By Courtney K. O’Keefe

(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)

We all have those words in our vocabulary that upon being spoken or heard ignites a level of anxiety that makes our bodies shutter and our hearts race. Mine is “appoint.” For those of you that may not know why, feel free to Google my name.

Villens United by Jenna Pflieger

(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)

When my husband found out I was attending the Boston Women’s March for America he immediately asked me to write an article about my experience for this column, and to his surprise I immediately said yes.

The Prospect Hill Academy Lady Wizards are currently enjoying an 8-0 record going into the second half of the season. ~ Photos by Correen Demers

By Ashley Richardson

The Lady Wizards of Prospect Hill Academy enter the second halfway of the 2016-2017 basketball season in Division I of the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization (MCSAO) with no setbacks and in first place with a record of 8-0.  Not a bad way to start after completing last year’s campaign as undefeated league champions at 19-0.

For some it’s a clear-cut case of following the law or breaking the law. For others, human compassion overrides these concerns and there seems to be no other way than to aid and protect those who are in the most need of help.

The Sanctuary City issue has come to a head with the federal government’s new policy of cutting off funding to cities that participate in this practice.

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Longtime Somerville resident, former philosophy professor, Bagel Bard, and occasional movie reviewer William Falcteano chimes in:

Twentieth-Century Women is a coming-of-age period piece set in Santa Barbara, California in 1979. The story is not just about the central character Dorothea, played with uncanny appeal by the incomparable Annette Bening, but also about a small circle of women who are a part of Dorothea’s life at this confusing, transitional moment in American history. The confusion is mainly over gender roles and love-expectations but it applies to the much larger question of life itself and how it should be, could be, or might be lived.

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In these times a poem like this can be a much needed balm:

Krystal LaPorta is 31 years old and from Somerville, Ma. She was born in Boston, Ma. LaPorta is the author of a poetry book Beauty and Thorns, published through the Books of Hope organization. Her book can be found in the Somerville Public Library in the teens section. She currently resides in Somerville with her three boys, and enjoys the scenic views and art in and around the city.

Arrests:
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Janielson Desouza, of 70 Cottage Ave., Everett, January 25, 7:20 a.m., arrested at Franklin St. on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle lights violation, criminal uninsured motor vehicle, and speeding.

Join Somerville Local First and over 40 local vendors at Arts at the Armory on February 12th for a day of local Valentine’s Day shopping! Makers Marketplace features a wide variety of handcrafted goods, jewelry, accessories, confections, home decor, textiles, art, apparel and gifts for everyone you love! Swing by and support designers, artists and makers in the Boston area by giving a local gift- made with love!

Year-long series of events scheduled in 2017 in honor of City’s birthday. Submit your old photos, memories, stories of Somerville’s past to help shape a “Storytelling Gallery” at end of year event.

In 2017, the City of Somerville is celebrating its 175^th birthday, 175 years since we separated from Charlestown, and we’re celebrating all year long. But we need your help! While the City has plenty of celebratory events up its sleeve, we want to hear from residents, businesses, and visitors, past and present, about your memories of Somerville. All year long, we’ll collect stories, memories, photos, and anything else you want to share, and will display as many of them as we can during a year-end gala and “Storytelling Gallery.” Throughout the year, we’ll share your stories as well as some of our own via our website, social media, and more. Help us keep Somerville’s history alive through storytelling!

Suspect in Shawn Clark murder

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and law enforcement authorities are requesting assistance from the public on the anniversary date of the murder of a store owner in Malden on January 29, 2013.

It has been four years since the shooting death of Shawn Clark at Patriot Skateboards at 804 Main Street in Malden. Since the incident occurred, Malden Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office have devoted many resources and hours to investigating the circumstances of Clark’s death. Authorities have made some progress, but no one has been charged in connection with the crime.