The City of Somerville is turning 175 years old and the occasion was celebrated Monday night with a special birthday party held at City Hall.

By Jessica Kenney

2017 marks Somerville’s 175th anniversary. This city has developed greatly over the years, and it is indeed a place that deserves celebrating. With its emphasis on community, education, arts, and more, Somerville has proved that the main focus of the city is on its residents; supporting each other and growing the city to be the best it can be.

Villens United by Chris Haskell

(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)

Do you really know what’s going on in the world today? Well, that depends on where you get your news.

This past year our society has been under siege by fake news. The CIA, NSA, and FBI have now concluded that Russia interfered with our presidential elections and one of their methods of interference was to flood our internet with false news.

There’s a rumor floating around that at a recent bake sale at the high school some brownies were being sold with an added kick to them, namely the added ingredient of marijuana. We heard that immediately upon finding out the school administration made a series of robo-calls to let parents know. The individual that did this (we’re not sure if there were one or more involved) has been identified and appropriate action will be taken. Maybe the person involved thought it was OK, since Massachusetts voted to make it legal?

She doesn’t look a minute over 174. But seriously, folks…

When you consider the many remarkable things that have happened here, that have been made here, and what is yet to come, it fills one with a sense of pride and gratitude just to be a part of this city’s heritage and legacy.

Eagle Feathers #120 – The Yanks Are Coming

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

The Massachusetts National Guard is the nation’s oldest. It traces its roots back to 1636 when Governor John Winthrop and four regiments of volunteer militia protected the young Massachusetts Bay Colony.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

The 8th grade girls basketball team Somerville Pride met up with Lexington last Saturday and, despite a spirited effort, dropped the game with a final score of 32-24.

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I am pleased to announce that Gloria Mindock will succeed Nicole Terez Dutton as Poet Laureate of  Somerville as of Jan. 2017.

The Laureate Panel, that consisted of Harris Gardner, Doug Holder, Kathleen Seward, and Glenn Ferdman, had a hard choice to make, but we are confident that longtime Somerville resident/poet/publisher/activist Gloria Mindock is the best choice. The notable runner-ups were Kirk Etherton and Ralph Pennel.

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Zvi A. Sesling’s is a member of the Somerville Bagel Bards. His poetry is in print and online journals in U.S., India, France, U.K., N.Z., Ireland, Canada and Israel. Featured readings include: Jewish Poetry Festival, Brookline, MA, Massachusetts and Boston Poetry Festivals, Boston, MA area venues and readings in San Diego, CA. He edited Bagel Bard Anthologies #7 & #8. He publishes Muddy River Books and edits Muddy River Poetry Review. Sesling authored King of the Jungle, (Ibbetson St., 2010), Across Stones of Bad Dreams (Cervena Barva, 2011) and Fire Tongue (Cervena Barva, 2016). He lives in Chestnut Hill, MA with his wife Susan J. Dechter.

Arrests:
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Anna Roberto, of 71 Union St., Brighton, January 2, 5:27 p.m., arrested at Webster Ave. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, and on warrant charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop or yield.

Michael Riccio, of 26 Derby St., January 4, 11:20 a.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of possession of a large capacity firearm and possession of ammunition with no FID card.

Saltman, Leonard “Leo” Jr. of Somerville, January 8, 2017 at age 49. Devoted husband of Celia (Miller) Saltman. Loving father of Matthew, Kelsie, Shayne and Megan Saltman. Proud and Cherished Papa of Renata. Adored son of Sandra (Dobbins) Saltman and the late Leonard Saltman Sr. Loving Brother of Cynthia Saltman. Beloved Son in law of the late Richard and Joan Miller. Leo is survived by 15 nieces and nephews, was the great uncle of 3 and will be greatly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, but especially by his dog Deeks.