The Somerville Mental Health Association’s impending merger with Riverside Community Care well strengthen the organization’s ability to continue operations and provide essential services in spite of cutbacks in federal funding. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

In a faltering economy and with a high national debt, many of the less-visible, federally funded services have fallen by the wayside. However, the Somerville Mental Health Association recently announced a merger with the local Riverside Community Care that will ensure the continuity of its services and programs.

Sponsored by Boston Stars Program City of Somerville, Transatlantic Hockey Invitational includes 5 elite Russian teams, New England elite teams; Youth players to meet NHL star Alexander Ovechkin Thursday.

This week, the City of Somerville is hosting several elite youth hockey teams for the first-ever “Transatlantic Invitational” hockey tournament, including youth from premiere Russian hockey leagues and youth from across the New England region.  Five Russian teams – three Bantam and two Pee-Wee – have traveled to Somerville for the tournament, including members of the Lokomotiv Yugoslavl Club Team, whose parent organization produced NHL star Alexander Ovechkin, currently playing for the Washington Capitals.  Also participating in the tournament are youth from across New England who participate in the Boston Stars hockey program, also run out of the Somerville rink.  Tournament participants will have the opportunity to meet Ovechkin, in town to take on the Boston Bruins, on Thursday morning.

The Somerville Open Cinema Festival, to be held on May 5-6th, is seeking short films submissions.

By Tatiana Kombo

The Somerville Open Cinema Festival, to be held on May 5-6th, is seeking short films submissions. Budding filmmakers are encouraged to submit video productions of under 10 minutes that, if chosen, may be broadcasted on the Somerville Community Access Televisions (SCATV). The festival is open to all genres of film, ranging from experimental films to documentary shorts, and has no submission fee in order to create a “welcoming, open atmosphere where all types of film and video making can coexist.”

By Jim Clark 

The Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit took action against a suspected heroin dealer last week.

Albert Rodgers, father of Deanna Cremin, speaks to Somerville Police Captain Charles Femino about the 17 year old case.~Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Friday March 30, 2012 marks the 17th anniversary of Deanna Cremin’s brutal murder. She died on Jaques Street in Somerville in 1995.

This Friday night, 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Ring, the 10th Anniversary Guns & Hoses Hockey game will be played for the kids involved with Somerville Youth Hockey. Every year now for the past ten they have played and for 9 of the 10 the Fire Department has won. Maybe with our good friend Officer Rymill, who is stepping down from running this event, will leave on a high note and the Police will win. It should be fun, and what’s better, the money raised goes to Youth Hockey. So go and enjoy.

By Harry Kane

For 36 consecutive years the Region IV Science Fair has been held at the Somerville High School. On March 24, high school students from around the bay area exhibited their science projects to the judges and the public.

The City of Somerville looking to amend its one-year action plan in order to receive the HUD funding that has been offered to help fight homelessness.

By Harry Kane

The U.S. Department of Housing and Development offered an Emergency Solutions Grant to the city of Somerville in the amount of $70,741 to be allotted for rapid re-housing and homeless prevention.

Common sense, common decency, and the most fundamental knowledge of municipal regulations should provide the average citizen with the clear understanding that one does not ride a bicycle on a public sidewalk unless there is clear official signage stating that this is permissible. Under no circumstances, short of prevention of imminent injury, should this ever happen.

Design details for portions of the GLX extension were unveiled at last week’s meeting at Medford City Hall.

By Francisco L. White

A station design workshop for the Green Line Extension project was held at Medford City Hall on the evening of March 21, in the City Council Chambers.