Resa Blatman is an adventurous person. Recently this longtime Somerville resident took a trip to the Arctic with other artists on an antique sailing boat. I talked with Blatman about this, the gentrification of Somerville and its impact on artists, and other projects she is involved in. Blatman joined me at my usual seat at the Bloc11 cafe in Union Square.

Bill Harney lives in Beverly and teaches in the English Department of Endicott College. A former resident of Somerville, he keeps in touch by reading The Somerville Times.

Arrests:
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Kenneth Alston, of 2065 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, February 9, 5:39 p.m., arrested at Assembly Row on a charge of receiving stolen property under $250 and on warrant charges of larceny over $250, disorderly conduct, assault and battery, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, shoplifting by asportation, receiving stolen property over $250, and shoplifting over $100 by asportation.

By Louise Carpenter

East Somerville Community School students recently enjoyed a hike at the Fells, thanks to programming made possible by the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant.

As part of the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant, Somerville will continue to expand its student programming with Waypoint Adventures this winter and moving into the spring, with the help of Kathleen Houghton, Special Education Recreation Specialist for the Somerville Public Schools.

We ask residents to review these extreme cold safety tips and check on neighbors or family members who may need assistance preparing for the cold.

During extreme cold
* Try to minimize time outside, even for pets.
* If you do need to go outside dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing . Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

Massachusetts Attorney General (and former Somerville Pride coach) Maura Healey will be offering a free girls’ basketball clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Somerville High School gym, 81 Highland Ave. The clinic is also sponsored by the City of Somerville and the Somerville Recreation Department. The clinic will include skills practice and a motivational pep talk from Attorney General Healey.

Monday is Presidents’ Day, public schools and city offices will be closed for the holiday. Trash and recycling collection will be on a holiday schedule all week,  put everything out the day after your normal trash day. Residential parking permits and parking meters will also not be enforced.

The sap is flowing and hopes are high for a large yield of maple syrup as Groundwork Somerville prepares for its annual Boil Down event on March 12.

By Haley ED Houseman

On Saturday, March 12, Groundwork Somerville will hold a community day to share their annual Maple Syrup Boil Down Festival, turning maple sap into syrup. Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will use a large metal boiler made 10 years ago by local high school students in their shop. The event will also feature the goodies associated with maple syrup, including pancakes, and also some fresh delicacies like sap tea.

Escape the weekend chill this Saturday at the best community gathering space in Somerville. Here’s your last chance to pick up a unique item for that special person, to show their or your Somerville pride, as well as support historic enrichment projects in the community. The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, working with artwork by the SHS CAD students, has designed “Preserving Somerville: Home to Diverse Architecture, Streets, and People” merchandise which is available for sale. Stop by to see all of the T-shirts (youth and adult sizes), long-sleeved shirts, and tote bags which come in a variety of colors and will be on display this Sat., Feb. 13th, at the Winter Farmer’s Market located at the Somerville Armory at 181 Highland Ave.,and open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saint Clement School recently celebrated their scholar-athletes Ivan Mertilus and Larnel Coleman and their achievements with a signing ceremony in the gym. Mertilus has signed with Assumption College Football, and Coleman has signed with UMass Minutemen football. Congratulations to both!