‘Villens United by Chris Haskell

(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)

The term “anti-intellectualism” is a description of the growing dismissal of facts, science, and logic by many Americans in favor of personal belief, opinion, and misinformation. Man has traveled to the moon and back yet there are still people to this day that truly believe that the earth is flat. No joke. They call themselves The Flat Earth Society and they believe that “round earth theory” is an elaborate hoax perpetrated upon humanity.

Call it David vs. Goliath, or perhaps Don Quixote vs. a windmill. Any way you look at it, the City of Somerville has bitten off a bug chunk to chew on as it takes on the juggernaut might of Wynn Resorts and its plan for development of a casino-resort in Everett.

Eagle Feathers #97 –Hobby Horses

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Who first invented the wheel and why? No one knows for sure; but through the ages, it has been known as the world’s number one invention that advanced machinery and transportation. The Mesopotamian Wheel, the world’s oldest known, has been here for 5,500 years.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Firefighter James Nolan.

The City of Somerville Board of Aldermen issued a citation of commendation to retiring Somerville firefighter James Nolan during their regular meeting of February 11, 2016.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville Varsity played Lawrence  at Lawrence  High School on Monday, Feb 15 in the MVC and GBL Tournament. Lawrence won 54 – 47. The next Tournament game is today, Wednesday Feb. 17, against Lowell, at Lawrence High School.

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.