Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon brief the media on today’s prisoner arrest in Somerville. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

An inmate who escaped from Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, RI on December 31, 2016, was tracked down and apprehended in Somerville by State Police.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to Citizens Bank in Union Square last Friday on reports of a woman attempting to cash a fraudulent check.

Upon arrival, the officers met by the bank manager who informed them that a female identified as Toniann Roxton came into the bank to cash a check from a company named Reservoir Wine and Spirits, located in Brighton.

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)

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season surrounded by family and friends. With 2017 now in full swing, it’s important to focus on all of our upcoming work and the goals we wish to achieve – and there’s plenty to be done that I’ll address in next week’s Midterm address at City Hall and in next week’s op-ed. Today, though, let’s pause and look back on 2016 to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. This past year was certainly full of ups and downs, but Somerville reached its fair share of milestones. Let’s take a look back at just a few of those:

The City of Somerville seeks qualified candidates to work as a Crossing Guard for the current school year. Morning shift is 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.; afternoon shift is 2:30 – 3:15 pm.. Assignments to specific work sites will be determined. Access to motor vehicle preferred. Must pass a pre-employment CORI and drug screen.  Salary is $34.33 per day for working both morning and afternoon shifts.

Public presentations January 11 and 31, written comments accepted through March 16

The Community Preservation Committee is considering $2.9 million in requests for historic preservation and open space projects for funding through the Community Preservation Act. Somerville residents are encouraged to share their thoughts about this year’s projects by participating in a variety of ways. Residents may attend public meetings and comment there or later in writing, watch videos of the meetings and comment in writing, and/or read about the projects online and submit written comments. This year, $880,415 in CPA funding is also available for affordable housing projects. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund will manage the application process for these funds.

By The Times Staff

While decried by many as an annus horribilis, 2016 nonetheless was a remarkable year in terms of change and unexpected surprises.

The national election, and the wildly contentious campaign season preceding it, held the attention of the masses in check. Meantime, plenty of noteworthy events took place right here in our own environs.

By Jessica Kenney

Somerville is home to many popular restaurants and cafés, but it is the relatively new restaurant, Fat Hen, that is really starting to snag people’s attention.

Fat Hen is a cozy, Italian dining spot that serves a variety of Italy’s staple meals, from Tortellini Brodo to Sformato, complimented by a variety of different wines. But it isn’t just the menu that makes this restaurant intriguing; its unique location is also drawing in guests.

Join the Somerville Chamber of Commerce for their monthly “After Hours” this Thursday, January 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Foundry on Elm in Davis Square. Hosted by Chamber Business After Hours Chair Dana Iacopucci of Cubby Oil & Energy. Bring your business card, this is a great networking meeting for businesses here in the city. RSVP with name(s) and affiliation(s) for you and your guest(s) to smackey@somervillechamber.org.

Katie Wallace hard at work. ~ Photo by Maja de Silva

By Kristen Strezo, Somerville Commission for Women

I would love for readers to meet the dedicated members of the Somerville Commission for Women. Our longtime member, Katie Wallace, is an excellent place to start.

Wallace, who has lived in Somerville for 24 years, joined the commission in 1998. I took a moment to ask Wallace about her political and personal work here in Somerville and how it looks like moving forward.

Your 2016 Yawkey Baseball League Champions, Somerville Alibrandis.

By Tom Bannister

The City of Somerville once again proved itself to be a winning force in 2016 as far as sports is concerned.

Somerville Alibrandis:

The phenominal Somerville Alibrandis baseball team won its 7th consecutive title in the Yawkey League 2016 championship series, the teams 17th title in total.

On the series win, Mark Desroches reported: