Department of Racial & Social justice and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne hold a community meeting to discuss the Public Safety for All, Civilian Oversight, and Anti-Violence recommendations.

The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival is back and still kicking after 50 years! Having survived pandemics, snowpocalypses, technological upheaval, and brain-melting shifts in the moviegoing landscape, the annual event returns February 12–17 to the Somerville Theatre and other Davis Square locations.

Somerville’s Parks & Recreation Department is being called upon to explore possibilities for an ongoing middle school intramural girls’ hockey program.

By Harry Kane

A small parent group is working to grow girls’ ice hockey in Somerville.

An order was put forward by the City Council on January 23 for the Director of Somerville Parks & Recreation to discuss the introduction of an ongoing middle school intramural girls’ hockey program.

By Dennis Fischman

A lot of authors have come out of the White House. There is a whole shelf of Presidential memoirs, some more readable than others – and some less self-serving than others. 

Ron Reagan Jr. wrote a memoir of his presidential papa, My Father at 100. (An amusing side note: Ron the younger was a freshman at Yale in the Fall of 1976, the same semester as I started there. Because he didn’t submit a photo for the freshman yearbook, above the name “Ronald Reagan” appeared a portrait of Karl Marx.)

Constellation yoga studio is a place for creative and mindful practices, according to founder Jenn Falk.

By Jeffrey Shwom

There is something peaceful, welcoming, and make-it-your-own about Constellation. Maybe it is the moveable furniture, the openness of the cozy space, or the windows that host art as well as spots for people to watch the world outside. I had arrived after lunch hour yoga concluded at Constellation, a studio for creative and mindful practices, where I was hosted by Jenn Falk, founder, yoga/movement teacher and group facilitator.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Are you kidding me? An earthquake! Last week we experienced a 4.1 earthquake. I thought it was the guys upstairs’ washing machine. I’ve collected peoples’ comments on what they were doing and what they thought the rumbling was.

“My hubby thought it was the washer. Too bad I was sleeping.”

The city’s School Building Project survey has been deemed “problematic” by many, including some City Councilors. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jeffrey Shwom

A 5-minute online survey has turned contentious as advocates and city councilors push back against the Somerville School Building Project: Phase One Community Feedback Survey, released the morning of January 23.

Flyers began circulating last year when a developer proposed a 25-level apartment development in Davis Square on Elm Street. — Photo Courtesy of Elaine Almquist

By Harry Kane

A real estate developer is soliciting community feedback at neighborhood meetings for a proposed high-rise in Davis Square. The concept of building a 25-story tower in Somerville’s hippest neighborhood has a lot of residents talking.

Some may say a project of this scope in Davis Square is paving the way for future progress, while others think the tower would be too big.

Somerville Poet Laureate Lloyd Schwartz, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and former State Representative Denise Provost are all smiles as they celebrate the creation of the state poet laureate position. — Photo courtesy of Office of Governor Maura Healey

By The Times Staff

On Monday, February 3, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order creating the position of Poet Laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Executive Order adopts much of the language of a bill filed years ago by former State Representative Denise Provost. Provost’s work was recognized by Governor Healey at Monday’s celebratory signing.

On February 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Somerville Arts Council will be hosting a Volunteer Craft Night. A themed activity where people can design handmade cards which will be sent to the seniors at the Visiting Nurses Assoc. in Somerville. A wonderful way to meet other volunteers, have a few refreshments, and create art. Craft supplies will be available. While you are not required to make a card, we encourage people use their artistic prowess to make something wonderful for those in need. Since space is limited, please RSVP via the Eventbrite link https://tinyurl.com/bdfvmdpe. Location: MudFlat Pottery School, 81 Broadway, Somerville.