The Somerville Police Department is seeking help in identifying a suspect in the robbery of an elderly man on Monday afternoon at the Citizens Bank on Broadway. The suspect then fled on foot down Langmaid Ave.

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)

This past weekend I attended an event in Boston called Christmas in the City. The holiday party (thrown by the non-profit, all volunteer organization of the same name) treated approximately 4,000 kids and their families living in the Greater Boston region’s homeless shelters to a much-deserved holiday party. This wasn’t any ordinary holiday party. In addition to handing out 10,000 gifts, there was a stage with live entertainment, a visit from Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause, a parade of Disney and comic book characters, a Winter Wonderland area with carnival rides and games, and a variety of health screenings.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Saturday, December 17, residents and visitors took part in the Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Tour.

Participants gathered to celebrate the folk artistry of residents who transform their houses and yards with lights, illuminated ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy.

The Board of Alderman heard a report last week updating the city on efforts to finalize Union Sq. zoning, as well as formulate a definitive plan for use of open space.

By Jim Clark

The City of Somerville Board of Aldermen held a Special Meeting on Tuesday, December 13, to hear and discuss the most recent report of the Committee on Land Use.

City Planning Director George Proakis picked up the discussion of the zoning for Union Square and open space and gave a brief description of what is contained in items 5 through 10 of the zoning outline and said that those items will be available online at www.somervillema.gov/unionsquarezoning.

(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)

To the Editor:

The purpose of this letter is to provide a response to the article entitled “MassDOT highway construction leaves Somerville residents in the dust” dated December 14, 2016.

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)

Reefer. Ganga. Sticky icky bud. Marijuana went legal in Massachusetts on December 15, 2016.

While there has been a lot of controversy over its proposed legalization, the people voted to legalize the drug that Feds still classify in the same category as heroin. The government spent year’s demonizing marijuana and misinforming the public as to its effects; but the younger generation, many of whom had personally experienced the effects of smoking marijuana, are no longer buying the propaganda. I’m one of them.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a big Happy New Year to all our readers, looking forward to a great 2017 year here in the city of Somerville. We’re on vacation (at least some of us are), so The Somerville Times will not be publishing the week between Christmas and New Years. This will be the last edition for the year. There will not be a paper on the 28th, but we will keep up with things online. A vacation is needed to rev up for the coming new year. 2017 looks to be a good year for us all.

Rain or shine, the Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5k always brings the best of Somerville’s runners out to compete in the holiday season marathon festivities. — Photo courtesy of BA Event Promotions

By Joe Ruvido

More than 3,300 people took part in the Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5k this Sunday in Davis Square. The forecasted rain held off for most of the event and a balmy 50 degree westerly wind gave the race an unseasonably spring-like feel. The event served as a fundraiser for local charities including Toys for Tots and Somerville High School sports teams.

Eagle Feathers #119 – A Tip of the Hat

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

“Hats off ” is an expression that denotes admiration or respect. It is a silent acknowledgment of someone’s gratitude or appreciation. Spectators wave their hats during stadium events. Along parade routes, veterans and patriots can be seen placing their hats over their hearts as the American flag passes by. Each spring, college students toss their hats jubilantly into the air upon their graduation. In sports, fans toss their hats onto the ice or playing fields to honor the “hat trick,” a rare three-goal performance by one player.

Sampson the Dog recently had two tumors removed, and the SCES SeniorPet program is collecting donations to help the owner defray the veterinary bill.

The SeniorPet program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is seeking donations to help a local elder with limited means defray burdensome veterinary bills.

The pet is Sampson, an 8-year-old male dog who is very dear to his owner. Sampson recently went for a checkup and the vet found two tumors, in the mouth and rectum. The tumors were removed and send for a biopsy, but SeniorPet Manager Marie Mazzeo said the bill presents a challenge for the owner, who put $1,150 on a charge card, knowing that Sampson still needs more medical care to come.