(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)

Somerville High School, 1954. We weren’t thinking about the future, only about the upcoming Class Day and then graduation. Later, a train would take us on a trip to a more serious place, a place where we’d begin the process of evolving into adults. It was waiting there at the station. Our teachers were aware of the train, they’d seen it come and go many times. So they continued to feed us huge spoonfuls of knowledge, hoping we’d digest enough of it to be prepared for our journey from carefree kids to responsible citizens.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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)

I would like to present another story by my friend and fellow Somerville native, Anthony Accardi Jr.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. We always celebrated Thanksgiving with my grandparents on my mother’s side of the family. The travel was easy; just walk down one flight of stairs to an afternoon of turkey, lasagna, various side dishes and lots of sweets. After dinner the tryptophan from the turkey would kick in and then it was one flight back upstairs for a nice nap on the couch. However it wasn’t just the turkey, lasagna and desserts that made me crave a nap. It was the night before Thanksgiving. Otherwise known as “Thanksgiving Eve.” It was a night out for a few drinks; maybe reunite with friends that you hadn’t seen in years and then afterward a visit to Kay and Chip’s for breakfast.

The Somerville High School Varsity Highlander Football team takes on Cambridge Rindge and Latin in this annual Thanksgiving game. Kickoff is 10:00 a.m. at Dilboy Stadium (110 Alewife Brook Parkway). Game tickets are on sale for $5 in advance in the athletic office, SHS Room 180; $7 at the gate. Bundle up and start your Thanksgiving weekend by cheering the Highlanders on to a victory.

Come and watch this classic SRR Annual Event, the Gobble Gobble Gobble 4 Miler on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th at 9 a.m. Taking off from 40 Holland Street, Davis Square, Somerville. One of the Top 100 New England Races 2003-2013: Eleven straight years chosen by New England Runner magazine.

The Search Committee Chair, Committee member Paul Bockelman of Ward 6, presided over Monday night’s meeting to announce the Committee’s selection of three finalists for the position of Superintendent.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville School Committee met on Monday evening in the Aldermanic Chambers to formally approve the nominations of three candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools, in replacement of retiring Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi, who will be stepping down in July 2015.

The Vinfen dialog continues. — Photo by Donald Norton

By Jim Clark

The state’s Department of Mental Health (DMH), along with healthcare corporation Vinfen, is reportedly taking the need to improve alleged poor supervision issues at the group home at 155 Central St. very seriously.

On Tuesday night the Board of Alderman met to discuss and vote on next year’s President and Vice President. Alderman at Large Bill White was elected for the third year in a row as the Board’s President for the coming year. Ward 7 Alderman Katjana Ballyantine was elected the Board Vice President. Katjana is a freshman alderman, just finishing her first year in office. The Board President appoints members to the various board sub-committees at his discretion. We wish Alderman Bill White the best of luck in this his third year as President. He certainly is knowledgeable in the rules of the board.

Open, honest dialogue between youth and law enforcement officers is helping to create more trust and understanding between the two groups.

By Tom Bannister

Seven police officers met with thirteen young people last week at the Somerville Police Department, the purpose of which was to speak one-on-one together, break through stereotypes and find some common ground as fellow Somerville citizens.

Eagle Feathers #66 – The Thanksgiving Miracle

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

If you look at the official city symbol of Worcester, Massachusetts, you will see that it is heart shaped. This image is symbolic because the city is located in the very center of Massachusetts, or the heart of the state.

(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)

Spring Hill Development Watch serves to channel community opposition to the ongoing McMansionization of Spring Hill, most recently at 139 Summer Street. Our members include many of the same people who resisted the gutting and subdivision of 3 Benton Road. In October, we submitted a zoning amendment that would penalize developers for destroying trees during condo conversions. A public hearing will be held on this amendment, December 11 at 6pm at the VNA on Lowell Street.