Park Cards have been in circulation since 2006; New City meters, pilot programs continue to add incentives for Park Card payment; Ad Lab campaigns will be introduced in 2012.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Director of Traffic & Parking Matt Dias announced this month a partnership at Boston University’s AdLab, to work with students to create on an ongoing campaign to increase use of City-issued Park Cards.  Park Cards, in circulation since 2006, can be purchased through the City of Somerville in $20 or $50 increments, and conveniently eliminate the need to carry quarters for parking meters, as well as allowing users to recoup their money for any unused parking time.  In recent months, T&P has undergone several meter and parking kiosk pilot programs and, if implemented citywide, each device would continue to allow use of Park Cards.

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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.)

Somerville is packed with intelligent people who know how to “talk proper” when we have to. But that doesn’t stop us from reverting to our language comfort zone. Maybe when we are among fellow long-time residents, or lifers, do we go back to using good old Somerville slang. Now this does not include everyone so you may say, “Hey, I never said that!” Well, you may never have said it but a lot of us have! Most of these slang terms pertain to most of the Boston area also.

Celebrate the season and contribute to the healthy development of Somerville students by purchasing a tree or wreath at the Foss Park Tree Lot.  Trees cost between $19 & $49, depending on type and size.  Wreaths cost $15 and come adorned with a red velvet bow.

The 2011-12 Somerville High School Girls Indoor Track Team will be led by Captains Natalie David, Nicole Genard, Stephanie Gullage, Pristine Mei, Michel-le Meranda and Rita Musello-Kelliher. Strengths of the team will be in the sprints and hurdles with Nicole Genard, Michel-le Meranda, Gelynne Berger and newcomer Alison Kaba.

An edible paradise in your own backyard. Yes you can! – Photo by Andrew Firestone

Chic designed garden business in Somerville

By Andrew Firestone

With the winter months setting in, even with this unseasonable warmth we are having, the time for harvest is over and nature falls into deep slumber. But for next season, if your garden needs jazzing up, why don’t you turn to Jocelyn Jones, owner and operator of Generous Earth Gardens? That way, you’ll get a beautifully designed, fully edible pageant of spring, and vegetables for your whole family through the summer.

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.)

In June 2010 a group of parents who felt that the Somerville Public Schools bureaucracy had frustrated their many-years-long efforts to bring progressive education to Somerville came together. A number of them had children in the Choice program and had opposed its unification with the mainstream track at the Healey School. (See below for definitions.)

The Somerville Community Chorus is proud to announce its 2011 Holiday Concert, which will feature Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and Christmas carols from around the world.

Parents, officials brace for battle

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville parents have gone a long way towards their goals of solving the education problems of Somerville. While the administration questions the feasibility and rationality of their plan, the community members behind the Somerville Progress Charter School (SPCS) say their cause is right, and it must be implemented.

Individuals who hit the dance floor at the Walnut Street Center's annual holiday party included (left to right): Gina Olivier, Lynn Potter, Randy Dottin, Stephen Michael Dewar, and Ray Hardy. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

Developmentally disabled adults find a place to thrive in Somerville

By Elizabeth Sheeran

At midday last Thursday, the ballroom of the Holiday Inn on Washington Street was filled to capacity with partygoers, celebrating the season.

Tim Adkins had high praise for the meal, the deejay, the room, and everything else about the party. Bob Spezzafaro said he enjoyed dancing with his girlfriend Denise Poor, who was showing off a ring Spezzafaro had given her as an early Christmas gift. Moving about the room in a red sweater topped with a necklace made of Christmas ornaments, Lynn Potter said the best thing about the party was meeting people. And the ice cream.