Five Things You Need to Know Today

The Somerville High School Varsity Girls' Basketball team just named a new coach. Mr. Shannon Clark, who recently was serving as Head Coach of the Wheelock College Women's Basketball Team, has been selected to coach the Somerville team.  A school department press release notes that, "Prior to coaching NCAA Division III ball, Mr. Clark was the Assistant Varsity Coach at Boston College High School. During his tenure at BC High the team won back to back Catholic Conference crowns, celebrated an undefeated season (2007) and won its first ever state title." Another feather in his cap? Shannon also recently served as Assistant Coach of the Simmons College Women's Basketball Team. In his last year there, the release notes that, "the team significantly increased their scoring percentages, points per game, three-point shots, free throw percentages, and individual assists." 

Harvest Fest tickets are selling fast. The 2^nd Annual Harvest Fest will celebrate all things local—from food to music to fashion—on Saturday at the Center for Arts at the Armory for two sessions (1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.). Anyone who wants to sample the edibles at this benefit party should order their tickets soon ($20). Once the food-enabled tickets sell out, $10 passes will be sold for those who just want to take in the entertainment. Tickets may be ordered here.

Saturday Oct. 9 is a Household Hazardous Waste Collection day. From 9 a.m. to noon, Somerville residents may drop off hazardous materials for disposal at the Department of Public works at One Franey Road (behind Trum Field). Items accepted in reasonable quantities (no more than will fit in a normal passenger car trunk) are: paints, thinners, cleaners, motor oil, antifreeze, mercury thermometers, car batteries and fluorescent bulbs/tubes.

Oompa Loompa auditions are tomorrow. Grade school students get a shot at the big time (of school theater, that is) at tomorrow's elementary school auditions for roles in the high school's production of the musical "Willy Wonka." Students in grades 3-5 are invited to audition by learning and then performing a short song with dance steps. All students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the audition. Up to two students per elementary school will be cast in the show. Auditions will be held Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. in the Somerville High School Auditorium.

Wednesday volunteers are needed. Every third Wednesday of the month, volunteers are needed by Somerville Cambridge Elder Services to help prepare bags of donated groceries for area low-income seniors. If you can help out in two weeks on Wed. Oct. 20, from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m., give them a call. More info here.