By David R. Smith

The year that was will continue to shape Somerville well into the new year and beyond.

Large-scale plans for revitalizing whole sections of the city took steps – sometimes small and sometimes large – towards becoming reality. And changes made in 2013 to who will represent Somerville and its residents, whether through resignations or elections, will no doubt influence the direction of where the city goes over the next 12 months and beyond.

Happy New Year to all Villens out there from the publisher and staff of The Somerville Times. Let’s hope that 2014 is a better year for all.

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Don’t forget Jan. 1 is the annual raising of the first flag over Prospect Hill. The ceremony will begin at noon at the tower, with a group of locals starting off at City Hall in a small parade marching to the monument. We have a new flagpole at the monument. From the weather forecast, it’s going to be a cold day. Still, for those of you who are new to Somerville, this annual ceremony is one not to miss.

Joseph Balistreri.

By David R. Smith

A Somerville man will spend the next two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty Friday, Dec. 27, to charges stemming from racially motivated harassment and threats against an MBTA employee.

Somerville Times Publisher Ross Blouin presents a very pleased Ada Tauro, owner of Bostonian Florist, with her certificate for “”Best Florist” in the annual Best of Somerville awards. Bostonian Florist has been in business now for about 13 years. Located at 92 Highland Ave. across from City Hall, its hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (it is closed Sundays). Ada’s green thumb is evident throughout her store, and she has made it even easier to see what she offers by going to her website at www.bostonianflorist.com or by checking out her Facebook page (search “Bostonian Florist”).  If you need flowers for the holidays (remember, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!) and those special occasions, she’s the one.

We wish her many years of success! You can reach the shop by calling 617-629-9300 or toll free at 866-267-7673. Congratulations, Ada Tauro, for being voted “Best of Somerville 2013.”

Lorne A. “Mr. Murph” Murphy will be honored by the SHS Basketball community on Friday, Jan. 3.

On May 25, 2012 a treasured member of the Somerville High School Basketball family was lost. Mr. Lorne A. Murphy, affectionately known as “Mr. Murph,” passed at the age of 85. Mr. Murph was the beloved husband of the late Mary (DeStefano). He was the father of Judy DiBiase and longtime Somerville Public School Teacher Lorne P. Murphy.

Students in the 4th grade at Kennedy School, Ms. Connors and Ms. O’Keefe’s room, have been busy making bracelets, necklaces, and rings to raise money to help the people in the Philippine Islands recover from Typhoon Haiyan. Students create their wares at lunch, during snack and any free time they can find. They have been very industrious. Their hard work has paid off. In their first sale they were able to raise over $170 just in the first 2 hours. Look for announcements for future sales in the new year.

By Jim Clark

A fight at a Central St. mental health facility was reported to police last Wednesday, Christmas Day.

Investigating officers were informed that a client, Philip MacLeod, 68, had allegedly assaulted another resident at the facility, reportedly shoving him several times and spitting on him.

I think any serious writer who claims he or she doesn’t spend a lot of time and effort to find just the right word, is either telling a lie or is in serious denial. Poet/Writer/Salem St. University professor J.D. Scrimgeour fits this bill. Whether he is writing a poem about a badly disfigured woman or a passage about a basketball game, he makes sure the words make the writing come to life.

Arrests:
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Christopher Unger, 24, of 110 Perkins St., December 24, 10:45 a.m., arrested at home on a charge of assault and battery.

Carlos Sanchez, 22, of 59 Pearl St., December 25, 1:36 a.m., arrested at home on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and destruction of property over $250.