238^th Flag Raising commemorated atop Prospect Hill by City officials, residents, and “George Washington” on horseback

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Historic Preservation Commission Director Brandon Wilson announced that the 238th annual “Grand Union” flag-raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at 12 p.m. A processional led by a re-enactor portraying General George Washington on horseback will leave from the City Hall Concourse, at 93 Highland Ave., at 11:30 a.m. As always, members of the public are invited to  participate, and are encouraged to wear traditional colonial clothing.

Cover art for Jef Czekaj’s book “A Call For A New Alphabet.”

First used in the Middle Ages to describe the sketching of a subject for a piece of art, cartooning has evolved over time to serve a number of purposes–from entertainment to advertising  to political and social commentary. Doodle is a show on cartoons in all of its forms.

  Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I’m not dreaming of White Christmas, no. My old bones are tired of shoveling snow.

It’s supposed to be a season of peace, but sometimes that’s a crock.

Just try getting a parking space when you go out to shop.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to the Kmart store at Middlesex Ave. last week after receiving a report that a shoplifter had been detained by store loss prevention personnel.

In questioning store employees, it was reported that a woman, Theresa Whalen, 57, had been spotted placing store merchandise into a shopping basket, then attempting to leave the store without paying.

Somerville High School presents ‘Annie’
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Rehearsing for the upcoming Somerville High school musical Annie just before Christmas are sophomore Nickolas Eliadis as Oliver Warbucks and senior Brianna Xavier as his assistant Grace. ~Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

What’s in your heart matters more than what’s in your bank account. That’s a fitting sentiment for the holiday season. But it’s also the message at the core of this winter’s Somerville High School musical, Annie.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Whatever you celebrate, the holidays are a time to spend with family and often reconnect with people we may have lost touch with. Some of us send Christmas cards, and others write letters updating friends and family with the events that have marked our lives throughout the past year. Though I look forward to holiday notes filled with warmth and well wishes, I do wish we could all carry this sense of connection with us throughout the year.

 By Jim Clark

Last Thursday, members of the Somerville Police Department Anti Crime and Drug/Vice Control Unit, engaged in an ongoing investigation of alleged sex trade activity conducted by way of solicitation on the Internet, responded to an advertisement reportedly made by Magan Dugas, 25, of Boston.

“Best Variety” and “Best All-Around Restaurant,” Kelly’s Diner at 674 Broadway (Ball Square) brings you back to the old diner days, offering the nostalgia of comfort food for breakfast and lunch.