A hot topic of discussion in the city through the years is how best to deal with development and upkeep of our public recreational playing fields. Specifically, a debate is still underway concerning the use of artificial grass versus natural turf.

Those opposed to the artificial option point to safety concerns based on the chemical composition of the materials used, as well as the perceived unnatural way the turf responds to the activities of those who play on the fields. So called “heat islands” – i.e., excessive heat given off due to the nature of the turf’s materials – creates further cause for concern, in consideration of possible health risks to those who use the turf, along with larger scale environmental concerns.

Arrests:
*

Lakeitha Haygood, of 224 Georgetown Dr., Hyde Park, January 5, 9:25 p.m., arrested at Assembly Row on a charge of receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

Terina Smith, of 330 Bowdoin St., Dorchester, January 7, 6:22 p.m., arrested at Canal St. on charges of possession of a class B drug and removal of theft prevention device, and on warrant charges of removal of theft prevention device, shoplifting by asportation, larceny from a person, utter false prescription, utter false check, and larceny over $1200 by single scheme.

*

This article appeared in The Somerville Times in 2013.

If you want the full Shay Duffin experience, then listen and keep your mouth shut. Duffin, a master storyteller, is an accomplished Ireland-born actor and writer, who is in town performing his acclaimed one man show Shay Duffin As Brendan Behan: Confessions of An Irish Rebel, playing through March 31 at Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theatre, smack dab in the heart of Davis Square, Somerville.

*

Patrick Cuff is a writer and editor by trade. He is a fourth generation resident of Somerville. One grandfather worked for decades as a railroad linesman in Davis Square (when trains ran past the Somerville Theatre) and the other worked as a Somerville firefighter. Today, he rides the Red Line and puts out fires when cooking in his kitchen.

Somerville High School was very well-represented at the SkillsUSA Fall State Leadership Conference in late November. Eleven SHS students earned several medals at the competition held in Marlborough, MA, bringing home four gold, a silver, and a bronze. Conference participants receive intensive training focused on the SkillsUSA Frameworks elements of personal, workplace, and technical skills, and have opportunities to earn the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Leader Award.

Denise Provost

State Representative Denise Provost announced on January 12,  that she will not seek re-election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in November 2020. “This week sees the start of what will be my 15^th state budget cycle. I have given my utmost to representing the people of Somerville for many years now, and it has been an honor to do so. Now, it’s time for me to step aside.”

Somerville Prevention, a division of the Somerville Office of Health and Human Services, invites all community members to the presentation of the 2019 Student Health Survey, which was completed last year by Somerville students in middle school grades. The presentation, given in a game show-style with interactive trivia and facilitated by Somerville Positive Forces (SPF) youth, will be held on Thursday, January 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Connexion located at 149 Broadway. Light refreshments will be provided.

Somerville Media Center offers a set of free Digital Literacy Workshops for anyone wanting to improve their ability to navigate and participate in the digital media sphere. These sessions aim to expand digital inclusion with expert guidance on savvy smartphone use, better internet research, media production skills, graphic design, building a user friendly website, becoming a community journalist, deepening media literacy and critical consumption. These workshops will run from January – June and you can view the full list of workshops online here.

City calls on community to help shape aggressive plan to strive for Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries in Somerville

 Today, Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced the release of an ambitious 5-year draft plan to work toward the city’s Vision Zero goal, which aims to eliminate traffic crashes in Somerville that result in severe injuries and fatalities. Curtatone is calling on the community to review the draft plan, which was prepared by a community task force working with city staff and regional advocacy organizations. The plan is posted online for comment and will be discussed at upcoming public meetings (see below).

(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.)

An Open Letter to Mayor Curtatone:

An economically diverse community stimulates creativity, vitality and is essential to the functioning of the community. Clearly, economic diversity is one of the most important reasons that Somerville is such a desirable place to live.