By William C. Shelton

(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.)

Q:  How do 60 different people representing diverse constituencies, values, and priorities agree on a common plan of action?

A:  They listen to each other and they have help.

They’re not only here for the beer. Runners and walkers always have a great time at the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5 km.

By Cathleen Twardzik

On March 18, the race, Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5 km. will begin at 11 a.m. in Davis Square. This year marks its 10th anniversary.

On race day, there will be much Irish “craic,” which loosely means fun in Gaelic.

Results from the New Balance National Scholastic Championships held last Friday –Sunday at The Amory in NYC:  Nicole Genard placed 38th overall in the Championship Division of the 60m hurdles with a time of 9.03.  Our 4x200m relay placed 31st overall in the Emerging Elites Division with a time of 1:47.76.

The City of Somerville is constructing an ice skating rink (the “Project”) at Conway Park, which is located on Somerville Avenue between Park Street and Garden Court. Environmental remediation is required for the Project. The City intends to use a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) to fund the environmental work required for the Project.

Red Fire Farms is but one of the many providers of fresh produce delivered right to CSA members’ doors. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Imagine luscious fresh local organic fruits and vegetables delivered to your doorstep or available for pick-up at convenient drop points. This dream could become a reality if you join a CSA. What’s a CSA, you ask? Community Supported Agriculture programs are sustainable small-scale food cooperatives that provide consumers with a weekly share of fresh produce.

Residents and officials are looking forward to the new park’s completion in 2013. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

A new half-acre park will be built at 15-25 Cross St. in East Somerville. A $500,000 PARC grant was awarded on Jan. 17 to renovate a derelict parking lot behind the Senior Center.

Somerville High hosts Multicultural Fair

 By Elizabeth Sheeran

The United States may be a melting pot. But what Somerville High students were serving up at last Friday’s 14th Annual Multicultural Fair was not so much a stew, but an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord for the senses.

It will be a busy St. Patrick’s week, starting off with the renewed party at the Armory on Highland Avenue, this Friday night 7-11 p.m., hosted by Alderman Sean O’Donovan. There will be lots of fun. The band is the famous “Old Brigade Irish Band.” Light refreshments will be served and, of course, there will be dancing. Only $20. It was a great event last year, so let’s hope this is a repeat and that it will continue on as in the past.   

Director of Planning George Proakis asserted his commitment to preserving a sense of community in the affected area. – Photo by Amanda Rhodes

By Amanda Rhodes

Around fifty Somerville residents gathered at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Monday night to discuss the controversial re-zoning of Somerville Ave. and Elm St., from Wilson Square to the Somerville-Cambridge line at Porter Square.

Michael Dutra and Steven Palumbo brought a little “Rat Pack” glitz to the fundraising event last week. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The eighth annual fundraiser helps defray the cost of the Memorial Day Parade, which will take place on May 27.  Around one hundred seniors attended the event on March 9 at the High School Auditorium to give their support.