Mayor Curtatone addressed questions posed by members of the Somerville City Council regarding hiring transparency issues as part of the FY20 budget development process.

By Erin Nolan

The Somerville City Council debated the transparency of the budget for the 2020 Fiscal year at a recent special meeting, held on Wednesday, June 5, in which the budget – amounting to some $254,654,111 – was presented by Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

Greentown Labs opened its doors to the public, press, and elected officials last week to show off all that has been going on there over the past year, and what is yet to come.

By Melissa Rosales

On  Friday,  June 7, Greentown Labs had its annual showcase and celebration of clean tech entrepreneurship and innovation. The goal of Demo Day is to bring entrepreneurs, partners, investors, elected officials and clean tech supporters together to “drive collaboration, progress, and climate action.”

This Saturday, June 15, finally, it’s the Third East Somerville Reunion at the Somerville City Club, across from Holiday Inn on Innerbelt Road. Thanks to hard work and efforts put into this by Dan Rogovich and his small but dedicated bunch of helpers, it should be a great one once again for one and all. The last time was two years ago and well over 100 to 150 attendees showed up from all over the state and across the country. Lots of people who grew up in East Somerville have missed the last two but wanted to have a third. Some of us here at The Somerville Times are from East Somerville we will be there and have already reached out to others. A small group of “down backers” behind the Bucket who grew up there in the 60’s will all be there. They meet every four or so months to talk about old times and great times. Help make this a success. Go online to Facebook to check it out. Ask Dan what you can do to help. He is looking for the food, entertainment and just plain East Somerville fun. Dan and his small crew have been working on this event, when you get there thank him for doing this. It’s a great way to bring back old memories of the best section of the city East Somerville, so many stories and old friends. Pictures will be taken for next week’s paper.

The First Annual 21+ Silent Disco at Assembly Row brought party people out to shake their groove thangs last Friday evening.

By Jennifer Grimes

On Friday night, June 7, Assembly Row by Assembly Square kicked off their First Annual 21+ Silent Disco. People 21 and over were seen dancing, laughing, and having an enjoyable time while sporting LED headphone sets. The event was hosted by Boston Free Radio and powered by Quiet Events (the headphone brand provider), with portions of the ticket’s proceeds going to RESPOND Inc.

By Marshall Collins

Last week, at the Visiting Nurse Association of Eastern Massachusetts on Lowell Street in Somerville, the city’s Planning Board convened to hear from members of the community about a number of cases. But, a case that was top of mind for many of those in attendance was if Union Square’s first phase of commercial and residential development could economically support moving the above-grade parking garage to below-grade.

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Try adding a sweet, spicy crunch to your salads with these candied pecans. They also go great with ice cream, or even add a bowl to your charcuterie platter. Another great addition to add to your pantry so you have them on hand at all times.

On June 6,  Marianne Walles turned in 300 nomination petition signatures, 50 more than the required number.  She is the first to submit qualifying signatures in the race. A lifelong resident of Somerville, daughter of an immigrant and mother of two boys, Ms. Walles enters the race determined to address issues like affordable housing and local jobs that have long been ignored by the incumbent mayor.

It is an event in our nation’s history that we have heard about all our lives. That we live in the very heart of this hallowed place is a remarkable gift. In return, we are called upon to pay particular attention to the passage of this special anniversary.

The Battle of Bunker Hill – or the Battle of Breed’s Hill, depending on which historian, qualified or not, is speaking – is, as we have all been taught, considered the first significant battle of the Revolutionary War.

— Photos by Bobby Potaris

The Committee to Elect Mary Marshall for Ward 3 School Committee hosted her campaign kickoff fundraiser on Wednesday, June 5, at The Neighborhood Restaurant in Union Square. The public was welcome to attend. You can find out more about Marshall’s campaign platform by going to her website: MaryVMarshall.com.

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Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Dennis Daly

Living well demands a nobility of style, opportunity, ability and daring. Dying well demands a good sense of self, stoicism, and a lot of luck. Very few mortals, unfortunately, achieve both estimable objectives. Stephen Ramey Glines, in his first novel, Poplar Hill, chronicles the life of one rather eccentric woman named Kitty Stevenson, who, with finesse and karma to spare, attains each of these aspirations.