(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

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Join a Board or Commission

The City is accepting applications to fill vacancies on five boards and commissions – the Planning Board, the Somerville Redevelopment Authority, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, and the Somerville Housing Authority. To learn more about each position and how to apply, visit http://bit.ly/5BoardOpenings. All applications are due by Wednesday, April 17.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer who was monitoring vehicular traffic near the intersection of Elm and Chester Streets last Sunday was flagged by bystanders down and informed that a man had just come out of the Burren bar and broke the side mirror of a parked taxi cab.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Ball Square bridge is closed. The detours seem to be working smoothly. Just for kicks, I threw a question out there. It read: “Name, or change a song/title dedicated to the Ball Sq. bridge closure and other detours in Somerville … I’ll start … Bridge Over Troubled … Train Tracks!”

The ordinance vote goes before the full council on Thursday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

By Denise Keniston

On Thursday, March 21, the Somerville Legislative Matters Committee passed a revised Condominium/Cooperative Conversion Ordinance. A condo conversion ordinance – enacted back in 1985 – is already on the books, but the committee approved revisions that substantively increase and update tenant’s rights.

Somerville High School students recently participated in the National Kick Butts day by writing anti-smoking messages on city sidewalks with chalk.          

By Jackson Ellison

March 20 was National Kick Butts day, where events take place all over the country to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. It is mainly targeted towards educating teens about the risks that come along with cigarettes.

The Ball Square Bridge is closed, but several local eateries are depending on you to continue stopping in and having a great breakfast or lunch. Whether it’s Ball Square Café, Sound Bites, Kelly’s Diner, or Victor’s Deli – which everyone loves – please don’t forget them. Business will be rough, but each place in Ball Square has loyal dedicated customers who need to keep coming back. Don’t forget the many other businesses in Ball Square either. So far, as we are located here in Ball Square (the newspaper) traffic hasn’t been that bad!

(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 Greg Karczewski

On Wednesday evening, we at US2 are looking forward to joining the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) in reporting back to residents, businesses and other stakeholders on the progress of ongoing negotiations around community benefits for the Union Square Neighborhood.

— Photos by Ray Bernoff/rmhbernoff.com

On Saturday, March 23, a protest rally was held at the Stop & Shop store at 779 McGrath Highway in Somerville. Store workers were joined by several public officials such as state Senator Patricia D. Jehlen of Somerville, State Representative Michael Connolly of Cambridge/Somerville and Jesse Clingan, Somerville’s Ward 4 City Councilor. Stop & Shop workers, who are seeking better pay and benefits, recently voted to approve a strike across Massachusetts, which as of yet has not been called.

(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 Jack Connolly

Planning Board candidate Tim Talun, a Prospect Hill resident, certified architect, school parent, and long-time neighborhood and community activist, was not approved last Monday night, March 18, by the Somerville City Council‘s Confirmation of Appointments Committee with a six to four Recommendation ‘Not to Approve’ Talun as a new member of the Somerville Planning Board.

While we may still be keeping our cold weather apparel handy for a while, considering the unpredictable weather over the past several weeks, it’s still nice to know that springtime has officially arrived. We anxiously await the balmier days ahead.

One of the finer benefits of New England living is standing witness to the massive explosion of nature’s rebirth and renewal, seemingly amplified here. Grass, trees, wildlife and flowers seems to go forth and multiply at an astounding rate, as if on cue to the call for “Action!”