By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

I had an enlightening discussion when I sat down with school superintendent Tony Pierantozzi the other night to prepare for my budget presentation to the Board of Aldermen. My question for the superintendent was, “What new policies and programs in the schools should I highlight?”

On behalf of MassDOT, the City of Somerville reminds residents that, due to ongoing bridge replacement work on I-93 this summer, traffic impacts may occur in abutting neighborhoods in Somerville.  Beginning Friday, June 17^th at 8:00p.m. and lasting until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 20^th, the I-93 Fast 14 Project will include the closure of the on-ramp on Route 16.  The detour route to access I-93 Northbound will be Mystic Avenue Southbound, to Lombardi Way, to Mystic Avenue Northbound.  As a result of this detour, there may be an increase in traffic along the Broadway corridor from the Powderhouse Rotary to Mount Vernon Street/Lombardi way.  Somerville Police Details will be present to assist motorists, however residents are advised to check traffic alerts and avoid vehicle travel in these areas, as well as along Route 16 when possible, as delays are expected.

(from the city of Somerville)

2011 championship banner hangs above City Hall's front door entrance. Banner made by Somerville business, Flagraphics.

The 2011 Stanley Cup Championship banner, which will be displayed from the John Hancock Tower in Boston, was laid out and assembled in the Somerville High School Gymnasium  this afternoon.  The championship banner was produced by Somerville business Flagraphics, under the direction of Owner/Founder Tony LaFuente.

By Jim Clark

A shoplifter detained at K-Mart last Saturday had a lot of trouble identifying himself, according to police.

Responding Somerville police officers questioned the man who had been detained by K-Mart loss prevention staff for allegedly trying to steal a pocket watch and two necklaces.

In 2009 Magoun Square residents were briefed on proposed revitalization plans. Today there is still much to be accomplished. - Photo by Beecher Tuttle

By Harry Kane

Magoun Square is an ethnically diverse neighborhood located off Medford Street in Somerville. During the most recent ResiStat Meeting for Ward 5 City Economic Development Planner, Brad Rawson, spoke about the challenges of revitalization in the undefined district. There is a lack of pedestrian oriented businesses, unattractive storefronts and inadequate exterior lighting. Of the 45-50 businesses in Magoun Sq. there are currently seven vacant storefronts. Of the 4500 people living in the Magoun Sq. neighborhood approximately 50 million dollars is spent outside of the vicinity. “This has to change. We need to move that spending back into Magoun Square,” commented Brad Rawson.

The “unsung hero of Ward 1” Susan Fontano was honored by the BOA last Thursday. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Longtime firebrand and friend to The Somerville News Susan Fontano was recognized for her four-year tenure as President of East Somerville Main Streets. Joined at the podium by Aldermen Bill Roche and Dennis Sullivan, as well as a throng of admirers, Fontano was elated as she received her citation for her tireless work.

The talented SHS Media students are asking if you are ready for your close-up. If you are, then tune in to Villen TV, premiering this Sunday on Somerville Education Channel 15. - Photo by Jimmy Del Ponte

By Jimmy Del Ponte

This Sunday, June 19, Villen TV makes its debut on Somerville’s educational channel 15. The brainchild of Department of Communications director Michael Meehan, VTV will be a forum for original Somerville student film projects. Craig Leach is the TV Media instructor for Somerville Public schools. The students from his TV Media I, and TV Media II classes at Somerville High School contributed to the VTV show.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to Davis Square last Sunday on a report that some youths were being harassed and threatened by a man who seemed to be intoxicated and highly agitated.

Officers reportedly witnessed Jason Dodge, 41, yelling at a group of youths outside the Holland Street T station, and behaving in a physically threatening manner.

– Photos by Max W. Lauf

The second annual free street festival and market took place in Union Square this past weekend. SomerFun had over 50 participating organizations from local retailers and artisans to farmers, nonprofits and artists.