Somerville now 43^rd Massachusetts community to detect the destructive pest

State officials have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer – an invasive beetle responsible for the destruction of millions of ash trees in the United States – in the City of Somerville. This is the first detection in Somerville, making it the 43^rd Massachusetts community to confirm the presence of the pest. On August 10, the beetle was found during a routine inspection of ash borer traps and submitted to the State Department of Conservation and Recreation Forest Health Program, which confirmed the detection on Friday, August 17.

Artist Marka27, who lives in Cambridge, will create a mural in Union Square. — Photo courtesy of Marka27

By Shira Laucharoen

Colorful murals created by internationally acclaimed artists will deck the outer walls of storefronts in East Somerville and Union Square. Through a mini festival produced by the Somerville Arts Council, three artists, Evaristo Angurria, David Zayas, and Victor “Marka27” Quinonez, will paint the murals from August 21 to 31.

By William C. Shelton

After 34 years as a probation officer, my friend Bob McWatters retired last month, having done something remarkable in what many would consider to be an unremarkable line of work. Most Villens who have known him as neighbor, Alderman, or Clerk of Committees do not know that his innovation won national and international attention.

I want to tell you about it. But first, I want to describe the path that led him there.

(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)

By JT Scott
Ward 2 Alderman

Sexual harassment is a major problem. We know from looking at the news that government is no exception. On investigating this problem locally, I discovered that Somerville does not keep track of sexual harassment trends.

Tonight, Wednesday, August 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sally O’Brien’s on Somerville Avenue, Union Square, Mayor Joe Curtatone and former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay invite all to a reception for Jimmy Tingle, who is a candidate for Lt. Governor. Suggested contributions from $50, $100, $250 & $500. For more information, contact the Tingle committee at 617-441-0522.

L to R: Dartmouth Guarini School Dean F. Jon Kull, Dr. Don Pease, Phil Privitera, Dean Lee Coffin, and Payton Privitera.

By Francis J. Kautz, Esq.

On Thursday, August 16, Dartmouth College held a dinner honoring Somerville Attorney Philip J. Privitera. Privitera earned both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Dartmouth, and remains an active Dartmouth Alumnus serving on the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) Alumni Council.

Eagle Feathers #160 – The Rough Rider

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Brady Towers, the nine-story, 84-unit building at the intersection of Medford Street, McGrath Highway, and Highland Avenue, is a federally funded development that houses the elderly and young disabled. For many years, its front lobby boasted an attractive trophy case that displayed an interesting collection of memorabilia.

The summer season is winding down. Kids and families and, yes, our public officials have had their vacations and play time. Now it’s time to get back to the business of running the city. Or attempting to, at any rate.

And there is much to be done. A lot of hot button, high priority issues were left on the table when the sunscreen got packed into the luggage. Now it all awaits the scrutiny and care of both the public and the administrators of civic policy.

Event organizers invite all residents who like to camp to the 9th Annual Great Urban Campout, Saturday to Sunday, Aug 25 and 26. Also, people who aren’t regular campers can test out tenting and still have a way to get home in the middle of the night if need be. Join and share the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/509737246108227/ Come by at any point, whether or not you want to stay over.

Marilyn Ranker traversed the shoals of the Bloc 11 Cafe to the inner sanctum, my usual perch in the back of the said eatery in Union Square. I was munching on a bagel – a plain one – though longing for my multigrain, the very one the store assured me would have a second coming, as soon as it “rises.”