East and West Branch Library Hours Remain Unchanged

By Dr. Ana Stankovic, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of New England

It’s that time of year when families are busy checking off those back-to-school lists, including making sure your student has the right pencils, notebooks, and backpack. But even more important than school supplies may be making sure your child is feeling emotionally and mentally ready to start the school year.

(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)

In a race between progressives, approach matters; voters deserve transparency
*

By Kathleen Hornby, Candidate for Somerville State Representative, 27th Middlesex District

Transparency is a key progressive value, and one I take very seriously. It should be easy to see what your elected official achieved during their term — what they proposed, with whom they partnered, and what they successfully passed into law or into the state budget. But it isn’t easy. In fact, it’s virtually impossible. Unless, like me, you’ve spent years learning how to decipher state websites, state budgets and the legislative process as a staffer in the State House.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte 

This article first appeared in the August 21, 2010 edition of The Somerville Times

Even though I have been out of school for over 33 years, there is something about this time of year that makes me nervous. I write about this condition every year because it is a recurring ailment. It’s like a rash that returns once a year at the same time. Although I know the importance of school and education, and all that jazz, I still get butterflies in my stomach around the middle of August. School still makes me uneasy. I have also been having the same dream for years. I am still in high school trying to graduate. In the dream, I am usually in my pajamas, and there is a teacher tormenting me.

Somerville Public Schools has received a $41,035 grant for the Digital Literacy and Computer Science program.

By Harry Kane

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded Somerville Public Schools a $41,035 grant for the Digital Literacy and Computer Science program on July 1 to expand the learning experiences for students following the 2024 Massachusetts STEM Summit on May 15.

Residents invited to help shape proposed Rental Registry and Energy Disclosure ordinance to bring greater energy efficiency, affordability, and more to renters

Roughly two-thirds of Somerville residents are renters, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is determined to improve their access to the energy savings and health benefits of green energy upgrades often out of reach to renters–especially low-income renters. And she’s asking residents to help her do so. 

Difficulties with those who frequent Seven Hills Park were among the topics addressed at the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Parker Garlough

The city council met on Thursday, August 22, to discuss a wide range of topics, including the E911 union, funding for the Argenziano school kitchen, drug use in Davis Square and Seven Hills Park, and support for senior Somerville residents.

Block 9 of Assembly Row remains in planning stages.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The Assembly Row development team held a virtual neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, August 21, at 6:00 p.m.

“In this meeting, the development team will present the conceptual design(s) for Block 9 at Assembly Row. There will be an opportunity to discuss ideas and feedback. The development team will respond to this session when preparing the site plan application to be considered by the Somerville Planning Board,” according to the meeting notice.

(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)

From the Mayor’s Desk
By Mayor Katjana Ballantyne

We all hold our core beliefs. For me, I believe when any one of us is harmed, we are all harmed. I have no tolerance for any form of hatred whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, or any other hateful view. My immigrant experience has taught me to value and champion differences. It is also why I am opposed to all war. And war is what I wish to address today.

(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 Fred Berman

Kathleen Hornby has chosen character assassination as her strategy, presumably hoping that if she throws enough out-of-context misrepresentations and misstatements at her Democratic Primary opponent, incumbent Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, some of her claims will stick, whether or not they are true.