John O’Neill Scholarship recipients (L to R) Isadora Oliviera and Aya Mahrous.

By Nathan Lamb

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) has awarded John O’Neill Scholarships to support the higher education of two local students.

(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)

On Tuesday, August 15 from 7-9pm, the Center for Arts at the Armory will be hosting a community meeting during which we will:

• share our perspective on the City of Somerville’s “Armory Master Plan Process”

• educate our audience about our non-profit arts organization

• and provide opportunities for attendees to speak, ask questions, and have the meeting recording and this petition delivered to City government. 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 5 City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, and the city’s Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry invite you to a virtual community meeting to learn about upcoming construction to improve and expand Somerville Junction Park.

Potential Candidates Learn More about Becoming a Somerville Firefighter at Upcoming Registration Events on August 17 and August 24

Interested in serving your community as a member of the Somerville Fire Department? Then join current members of the SFD, along with the City’s Human Resources and Racial and Social Justice Departments, to learn more and get on-site assistance with the application for the firefighter exam.

Martha Friend is preparing sculptures for her upcoming exhibit on the color blue.

By Maile Blume

Martha Friend’s glass-covered home is a community landmark in Somerville, evoking wonder and joy in people passing by. People are often drawn in by the expanse of blue sculptures, said Friend. “If I’m out gardening, people always stop and just start talking to me about blue and how much they love blue,” she said. The positive community response to her art and Friend’s own love of blue inspired her to curate a show on the color, for the Somerville Museum. The show will open on September 21.

Somerville Community Access Television, doing business as Somerville Media Center, has been ordered by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne to cease operations in its facility at 90 Union Square and vacate the building by August 31, 2023.

Yart Sale is a citywide event that will take place on Saturday, August 12, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., (rain date 8/13). Think of a yard sale but with ART! Don’t miss these featured artists: Jo Studio, Britt Jones Art, Robert Boyer Pottery, Amanda Claire, Cheat Death Tintype and Bulgihan Press.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Before the bike path was built trains rolled along there. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, the tracks were another playground for us. We had to be very careful for trains but there was always someone looking out. I asked my social media friends and Somerville to share their thoughts on the old train tracks.

The future of how the Armory will be operated is currently under study by the city and interested stakeholders.

By Ana Celerier

On Tuesday, August 1, a virtual public meeting was held to discuss the future of the historic Somerville Armory building. The Somerville Arts Council members were present to discuss the different approaches to the future of the historic building’s management. They said that creating a sense of belonging is essential for the artists currently involved in the space, and that for visitors the space needs to be inviting and inspiring. The Arts Council stated that the city currently owns the Armory and plans to remain the owner.