By William Tauro

President and Michelle Obama descending from the steps of Air Force One with Congressman Michael Capuano and Congressman Stephen Lynch as they arrived in Boston on Thursday to attend the interfaith services scheduled at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross to remember the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Open Studios volunteers got their chance to present their own creative works at Bloc 11.

By Rose Scherlis

Somerville has always been a major hub of the Boston art scene. “Of everywhere I have lived, Somerville is the most interesting and artsy, great people,” said Gretchen Graham, an artist on display at the volunteer exhibit for Open Studios. Graham is an artist living in Somerville, and it is her second year participating in Open Studios. “It feels like my first year,” she said, “I’m just much more involved this year.”

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.)

My Patriots’ Day celebrations began like most others in recent memory: my sons and I joined hundreds of Somerville residents for our annual ceremonies at Foss Park, enjoyed some much-needed warm weather, and cheered on our home team favorites, the Boston Red Sox, before heading to the Boston Garden for the Bruins game, which we all looked forward to as a great end to a great day.

Courtney O’Keefe and her parents. – Photo by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

Recommendation was made to the full Board of Alderman to vote on Courtney O’Keefe’s appointment to the seat in Ward 5 recently vacated by Alderman Sean O’Donovan.

The Committee on Confirmation and Appointments met Tuesday night at with Alderman Bruce Desmond presiding over the committee of the whole. Seven aldermen attended, making a quorum. 

Please join Mayor Curtatone, Tufts University, and the Somerville Road Runners for a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of Monday’s attack at the Boston Marathon.

By Mike Stoller

The Somerville High girls’ track and field team made a good showing at the Haverhill Invitational this past weekend.

Gelynne Berger won the 100 meter run, crossing in 12.9 seconds.

Pictured here (L to R): Somerville and Cambridge Lions Gene Brune, Ann Sabbey, Michael Daoud, Valdo Meneses, Billy Tauro and Marco Mariano. – Photo by Diana Gilman

By William Tauro

The Somerville and Cambridge Lions Clubs were at the Somerville/Cambridge Elders Services Health Fair that took place at the Healey School on Tuesday with their Eye Mobile. The Lions offered eye and hearing screenings free of charge to all at the fair.

– Photo by Bobbie Toner

A pair of running shoes and flowers was placed at the site of the 9/11 Memorial in Davis Sq.

On the phone

my sister-in-law

her voice brittle and cracked

“Oh my God, a bomb at the marathon!”

First of all the terrorist action the other day here in Boston was horrible. We pray for all those families that were directly impacted by being at an event that was supposed to be a happy time for us celebrating the holiday. In particular, our hearts go out to all the victims and their families of Monday’s horrific bombings that took place in Boston.