The Mayor’s annual State of the City Address, and mid-term addresses by the President of the Board of Aldermen and the Chairperson of the Somerville School Committee will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9 in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. Members of the public are invited to come for this look back at the past year’s efforts as well as a look forward to City and School initiatives in the coming year. Additionally, as the City will celebrate its 175^th Birthday in 2017, attendees will be welcomed to learn more about the City’s history through photos, exhibits, and interactive activities at a reception following the State of the City Address. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Nancy Aylward at NAylward@somervillema.gov, or 617-625-6600 ext. 2100.

Somerville Lawyer Ben Snitkoff talks about copyright law as it applies to poets and artists, and his work as a comedian.

To listen to the interview click here.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

And nothing I cared, at my sky blue trades, that time allows
In all his tuneful turning so few and such morning songs
Before the children green and golden
Follow him out of grace.

—Dylan Thomas

In the 1950s, Somerville was the most densely populated city in the U.S. It may surprise those who grew up later and elsewhere that it was also one of America’s best places to live.

Release for MassBike:

Bicyclists Pack Hearing Room to Compel Lawmakers to Make Roadways Safer

Emotional testimony filled the State House hearing room as the Joint Committee on Transportation yesterday heard legislators, advocates, law enforcement officers, doctors, lawyers and those who have been impacted by injury or loss of a loved one testify in favor of critical bills to protect cyclists and pedestrians. The standing-room only crowd spoke in favor of several bills, with a focus on four that consist of the vulnerable users bill, bike lane protection bill, truck-side guard bill, and a bike path crosswalk bill. 

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to a Broadway residence last week in response to a report of an assault.

Upon arrival, the officers spoke with the victim, a woman who told them that an unknown male had attempted and successfully got into her apartment, urinated at the bottom of her stairs and pushed her when she confronted him.

By Mayor 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)

During the holiday season, Somerville lost a kind and selfless man who, without much fanfare, humbly played a significant role in the re-blossoming of our city. Local restaurateur Ken Kelly left his fingerprints all over this city. Ken believed in Somerville’s promise back before it was cool to believe in Somerville. We would not be the city we are today without him.

The Community Preservation Committee invites all interested community members to hear about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) project proposals before the Committee and offer feedback on which deserve to receive funding at two community meetings in January. The first will be held on Tues, Jan. 12, and the second will be held on Wed., Jan. 27, both beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Lowell St. VNA (259 Lowell St.), in the Community Room, at 7 p.m. Parking is extremely limited at the VNA, so please make arrangements to walk, bike, carpool, or use street parking.

By Jim Clark

It was a year filled with many challenges, surprises and changes for the City of Somerville and its residents. As we look back on the events of 2015, it becomes vividly clear how eventful such a relatively short period of time can be.

It began with discussion on what would become a major issue for the region in the months ahead: snow removal.

By Amy Swain

Former Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz is looking forward to life after 10 years of faithful service to her ward and the city as a whole.

“The experience of a lifetime” is how Rebekah Gewirtz will think of her time as Ward 6 Alderman. Her term began in 2006, and her replacement has just taken over her post on January 4. “At the risk of sounding cheesy, it’s been a privilege,” she said. “To be elected by the people, and to serve as their representative.”