Severe weather forces blood drive cancellations causing thousands of donations to go uncollected

This January, National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give now and help address a winter blood donation shortage.

Join Ward 6 Alderman Lance Davis, the Somerville Capital Projects and Planning Department, the Somerville Public Library, and the Design Team to discuss the updated plans for the West Branch Library. The meeting will take place on Monday, January 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue.

The City of Somerville’s Mid-Term Ceremonies and Mid-Term Addresses by Mayor Curtatone, the incoming President of the Board of Aldermen, and incoming Chairperson of the Somerville School Committee will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 7, in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.

The forecast this weekend  includes temperatures well below freezing. Given the expected extreme cold, we ask residents to review these extreme cold safety tips and check on neighbors or family members who may need assistance preparing for the cold.

The city has begun digging out from Thursday’s storm. Today snow removal took place in Ball Sq.

Photos by Mike Moccia of Ball Square Café, which is open for business.

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I got gold, silver and bronze!

Today’s finds included a good-sized single 18K white gold earring (2 grams of 18K equals about $60 in today’s gold market). I bought it for a dollar out of a basket of junk jewelry. I’ll add it to my small pile of gold to refine into pure gold and then stash it away in my bank box until my wife retires (I’ll work until I drop- I really like my job).

All cars must be moved from City and school lots by 4 p.m. to avoid ticketing and towing. Property owners must have shoveled sidewalks by 1 p.m. Friday (within 6 daylight hours following end of snowfall).

The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will end Friday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. and normal parking rules will resume at that time. The information below offers tips to avoid ticketing and towing as well as strategies for being a good neighbor and staying safe in the frigid temperatures.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

The easiest way for a developer to make excessive profits is to choose a land use for which there is overwhelming market demand, build the densest possible project, and provide minimal amenities to the surrounding community.