– Photo by Joan Campo McKenna

Are you looking for ways to help your neighbors this winter?  Are you a Somerville senior citizen or a resident with disabilities who needs assistance with shoveling?  The City of Somerville is seeking volunteers aged 18 and older to assist senior citizens and residents with disabilities with snow shoveling this winter, and accepting applications for residents needing assistance with shoveling.

By Jim Clark

An undercover police narcotics unit working the East Somerville area last Thursday took notice of a man who they believed was engaged in activities consistent with narcotics trafficking.

New meditation program offers free public sessions

Director of the Somerville Public Libraries, Maria Carpenter, announced today a new initiative to introduce wellness programs at the Somerville Public Library. Consistent with the city’s mission to create a healthy, active community, the new SPL initiative will begin with two “mindfulness and stress management” meditation sessions on Thursday, February 21 and Thursday, February 28 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 79 Highland Ave.  Spots are limited to 25 people per session on a first come, first served basis, and will be taught by ordained Buddhist Minister, Sunada Takagi.  A waiting list has been established for the first session, which is sold out, and interested residents should contact Maria Carpenter at 617-625-6600 ext. 2910 to be added to the waiting list. Additionally, free drop-in meditation sessions will be held on Thursdays throughout the month of March from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. All residents are welcome to attend, as space permits.

Stroller cat being interviewed by SCATV.

The Somerville Copy Cat Festival, inspired by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, took place Sunday at the Arts at the Armory. The feline extravaganza featured cat videos – produced locally and globally – cat stories, cat limericks and a slideshow of local cats. Emcee Jef Czekaj kicked off the event by reading his book Cat Secrets for cat-crazy kids.

– Photos by Erica Jones.

The Somerville Museum is being renewed and refitted for the enjoyment of visitors for many years to come..– Photo by Terence Clarey

By Terence Clarey

If it is up to the Somerville Museum Board of Trustees President, Barbara Mangum, 2013 will be a year of big things happening. With the roof replaced, and upcoming window painting and handicapped access improvements in the near future, she hopes that the museum will be able to showcase more exhibitions and host more events than before.

By Mike Stoller

He’s been coaching for almost a quarter of a decade, but Prospect Hill Academy girls basketball coach Brian Harris says he’s still learning about what it takes to win with his squad this season, even though the Wizards have posted a terrific 9-3 record overall and 7-3 in the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization (MASAO).

The City of Somerville could benefit greatly by implementing FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program, according to advocates such as the Board of Aldermen.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville Board of Alderman, at their meeting on Feb. 14, formally requested that the mayor implement a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the city.

The volunteer citizen support group, which is part of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration), would assist city emergency response efforts during emergency or disaster situations.

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce is having their Government Affairs Breakfast with Somerville’s Board of Alderman President. The event is 8:00 – 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 26, at Somerville Holiday Inn located at 30 Washington Street. Chamber Members $25. Non-members $30. Non-members must provide contact information for payment purposes. Advance registration required with name(s) and affiliation(s) for you and your guests to smackey@somervillechamber.org  or call Stephen V. Mackey, President/CEO Somerville Chamber of Commerce, 2 Alpine Street, P.O. Box 440343 Somerville, MA 02144 at (617)776-4100. Visit them on the web: www.somervillechamber.org

The Maple Syrup Boil-Down Festival will occur on March 9 at the Somerville Community Growing Center. Somerville maple syrup in maple leaf bottles will be for sale at various venues throughout the city.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Leading up to the Maple Syrup Boil-Down Festival, which will occur on March 9 at the Somerville Community Growing Center, three free Groundwork Somerville workshops for youngsters, aged 5 to 9, which are entitled Maple Syrup in the Library will take place.

By William Tauro

The Somerville Council on Aging’s Annual Valentines event was a great time had by all that attended.