~Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Wednesday, May 2, the 7th Annual Choral Festival took place at Somerville High, highlighting the vocal talents of 7th and 8th grade students from all Somerville schools citywide.

Tree clearing and grubbing operations along the east/north side of the MBTA right-of-way will continue during daytime hours this weekend (Saturday 5/12, and Sunday 5/13, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) between the College Avenue Bridge in Medford and the Cedar Street Bridge in Somerville.

On Tuesday, May 1, representatives from Fastenal Company and Milwaukee Tool delivered a generous donation of tools and supplies to the Electrical Technologies Program at Somerville High School.

Say Darling will be rattling the rafters at The Burren on Friday, May 18.

By Blake Maddux

Over the past 15 years, Celia Woodsmith has played in several folk, rock ‘n’ roll, and bluegrass bands. One of them, Della Mae, received a Grammy Nomination for their 2013 album, The World Oft Can Be.

Chris Hersch is a former member of Girls Guns and Glory, who won the 2011 Boston Music Award for Americana Artist of the Year.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Last weekend, local artists will open their studios and workshops all over the city to the public during the 20th annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS).

Dante DiFronzo

By Jim Clark

According to a report published in The Boston Globe, a Somerville Police Department detective has been let go by the city over a 2015 incident in which the officer, Dante DiFronzo, allegedly aided a drug dealer in finding his rival, which led to a near fatal stabbing.

Update: Due to current forecasts, Somerville Porchfest has been postponed to Sunday, May 13. Bands begin in West Somerville neighborhoods at noon.

Have you ever sat on your porch and overheard a neighbor strumming guitar on another porch? PorchFest takes this idea and multiplies it to create a city-wide event where Somervillians share their love of playing and listening to music.

Minibonds will allow residents the chance to earn tax-exempt interest while investing directly in Somerville’s future

Proceeds from the sale of minibonds will support projects like Lincoln Park renovation, West Branch Library design, street and sidewalk improvements, and more

The City of Somerville will soon offer residents the opportunity to invest in Somerville’s future by purchasing minibonds. Minibonds not only allow purchasers to directly support the community’s collective goals by investing in the financing of some of Somerville’s capital projects, they also enable residents to earn tax-exempt interest.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to the area of Dartmouth St and Evergreen Ave. last Sunday on reports of a man walking down street yelling.

Upon arrival, the officers observed a man matching the description given to dispatch walking down Thurston St. towards Evergreen. The man reportedly yelling profanities about getting into an argument with his girlfriend over politics.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

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

4.9 percent increase in library circulation: We’ve always known Somervillians are thirsty for knowledge and now our latest library stats offer more proof. The libraries report a 4.9 percent increase in overall materials circulation when comparing the second quarters of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, and the trend remains upward. Between quarters one and two this year, circulation increased an additional 2.9 percent.