By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

During the holiday season, Somerville lost a kind and selfless man who, without much fanfare, humbly played a significant role in the re-blossoming of our city. Local restaurateur Ken Kelly left his fingerprints all over this city. Ken believed in Somerville’s promise back before it was cool to believe in Somerville. We would not be the city we are today without him.

The Community Preservation Committee invites all interested community members to hear about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) project proposals before the Committee and offer feedback on which deserve to receive funding at two community meetings in January. The first will be held on Tues, Jan. 12, and the second will be held on Wed., Jan. 27, both beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Lowell St. VNA (259 Lowell St.), in the Community Room, at 7 p.m. Parking is extremely limited at the VNA, so please make arrangements to walk, bike, carpool, or use street parking.

By Jim Clark

It was a year filled with many challenges, surprises and changes for the City of Somerville and its residents. As we look back on the events of 2015, it becomes vividly clear how eventful such a relatively short period of time can be.

It began with discussion on what would become a major issue for the region in the months ahead: snow removal.

By Amy Swain

Former Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz is looking forward to life after 10 years of faithful service to her ward and the city as a whole.

“The experience of a lifetime” is how Rebekah Gewirtz will think of her time as Ward 6 Alderman. Her term began in 2006, and her replacement has just taken over her post on January 4. “At the risk of sounding cheesy, it’s been a privilege,” she said. “To be elected by the people, and to serve as their representative.”

We are back after a well-needed rest. Our team here at The Times is ready to get started bringing everyone here in Somerville another good year. We wish everyone a very happy new year and hope that 2016 will be bright, prosperous and healthy for everyone.

By Donald Norton

This past Monday night, about 150 residents joined together at Somerville High School to witness our own city Somerville Board of Alderman and School Board members, along with Mayor Joe Curtatone, get sworn into office to serve for the next two years.

Eagle Feathers #94 – The Ice Men

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Years ago, when the winter weather set in and the thermometer approached freezing, many teenagers would begin scouting their local ponds for ice. They didn’t fear the cold, the frost, or the snow that came with it because their winter carnival had begun. Every town and village had access to a pond. When the time was right, scarves, hats, mittens, and gloves were donned and they were off sledding and skating. Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Spy Pond in Arlington, and the Middlesex Canal were popular destinations for Somerville ice fans.

By Donald Norton

This past Sunday, January 3, the City of Medford held their inaugural ceremony. A standing room only crowd of about 500 witnessed the swearing in of the City Council and School Board. In particular, the first woman elected as mayor of Medford, Stephine Muccini Burke, was also sworn in. Attorney General Maura Healey administered the oath of office for the new mayor. Also attending was Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Please follow these five steps to keep animals safe during this cold weather warning:

1. If possible, bring pets or feral cats that you’re familiar with indoors to a garage or basement.

2. Bundle up your pup in a jacket or sweater during their walk, especially if their coat is made of hair (vs. fur)

Early Morning, Union Square. I walk down Bow Street—Goodyear’s lights are on– and a slow stream of people with tired treads, dirty transmission fluid, in need of change—of oil, in need of alignment, enlightenment—make their way into the office. I hear the jocular good morning from the Hispanic crossing guard—we are all her children, as she guides us through the gridlocked traffic of the Square. In the post office—I exchange gossip with the clerk—she told me a SWAT team was here earlier, “Well—I figured I would tell my journalist—thought you would like to know…” She tells me she is going to retire next year… “Maybe I will work the election booths with the other old ladies,” she laughed. At the Community Laundromat on Bow Street—a gaggle of homeless men are in semi-coherent chatter: “Hey you are a weird dude—stop touching me,” one tells the other. There is an argument about which liquor store opens the earliest—vodka nips are in vogue for them. Bloc 11 is open—and there are the usual. A tall man with a reddish beard engrossed in his book, and the handsome woman I have seen for years, with a helmet of stylish gray hair– (me thinks she works at Harvard), props a book up for her before work read. Hip baristas croon at me “The usual?” Honey grain bagel –tomatoes– dry– I add my hummus and fish in the back room. Outside the parade starts– mothers with their strollers, the tight spandex of the bicyclists.