Sixth grade students from the Albert F. Argenziano School enjoyed a special question and answer session with Mayor Curtatone last week. – Photo courtesy the Mayor’s Office

By Kinga A. Borondy

Argenziano sixth graders were given an opportunity to ask questions of Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone. The topics discussed ranged from how he spends his days (in meetings, mostly) to what sports he plays in his free time (he does martial arts and coaches his sons in hockey, soccer and baseball), his favorite food (Italian) and music (a mix) during a late morning meeting last Wednesday between the mayor and the two sixth grade classes from the Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park.

The Council on Aging, led by Senior Project Manager Janine Lotti, went on a day long Essex River boat Cruise and Museum Trip. As you can tell by the smiles of this group, it was a wonderful day.

By Francisco L. White

The School Committee held a public hearing to discuss the Massachusetts Model System for Educator Evaluation on June 18, in the Board of Alderman’s chambers. The brief hearing preceded a regular committee meeting as an opportunity for Somerville residents to learn more about the evaluation system and the implications for Somerville Public Schools.

Swirl and Slice will be offering tantalizing treats to Union Square visitors Thursday nights through September 20.

By Tatiana Kombo

Swirl and Slice, Somerville’s first evening specialty food hub, opened on Thursday, June 14. Complete with a live jazz number and the participation of neighboring restaurants, local vendors presented a gorgeous array of organic foods and farm-to-table products. Ranging from delicious cheeses to delectable wines, this new night market is tailor-made for Somerville’s convivial ambiance.

The Somerville Alibrandis are bouncing back and looking to overcome division rivals, the Malden Bulldogs. – Photo by Benjamin Klein

By Benjamin Klein

The Somerville Alibrandis got back to their winning ways recently, taking their last three match-ups. Strong pitching has been a major factor for Somerville the entire season and continued throughout the week to keep the Alibrandis in second place in the Ted Williams division.

These Argenziano School students were all smiles on the last day of school (left to right): Theresa Romano, Adriana D’hooghe, Alexandra Marston and Genelle Vieira. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

Choice of things to do this summer

By Elizabeth Sheeran

At midday on Tuesday, the 2011-2012 school year came to a close in Somerville.

That’s great news for students who have been counting down the days until summer vacation. But it presents a whole new set of challenges for parents, who know how quickly the “No more homework!” chant can give way to a chorus of “I’m bored.” And even if kids are perfectly content to lounge around all summer watching TV or playing video games, educators say there’s a downside to summer months filled with too much “doing nothing.”

The Somerville Arts Council is hosting Bazaar Bizarre this Sunday, June 24, at Union Plaza from 12 to 6 p.m. 50 local vendors will set up on the Union Square Plaza to sell a vast array of idiosyncratic handmade goods. As usual, they will create the mix of vendors for style, methods and materials offering shoppers a fresh mix. This year they have decided to turn the market into a full-on summer block party, nautical style. So wear your nautical stripes and slather on plenty of SPF. Union Made III will feature live acoustic music, demonstrations and hands-on art making. Continuing with the nautical theme, small craft advisory will offer washable stencil tattoos of ships, mermaids, sharks, anchors, and whatever maritime image strikes your fancy. You can also practice your knot tying skills at the market. For a few more tricks that you can check out go to www.bazaarbizarre.org as the event approaches.

The future of the McGrath Highway’s McCarthy Overpass was among the many issues discussed by the BOA last Thursday. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

Last Thursday, the Somerville Board of Alderman held its regular meeting to discuss some of the goings-on around the city, including some important issues in need of action this spring and summer.

The session began with recognition of several long-time Somerville residents who had recently passed away, as well as a celebration of those who observed milestone birthdays. Following this, the Board of Alderman approved permanent appointments to three individuals entering the city’s fire department: Thomas Bellini, Eric Saulnier and Francis Otting.

– Photos by Donald Norton

Robert James Lamb Publicover and David John LeBahn, Jr. were married last Sunday at the Arlington Street Church (UUA), Boston, MA. Reverend Kim Crawford Harvey officiated with Reverend Rebecca Froom and Reverend Johanna Mak taking part in the Ceremony.