Art show inspired by mental health issues opens this weekend

By Julia Fairclough

Rather than resorting to Facebook and Twitter, teenagers could benefit greatly by using art as a form of self expression; a more enriching tool that can make lives more meaningful.

“This is something that is important in our society, as there aren’t enough art programs available to our kids,” said Somerville artist Diane Novetsky, who led an art workshop with local Girl Scouts this past spring.

The Girl Scouts, along with youth from many other local organizations—such as Teen Empowerment, Somerville Cares about Prevention, Somerville High School Gay/Straight Alliance, Somerville Community Explorers, and the Somerville Youth Program—created art for the “Art on Emotion” exhibit that opens Sunday with a ceremony from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Somerville Museum on Westwood Road.

By George P. Hassett

Former Somerville police officer James Tatosky was honored by aldermen last night.

Ex-Somerville cop James Tatosky fought Nazi’s in World War II and among martial arts legends Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee – but it’s a cat burglar in Winter Hill he’ll tell you about first.

By George P. Hassett

A new study of the city’s fire department was presented to aldermen Thursday night, detailing several weak spots in a department the study says is working adequately.

By George P. Hassett

A $50 million project to repair a Boston bridge took Somerville officials by surprise this week.

Single stream recycling pilot starts Oct. 6
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At a recent community meeting, Ward 5 resident Courtney O'Keefe checks out one of the new recycling bins to be used in a pilot program in her neighborhood. - Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Tired of sorting your paper from your plastics? Recyclables sorting could soon be a thing of the past in Somerville, if a new pilot program goes as planned.

The City of Somerville is bringing so-called “single stream” recycling to town, trying it out first in an area of around 1,300 households in Ward 5. Under the new program, residents will put all recyclable papers, cardboard, cans, glass and plastic in one cart.  The goal is to get households to recycle more by making it easier.

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(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.)

Few things in municipal government attract more attention and stir up more emotions than roadwork. It’s no exaggeration to say that the biggest problem in the city for many people is the pothole closest to your home.

And the only thing that comes close to being as bad as that pothole, or that chewed up road surface, is when the construction crews come in to fix it. Construction means parking restrictions, road closures, traffic and delays. It is the classic case of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Roadwork has the remarkable ability to make almost no one happy.

By George P. Hassett

A local immigrant advocate blasted aldermen Thursday night, saying they switched positions on an immigration measure when it came up for a vote.

You've been warned - terror comes to Somerville screens next week

Jeffrey Sullivan

From “Psycho” to “Saw,” horror movies and their infinite number of sequels have always been an important part of American culture.

With this in mind, J. Cannibal and Garen Daly are hosting Terrorthon 2010; a nine-day film festival of feverish proportions aimed at scaring and exciting all who attend. The festival runs from Friday until Oct. 2, and boasts a variety of classic and modern horror films. Opening night features the U.S. premier of the documentary “Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore.”

Annual celebration highlights the Whoopie Pie
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Get ready for Fluff Fest, Somerville.

It’s a Marshmallow world in Union Square. Archibald Query invented Fluff right here in 1917 so every year Union Square Main Streets hosts a madcap festival. This year’s event is Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Union Square Plaza. Raindate is Sunday, September 26. The event is free.

From the city of  Somerville Police Department

The Somerville Police Department is organizing a Haunted House to be held at the West District substation, 1154 Broadway on October 29th and 30th. In these tough economic times, I am hoping that we can provide the community a safe, scary and FREE Haunted House for their children.