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)

The New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and on our progress and accomplishments. Somerville had no shortage of accolades in 2013. Here’s a look back at only a few of our community’s awards and achievements over the last 12 months:

In accordance with the city’s Snow Emergency Procedures, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has declared a snow emergency for the City of Somerville will go into effect at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2.  During snow emergencies, parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street only (unless otherwise posted).  Cars not moved by 12 p.m. Thursday afternoon 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.  Full snow emergency and snow removal policies may be found on the city’s website at www.somervillema.gov/snow.

Looking back and looking forward…and taking a breath in between

Year in reviews, regardless of whether they are in print, on TV or online, can be convenient space fillers during a notoriously slow time of year. Of course, looking back at the past year is not exclusively the practice of news organizations. Even a fashion blog might undertake an exhaustive retrospective of “The Shoes of 2013.”

By David R. Smith

The year that was will continue to shape Somerville well into the new year and beyond.

Large-scale plans for revitalizing whole sections of the city took steps – sometimes small and sometimes large – towards becoming reality. And changes made in 2013 to who will represent Somerville and its residents, whether through resignations or elections, will no doubt influence the direction of where the city goes over the next 12 months and beyond.

Happy New Year to all Villens out there from the publisher and staff of The Somerville Times. Let’s hope that 2014 is a better year for all.

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Don’t forget Jan. 1 is the annual raising of the first flag over Prospect Hill. The ceremony will begin at noon at the tower, with a group of locals starting off at City Hall in a small parade marching to the monument. We have a new flagpole at the monument. From the weather forecast, it’s going to be a cold day. Still, for those of you who are new to Somerville, this annual ceremony is one not to miss.

Joseph Balistreri.

By David R. Smith

A Somerville man will spend the next two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty Friday, Dec. 27, to charges stemming from racially motivated harassment and threats against an MBTA employee.

Somerville Times Publisher Ross Blouin presents a very pleased Ada Tauro, owner of Bostonian Florist, with her certificate for “”Best Florist” in the annual Best of Somerville awards. Bostonian Florist has been in business now for about 13 years. Located at 92 Highland Ave. across from City Hall, its hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (it is closed Sundays). Ada’s green thumb is evident throughout her store, and she has made it even easier to see what she offers by going to her website at www.bostonianflorist.com or by checking out her Facebook page (search “Bostonian Florist”).  If you need flowers for the holidays (remember, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!) and those special occasions, she’s the one.

We wish her many years of success! You can reach the shop by calling 617-629-9300 or toll free at 866-267-7673. Congratulations, Ada Tauro, for being voted “Best of Somerville 2013.”

Lorne A. “Mr. Murph” Murphy will be honored by the SHS Basketball community on Friday, Jan. 3.

On May 25, 2012 a treasured member of the Somerville High School Basketball family was lost. Mr. Lorne A. Murphy, affectionately known as “Mr. Murph,” passed at the age of 85. Mr. Murph was the beloved husband of the late Mary (DeStefano). He was the father of Judy DiBiase and longtime Somerville Public School Teacher Lorne P. Murphy.

Students in the 4th grade at Kennedy School, Ms. Connors and Ms. O’Keefe’s room, have been busy making bracelets, necklaces, and rings to raise money to help the people in the Philippine Islands recover from Typhoon Haiyan. Students create their wares at lunch, during snack and any free time they can find. They have been very industrious. Their hard work has paid off. In their first sale they were able to raise over $170 just in the first 2 hours. Look for announcements for future sales in the new year.

By Jim Clark

A fight at a Central St. mental health facility was reported to police last Wednesday, Christmas Day.

Investigating officers were informed that a client, Philip MacLeod, 68, had allegedly assaulted another resident at the facility, reportedly shoving him several times and spitting on him.