Poet Kathleen Aguero writes: “This poem reflects my attempt to grapple with a radical change in two important people in my life: a close friend who became clinically depressed and my mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s. The very core of their beings seemed transformed, and I wondered what constitutes a self, how stable is our character, if it can be so altered.  Some of the details in this poem are taken from life; many are invented.”

Arrests:
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Joseph MacKenson, 30, of 5 Cherry St., Medford, February 19, 12:17 a.m., arrested at 1370 Broadway on a charge of assault and battery.

Gardy Ferdinand, 26, of 130 Bowden, Lowell, February 20, 12:16 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on charges of drug violation near a school, possession of a counterfeit note, and distribution of a class B drug.

New code enforcement officer dedicated to rodent control and public sanitation results in nearly 200 new dumpster licenses

The new Code Enforcement Officer hired by the City of Somerville’s Inspectional Services in October has yielded demonstrable results after only months on the job, as part of the city’s war on rodents.

Students from all over Somerville are invited to participate in the Somerville City-Wide Swim Meet at the John F. Kennedy School Pool from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1.

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)

“Before there was Home Depot or Lowe’s, my family always went to Somerville Lumber for any home project that needed to be done.”  Somerville Lumber was located on McGrath Highway in the area where Stop & Shop is now. You may remember the huge American flag that flew over Somerville Lumber.

(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 behalf of the Somerville Pride Girls Basketball teams, I would like to thank some of our local businesses that donated gift certificates to help make our Snow Ball Dinner Dance a success.

The inaugural Asian Night was held last Thursday (Feb. 13) at the East Somerville Community School auditorium.

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)

Taking a holistic approach to every issue and understanding that in each situation there are multiple factors that affect the outcome has been a guiding force in so many of the city’s accomplishments. Take public safety, for example. If we’re serious about reducing crime, we don’t simply put more officers on the street or make more arrests. We go to the root of the problem. We support strong family units. And we support strong education, which is a complex system, too.

The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) will offer a free Community Health Clinic on Friday, February 21, 3-7 pm, at the private, non-profit organization’s Somerville Office, 92 Union Square.

(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)

Many Somervillians are DIYing, yoga-going, composters who pride themselves on being environmentally conscious. Although recycling isn’t the newest environmental trend, the people of Somerville are ready for an update to the state’s most effective recycling program: the Bottle Bill.