John R. Doncaster, a lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away surrounded by his devoted family at home on Saturday, April 01, 2017, he was 76. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late John R. and Doris (Johnston) Doncaster-Walsh. A graduate of Somerville High School with the Class of 1958, John proudly served in the US Army and was a research specialist with the Polaroid Corp, retiring with over 30 years of service.

On April 12, Saloon will host the second annual tribute evening in honor of Ken Kelly, notable Somerville restaurateur and business leader who passed in December 2015, after a long battle with cancer. In 2001, Kelly founded The Independent in Union Square and later opened sister restaurants Foundry on Elm, Saloon, Brass Union and River Bar in addition to the Rockwell Theater.

State Representative Mike Connolly, from the Somerville/Cambridge 26th Middlesex district, recently spoke with Greater Somerville host Joe Lynch about the latest news and initiatives in the 26th.

Somerville resident Kirk Etherton.

Doug Holder interviews Somerville, Ma. poet Kirk Etherton about his involvement in the Boston National Poetry Festival. The festival was founded by Harris Gardner and Lainie Senechal.
Listen here.

*

One day while browsing at my local second-hand store, I came across a box of old photos. The earliest were the large cardboard photos depicting people in their presumed home city in Europe going about their lives. There were a few dozen or so photos of that period. Some showed dour looking people in a Jewish graveyard in the Roaring ’90s. Not too terribly exciting or popular in the photo resale market but, the whole box was only $3.

This morning’s sunrise in Davis Square.

— Photo by Joe Ruvido.

New Street Sweeping Alerts Now Available

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Traffic and Parking Department remind all residents that regular street sweeping schedules officially resume Saturday, April 1, and continue through Dec. 31, 2017. Since street sweeping takes place only on weekdays, this means the first day of sweeping this season will take place on Monday, April 3. 

Coach Richard Johnstin is giving his best to the kids of Playworks New England. ~ Photos courtesy of Playworks New England

By Allison Epstein

Many Americans struggle with navigating life after retirement. For Richard Johnstin, 66, of Somerville, who spent 10 years working as a senior planner for RCA Automated Systems Department and 18 years working at Somerville Community Schools After-School Program, retirement came too early. After a series of company layoffs and time away from his students, Johnstin was at a crossroads. For his second act, he found a renewed sense of passion and purpose on the playground working full-time as a Coach for Playworks New England.

A Gracious Professionalism® award and a top four finish was earned by the members of the Somerville High School Highlander Robotics team in Revere last weekend.

By Rebecca Danvers

Somerville High School Highlander Robotics team notched a final four finish at the latest competition, held in Revere last weekend. Somerville was also awarded the Gracious Professionalism^® award in recognition of their outstanding sportsmanship.