Wayne-Daniel Berard teaches English and Humanities at Nichols College in Dudley, MA. An adoptee and former Franciscan seminarian, his birth-search led him to find and embrace his Jewishness. Wayne-Daniel is a Peace Chaplain, an interfaith clergy person, and a member of B’nai Or of Boston. He has published widely in both poetry and prose, and is the co-founding editor of Soul-Lit, an online journal of spiritual poetry. He lives in Mansfield, MA with his wife, The Lovely Christine.

Russell Joyner, former Boston College football player and General Manager of Assembly Row (2012-2014), spearheaded the on-site police substation facility. He passed away in January 2015 before the substation’s completion. 

On Tuesday, January 12, dozens gathered from across Somerville to open and dedicate the brand new Assembly Row Somerville Police Substation in memory of Russell Anthony Joyner, former General Manager of Federal Realty’s Assembly Row. Spearheaded and constructed by Federal Realty Investment Trust, the new substation thanks Russ Joyner’s leadership and mission to ensure a safe and prosperous future for Somerville’s newest neighborhood.

Arrests:
*

John Medeiros, of 10 Clayton Ave., Medford, January 11, 12:58 p.m., arrested at Bay State Ave. on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, marked lanes violation, and speeding.

Atem Agok, January 11, 3:54 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on charges of trespassing and shoplifting by asportation.

Anthony A. Laurentano of Medford died on Friday, January 15, at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Born and raised Boston’s North End, he was the son of the late Alfonso Lauretano and the late Jean “Gina” (Matarazzo) and her late husband Vito Maniscalco. Anthony lived for many years in Somerville, where he was employed as a carpenter, before moving to Medford ten years ago.

The City of Somerville announced today several changes to the ongoing public meeting series surrounding the proposed Zoning Overhaul Process. An updated meeting schedule is included below, and important changes are:

• The Mobility meeting has been changed from Mon., Feb. 8, to Mon., Feb. 22.
• The Economic Development meeting has been moved from Mon., Feb. 22, to Mon., Feb. 8
• A second Attainable Housing meeting has been added on Mon., Mar. 21, as a follow up to the Jan. 11 meeting.
• A meeting about Sustainability has been added on Mon., Apr. 11.

Community members invited to join in series of discussions, panel presentations on three popular books covering the topic of race and racism.

Jan 21, discuss Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, at Somerville’s Central Library.

The Somerville Public Library and the Office of Somerville Commissions invite your participation in newly-created book discussion series on race and racism.

The Somerville Library Book Series on Race and Racism is a program that features three separate books and discussions, plus a panel discussion co-sponsored by the Office of Somerville Commissions from January to April on every third Thursday evening at the Main Branch Library (79 Highland Ave.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

By Charles Lane

The 2015-2016 girls’ high school basketball season is in full swing and the Prospect Hill Academy Lady Wizards are at the forefront.

With a league record of 5-0, PHA currently sits at the top of Division I in the twenty team Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization (MCSAO).

In this segment of Somerville Neighborhood News we take a look at the opioid issue here in Somerville. Somerville is not immune to the increase in opioid use and addiction around the country. In Massachusetts, Governor Baker has proposed legislation to support medical personnel, tighten prescribing regulations and increase community education. Somerville Neighborhood News shares a three part series on Opioid abuse, addiction, and the city’s response. Police Chief Dave Fallon and Patricia Contente of Community Outreach and Harm Reduction join us to discuss their collaboration and the steps the city is taking to treat addiction in the long term and stop addiction before it takes hold.

Attorney James A. O’Donovan of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, formerly of Somerville Massachusetts, entered into rest on January 15, 2016 surrounded by his adoring family and with his wife Pauline, the love of his life, at his side. He left this world a brighter, more beautiful place, and all who had the good luck to cross paths with him are better for knowing him.