(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 Will Mbah

This past Sunday I had the honor of kicking off my campaign alongside friends, family, and valued members of our community. It was heartwarming to see the support and the incredible energy that everyone brought to the event. Over 100 people attended the kickoff, and we raised over $5000!

On Sunday, March 15, the annual Race of Ireland road race was held in and around the Davis, Teele, and Ball square areas. Rás na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race  this side of the At-lantic. It is a celebration of traditions dating back centuries and simply a celebration of spring in Somerville. This race was born in Ireland and named in honor of its famous sister race, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country held in Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The results can be found here: https://www.theraceofireland.com/. ~Photos by Bobbie Toner

Volunteers Invited to be Porchfest Ambassadors

PorchFest returns to Somerville on Saturday, May 9, and applications are now open for participants. The annual event organized by the City’s Somerville Arts Council features mini concerts hosted by residents on their porches, yards – and even on stoops – across the city. All musical genres are welcome from alt rock to zither quartets, and hosts are invited to apply by the April 21 deadline to participate. Volunteers are also invited to apply to be Porchfest ambassadors to assist visitors.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article was first published on March 18, 2009.

“When I was a kid,” used to be the beginning of statements made by our parents, but I hear it coming out of my own mouth more and more lately. I can’t believe that I now qualify to talk about “the good old days.” When did that happen?

Liam Mannion, proprietor of Sally O’Brien’s, and Former Alderman Bob McWatters held their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Tuesday. Community members along with local and state elected officials stopped by to celebrate Irish heritage with music, corned beef and cabbage, a pint of Guinness, and plenty of laughter.

The Somerville City Council recently passed a resolution in support of state legislation aimed at ensuring fair access to court proceedings. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

The Somerville City Council approved a resolution supporting legislation at the Massachusetts State House, which aims to protect and ensure free and equal access to the court system and preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings.

— Photo courtesy of the City of Somerville

Somerville is kicking off a yearlong push to strengthen the connections between its residents, highlighting City programs, initiatives, and community events under a united theme: 2026 is the Year of the Neighbor.

Street Sweeping to resume on April 1. Regular street sweeping schedules resume on Wednesday, April 1, and will continue through December 31. This essential public works program not only keeps our city cleaner but also reduces the risk of flooding and icing due to clogged storm drains. Community members should check street signs to know when parking is prohibited due to sweeping. A recurring pattern was chosen to allow residents to plan ahead. On designated street sweeping days, vehicles must be moved from the side of the street being swept, as noted on signs posted on each street. Vehicles that do not move may be ticketed and towed. For more information on street sweeping, visit somervillema.gov/sweeping or call 311 (617-666-3311).