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.)

The quality that I love best about human beings is our capacity to transform ourselves. No other creature on earth can do it.

Yet we seldom embrace this potential. Doing so requires courage, persistence and a willingness to ask for help. Instead, we daily and thoughtlessly act out our ancient patterns. They may hurt us and others, but they are familiar.

How sweet it is, as Somerville kids get an opportunity to learn nature’s ways and have a lot of fun at the same time. – Photo by Anna Linck.

Local maple syrup festival this Saturday

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville second graders are gearing up for a truly sappy experience.

Since January they’ve been learning about all things maple. Now, this year’s Maple Syrup Project is about to reach its steamy conclusion as 240 gallons of sap get boiled down at the Community Growing Center this weekend. And the public is welcome to join in the fun.

Somerville High School Junior Andre Rolim’s achievements continue unabated.

Last year, winning at the New England Championship meet, Andre Rolim ran the fourth best 600 meter race time ever recorded by a Massachusetts high school athlete (1:20.75), which was quite an achievement. This past Sunday at the MIAA All-State championship track meet, Andre took another step forward, following through with a plan that resulted in him breaking the Massachusetts All-Time record recorded by Christopher Bonner in 2002 (1:20.11).

John Mellone

On Wednesday February 29  at approximately 2:50 p.m. officers of the Malden Police Department responded to a report of a bank robbery at the US Alliance Credit Union 1032 Eastern Avenue.    On arrival at the scene, it was learned that a white male entered the bank, showed a note to the teller and fled with an undetermined amount of cash.   According to witnesses, the perpetrator fled on a motor scooter and was wearing a black and white motorcycle helmet.

An ocean of supporters surrounds Middlesex Candidate for Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone at her Kickoff Campaign Event

By William Tauro

Considering the stormy weather conditions, it didn’t deter the incredible turn out of over 200 supporters who demonstrated an amazing show of support for South Middlesex Candidate for Registry of Deeds Maria Curtatone.

Deborah Pacini Hernandez, taught the course, “Urban Borderlands,” in which students researched the greatest needs of immigrant entrepreneurs.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Last semester, a group of Tufts students researched the greatest needs of immigrant entrepreneurs, all of which run ethnic food establishments in various areas of Somerville.

The community-based course, which was taught by Deborah Pacini Hernandez, Professor of Anthropology and American Studies at Tufts University, was entitled Urban Borderlands.  It built on Tufts’ relationship with community-based organizations in Somerville, such as The Welcome Project.

3½ -year community-based planning effort provides framework for citywide economic development, urban design, transportation and social policy through 2030; First-ever comprehensive plan draws on extensive input from residents, business owners and community organizations

The Somerville Council on Aging’s belated celebration of the commencement of “The Year of the Dragon” brought a colorful ambiance to their latest Cultural Mondays event.

By Harry Kane

On Monday, Feb. 27, The Somerville Council on Aging commenced their Cultural Mondays program with a kickoff celebration of Chinese New Year.

– Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Occupy Somerville held a rally of around 90 in anticipation of an official hearing last night, Feb. 28. Later they joined a throng of citizens and public officials in protest of the proposed fare hikes and service cuts at Centennial Auditorium in Somerville High School. Jonathan Davis, General Manager of the MBTA, withstood the wrath of the enraged crowd who angrily testified on the unfairness of the MBTA debt being foisted upon their shoulders.

Candidate Maria Curtatone for Registrar of Deeds is having a “kickoff rally” at Brunello Bristro at 349 Broadway (Winter Hill Plaza), tonight, Wednesday, February 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. If you’d like to help her campaign out, this would be a great place to come to meet and greet Maria as well as the people in her campaign.