The first lecture of the season, The Somerville I Didn’t Know, will focus on the influences that Africans, West Indians, and African Americans had on the early years of development of the city from 1630-1860. Alice Mack, a native of Somerville, a poet and history teller who has been studying African-American history for several decades, will deliver the talk.

Eagle Feathers #20 – “42” ude and fortitude

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

What is fortitude? And why does Somerville have so much of it? Fortitude, according to Webster’s Dictionary means: “strength of mind that allows one to endure pain of adversity with courage.” A few synonyms would include: bravery, fearlessness, endurance, intrepidity, perseverance, strength and staying power. Fortitude is a quality that has been exhibited through the ideas, words and actions of thousands of Somerville citizens throughout the years. Somerville has, on the lighter side, a healthy dose of…well…let’s call it “42” ude. By this, I mean the city’s uncanny number of parallels and connections with the number 42. The number 42 has been cited as something of an enigma by various sources and cultural references. The most well known might be from Douglas Adams’ iconic book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. In his Hitchhiker series, the number 42 is stated to be the answer to life, the universe and everything. “42” ude is emblematic of fortitude and describes a situation which is unique to this city. Are you ready to take a walk through time? Let’s go!

So, all the efforts by the School Committee members – in particular Rossetti, Bockelman and Niedergang – to take a non-issue and go ahead and have 10 resumes reviewed for the appointment to the School Committee seat in Ward 1 was all for not.

By Richard Foscarota

Saturday evening, Feb. 16, Somerville High School boys hockey played Matignon in Stoneham. Somerville was down 2 to 0 after the first period. At least Somerville was getting some scoring opportunities. The score went to 2 to 1 after second period. It could have been an upset in the making. Number 17, Cory McGlashing, scored for Somerville. In the end, Somerville lost to Matignon 3-1.

– Photo by Richard Foscarota.

By William Tauro

Somerville High School was victorious over Latin Academy at the Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink in Somerville on Friday night. The final score was 7-2 Somerville over Latin Academy. It was also an evening wherein the following seniors were honored: CJ Albanese, Dan Camara, Joe Desmond, Kyle Higgins, Troy Martini, and Matt Vogel. Somerville High’s Varsity hockey team tied up Mystic Valley in the last minute of the opening game of the Mulloy Tournament on Monday. Somerville overcame a 2 goal deficit in their opening game of the tournament to win 4 to 3 in an overtime shoot out.

Learning InSync’s Bid n’ Brunch, offering food, music and a silent auction runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24, with bids for the silent auction closing at 2 p.m., at The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville. There is a $5 suggested donation for entry. Those who can’t attend in person can donate online. Proceeds benefit literacy programs. For information, send e-mail to info@learninginsync.org.

I have heard that a beautiful girl is like a melody, but how about a virus? Poet Dianne Silvestri reveals how a tune can snake into our very marrow.

Arrests:
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Oscar Lopez, 34, of 248 Broadway, February 12, 6:40 p.m., arrested at home on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Kevin Dillon, 55, of 90 River Rd., February 12, 8:30 p.m., arrested at home on a charge of assault and battery.

Tuesday, February 19, drop in at the Orange Leaf Yogurt, 260 Elm Street, Davis Square, between noon and 10 p.m. for a scrumptious treat, and to support the SHS Varsity Girls Basketball Team. 10% of net sales will be donated directly to the Somerville High School Girls Basketball program.