Governor Patrick has lifted the driving ban  as of 4 p.m., Saturday

From the MBTA website: Due to the impacts of a severe winter storm, MBTA service will remain suspended on all  modes Saturday, February 9, 2013.

– Photos by Joan Campo McKenna, Michell Sinclair and Eric Zabriskie.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

*

Growing up in the Ville

When we were kids growing up in the Ville

from  Dilboy Field to Prospect Hill

we rode our bikes, and played relievio

Whiteout conditions throughout the city of Somerville Friday night.

– Photos by William Tauro

Prospect Hill Tower.

From  Mayor Joe Curtatone

We are about to experience a serious weather event. As we continue to monitor the path and strength of the oncoming blizzard,  please take extra precautions in advance to prepare for potential power outages associated with predicted high winds and heavy, wet snow. Stock enough food and medication for your family members and pets for a 3 to 5  day period. Be sure you have batteries for flashlights, and place them  throughout your home. During power outages, use caution by limiting use  of candles and be sure to clear vents in your home of snow and ice.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

By now, it’s no secret that I have made a firm commitment to ensuring that Somerville is truly a multimodal community, encouraging walking, biking, and use of public transportation, as well as providing safe ways to do so. But moving our infrastructure into the 21st century and creating safer streets will not happen by chance. That’s why we have the SafeSTART program.

School Canceled for Friday; Residents Urged to Prepare for Possible High Winds, Whiteout Conditions and Power Outages

Based on current weather projections, including a National Weather Service Blizzard Watch issued for the metro Boston area, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has declared a snow emergency for the City of Somerville, effective at 10 p.m. on Thursday, February 7.   In accordance with the city’s Snow Emergency Policies, a Snow Emergency may be declared at least four hours prior to the predicted start of a forecast for four inches or more of snow.

By Jim Clark

Police officers responded to a reported robbery at Alisson Market last week.

Upon arrival at Broadway and Lincoln, officers spotted a man waving them down the street. As police proceeded down Lincoln St. they soon found a group of individuals in the street arguing, stopping traffic.

All Somerville Public Schools and offices will be closed Friday, February 8, 2013, due to anticipated severe weather conditions. All school-related activities scheduled for Friday or Saturday, February 8 or 9 are also cancelled.

(l to r) Gregg Hammer, Janice Landry, Jon Dykstra, Meredith Beck, Andrew Crowe and Irene Molloy. – Photo by Joanne Barrett

By Terence Clarey

There is a line in the song Body of an American by the Irish punk-folk group The Pogues describing attendees at the wake of an Irish-American that goes, “There were uncles giving lectures on ancient Irish history.”