~Photos by Iaritza Menjivar

The Somerville Museum presented its annual awards at its Annual Meeting on Friday, December 13. The Museum’s awards program honors organizations and individuals that have served the City of Somerville or the Museum, making important contributions to the community.

Theatre@First, a community theater based in Davis Square, will present the world premiere of a new adaptation of H.G. Wells’ science fiction/horror classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, March 14-29 at Unity Church on William Street.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The annual Rás na hEireann road race, a celebration of spring, took place through the streets of Somerville on Sunday, March 16. All runners and walkers were invited to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This race was born in Ireland and named in honor of its famous sister race, the Ras na hEireann International Cross Country held in Termonfechin, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As a kid growing up in Somerville, I always wanted to be a famous rock star.  We all know how that turned out!

I wanted to grow up to be Paul McCartney. My friend wanted to be Paul McCartney’s wife. (I hope it was the nice one!) Back then, I didn’t think about the money, just the coolness.

Three members of the Somerville Fire Department were promoted at the March 13 City Council meeting. Lieutenant Thomas Bellini was promoted to Captain and Firefighters Andrew Tkaczuk and Christopher Galvin were promoted to Lieutenant. L to R: Lt. Christopher Galvin, Asst. Fire Chief Sean Tierney, Mayor Ballantyne, Lt. Andrew Tkaczuk, Fire Chief Charles Breen and Captain Thomas Bellini.

297 Medford is located near the green line, high school, and the central library. A development in its formative stages.

By Liam Beretsky-Jewell

Cambridge-based developer Just A Start (JAS) and The Somerville Community Land Trust (SCLT) have begun the process of planning a 6-to-7-story affordable housing development at 297 Medford Street, a prime location near the Gilman Square T station. JAS is a non-profit, who currently preserves and maintains 645 units of affordable housing, spanning about 20 developments across Cambridge.

The Somerville City Council has taken steps to reaffirm disability rights with a resolution intended to bolster such protections.

By Carlie Lombardi

Somerville’s City Council has taken a firm stance in defense of disability rights by passing a resolution in support of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This decision comes in response to a legal challenge from 17 states that threatens to weaken protections for people with disabilities across the country.

Mayor Ballantyne’s “level service budget” resonates with some members of the City Council, while others favor differing approaches.

By Jeffrey Shwom

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is currently evaluating a level service FY2026 budget with no increases or decreases to current programs, staffing, and services, except for inflation and fixed cost adjustments (like utilities or pension payments).

On Saturday, March 22, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Church will be celebrating Greek Independence Day and honoring our local war hero George Dilboy at Somerville City Hall. All are welcome to join up at City Hall at 11 a.m. to celebrate Greek Heritage and honor our local hero George Dilboy. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.