Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Another one bites the dust. Kmart, in Assembly Square Marketplace, if it’s still called that, is closing. Just another part of our past that will soon be just a memory. My dear friend Blanche used to shop at its distant relative Kresge’s Basement. It’s getting to the point that conversations begin with, “remember when…?”

By Ross E. Blouin, Publisher

Each year at this time we make a request for all of you who are listening to the fantastic music of years gone by as presented on WJIB 740 AM and 101.3 FM. Bob Bittner from Maine is the genius who has kept these great tunes playing 24-7 for many years now. His stations are the only ones playing those wonderful songs from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Boston-based guitarist extraordinaire Tony Savarino will be kicking off the release of his latest CD, “Savvy Tonarino,” at The Burren on Sunday, September 15.

Guitar wizard Tony Savarino to debut new CD
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By Blake Maddux

Boston-born guitarist Tony Savarino’s website states that he has “played in every band in Boston.”

This is not intended to be understood as anything other than tongue-in-cheek hyperbole that it obviously is. However, the Berklee graduate estimates that he has been a member of “probably over a hundred” local groups since 1985, with tenures ranging from 12 weeks to 10 years. The band that he currently fronts is called The Savtones.

The city’s annual vigil walk in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks will be held on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m. The vigil will begin with a procession stepping off from the Cedar Street intersection of the Community Path, and will conclude with a short ceremony in Davis Square. The entire Somerville community is invited to participate. For more information, please call Jackie Rossetti at 617-625-6600, ext. 2614.

By Stephanie Hirsch

As we wrap up summer, and get back into fall routines, I’d like to pass along kudos to three of the many people who help keep our children engaged when school is not in session. What Sam, Ramón, and Michael have in common, according to the colleagues who nominated them, is that they keep kids safe, they help children and adults feel happy and included, and they inspire learning, fun, and action.

(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 State Representative Christine P. Barber

Daily we hear of new attacks by the Trump Administration on the rights of immigrants – from threatening DACA and TPS holders, to threatening to deport those with serious medical issues, to separating children from their parents in brutal ways. Now more than ever, we need to stand up and protect our local immigrant communities.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro
The 10th Annual Somerville Dog Festival, a community-wide event to celebrate dogs and the families who love them, took place last Sunday at Trum Field.

By Marshall Collins

While the Boston area’s real estate market continues to expand, financial forecasts warn of a forthcoming economic downturn. However, in Somerville, the master developer selected by the city to revitalize Union Square, Union Square Associations (US2), may finally break ground very soon.

Eagle Feathers #187 – Historic Elm Street

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Cambridge has its celebrated Washington Elm Tree under which General George Washington drew his sword and took command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775. Somerville also has its historic Elm.

Although 18 years will have passed since the terrible and tragic events of September 11, 2001, took place, for many of us the shock and horror remains fresh in our memories.

And since we, as New Englanders, were relatively close to the sites of destruction and loss of life, we can perhaps feel those sensations of sadness and even anger a little deeper than some others might, especially since our own Logan Airport played a role in the perpetrator’s deadly scheme.