“All you need is love? All we need is jobs!” was the chant Jobs for Somerville members shouted as they delivered close to 200 valentines from community members urging Mayor Joe Curtatone to pass the Somerville Local Hiring Ordinance. Frustrated by the Mayor’s lack of action and his threats to veto the ordinance if it gets passed by the Board of Aldermen, Jobs for Somerville organized a Valentine’s-themed call in day to show how much Somerville loves local jobs. They ended the day by delivering valentines with messages ranging from the earnest “I’m pregnant. I need a job” to the simple “MOVE YOUR A**.”

By Harry Kane

In the wake of the passing of sophomore guard Taylor Machado’s father, Dave Machado, a somber mood was felt at the opening of Tuesday night’s game, which was dedicated to his memory. That didn’t last long, as the Highlanders were as determined as ever and fought hard to overcome the recent loss.

The Winter Hill Community School may soon be an Innovation School.

Somerville Public Schools stand on the brink of change

By Andrew Firestone

Innovation is a loaded word, especially in education. An Innovation school is a school within the district that allows for more flexibility in hours and teaching methods, meant to act as an incubator for cutting-edge teaching methods. And soon, in all likelihood, the Winter Hill Community School will be one.

By William Tauro

Over 125 Somerville seniors enjoyed themselves at the First Annual Council on Aging Valentine’s Day Party that was held at the Winter Hill Yacht Club on Tuesday.

Over 125 elderly were at the Winter Hill Yacht Club on St. Valentine’s Day, sponsored by Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian along with Mayor Joe Curtatone and the Council on Aging, and through the generous hospitality of Bill Rogers and the members of the Yacht Club. It was a nice crowd and a great time was had by all that attended, with plenty of food which was prepared by Deputy Sheriff’s and donated free of charge to all attending.

Renowned photojournalist Bill Brett met with Somerville locals and signed a few books at the Foundry last week. – Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville was visited by a keystone of Boston photojournalism last Wednesday, February 8, when photojournalist Bill Brett, 40 year veteran of the Boston Globe, came by the Foundry in Davis Square. While ostensibly promoting his new book, Inspirational Women, Brett used the event, sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council, to meet some of his adoring public and share some of his experience and technique.

– Photo by Adam Machson-Carter

A toxic mix for Somerville residents

By Adam Machson-Carter,
Groundwork Somerville

On Tuesday, February 7, more than 100 Somerville residents packed the community room at the Mystic Housing Development for a community meeting about the MBTA’s proposed fare increase and service cuts. The MBTA has put forward two proposals to fill a $160 million operating deficit for next year. One proposal includes increasing fares by as much as 43%, while the other would cut 101 weekday bus routes including the 80, 85, 90, 92, 95, and 96 in Somerville. Under both proposals, the MBTA would increase the cost of student and senior fares by 100%, while significantly increasing the cost of The Ride for disabled passengers.

We love our pets almost as much as we do our own children. Some of us maybe just as much or, sadly, more so. In our eyes they can seldom do wrong and they are always cute and lovable. Aren’t they?

“ZeroSortComeTogether:” This Grand Prize-Winning submission is a take on the Beatles’ popular album cover of "Abbey Road."

By Harry Kane

A city wide recycling contest encouraging the residents of Somerville to generate creative photos of the new 65-gallon wheeled carts was a “one of a kind contest,” Mayor Curtatone said.

Camilla Rutherford (Gosford Park and Darleeling Limited) is one of the stars of the film "Dimensions: A Line, A Loop, A Tangle of Threads," which will be shown at this year’s Boston Science Fiction Film Festival.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival will run through February 20 at the Somerville Theatre.

It started 37 years ago at the Orson Welles Cinemas, and it was the first genre film festival in the United States.