Donations can be dropped off at the Office of Veterans’ Services located in the City Hall Annex at 50 Evergreen Ave. or at the Welcome desk at Somerville City Hall .

Somerville Office of Veterans’ Services Partners with Fisher College Student Veterans for “Adopt-a-Service Member” Campaign

For 11 Years Fisher College has adopted a service member overseas and in their honor, the Fisher community has come together to assemble care packages to send to our troops overseas. This year, the Somerville Office of Veterans’ Services joins the Fisher College Student Veterans’ Organization to collect items to send to our troops.

Just in time to complete your holiday shopping, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission has “Preserving Somerville” merchandise available for sale. The T-shirts (youth and adult sizes), long-sleeved shirts, and tote bags, designed by Somerville High School students, come in a variety of colors that can be viewed on the Commission’s website at www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation. Full color woven and washable afghans are also available and include images of iconic historic sites in the City.

Join Mayor Curtatone and City staff for Somerville’s annual holiday celebrations, kicking off on Thursday, December 7, with the Christmas Tree Lighting and visit from Santa Claus, on the City Hall Concourse.

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers.

By Joseph A. Curtatone 

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

1 of 2 Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Communities in Massachusetts: The League of American Bicyclists announced last week that Somerville earned the distinction of a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community, joining our neighbors in Cambridge as the only two communities in the Commonwealth to do so. There are 29 Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Communities in the United States.

The Board of Aldermen is considering amendments to the city’s rodent control ordinance that would increase penalties for those found in violation of the official rules and guidelines.

By Jim Clark

The City of Somerville’s Board of Aldermen once again took a look at the issue of rodent control at their latest meeting, this time examining the possibilities of increasing penalties and fines for those who do not follow established guidelines in the ongoing battle against rodent infestation.

Vernon Street Studios opened its doors to the public, sharing the works and workspaces of its talented group of dedicated artists.

By Kalina Newman

On December 2 and 3, Somerville residents were allowed exclusive access into Vernon Street Studios for its semiannual “Open Studios” celebration. Sponsored by Artscope Magazine, during the six-hour event visitors were allowed into almost all of the workspaces and had the opportunity to both interact and purchase artwork directly from the artists. According to the Vernon Street website, the event allows the public to “learn about the creative process … and discover new talent.”

The Next Wave and Full Circle Alternative schools’ 22nd Annual Tree Lot Fundraiser is being held at a new location this year, at the Edgerly Building on the corner of Cross Street and Bonair Street. All proceeds will go to supporting student scholarships, trips and behavioral management programs. The lot is operated entirely by teachers and students, who volunteer their time on evenings and weekends during the busy holiday season. The trees and decorative wreaths are being sold from now to December 18 between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the weekends.

By Kit Un
Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and representatives of the 14 cities and towns of the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition of Greater Boston announced the creation of a new regional housing partnership on Tuesday.

By Tom Bannister

On Monday night at the Mt. Vernon Restaurant, both The Norton Group Real Estate and The Somerville Times had their second annual joint Christmas/holiday dinner party. Approximately 30 individuals associated with both companies enjoyed a great night of good fun and celebration together. Gifts were presented to all who attended. It was a great night. If you are looking for a great place for a holiday party, it’s hard to beat the Mt. Vernon. The food was excellent and the desert was the talk of the night – well, except for the speech by the host. 2017 was a good year, by comparison, and hopefully 2018 will be another one.
~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Attorney Philip Privitera presented Principal Dr. Holly Hatch with a Mystic Valley Angel Fund check for $1,000 to benefit the East Somerville Community School. L-R: School Counselor Jean Devanthry, Mystic Valley Treasurer Theodore Wilson, Attorney Philip Privitera, Principal Dr. Holly Hatch, and School Counselor Carlie Caliori.

By Tom Bannister

On December 5, Somerville Attorney Philip Privitera and Former Executive Director of the Schools for Children, Inc., Theodore Wilson, visited the East Somerville Community School. They were welcomed by Principal Dr. Holly Hatch and School Counselors Jean Devanthry and Carlie Calioro, and then, introduced to three seventh graders named Ana, Douglas and Zia.