Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first appeared in our October 13, 2007 edition.

There used to be three junior high schools in Somerville – the Western, the Southern and the Northeastern. I went to the Western, which was up near Teele Square. Dr. Horne was the principal and Mr. Mackey was the vice-principal – it was 1968.

January represents a time for change, with the end of holiday celebrations ushering in a wave of resolutions. January is also National Poverty Awareness Month. This year, the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is shining a light on this critical issue and calling for more action against the root causes of poverty and understanding for those experiencing it. We ask you to join us to think more critically about poverty and use this start to the year to reflect on how we understand the issue in our community.

On January 12, the Somerville City Council unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by At-Large Councilors Willie Burnley Jr and Charlotte Kelly to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cancel millions of dollars of residential medical debt.

Nuestra LLC dba Boston Garden recently held a public meeting introducing itself to the community and addressing any concerns about its proposed business model.

By Morgan Gaffney

Nuestra LLC dba Boston Garden, a Massachusetts-based cannabis brand, moves forward in their process to open an adult-use marijuana establishment at 518 Somerville Ave. The proposed retailer was discussed during a virtual community outreach meeting they held via Zoom last Thursday evening. After a presentation about how the retailer would function, the meeting was opened up to the community for questions and concerns.

The City of Somerville’s SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) is pleased to host an open house to connect with residents, city staff, and local service providers. SOIA provides multilingual, culturally competent programs and services and advances policies to support Somerville’s immigrant community. The open house is Thursday, January 26, from 12:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the SOIA office (42 Cross St.). The event will feature community resource tables and a series of presentations from SOIA staff, followed by a mix-and-mingle social hour: Haitian Creole: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Portuguese: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Nepali: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Mandarin/Cantonese: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Spanish: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Mix and Mingle: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Drop in at any time during the open house to speak with SOIA staff, learn more about available services, and meet your neighbors. For more information, email Courtney Henderson at chenderson@somervillema.gov.

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

As a 42-year resident of Somerville, I am excited for the future of this City and watching it reach its fullest potential through smart legislation and a modernized charter. As a member of “old school Somerville (Yikes!),” I also long for the continuation of those ingredients that have been deeply embedded in the soul of this City for decades. I realize the Goldilocks / perfect porridge expectation, but in this case, I truly believe it is possible.

There is a lot of history connected to the City of Somerville, and with it plenty of heroes to celebrate. One such individual is Medal of Honor recipient retired Navy Capt. Thomas Gunning Kelley, a current resident of the city.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy announced that the future guided-missile destroyer DDG-140 will be named after the 83-year-old Kelley, who received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for actions during the Vietnam War.

Eagle Feathers #271 – Medal of Honor   

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

The first military medal bestowed by our government was a gold medal. It was awarded to a man who spent considerable time engaged in Charlestown/Somerville during the most crucial year of her history. It was bestowed upon general George Washington to commemorate the Evacuation of Boston by the British in 1776.

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The Somerville Arts Council (SAC) has announced that the mural panels that were created this summer by the Mystic River Mural Program have been installed by the Somerville Department of Public Works.

The new State Auditor Diana DiZoglio for Massachusetts was sworn in on January 18. DiZoglio posed with (L to R) Lieutenant Barry Hamilton, Former Alderman Bob McWatters, Deputy Chief Michael Avery and candidate for Somerville Firefighters Marc Atwater at her post-ceremony celebration.