I got the news famed Boston street artist Sidewalk Sam died. Here is an interview I conducted with him several years ago. Sam also talked about another figure who has passed away, the poet Jack Powers, found of Stone Soup Poets. Both men were great artists in their own regard, and great supporters of the arts. They will be sorely missed. 

Endicott College poet Simrin Tamhane writes of  hypocrisy, and writes about it with pith and wit.

The meeting of the Legislative Matters Committee and the Committee of the Whole of the Somerville Board of Alderman and its primary agenda item, the public hearing on snow removal regulations, scheduled for Tuesday evening, Feb.3, has been cancelled due to snow conditions.

Somerville Schools closed Tuesday, no evening activities.

The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will remain in effect until Tues., Feb. 3, at 6 p.m., Mayor Curtatone announced today. At the end of a snow emergency, residents have two hours to move vehicles from municipal and school parking lots. Cars must be moved by 8 p.m. Tuesday to avoid being ticketed and towed.

Alderman Jack Connolly presents Somerville Police Sgt. Sergio Costa with a citation from the City of Somerville.

City officials honored two of Somerville’s finest at the January 22 meeting of the Board of Aldermen. Citations were awarded to Carrie Dancy, who is leaving East Somerville Main Streets after 8 years as its first and only Executive Director, and to Somerville Police Sgt. Sergio Costa who distinguished himself by taking appropriate action that prevented a potentially life-threatening situation while on duty at the Jingle Bell Run Road Race on Dec. 14, 2014. Mayor Curtatone and Board members thanked Dancy and Costa for their generous service to the city.

Alderman Matt McLaughlin presents Carrie Dancy with a citation from the city.

We have some interesting headlines for the latest Somerville Neighborhood News show, a community news production brought to you by the dedicated staff, volunteers and interns at Somerville Community Access TV.​

By Bob Katzen, Beacon Hill Roll Call

On Thursday, Jan. 29, the House 45-109, voted against reinstating a rule that prohibits any member from serving as speaker for more than eight consecutive years. The rule was originally adopted by the House as part of a rules package that was approved in 2009. There was not a specific roll call vote on the limit itself in 2009.

All cars must be moved by 2 a.m. to avoid ticketing and towing

In accordance with the city’s Snow Emergency Procedures, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has declared a snow emergency for the City of Somerville to go into effect at 10 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 1.  During snow emergencies, parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street only (unless otherwise posted).  Cars not moved by 2 a.m. Mon. morning will be subject to ticketing and towing. Residents unable to find a parking space on the odd-numbered side of the street may park in any municipal or school parking lot for the duration of the emergency, and may park in lots immediately on Sunday as regular parking enforcement is not in place on Sundays. Full snow emergency and snow removal policies may be found on the city’s website at www.somervillema.gov/snow.

A sampling from “What is your relationship with water?” by Naoe Suzuki.

Climate change exhibit opens at Brickbottom Gallery

By Haley Houseman

At the Brickbottom Gallery on Sunday, Jan 25, the exhibit Weathering Art: Creative Expression in the Era of Climate Change opened with a small but lively reception.

The Mount Vernon Restaurant is holding a special Super Bowl Sunday Brunch today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come dressed in Patriots gear and pay only $8.99 for brunch, normally $18.95./pp. Only that  persons at the table that has something on that represents the New England Patriots (maybe a Tom Brady shirt, or a Gronk shirt),  that person   pays $8.99/pp. Come see why the Mount Vernon Restaurant located at 14 Broadway, Somerville is one of the best here in the Ville, if not in the entire Boston area.