initiative, encouraging active play and utilizing open space in cities and towns across the 50 states. On Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m., the City of Somerville will host family-friendly activities at Hodgkins Park on Holland Street, including Somerville Youth Football League registration and info sessions, Parkour and Shobu Aikido demonstrations, and youth activities by Somerville Recreation. The event is free and open to all members of the public.

By William Tauro

Over one hundred fifty motorcycles under Somerville Police motorcycle escort took part in the “12th Annual 2013 Storm the Statehouse” ride Thursday morning.

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.)

On Monday, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Community Path extension, a critical step in further unifying our neighborhoods, giving residents healthy alternatives to driving and supporting our local economy. You only needed to see the crowd of people gathered for the event to know how important this project is to our city, and that it never would have happened without the passion and unrelenting support of those in our community who believe in the urban renaissance that is reshaping Somerville for the 21st century.

By Izak Shapiro

On Tuesday May 14, members of the Board of Aldermen met for the Committee of Legislative Matters. The main issue was whether or not to go ahead with the proposed ban on the use of expanded polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, as cups and food containers throughout the city of Somerville’s restaurants, schools, and city events.

The Alibrandis Baseball Club is off to a fine start for the 2013 season. – Photo by Harry Kane.

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Alibrandis Baseball Club trounced the Brighton Black Sox 4-1 on May 10, starting off the 2013 season with a victory. The club has won the championship for the last 3 years in a row, and is looking for their 4th consecutive championship with the help of new pitching staff and slugging power.

27 Somerville establishments found to be 100% in compliance

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Office of Prevention (SOP) Director Cory Mashburn announced today that Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) and the Somerville Police Department conducted a successful minimum age alcoholic beverage purchase law compliance check in Somerville. The compliance checks are completed annually. 27 licensed establishments in Somerville were visited by members of SCAP, including student leaders, and the Somerville Police Department in April, and all were found to be in compliance.

By Jim Clark

While monitoring vehicle traffic in the area of Lowell and Alpine Streets last Sunday, a patrol officer heard the loud roar of an automobile engine being revved and shortly thereafter saw the vehicle speed past him at approximately 80 mph.

By William Tauro

A street dedication was held on this past Saturday for Virgil “Virgie” Iannacone at the intersection of Central and Summer Streets in Somerville.

Virgil J. Iannacone was the owner of the former Virgie’s Rendezvous Restaurant that was located on Highland Avenue in Somerville for 56 years. He was a life member of the Somerville Lions Club who raised much-needed donations for Lions Charities. Virgil was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and fought on the Beaches of Normandy and in the Battle of The Bulge.

Somerville Alderman ask the Somerville Human Rights Commission to investigate the complaints of Clarendon Hill Towers residents. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

A resolution passed during the Board of Aldermen meeting on May 9, which will ask the Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints of unlawful treatment, discrimination and harassment of tenants by the management of the Clarendon Hill Towers.

Hundreds of local runners gathered to participate in this year’s M.O.M.’s Run which was dedicated to the memory of Officer Sean Collier, a Somerville resident, former Somerville Auxiliary police officer, and a M.O.M.’s Run volunteer.  Sean’s sister ran in his memory this year, donning race number 179, his badge number.  100% of the funds raised by M.O.M.’s Run benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind. Not only does the event enforce the need for supporting cancer research, it brings family and friends together to promote awareness for the health and wellness benefits of walking and running. The winners of this year’s run were Sean McClain (Men) and Erin Morin (Women).