The Sight and Sound Summer Vacation film series begins on August 21 with “Singin’ in the Rain” at 7:30 p.m. Stop by the Somerville Theatre for more information.

By Jason Gutierrez

Bask in nostalgia at the Somerville Theatre’s Sight and Sound Summer Vacation film series. From August 21 to 30, escape the summer heat with ten films that have aced the test of time. Much like summertime’s salt air and warm nights, this showcase promises to delight.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Chief of Police Charles Femino have announced that Tony Dyshaun Harris, 34, of Everett was sentenced today after he was convicted of murder and being an armed career criminal in connection with the 2017 murder of Kevin Raymond, 20, of Somerville.

Yart Sale is a citywide event that took place on Saturday, August 12. Think of a yard sale but with ART! Featured artists included: Jo Studio, Britt Jones Art, Robert Boyer Pottery, Amanda Claire, Cheat Death Tintype and Bulgihan Press. ~Photos by Claudia Ferro

(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)

Dear Editor,

As many parents will know, affordable childcare is difficult to find in Massachusetts. Middlesex County is the third most expensive county in the U.S. for childcare. Governor Maura Healey herself stated that childcare was a crisis in her inaugural speech early this year. But on Wednesday, August 9, Governor Healey slashed funds in the FY24 budget that would provide higher wages to our early childcare educators, undermining her very own goal of making childcare more accessible. Governor Healey vetoed $1 million funding for Head Start State Supplemental Grants and slashed $35 million salary rate funding for center-based early educators in programs that work with low-income and at-risk children. These unconscionable cuts undermine the value and respect for educators serving our youngest learners and would directly hit the wallets of those who are most deserving of more.

Find the petition the Arts at the Armory Leadership is circulating below:

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Back in the 70s I used to hitchhike to Amherst to visit my girlfriend at UMass. I go up there every weekend and it was always an adventure coming. The story is about hitchhiking back in the day.

From now through the end of October, there will be Docent Tours of Three Historic Sites in Somerville

Prospect Hill Tower
2nd Thursdays: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
except Sept. and Oct.: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
3rd Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dates:  8/19,9/14, 9/16, 10/12, 10/21

The city will decide whether to renovate or demolish and rebuild the Winter Hill Community Innovation School building after receiving a full assessment of the facility. — Photo by Maile Blume

By Maile Blume

When concrete fell from the ceiling of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School this past June, the city closed the facility to conduct a building assessment, and made plans to relocate students for the fall with students in grades one through eight moving to the Edgerly Education Center, and students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten moving to the Capuano Early Childhood Center. However, ongoing construction at the Edgerly building and the discovery of asbestos in window caulking in the building is raising concerns among parents about if the elementary and middle school students will have a safe place to learn by the start of the school year.

Future plans for the property at 720-722 Broadway and 53 Chester St. was discussed at the latest meeting of the city’s Urban Design Commission. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Khoa Tong

The Urban Design Commission met to discuss plans for 720-722 Broadway and 53 Chester St. on Tuesday, August 8.

(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
Candidate for Somerville City Councilor at Large

In the business press recently, I have seen several articles discussing the problem of shrinking retail activity. Then, with the news about the bankruptcy of the Christmas Tree Shop at Assembly Row, I thought it important to consider what may be the impacts of the trends of change in retail trade for Somerville?