By Dennis Fischman

When we read a contemporary mystery set in a place we know, in a culture that’s familiar to us, it’s easier to see the clues sticking out from the weave of the story. We know what’s usual and expected. When something is unusual, or unexpected—when it doesn’t fit—it makes us wonder.

Do you love to sing? You are invited to join the Community Gospel Choir and sing in their free Gospel Music Concert, which will be held on Sunday, February 22, 3 – 5 p.m., at the Somerville Community Baptist Church in Davis Square (the concert is in honor of Black History Month).

Somerville has signed a new union agreement that will raise pay and modernize benefits for Unit D employees. ~Photo courtesy of City of Somerville.

Retroactive raises and benefit updates support a strong City workforce

Somerville has signed a new union agreement that will raise pay and modernize benefits for Unit D employees — from ISD and Parking staff to social workers, specialized Police Department clerical staff, and DPW custodial and facilities supervisors — who keep Somerville’s day-to-day services running. The newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) covers Fiscal Years 2023 through 2025.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The story of our ski trip is one of my favorite memories of my time at Somerville High School. The following story takes place in 1970 when I was a junior.

With army surplus duffel bags bulging with Budweiser and Ripple wine, my two friends and I snuck aboard the bus heading for a Somerville high school ski trip in New Hampshire. We were caught by the teachers and thrown off the bus. My buddies Richard and Linda and me started to hitch hike.

Mayor Wilson and his transition team are currently mapping out the future plans of the administration. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

The Transition Committee for Mayor Jake Wilson outlined the process and early successes of its work since November, highlighting a broad community engagement effort, 18 policy subcommittees, and an ongoing synthesis that will culminate in a public report in early March. At that time, the Transition Committee will also publish the policy committees’ work online to provide a transparent view of deliberations and recommendations.

The Senate last week passed Senator Jehlen’s bill, An Act relative to senior property tax deferral, to expand eligibility for the Senior Tax Deferral program by raising the income limit and by lowering eligibility to seven years of state residency.

The bill also gives a respectful amount of time to grieving families of people who have taken advantage of the Senior Tax Deferral, allowing heirs more time to pay the deferred taxes. It delays an increase in the interest rate for deferred taxes until a year after the taxpayer’s death, and delays the date of potential foreclosure.

Holly Simione, recently a candidate for City Council At Large, is said to be “seriously considering” a campaign for State Representative to replace Christine Barber, who is giving up her seat to run for retiring Senator Patricia Jehlen. Simione brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare systems, disability rights, public finance, and policy implementation. Former Chair of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council has been fielding calls from friends and supporters urging her to run for the seat. She expects to make a formal announcement soon.

Brickbottom Gallery will open its doors to the artist members of Fountain Street Gallery. In “Many Paths,” an exhibition of painting, photography, and mixed media, sixteen artists introduce their work to the Brickbottom Gallery community. The partnership of two community-based arts organizations (Brickbottom Gallery and Fountain Street) unites artists and audiences, encouraging everyone involved to broaden their perspectives.

Eagle Feathers #346 – Seven Hills to Seven Seas

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

“From the seven hills to the seven seas” would be an appropriate description of the lives of thousands of Somerville men and women throughout the years. Long ago, the city’s location was a high-tide island called “Charlestown Beyond the Neck.” Its watery perimeter was made up of the Mystic River to the north, the Alewife Brook to the west, Tannery Brook and Miller’s River to the south, and the Charles River with its millponds, to the east.