Somerville has a long history of social justice. From neighborhood activism to immigration, from labor to gay and lesbian rights, this community has been sensitive to voices drowned out in many places.

That is what makes the situation at the Healey School so distressing. Two worlds exist within one Meacham Street building: in the neighborhood program, 90 percent of kids come from low-income homes. In the Choice program it's less than 40 percent.

Somerville immigrant advocates have begun protesting Arizona's tough new immigration law.~Photo by William Tauro

Alli Carlisle

Somerville is far from Arizona, but its high immigrant population keeps it close to the immigration debate. In the wake of the passage of the Arizona immigration bill, the city's immigrants and activists are reacting with fear, anger and uncertainty, and yet some are questioning whether the bill have much effect on Somerville.

The Arizona bill was signed into law on April 23, and has made national news for being the boldest piece of legislation regarding immigration the country has seen. The bill mandates that police stop anyone suspected of being an undocumented immigrant to the U.S., and requires all immigrants to carry documentation on their persons.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Beginning on May 15, Somerville seniors can test their green thumbs by exploring the garden at the Somerville Community Growing Center at 22 Vinal Avenue.

"Open Garden Saturdays have been in place for over ten years, as an offering for the community to come visit, pitch in or just enjoy a natural space in Somerville," said Lisa Brukilacchio, Clerk of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Community at the Growing Center. "The Friends" is the volunteer organization that maintains the Growing Center.

Jimmy Del Ponte
On The Silly Side

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I can't believe that it was 40 years ago that Bobby Orr scored the winning goal that won the Bruins the Stanley Cup in 1970. Who can forget number four flying through the air, like the superman he was, after blowing St. Louis Blues goaltender Glen Hall's mind. Of course he was flying because he had been tripped by Blues' Noel Picard (the goon) at the moment of shooting. On Monday a life-size bronze statue of Orr in that famous position was revealed at The Boston Garden.