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)

Taking a closer look at this month’s notable city data – and interesting numbers.

2: That’s the number of people allegedly behind 53% of Somerville package thefts in December. This December Somerville Police got reports of package thefts from 17 residences (down from 28 in December 2015), and arrested two people allegedly responsible from thefts from nine homes. Package thefts happen year round, and around 25% happen in December. If a package is stolen from your building, make sure you report it to the police.

David Price of the Boston Red Sox took the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge, along with teammate Brock Holt.

By Jessica Kenney

Many times throughout our daily lives, we are encountered with ads for donations to research various diseases, medications, or fundraisers for cures. But there are some sicknesses that are barely recognized. Gastroparesis is one of those illnesses.

Gastroparesis is defined as “a condition in which the spontaneous movement of the muscles- motility- in your stomach does not function normally.” This means that the stomach is prevented from emptying properly. It can cause nausea and vomiting, and cause problems with nutrition and blood sugar levels. Five million people live with this disease, and although there are some treatments for it, there is no cure.

By Jim Clark

While on patrol last Friday, a Somerville Police officer took note of a vehicle parked on Pearl St. with an individual who was known to to the officer, Manuel Sheehan.

Another man, also known to the officer, entered the vehicle and the two of them drove off westbound on Pearl St.

Join Somerville Prevention tonight to learn the results of the High School Student Health Survey.  Results from the annual survey are presented in a fun way with plenty of chances for audience participation.

An ordinance is being considered by the city that would require all municipal vehicles to be equipped with side-guards and crossover mirrors designed to prevent collisions with cyclists.

By Joe Ruvido

The Board of Aldermen Legislative Matters Committee will discuss the next iteration of cyclist and pedestrian safety for the city’s non-automobile users: truck side-guards.

A proposed ordinance sponsored by Ward Six Alderman Lance Davis and Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang would require the city to procure vehicles with the side-guards and crossover mirrors designed to prevent collisions.

On Wednesday January 11, the Somerville Boys Basketball program got a surprise visit after practice from former SHS Head Coach Rich Melillo (SHS ‘72) and former players: Vladimir Benoit (SHS ‘02), Jocelyn Velney (SHS ‘02), and Ronelson Lovaincy (SHS ‘04). The alumni delivered a heartfelt and powerful message about community, life lessons, and achievement.

A sound barrier is badly needed along the stretch of I-93 running through Somerville, according to members of the Board of Aldermen, not only to reduce noise levels but to also lower air pollution levels.

By Jim Clark

At the last Regular Meeting of the Somerville Board of Aldermen last Thursday, a resolution was put forward by Ward 1 Alderman Matthew McLaughlin and the entire Board that the Administration advocate for sound barriers along I-93 in East Somerville to help reduce air pollution by up to 50 percent.

Magoun Square is playing host to Float, a place where sensory deprivation tanks offer relaxation and a chance to unwind in a unique and invigorating way.

By Manna Parker

Float is a unique business in Magoun Square that specializes in sensory deprivation tanks. Float claims their tanks can relieve anxiety, insomnia, and pain, as well as improve your creativity.

Floating is a rising fad in the alternative medicine world right now, but in fact, sensory deprivation tanks were developed by John C. Lilly in 1954. The tank itself is lightless, soundproof, and filled with salt water at body temperature. As Lilly said about isolation tanks, “For a businessperson, a scientist, a professional of any sort, this is a boon: to be able to think, free of physical fatigue of the body. The method allows one to become free within a few minutes.”

This Thursday, January 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., you are invited to attend SCATV’s annual meeting and ASCATDEMY Awards event, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the member meeting and followed by the Member Awards Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will be hosted by the ever-fabulous duo, Ken and Joe Lynch. The main order of business will be the election of four SCATV members to their board. These are three-year terms, with the opportunity for a subsequent term re-election. Submitted information from nominees will be shared on SCATV’s website beginning January 4 in preparation for membership voting on the 19th. The remainder of the evening of January 19, is for recognizing and celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of the radio and television productions, SCATV and BFR producers and talent, and Community Media Supporters who all help make the Commonwealth’s oldest cable access center the vibrant, beloved community asset that it continues to be today. This is a chance for media makers to reconnect with each other, acknowledge and support the work of one’s peers, and to eat and have some fun. They are wishing all a safe and happy new year. They look forward to seeing you there.

By William A. White Jr.

The following are excerpts from Alderman White’s speech delivered at the Board of Aldermen Organizational Meeting on Monday, January 9, 2017 in the Aldermanic Chambers:

The developments in Washington, D.C. teach us that there are many factors that may have a drastic impact on our programs and finances but are beyond our control.  So as we move forward in debating the very important financial and development issues that face us, we must keep this fundamental fact of life in mind.