Every once in awhile I publish a piece of my own in the LYRICAL. Recently I have been writing a Lyrical memoir of my days living in Boston – right after I graduated college.  Here is an excerpt.

Jim McCarthy. — Photo by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

Former Ward 1 Alderman James “Jim” McCarthy passed away suddenly from a heart attack today while being rushed to Somerville Hospital. Jim leaves behind his lovely wife Louise and three grown children and grandchildren. Our condolences to his family and many friends, he will be missed.

Superintendent of Schools, Tony Pierantozzi, was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) of an upcoming Coordinated Program Review that will be taking place this school year. As part of this Coordinated Program Review, Department staff will visit the Somerville Public Schools during the week of March 9, 2015. Such visits are routinely conducted by the Department to satisfy Federal and State requirements for the periodic review of specific education programs and services in schools throughout the Commonwealth.  The Department is reviewing several programs during a single visit in order to use Department and school staff’s time most efficiently and to encourage strong connections among the programs.

Arrests:
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Cristina Dossantos, of 1 Kendall St., Framingham, January 6, 9:06 a.m., arrested at 14 Kilby St. on charges of receiving a stolen credit card and credit card fraud over $250.

Christopher McInnes, of 64 Gibbon St., Medford, January 6, 10:49 a.m., arrested at 341 Artisan Way on a charge of shoplifting by asportation.

Kindergarten registration at the Somerville Public Schools for the upcoming school year kicks off this month on Saturday, January 24, 2015. Information sessions are under way, and Kindergarten packets have been mailed or sent home via backpack. Packets have been sent home with all Pre-K students currently enrolled in the District as well as Somerville Head Start students. Families with age-eligible children who were born in Somerville have been mailed a packet. If you are considering registering your child in the Somerville Public Schools and do not fall into either of these categories, please contact the Parent Information Center at (617) 629-5671 to request a Kindergarten packet.

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)

After graduating from Somerville High School in the early 70’s, with all the demonstrations, walkouts, and drama, I thought college would be a breeze.

Scott Harshbarger and Proskauer volunteers serve dinner to Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center residents. — Photo by Sarah Starr, Proskauer

Several months ago the Boston office of the global law firm Proskauer reached out to Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMA) to see how they could make an impact to veterans and their families struggling to get through the holidays. Proskauer was committed to helping veterans living at VOAMA’s Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center (MBVC) and helping to ease the stress on veteran parents in VOAMA’s Supportive Services for Veterans Families program.

By Jim Clark

Police, fire and EMT units responded to a report of a sick person at the Lechmere Car Wash on McGrath Hwy. last Saturday evening.

Once there, respondents learned that a man who reportedly appeared to be intoxicated was complaining of chest pains. It was decided that he would be taken to the hospital by ambulance.

By 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)

On Monday, we signed an agreement accepting nearly $1 billion in funding from the Federal Transit Administration, guaranteeing that the most important public transit project in the country is brought to fruition. This is a historic milestone for Somerville, the metro region and the Commonwealth. We are building more than a light rail line. We’re building the backbone of a resilient, sustainable economy. And it’s a strong economy for everyone.

Steve Carter, Cambridge Health Alliance’s new senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer.

By Tom Bannister

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA has named Steve Carter as its senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer. Carter, who has served in various IT leadership roles at CHA since 2002, has more than 30 years of management experience in the healthcare delivery and IT environments.