Students across the district get first-hand look at how coding impacts our world through wide range of activities

Somerville Public Schools (SPS) students are joining millions of students from around the world in celebrating Computer Science Education Week, December 3-9. A variety of Hour of Code events will be taking place throughout the week at schools across the district. Every SPS student will have the opportunity to further their STEM learning by participating in special activities with teachers, community and university partners, as well as parent volunteers.

The Highlander Theatre Company (HTC), the resident theatre company of Somerville High School, will present the hit musical RENT: School Edition on December 6, 7, and 8 at the Centennial Auditorium at Somerville High School (SHS). With book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, this Tony and Pulitzer winning musical follows a year in the life of friends in New York’s Lower East Side during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s. Filled with laughter, tears, and a rock-infused score, RENT is a story about community, survival, and measuring life in love.

Nonprofit to Renovate Former Rest Home and Bring Behavioral Healthcare  and Human Service Programs to Benefit the Community

Riverside Community Care, a nonprofit provider of a broad range of behavioral healthcare and human service programs, today announced it has finalized an agreement to merge The Somerville Home into its operation and to occupy and improve the former rest home’s building for continued nonprofit community services.

Arrests:
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Franciso Rasate-Reyes, November 29, 6:52 a.m., arrested at Broadway on charges of disorderly conduct, trespassing, and resisting arrest.

Michele Ficara, of 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, November 30, 10:57 a.m., arrested at Artisan Way on warrant charges of larceny over $1200 by single scheme and felony nighttime breaking and entering.

Julie A. (Barber) Green of Barrington, NH passed away from breast cancer on November 29, 2018 at age 35, surrounded by her loving family and friends at home. Beloved wife of Erik D. Green. Adored sister of Christine P. Barber and her partner Ryan D. Peters of Somerville, MA. Cherished daughter of Patricia R. Barber and William G. Barber of South Kingstown, RI. Loved by her faithful dogs Onyx and Cookie. Julie is also survived by her aunt Elaine and Ken Parker, uncle Brian Rogers, and uncle Michael and Rita Rogers, by her in-laws Linda and Eric Lindwald, and by many cousins and friends.

The City of Somerville’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) invites all interested community members to an information session on Wednesday, December 12, to discuss upcoming renovations to Foss Park, planned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The meeting will be held at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St., from 6 to 8 p.m.

New volunteer coordinator Lindsay Smilack (left) works with former SCES volunteer manager Marie Mazzeo and newly hired elder care advisor Kristine Wiitala to help distribute Meals on Wheels dinners on Thanksgiving. Several agency employees braved the near-record cold to assist volunteers with the deliveries. ~Photo courtesy of SCES

By Colleen Morrissey

Meals on Wheels doesn’t take a day off for Thanksgiving and I would like to thank the many volunteers who braved the cold, so that our drivers could spend the holiday with their families.

All told, 47 volunteers helped with deliveries on Thursday, working alongside Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) employees who chose to come in on a day off and help out.

The East Somerville Community School and the Somerville Public Schools Music Department proudly present the East Somerville Community School Winter Concert 2018 on Tuesday, December 11, 9:00-11:00 a.m., at ESCS Auditorium, 50 Cross St. Please join in for this inspiring program featuring student work from general, vocal, and instrumental music classes, grades K-8. Free Admission.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro
The 27th Annual Somerville High School Craft Fair took place last Saturday with over 100 crafters and a snack bar. There were crafters from ceramics to jewelry and carved wood and everything in between.