Throughout the month of May, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC)  partners with other local organizations to host events honoring Somerville’s history and historic districts. All events are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted.

The world of jazz collecting can be wild, cool, and swinging.

By Kenneth Gloss

A great way to enhance warmer weather is to start a new collection of books and what better way than with than to focus on books about American-born music: jazz! If you happen to own a rare and used bookstore, as I do, and you happen to have a wife who collects books about jazz, as I do, it makes it pretty easy to find that elusive birthday or anniversary gift. Throughout the year, I put aside books that I know my wife will like, saving them for a surprise.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first appeared in the July 16, 2008 edition of The Somerville News.

(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.)

Well, we just lost another longtime family home on my street (near Davis Square). They had been here for over 50 years – both parents are deceased and the adult kids decided it was time to sell – they had been my neighbors for 48 years. I heard that the new owner is going to convert the two-family into condos, what an original idea!

The SHPC, in concert with Union Square Main Streets, is sponsoring a “Jane’s Walk” to honor urban activist and writer, Jane Jacobs, Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10 a.m.  A world-wide event, this year’s walk will be a leisurely stroll through Union Square, to explore some of the mid 19th and early 20th century housing and industrial buildings that established the area as a place to both live and work. Local residents and business owners are encouraged to share their knowledge of the Square’s history, as well as their visions for the future. The walk will be led by community leaders involved with the rebirth of the Square and will start from the Union Square Plaza. It will end in time for lunch in the Square and visits to various Somerville Open Art Studios from noon to 6 p.m. Rain or shine. For more information about Jane’s Walks see http://www.janejacobswalk.org/

By Jim Clark

A police patrol unit observed a vehicle run a red light on Pearl St. last week and pulled the car over in order to issue a citation.

The driver was asked for her license and registration, but only supplied the vehicle’s registration, saying that she was not in possession of her license at that time, according to reports.

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.)

In Somerville, our policies, programs, and initiatives are all aligned with one orienting set of values: making our city a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. It’s not an empty catch phrase. We take it seriously. I take it seriously. And the rewards and recognition the city receives show that, increasingly, others take our efforts seriously too. But more important is that we’re just getting started.

Help  create a map of public art in Somerville and win prizes.  Participate in a City-Wide Public Art Scavenger Hunt.

Submit what you find and your discoveries could be included in a walking map of public art. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories.

By State Sen. Patricia Jehlen
Second Middlesex District

(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.)

Faced with physical limitations, some seniors and people living with disabilities may have difficulty navigating their own homes safely. In some cases, they might even be forced to move away or to assisted living facilities. The Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) provides another option, the option of living independently and safely.

– Photos by Donald Norton

The last block within Phase I of Assembly Row broke ground today. The last block will consist of 100,000 Square Feet of Class A office space and 30,000 Square Feet of retail space. Construction is progressing on schedule: a six-acre waterfront park is to open this summer, residential to begin pre-lease, a new Orange Line T station to open summer 2014, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to celebrate grand opening spring 2014.

By Jim Clark

While sitting in his cruiser in front of the police station last week monitoring traffic flow, a SPD officer took notice of a group of males walking towards him.

One of the males, later identified as George Rivera, 22, appeared to be bringing the butt end of a marijuana cigarette to his lips, according to the officer.