(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 Chris Dwan

When the Somerville City Council passed its comprehensive zoning overhaul in 2019, it created a new designation: “Fabrication,” sometimes shortened to “FAB.”

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

St Clement’s: Part two

This article first appeared in the August 20, 2008, edition of the paper.

Because of all the positive feedback I received on my first St. Clements Elementary School column, I pray that you enjoy this sequel of sorts – especially Frank Sharpe and Gary Murphy. Now remember, we are talking many, many years ago and things have changed a lot over there on Warner Street – St. Clements School is a fine institution of parochial learning.

Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the results of the 2023 statewide MCAS assessments. Across all participating grade levels, Somerville Public Schools’ student scores remained relatively stable compared to 2022. Like most districts across the state, Somerville’s scores remain lower than pre-pandemic test scores, though the district continues to show progress toward its targets and has seen incremental increases in Student Growth Percentiles on assessments.

The City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee recently examined issues related to law enforcement and traffic violations.

By Jennifer Purcell

The Somerville City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee convened on September 19 to discuss several of the significant changes that have been proposed and requested for approval by Mayor Ballantyne and the Somerville Police Department. Many of the topics that were discussed during the meeting could have quite an impact on residents of Somerville.

By Jennifer Purcell

This past Sunday, Somerville residents gathered in Union Square to celebrate the existence of Marshmallow Fluff. Various vendors attended to sell their food and fluff-related art, alongside a variety of equally exciting Fluff-related games.

Exchanging Notes Performance takes place at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave., this Friday, September 29, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. An evening showcasing the first of its kind cross-cultural exchange between Somerville artists and artists from the country of Georgia. Join in for a celebration of songs and stories that fuse Georgian and American themes, connect cultures, and enrich our common humanity. Special guests will be the members of the choir from Somerville High School. The event is free to the public.

(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

Among the new spending lines that have been most welcomed in the FY2024 Massachusetts State Budget are two funds that look forward to tuition-free Community College in the Commonwealth.

(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 Jack Connolly
Jackconnolly422@gmail.com

Heard the latest?

The Stop & Shop grocery store Bfresh is closing soon, mid-October; “Not meeting financial expectations” was the press report.

Street talk is that there’s been a lot of shoplifting going on in there, as well as in the CVS store just up the block; Maybe Bfresh’s parent company, Stop and Shop, decided Davis Sq. is not the place to be anymore. Dunkin’ Donuts has already left Davis Sq.

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I recently had the opportunity to try a restaurant that’s been on my radar for quite some time. I mean what are the chances that I was hungry, I was driving by the area, and found a parking spot right out front? It was meant to be! Upon entering the restaurant, we were promptly greeted and seated.