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Monday, May 21, 2012

The Winner of the Video Battle of the Bands is...

Who topped the six finalists and will get to perform a headlining gig at The Harp?

The President featuring L.E.S White is the winner of the Patch Video Battle of the Bands. The President featuring L.E.S White was the top vote-getter in the final round of the Battle of The Bands beating The Truezoos, Forget the Former, Scotty and the Gang, BlackLight SunRise and DCLA (Dukes County Love Affair). The President featuring L.E.S White’s “You Can Change That” featured Nicholas Kermelewicz of Wakefield and picked up 379 votes out of the approximately 1,000 votes cast by Patch readers over the two weeks of the final round. As the grand prize winner, The President featuring L.E.S. White wins a rockstar prize pack! The grand prize winner will headline a gig at The Harp in Boston, as well as receive a custom-designed event poster …

Karen Daley

1:20 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012

Congratulations! Great video!   more ›

PHOTOS: PorchFest Brings The Talented Out On The Stoop

Outdoor free concert program is in its second year.

Hundreds of acts performed a variety of music on porches throughout Somerville on Saturday, May 19.  Everything from bluegrass to jazz, rock, folk, Balkan, trance, world, "gypsy-punk," Cuban, "bubblegummy pop" and more were featured. One of the highlights was Porch-i-oke, where people sang along to a live band.

PHOTOS: Tufts University Class of 2012 Graduates

Tufts University's class of 2012 graduated Sunday.

Above photos are courtesy of Tufts University. Tufts University graduated its class of 2012 Sunday morning in front of thousands that gathered in The Green. Eric Greitens, an author, humanitarian and former Navy Seal, gave the commencement speech, in which he implored students to dedicate their lives to the things that bring them joy, but also contribute to society. "There are infinite possibilities for you for joy, for service, to make a contribution, and we need all of you to find your vocation," Greitens said. "To develop your joys, your passions, and to match them to the world’s great needs." Do you have a photo from the ceremony? Upload it to the gallery above.

Green Line Extension Planning Moves Ahead

A summary of what's been happening with the Green Line Extension since last summer's news of delays.

News last year that the long-awaited Green Line extension, once expected to be complete by October, 2015, was delayed further, with a completion date now set for around 2019, raised questions about the state's commitment to the project. In the past two months, regional transportation planners have continued moving forward with the project, and there's been a round of relatively good news for advocates. Here are some quick updates about the Green Line Extension: The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is responsible for mapping out transportation projects in the region, has included the Green Line Extension project in a draft report, giving the project, for now, its blessing. The Transportation Improvement Program report…

Matt C

8:57 am on Monday, May 21, 2012

This project is critical to the development of a broad section of Somerville. I am excited to see it happening and disappointed that it has been delayed as much as it has.   more ›

Tell Us: Best Place to Get Ice Cream In Somerville

Summer's on the way. Where do you get your ice cream fix?

Some like it in a cone, some like it in a cup. In Somerville you can ask for jimmies, which most likely is not a racist term, though some think it is. Of course, it's also a worrd for a certain type of prophylactic, so if you're anywhere else in the country, ask for sprinkles. Okay, now we've gotten off track. We're talking about ice cream. Summer is nearly here,  which means strolling to the ice cream parlor for a shake, sundae, cone or cup of our favorite dessert. Where's your favorite ice cream parlor in Somerville? The are only a few choices. Check them out below, then vote in our poll, leave reviews and write comments. We take all of that into concern when determining the winner. If we've forgotten an ice cream place, tell us in the …

Five Things: CupcakeCamp, Playing With Dogs

Plus, a "Dances with Wolves" discussion and an opportunity to row.

1) CupcakeCamp "CupcakeCamp," according to the organization's website, "is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and eat cupcakes in an open environment." It's in Somerville today, and you can sample cupcakes from scores of local professional and amateur bakers. It's at 7 p.m. at The Center for Arts at the Armory. A $25 VIP ticket will get you in at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit Lovin' Spoonfuls, a food rescue agency. 2) Dog play workshop Learn about how dogs play and how you can recognize good play and bad play. The workshop is at 7 p.m. at the Stop & Shop's second-floor community room. Leave your dogs at home. 3) "Dances with Wolves" Discuss the book and the movie at 7:30 p.m. at the Somerville Public Library. Part of …

Last Chance: Winter Farmers Market

It's official, summer is around the corner, which means it's the last weekend for the Winter Farmers Market.

The bad news: The last day of the Winter Farmers Market, held Saturdays at The Center for Arts at the Armory, is May 26. After that, it's closed for the season. The good news: The Union Square Farmers Market opens the following weekend, on June 2. Still, if you love the atmosphere of the Winter Farmers Market, with musicians, the Armory Cafe, the art gallery and the stands all packed together, this is your last chance to check it out until next year. If the weather's nice, the market may even be outside. Do you know of an important upcoming deadline? Share it in the comments below and we’ll consider including it in our next "Last Chance." You can also: Post your own events and announcements. Contact us at somerville@patch.com.

Somerville Little League: Standings and More

Parents: You can post Little League photos, send in game highlights, and write about and discuss the 2012 season on Somerville Patch. Read below.

Above are the current standings in Somerville Little League from somervillelittleleague.org. Parents: If you want to get coverage of your Little Leaguer's team on Somerville Patch, there are a bunch of options. Photos and video If you've got game photos or videos, click "Upload Photos and Videos" under the photo thumbnails. Once a week, we'll highlight them on the site. Publicize games Want to let friends in the community know they can come out to the ballpark and cheer on the team? Post games here. Announce accomplishments Did someone hit a home run, steal a base or make a great catch? Or do you just want announce something about a player or a game? Do so here. Write updates Maybe you want to post occasional updates about your Little …

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Learn How to Play With Dogs

The dog play workshop teaches dog owners about "good" play and "bad" play.

The Somerville Dog Owners Group, SomDog, is offering a workshop Monday about dog play. The workshop will feature a video and discussion, and it's designed to help Somerville dog owners become more aware of doggie behavior. Somerville's dogs, like Somerville's people, need to learn how to share limited space with each other. Here are descriptions of the event from SomDog: "Want to make the dog park a happy, healthy and safe place for your dog and others? Learn about good dog play, how to help your dog be the best of the buddies at the park and when to intervene to prevent problems before they happen. We will look at video of healthy and unhealthy play and discuss ways to make the dog park fun for all." —And— "Members of the community are …

Celebrate the Mystic River Today

Celebrations include the Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle, the unveiling of the EPA's 2011 Mystic River Report Card, a Bike to the Sea and an original play written by Somerville kids.

Editor's note: The following was provided by the Mystic River Watershed Association: Join the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) for the 16th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, May 20. The event includes a 5K road race (run/walk) along the USATF certified course beside the Mystic River and a 3, 9 or 12 mile canoe or kayak race through Somerville, Medford and Arlington to the Mystic Lakes. Participants may compete in the 5K race and 12 mile paddle race and be eligible for the Iron Herring Award for the top male and female with the fastest overall time. Teams of participants are encouraged, and many wonderful prizes have been donated by local establishments. Music, children’s activities, and educational exhibits by…

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