Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

In May of 1971 there was to be a huge anti-war demonstration in Washington DC.

I was a 16-year-old hippie with the hair, the beads and the bell bottoms. I had made friends with a bunch of people from Harvard Square and one of the guys was driving his Volkswagen bus to the demonstration. I decided that I had to go because of my deep beliefs against the war in Vietnam. But my problem was what was I going to tell my parents? They would definitely not let me go. But I went anyway and I was gone for two days.

Mayor Jake Wilson stopped by the Teele Sq. site where Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, city staff, and members of COHR were on hand to meet with residents. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

On Saturday, April 25, Somerville residents participated in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Residents were able to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications at  Somerville’s Public Safety Headquarters and Teele Square Fire Station. City staff were also on-site, providing overdose prevention information and resources.

Representatives from the Somerville Fire Department expressed concerns to the City Council over traffic calming measures implemented by the city.

By Harry Kane

Traffic calming devices are adversely affecting fire engines and fire trucks, says Mike Jefferson, President of the Somerville Firefighters Local 76, who addressed the City Council on April 23 with concerns.

(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 Bill White

Last week, The Somerville Times published an article about some proposed zoning amendments that I had filed with the City of Somerville. I received some requests from folks about the proposals and whether I had any photographs that showed my concerns. I figured that it made sense for me to ask The Somerville Times to publish the following two photographs, as they dramatically show the concerns that I have.

YUM 2026: A Taste of Immigrant City, Wednesday, April 29, 6 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Celebrate the unique flavors of Somerville’s immigrant-owned restaurants. Since 2010, The Welcome Project has brought together food, community, and advocacy at YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City – an annual night of fun and fundraising for programs that benefit immigrants in Somerville and Greater Boston. https://www.welcomeproject.org/yum2026.

The Somerville Licensing Commission is extending the hours that bars can remain open during the FIFA World Cup games.

By Harry Kane

Soccer fans in Somerville will be happy to hear that they will be allowed to stay at bars or restaurants until the end of matches during the 2026 International FIFA World Cup event.

Mayor Jake Wilson and DPW crew at Davis Square’s spring cleanup. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

On Saturday, April 25, community members across all seven wards joined their ward’s Spring Cleanup, the first major activation of the city’s Year of the Neighbor initiative, a yearlong push to strengthen connections, build community, and tap into each individual’s ability to have a positive impact across Somerville. Residents joined their neighbors, local elected officials, DPW, and community groups to spruce up streets, parks, and public spaces.

Eagle Feathers #353 – King of the Hills

Somerville is said to be the City of Seven Hills, and Seven Hills Park in Davis Square highlights them. In reality, the city has fourteen hills known by twenty-eight different names. For over three centuries, Winter Hill has been the most notable.

One thing can be said for sure about our great city: there is no want for creative energy and enterprise.

Consider all the wonderful artists who will be participating in this weekend’s Somerville Open Studios (SOS) event. Artisans and crafters of seemingly limitless disciplines and choice of media work and thrive right here among us humble, regular types who wouldn’t know a palette knife from a chainsaw.