The 2017 edition of Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival entertained appreciative attendees at Powderhouse Park this weekend.

By Fiona Sharp

On Saturday, June 17, Joe’s Jazz and Blues Fest was held in Somerville’s Powderhouse Park. This annual event was started by Mayor Joe Curatone, who played trumpet in the Somerville High School Jazz Band.

By William A. White Jr.
Alderman At-Large

Last week’s story in The Somerville Times about the Union Square zoning vote incorrectly stated that my “decision to support US2 as the master developer to sign the covenant was based upon the benefits associated with the group’s interest and flexibility towards the project.” I am very troubled by that mischaracterization of my words on such an important issue to the residents of this City. The video recording of the meeting clearly shows that I never said anything about supporting US2 as the master developer to sign the covenant. Nor did I say anything about their interest or flexibility. I appreciate this opportunity from The Somerville Times to correct that error and discuss the reasons for my vote on that zoning.

This Saturday evening, June 24, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m., “East Somerville Reunion 17” will be held the Somerville City Club. Anyone that grew up in East Somerville is invited to attend to meet and greet old friends and reminisce about your park or the corner you grew up on, and so much more. Come and have some fun. Hook up with old friends. Eat, drink, and dance your ass off to a live band. Tickets are $10 each, available at the City Club bar. $15 at the door. This is an adult only event. No one under 21 allowed. We know what it was like back in the day to grow up in a unique part of Somerville. The last reunion had well over 100 attendees. It looks like this year’s event may be even more successful. Go to the Facebook page “East Somerville 17” and check in if you will be attending. The reunion is the idea of Dan Rogovich and his committee. They have worked hard to make this a success. A big thank you for having Somerville Pride, in particular East Somerville Pride.

A special luncheon was held by the Somerville Kiwanis at their well attended weekly meeting at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. Three members were honored for their many years of steadfast dedication and their many contributions to the Somerville Kiwanis, the oldest service club in Somerville, founded in 1925. Pictured here (from L to R) Distinguished Past President James “Jay” Lynch, 30 years service; Ross Blouin, 35 years service; and Joseph Benoit, 35 years service. The awards were presented by Michael McWilliams, President of Kiwanis 2016 – 2017.

Erica Voolich congratulates Anmol Maini on winning the Charlotte and Dr. Irving Fradkin scholarship from the Somerville Mathematics Fund.

By Rebecca Danvers

The Somerville Mathematics Fund recently announced the winners of their renewable mathematics scholarships for 2017. The Math Fund was founded to celebrate and encourage math achievement and these students deserve to be celebrated for their work in math and science while in high school. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and a few organizations, this year they were able to award a record 8 scholarships, totaling $32,000 over four years.

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Pastéis de nata, torta de nadas, and pastéis de Belém are other names that these sweet, custardy confections also go by.

Winter Hill Community Innovation School students, in collaboration with Boston Celtics, Alex and Ani, are off and running in their Give and Go Program efforts to raise money to help the National Autism Association.

By Tom Bannister

The Winter Hill Community Innovation School is well on their way to reaching their goal of 7,000 energy points in support of a good cause, the National Autism Association.

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I met singer/songwriter Ron Israel at the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square. Although I was unable to secure my usual seat in the back of the bustling cafe, I did manage to get a window seat in the front for our interview. Israel is a man of a certain age, with an elfin and inquisitive look about him. He proved to be contemplative and deliberative in our conversation.

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Our featured poet this week is Somerville’s Ed Meek. Ed is a poet and fiction writer. His latest short story collection is titled Luck.

Construction for phase one of the Winter Hill Schoolyard project is scheduled to begin on the Thurston St. level on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. The first phase involves transferring the asphalt court on the lower level into a turf playing field. This field responds to the needs of the school’s Physical Education program and recess use and creates additional community capacity for small fields as called for in the City’s Athletic Fields Master Planning Staff Report from June 2016.