By Timothy Gager

The Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference (AWP) which features 550 readings, lectures, panel discussions, and forums, as well as hundreds of book signings, dances and informal gatherings was held in Boston last weekend at the Hynes Convention Center. Authors and writers from Somerville and alumni of The Somerville News Writers Festival (2003-2009) were well represented at the conference. In fact, I couldn’t throw a stone without hitting someone from the before-mentioned categories. Since there were no stones to be found inside the Hynes, I threw two questions at some of these remarkable writers, when I ran into them during my AWP travels.

(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.)

Over the past two years numerous artifacts have been uncovered at Somerville High School, dating back to the 1930’s when the Somerville Vocational School for boys existed on Cross Street. In September of 1985, the new comprehensive model opened, thus the beginning of The Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE) at Somerville High School. Gone are the days when young men dominated the school. Today you may find both male and female students working side by side in Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Machine Technology, Metal Fabrication & Welding, Painting and Design Technology, Culinary Arts, Information Support Services and Networking or Graphic and Visual Communications. Walk through the Center for Career and Technical Education today, and you will also likely find students of both genders learning about Cosmetology, studying to be a nurse in Health Careers, or fulfilling their aspirations of becoming a teacher by completing our Early Education & Child Care Program.

The Somerville Museum is hosting a benefit and celebration of Somerville’s Irish heritage on Friday, March 15, 2013, 5:30-8:00pm, as part of an ongoing effort to raise funds for critical building repairs and improvements in accessibility.

As part of the Accelerated Bridge Program, MassDOT will be rehabilitating the structurally deficient Cross Street Bridge beginning on Thursday March 21 and continuing until November 2013.  In anticipation of the bridge closure, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed on Thursday March 14 to ensure access for pedestrians throughout the length of the project. The temporary bridge will be installed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Thursday night and Friday morning.  Beginning at 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, the roadway bridge on Cross Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic until the project is complete later this year.  Demolition of portions of the bridge will take place on March 23 and 24.  Demolition will continue 24 hours per day until completed.

By Jim Clark

A complaint of check forgery brought police to an Edgar Ave. apartment this past weekend.

The reporting victim told police that when he looked up his bank account information he discovered that four unauthorized checks had been forged and used to take money from his account, 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.)

With so many transformative projects under way in Somerville – from the expansion of the Green Line to the development of Assembly Square to the East Broadway reconstruction – it’s easy to overlook the equally critical progress we’ve been making in an area that not all that long ago seemed at risk: the libraries.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a Sargent Ave. residence in the early morning hours of last Saturday, responding to a report of a fight in progress.

Upon their arrival, officers reportedly observed several males gathered outside the residence. One of the men appeared to be drunk, according to police reports, and was talking very loudly and behaving in a belligerent manner.

Arrests:
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Justin McDonald, 30, of 34 Grant St., March 4, 6:11 p.m., arrested at 202 Powder House Blvd. on a warrant charge of receiving stolen property over $250.

James McLennon, 48, of 3 Heath St., March 5, 10:46 a.m., arrested at home on a warrant charge of larceny over $250.

St. Patrick’s in the city
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Everybody’s Irish this week, as evidenced by all the green, and the grins, worn by one and all. – Photos by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

It’s a great time for the Irish and the Irish-at-heart. Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t officially here until this Sunday, March 17, but Somerville has already started celebrating.

The MBTA is faced with some unappealing choices in order to remain solvent. – Photo by Harry Kane.

By Harry Kane

A 33 percent increase in transportation fares, or a significant reduction in transit service may be implemented after July 1 unless additional funding is provided by a state bailout.