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)

Opioid-related deaths have increased dramatically in recent years across the Commonwealth, and Somerville is not immune to this tragic loss of life. In 2012, 698 opioid-related deaths were confirmed in Massachusetts and that number has been steadily climbing since. Last year, 1,465 such fatalities were confirmed and another estimated 514 opioid-death confirmations are pending. In Somerville, the numbers are equally heartbreaking. The city saw an increase from 3 narcotics deaths in 2012 to 21 deaths in 2016. Again, that’s 21 lost, when even one is too many.

Applicants invited; train for accreditation to provide basic pro bono immigration services to fellow residents

The City of Somerville invites residents, employees of Somerville nonprofit organizations, and employees of nonprofits that directly serve Somerville residents to apply to participate in an intensive, 40-hour Introduction to Immigration Law class offered in partnership with The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). After completing the course, participants will be qualified to apply for official Department of Justice accreditation that will allow them to help others with immigration forms and applications while serving as a volunteer or staff member of a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 

Somerville Positive Forces, Junior Edition will be out in force sketching smoking prevention messages on the sidewalks of Somerville.

By Charles Lane

Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) has announced that its youth leadership group, Somerville Positive Forces, Junior Edition, will take to the streets on March 8 to promote smoking prevention messages in a colorful way along sidewalks around Somerville High School as part of the National “Kick Butts” Campaign.

Student/actors Emmaleigh DaSilva and Hana Belanger play teens who are discovering the history behind the Prospect Hill Tower in the CPA funded video George Washington on Prospect Hill?

By Jim Clark

A video tour of the Prospect Hill Tower, which was produced in association with and funded by the Community Preservation Act Committee, was premiered for those in attendance at the most recent regular meeting of the Board of Alderman on Thursday, February 23.

Forum panelists (L-R) Robert Coughlin, President and CEO of MassBio; Kermit Baker, Chief Economist for the American Institute of Architects, Peter Bekarian, Managing Director for Jones Lang LaSalle and moderator Somerville Attorney Adam Dash, Esq. — Photo by Kulbako Photo

By Tom Bannister

On Tuesday, February 28, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce held a forum The Next Innovation Center: Why Not Somerville? Over 130 people packed the Holiday Inn to hear industry experts explain what biotech companies are looking for and what Somerville needs to do to attract the next generation of companies.

Iconic Fluff expert and author Mimi Graney will be extolling the virtues and sharing the history of the sticky confection as she offers up her new book, “Fluff: The Sticky Sweet Story of an American Icon.”

By Rebecca Danvers

It has been 100 years since Archibald Query concocted one of the most popular confectionary treats ever to grace our snack trays and tantalize our taste buds, right here in Somerville: the one and only Marshmallow Fluff.

Don’t forget, tonight, Wednesday, March 8, Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang will be holding his re-election fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Olde Magoun Saloon, 518 Medford Street, in Magoun Square. Plenty of parking in the lot next door. Come celebrate Ward 5 and Somerville’s progress and challenges, and contribute to our future. Guest speaker: State Representative Christine Barber. MC: Alex the Jester. Complimentary food, cash bar. Suggested Donation: $500, $250, $100, $75. Please come and give what you can. Make checks payable to: Committee to Elect Mark Niedergang, 29 Conwell Street, Somerville, MA 02143.

This past week, Ward Three Alderman Bob McWatters presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of an anonymous donor and admirer of the work that the Little Sisters of the Poor do here in Somerville. From Left to right: Sister Patrice along with resident Tina Quintal, Alderman Robert McWatters and Sister Mary Vincent. The Little Sisters of the Poor has been serving the needy here in Somerville and local area for over a 100 years. This donation is very generous and was well received by everyone associated with the home.

Eagle Feathers #124 – A Pain in the Neck

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

On October 16, 1846, painless surgery was first performed at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Bulfinch Dome to remove a tumor from a patient’s neck.

The Prospect Hill Academy Lady Wizards tangle with the Community Charter School of Cambridge Lady Cougars in the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization’s championship game this Friday. — Photos by Correen Demers

By Ashley Richardson

The Lady Wizards of Prospect Hill Academy will face-off against the Community Charter School of Cambridge Lady Cougars in the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization’s championship game on Friday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Clark Athletic Center on the campus of the University of Massachusetts at Boston.