The former Boston Elevated Railway Substation’s before renovation. 

By Marian Berkowitz

School Street is familiar to many residents as it is well-traversed, connecting the Winter Hill, Central Hill, and Union Square neighborhoods. It’s a typical densely developed residential street, until you come down the hill and approach Summer Street. On the right corner of Avon Street, there is an old utility brick building. As a Union Square resident I have regularly gone past this abandoned building and always wondered about its former purpose. This past year I noticed with excitement that someone had brought it back to life.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. 

90 degrees or more: When the temperature stays above 90s degrees for a few days that’s considered extreme heat. Extreme heat isn’t just an uncomfortable inconvenience. Sustained high temperatures can be a health risk, especially to children, seniors, people with certain medical conditions, and those who work outside. It’s easier to become dehydrated in extreme heat and it’s important to watch out for the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about staying safe in extreme heat. 

Beginning on July 19 and lasting through the weekend, the greater Boston area could see temperatures well into the 90s, with heat index values over 100 degrees. Residents are urged to review the following heat safety tips, and consider some ways to stay cool in Somerville as well as precautions to take to avoid overexposure to the heat.

From left to right: Somerville Junior Police Academy, District Attorney Ryan, Deputy Chief Caribino, Captain Stiltner.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan recently visited 30 campers in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade at the Somerville Junior Police Academy to teach them about how they can make smart choices when confronted with important decisions. District Attorney Ryan was joined by Captain David Stiltner of the Somerville Fire Department and Deputy Chief Steve Caribino of the Somerville Police Department.

The Somerville Flea, Somerville Arts Council and Winter Hill Brewing present The Winter Hill Night Market. An all ages, free event.

Three musical acts and a bunch of vendors featuring fantastic vintage and artisan wares right next to Winter Hill Brewery.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer on duty and assigned to uniform patrol at Assembly Row last Thursday evening spotted an allegedly known shoplifter, Kelly Carey, of Quincy, inside the Nike store.

According to police, her boyfriend, Jayson Ferguson, travels with her, and is reportedly also a known shoplifter.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I’ll always be debated when I voice my opinion about bicycle safety. My feelings about jogger and pedestrian courtesy can also be subject to discussion. I will always bend a little when I talk about what the proper term is … sauce or gravy. There are a lot of battles that I will never win but I try to pick them. A lot of subjects are open to rebuttal but the following feelings are not. This time It’s cut and dry.

Classic Movie Night series: “Superman” Cartoon Marathon (1940s)

Thursday, July 18, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Somerville Media Center presents a Throwback Classic Movie Series at VOX POP this Summer on the third Thursdays through August. The Fleischer Superman cartoons are a series of seventeen animated short films released in Technicolor by Paramount Pictures and based upon the comic book character Superman, making them his first animated appearance.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The City of Somerville and the Somerville Arts Council presented the annual ArtBeat Festival on July13, throughout Davis Square, including Seven Hills Park, Elm Street, and Holland Street.

New green, open space to be added as part of ongoing mixed-use development project at 1060 Broadway.

As part of the ongoing reconstruction of the former Powder House Community School, located at 1060 Broadway, the pedestrian walkway connecting Broadway and Holland St. will need to be closed for approximately four months as the project team begins work on the new green space adjacent to the building. The walkway was originally expected to close in mid- to late-July, however that start date has been postponed. A new start date will be announced in the coming weeks.