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)

The Board of Aldermen took great steps this month toward keeping our community affordable and leveraging new development to enhance residents’ job and career opportunities. Three votes made this happen.

Popular City afghans have been redesigned, depict various historic sites in Somerville

Looking for the perfect holiday gift to show your Somerville pride? Look no further! The city is now offering a brand new, full color, and machine washable afghan, that highlights many local historic landmarks and events, including the Raid on the Powder House; the Round House; Somerville High School, West Branch Library; Somerville Museum; and other special assets. The afghan can be seen here on the Historic Preservation Commission’s website (www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation) and on display at City Hall.

– Photos by Claudia Ferro

The East Somerville Community School Winter Concert was held Friday, Dec. 13. Students in kindergarten through grade 8 performed more than a dozen songs covering a wide range of styles and genres, such as Jingle Bell Rock, Oh, How Lovely and Cape Cod Girls.

Casino bid clears suitability review
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Casino owner Steve Wynn (2nd from right), who plans to build a resort casino on the Mystic River in Everett, appeared before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Monday in a public hearing that was streamed live on the internet, accompanied by (left to right) Wynn Resorts executives James Stern and Kim Sinatra, and former Gov. William Weld, who was acting as Wynn’s attorney.

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Steve Wynn wants you to know he runs a clean business. The Las Vegas-based casino owner moved another step forward in his bid to build a casino in Everett, when he appeared before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission this week to make the case for his company’s suitability to hold a gaming license in this state.

Alderman at Large Connolly presented outgoing Ward 7 Alderman Trane with his special citation, after which the honoree shared his admiration and affection for the members of the Board and the constituents he served.

By Jim Clark

Five outgoing members of the City of Somerville Board of Alderman were honored with special citations at last week’s regular meeting of the Board, in recognition of their service to the city.

By David R. Smith

Fourteen years is a long time to be away from someplace you love, and coming back after so long should have taxed my memory when it came to which exit to take and which streets went where.

But it didn’t. Bad memories you repress; good ones you cherish.

This Thursday night, the 19th, at the Holiday Inn, East Somerville Main Streets Holiday Celebration takes place. They celebrate the holidays and another successful year for the East Somerville community. The Holiday Celebration will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and various door prizes, including a one night ‘Stay-cation’ at the Holiday Inn. The Holiday Celebration will be held 6-9 p.m. at Metropolitan Square inside the Holiday Inn at 30 Washington Street in Somerville. Please RSVP to info@eastsomervillemainstreets.org. A suggested donation of $10 will be accepted at the door. Just some of the Door Prizes: Gift certificates to East End Grille, Mount Vernon Restaurant, Some ‘Ting Nice Caribbean Restaurant, a wine basket from Joe’s Liquors, and a $100 gift certificate from our friends at Empire Tattoo.

Don’t forget to keep those all-important fire hydrants clear of snow.

By David R. Smith

With the snow comes a list of policies and procedures residents need to know to help keep the streets clean, clear and safe. The city’s policies include regulations for snow plowing, property owner and city responsibilities both before and after snowstorms, parking restrictions during snow emergencies and more. Residents are encouraged to sign up for phone, email and/or text notifications through the city’s alert system by visiting http://www.somervillema.gov/.

The Somerville Times Publisher Ross Blouin congratulates Renee’s Café, located at 198 Holland Street (corner of Claremon and Holland), for winning “Best of Somerville Breakfast” for 2013. It’s easy to see and taste why Renee’s was voted Best Breakfast here in Somerville. The food is great, with a large selection on the menu, and just a nice twist of something good for the morning to get your day going.

Team Mass wins the first one 48 to 0 on the way to the Alamo Dome. 6 of the best 8th graders in the state are from Somerville Youth Football.

Six 8th grade football players from the Somerville Youth Football Program have been chosen to play for Team Mass, an All-Star team made of 35 of the best players from around the state.