A real PAL to so many, Robert Conway knows how to make the best use of his spare time by lifting the spirits needy, homeless children of Somerville.

Somerville native Robert Conway is blowing bubbles. The white hair and a crinkling smile sets him apart from the toddlers gathered around him on the steps of a Somerville homeless shelter, but as Robert sends a new cascade of dewy, iridescent spheres into the crowd, it’s clear by the peals of laughter that his companions don’t seem to mind the age difference.

Talented up-and-comers Nicole Boucher and Brianna Buckley welcome you to ‘Winter Hill.’

By Michelle Cooper

Growing up is tough on everyone, especially for young women. Movies always seem to portray young men growing up in the city and in a working class environment. However, Melissa Bruno, a well-rounded writer and film artist, feels that there is not much material on growing up as a young female in this setting.

Residents able to submit service requests directly from their mobile phones
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Making the next leap in governmental customer service, the City of Somerville has launched a new 311 iPhone app that will allow residents to do everything from reporting potholes on their street to a missed trash pickup to an illegally parked car.

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first ran in the April 9, 2008 edition of The Somerville News.

(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.)

Elvis had just gotten out of the Army. Chubby Checker was making The Twist famous and my family had just moved into our new house near Davis Square – the year was 1960 and a stamp cost 4 cents. A McDonald’s cheeseburger set you back 15 cents and you could buy a brand new Chevy for $2,529.00.

Hayes Morrison, Maria Carpenter to replace Transportation Director Michael Lambert and Library Director Nancy Milnor
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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced this week that, following the recent departures of Transportation and Infrastructure Director Michael Lambert and Library Director Nancy Milnor, the City has extended offers to two new Directors in those departments, which were ultimately accepted.  Lambert, who recently accepted a position with the MBTA will be replaced by Hayes Morrison, while Milnor will be replaced by Maria Carpenter following her retirement this month.

The works of Rebecca Volynsky will be featured at Bloc 11 Café through September 9.

By Krysia Wazny

In its mission statement Bloc 11 Café states that it is “committed to serving high quality products while creating a dynamic, community-oriented atmosphere.” In fulfilling this goal, Bloc 11 has opened its doors to local groups, non-profits, and artists. This summer they have brought a new brand of art and recycling to Somerville through the work of Rebecca Volynsky.

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.)

Somerville is increasingly home to innovative companies with intriguing missions and technologies. It’s also a place that such companies are outgrowing.

Somerville Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Mackey understands the attraction. He points to Somerville’s great urban lifestyle, nightlife, and walkability, in a location that is minutes to transportation centers and the enterprise-creation engines of MIT and Harvard.

The Hungry Tiger Street Festival will transform Union Square,  Saturday August 6 from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. into a bustling night food market similar to those found in Far East Asia, South America and the old-world cities of Europe. It will feature foods from around the globe served by local Union Square restaurants, including El Potro (Mexican/El Salvadorian), The Neighborhood Restaurant (Portuguese ), India Palace, Pão de Açúcar (Brazilian), Ronnarong (Thai) and Precinct (American). Singaporean caterers, Kueh, will also share their fare.

By Jim Clark

Police patrol units were alerted to a report of a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road with no lights on in the wee hours of last Saturday.

The car was eventually spotted traveling eastbound on Somerville Avenue on the westbound side of the double yellow line with no headlights displayed, according to reports.

By Cathleen Twardzik

On August 5, The Elizabeth Peabody House will kick off its new Hot Days Cool Nights Summer Safety Basketball Initiative, which will run until September 11.