By Dennis Fischman

You might think that murder is a purely adult subject, but you’d be mistaken. An increasing number of mysteries books are featuring high school students (like the five held in detention in One of Us is Lying, teenagers (Ingrid Levin-Hill in Down the Rabbit Hole, or even tweens (like the title character in Drew Leclair Gets a Clue, in which it’s character assassination, not literal murder—but when you’re twelve, the stakes seem just as high!).

Wellpoint (formerly UniCare) is partnering with Boston Bruins Center Charlie Coyle and sports equipment leader Franklin Sports to educate youth about the many benefits playing sports can have on their mental health by encouraging social connections, teaching teamwork, and building self-esteem.

Nepali artist IMAGINE.

A new addition to the Somerville Museum entrance will be a stunning mural by Nepali artist IMAGINE, also known as Sneha Shrestha. This significant artwork effortlessly merges her native language with the elegance of Sanskrit scriptures and the dynamic influences of graffiti, creating a vibrant and inclusive welcome for all visitors.

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, state officials, legislators, and representatives from the Massachusetts arts, culture, and tourism industry at the State House to launch Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative will highlight the state’s rich history and amplify untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years. The Massachusetts 250 Grant Awardees included the Somerville Museum.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first appeared in the August 4, 2012 edition of The Somerville Times

I can’t let the summer go by without doing a blurb on my favorite spot in Somerville.

We in the Davis and Ball Square areas have been blessed with a gem known as Powder House Park. Many of us have memories of sledding, picnics, playing on the rocks, snowball fights and first kisses at the park. A friend of mine was a recreation leader many years ago and he has remained friends with a lot of the kids, who are now grown up. How many of us made “gimp” key chains at Powder House Park? Remember when the draft board was in that building on the lower part of the park? I sure do because thankfully my number was a few digits off.

The Ignite Festival will be lighting up Union Square this coming Saturday evening.

This year’s Ignite Festival promises to be more tasty, fiery and international than ever. Numerous Union Square restaurants will be out on the street vending, along with many Nibble program chefs.

New security, programming, and supports will support safety and welcoming space for all  — Photo by Bobbie Toner

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing that the city expects the Central Library to resume normal hours by the end of next week. This follows work to enhance safety measures and expand programming for patrons of all ages. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through the city and library websites.

— Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Dept.

Congratulations to Father Matt Westcott on being named the new Chaplain for the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM). Fr. Matt was born and raised in Somerville attending St. Clement’s grammar and high schools.

— Photos courtesy of Somerville Police Dept.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville Police welcomed the new Somerville Chief of Police, Shumeane Benford, who was sworn in on Monday, September 16. The new Chief brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience, joining in from roles as Boston Housing Authority Police Chief and Boston Chief of Emergency Management. Congratulations to Chief Benford!

The City of Somerville’s SustainaVille program hosted the Park(ing) Day event this past weekend on Broadway in Somerville. — Photos by Jeffrey Shwom

By Jeffrey Shwom

After living in Ball Square from 2019-2023, there are a lot of things I could not imagine. Ball Square Bowling being taken down and a new train station, for example. Two permanent turning lanes that have been removed from Broadway at Boston Ave. What about Neighborhood Produce and Ciao! Pizza moving to Ball Square with their respective second locations?