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).

DCF social workers Marianne Walles and Coquina Fuller, addressing the Somerville City Council.

 By The Times Staff

At the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council, City Councilor Jesse Clingan spoke about the importance of social workers in society and praised them for the work they perform in an often unseen and quiet manner. He sponsored Marianne Walles and Coquina Fuller.

The Titans of Somerville and Cambridge delivered an impressive performance this weekend, March 13–15, at the CAN/AM Lake Placid Tournament, demonstrating determination, teamwork, and exceptional skill on the ice.

After the long, chilly days of winter, it’s nice to know that springtime is finally arriving. We anxiously await the balmy 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 all seem to go forth and multiply at an astounding rate, as if on cue to the call for “Action!”

Eagle Feathers #350 –Raise Your Glasses

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

If you find yourself driving along Route 128 just south of Route 2, it’s hard to miss the brown and white signs directing you to the DeCordova Museum. Its art exhibits are found in and surrounding the grounds of the former Julian De Cordova Mansion, the heart of the popular museum, which he donated to the town of Lincoln. Julian acquired much of his wealth as the last owner of the Union Glass Company of Somerville.