The Somerville Arts Council and Somerville Media Center present an ArtsUnion and Cinema Somerville Short Film Fest on Saturday, May 19th from 8:00-9:30pm held in Union Square plaza or indoors at SMC (in case of inclement weather). Any further questions, please contact Erica Jones at ejones@scatvsomerville.org.

Somerville High School alumni tours, organized by the Somerville Teachers Association, will take place on Saturday, March 24. Take this opportunity to go through the old high school building before it goes away.

• Admission is free, but if anyone would like to donate, all proceeds will go to the fund (a 501c3) to be awarded to SHS and Full Circle seniors in 2019. They will accept donations in cash or checks. If you would like to donate ahead of time, see below. All participants will receive a commemorative ticket.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

Our Public Library represents only 1% of annual city expenses, but it may be the budget’s most cost-effective line item. It stewards a wealth of assets that we all hold in common. And it exists as rare common ground in which the different Somervilles that comprise our city encounter each other.

Join in this Thursday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., for the Opening of the 18th Annual Irish Film Festival, Boston, as the Somerville Theatre presents two award-winning films, then enjoy the after-party at Orleans Restaurant.

By Jim Clark

Police officers responded to a call last Friday morning reporting a robbery at knifepoint at a pharmacy on Broadway.

A description of the suspects, two males and two females, and the suspect vehicle was provided to the responding officers. The suspect vehicle, a rental car, bore a Florida license plate.

All cars must be moved from City metered lots by 11:30 a.m. Thursday to avoid ticketing and towing. Cars in School lots may remain there until 7 a.m. Friday.

Schools remain canceled on Thursday.

Due to lower than forecasted snow totals, the City of Somerville’s snow emergency will be lifted effective 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 22. The information below offers tips to avoid ticketing and towing as well as strategies for being a good neighbor and staying safe.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers.

16 percent reduction in motor vehicle crashes: Last year we saw a 16 percent reduction in total motor vehicle crashes – with none of them resulting in fatalities – in Somerville. The year also represented a five-year low in motor vehicle crashes involving bicycles and a seven-year low in motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians.

~ Photos by Mary Marshall and Caroline Rosas