By Tom Bannister

Tufts University is providing Somerville’s youth soccer and lacrosse programs with daily access to its athletic fields this spring sports season in an effort to help address a shortage of city fields. The arrangement continues Tufts’ commitment to supporting the youth of the university’s host communities.

Pizza Party May 10 for All Interested in Learning More

 The Somerville Housing Department is calling on members of the community to help spread the word about this year’s annual survey of youth who do not have a stable place to live. The Youth Count is an effort to gain a clearer understanding of the housing status and story of youth without a stable place to stay on any given night in Somerville and Arlington.

By  Jordan Deschenes

Justin Buswell (center left) and Seamus Lynch (center right) are sworn in as Somerville Police Officers at the Board of Aldermen meeting on April 27. Buswell was formerly a police dispatcher in Arlington and Lynch is a rehabilitation specialist for the Somerville Council of Aging.

Bob, age nine, holding forth on his porch with Muhammed Ali. — Photo by Gordon Parks

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)

Thirty-two years ago, Bob Massie came to Somerville to serve as pastor for Christ Church, a small Episcopal congregation that was on the border between Winter Hill and East Somerville.

On May 16, his campaign kickoff at the Armory will be the next step in a circuitous journey, strewn with adversity and accomplishment.  And it should presage the most intriguing gubernatorial race in a long time.

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In addition to the over two dozen local candidates running this year for elective office in Somerville, the candidates for Massachusetts Governor already are campaigning in Somerville. SCATV’s Greater Somerville producer and host Joe Lynch, recently spoke with candidate for Massachusetts governor, Jay Gonzalez.

Seven students from Somerville High School’s Career and Technical Education Program competed on April 27-29 for the Skills USA State Competition.

The program’s purpose is preparing the high school students for the workforce. They focus on their vocation training as well as leadership and business skills.

By Louise Carpenter

During the House budget debate this week, Medford and Somerville State Representative Christine P. Barber successfully secured an amendment in the House budget establishing a special commission to study and report on childhood vision and eye health. Charged with studying children’s vision care and quality, commission members will ultimately develop recommendations to ensure all children receive vision screenings and necessary follow-up care.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police conducted a selective enforcement operation last week aimed at spotting motor vehicle operators who were distracted while driving.

One officer was stationed at the upper parking lot of the Police Station, acting as a spotter. Another officer maintained a position at the corner of Merriam and Washington Street, where motorists in violation could be pulled over.

Please join Mayor Joe Curtatone, the Somerville Arts Council, The Welcome Project, and Somerville Photographer Randi Freundlich for an exhibit of her ongoing series Children of the World. Twenty-eight color photographs are on exhibit at Somerville City Hall, at 93 Highland Avenue in Somerville, through June 2017. A public reception will be held on May 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Freuindlich’s exhibit is on display in Somerville City Hall through a Somerville Arts Council grant.

Many of Somerville’s finest artist will be throwing open the doors to their studios for the 19th annual Somerville Open Studios.

By Hannes Remmert

This coming weekend, local artists will open their studios and workshops all over the city to the public during the 19th annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS).

SOS will take place this Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Organized by the non-profit organization of the same name, over 340 artists will be participating in the admission-free event. Additionally, on Friday, May 5, some artists will open their studios as a preview of the event from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.