Program Chairman James Lynch, Marine Corps members Sergeant Ulises Tapia and Gunnery Sergeant Miguel Guzman, and Kiwanis member Adam Portney. — Photos courtesy of Somerville Kiwanis Club

On Thursday, December 11, Somerville Kiwanis Club members were joined by our good friends from the Somerville Rotary Club and Somerville Lions Club for our annual Toys For Tots luncheon meeting at the Burren Restaurant in Davis Square. Two members of the Marine Corps joined us for this special tri-club meeting.

Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne spoke of the many accomplishments that her administration achieved in an address to the City Council last Thursday.

By Harry Kane

In one of the most challenging periods of our nation’s history, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s administration was a beacon of hope that guided the community to heal after the pandemic. The team will pass the torch on to the Wilson administration in the new year.

What’s one of the best parts about the holiday season? The movies and the nostalgia they give us. Celebrate December-time at Arts at the Armory’s historic venue this year with a special holiday movie double feature: Home Alone and Die Hard.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Somerville’s Council on Aging held its Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, December 11, at the Dilboy Post, 351 Summer Street. Along with Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and other city officials, the Somerville Police Department also helped seniors celebrate the holidays while giving them helpful tips to stay safe against scammers who are targeting our community.

The city honored SSEPAC with a special citation at its latest meeting, acknowledging the tremendous job the organization does in supporting the student population in the community.

By The Times Staff

The journey of nurturing children with special needs starts with inclusion.

The Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC) received a citation for its steadfast commitment and dedication to defending the rights of Somerville student learners.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Enchanted Village at Jordan Marsh, which had been there since the 1940s, closed in 1972. It reopened again at Jordan’s Furniture in Avon in 1990. Here are some memories of the wonderful Christmas tradition. The animatronic vintage Christmas-themed scenes are part of my childhood holiday memories. The following recollections are from those who remember those magical visits to The Enchanted Village.

Seven promotions for the Somerville Fire Department took place at the City Council meeting on Thursday, December 11. The promotions included one Deputy Chief, one District Chief, two Captains, and three Lieutenants. The new officers are Deputy Chief Steven Mauras, District Chief Marc Ardolino, Captains Jay McKenzie and Andrew Patriquin, and Lieutenants Nicholas Halloran, Raymond Busi, and Ronald Hampton.

The long-awaited partial demolition of the old Star Market building took place last week, with crowds gathering to cheer on the activities. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jeffrey Shwom

The first pieces of roofing at a former Star Market came down Saturday, symbolizing the start of a multiyear housing and mixed-use building project on Winter Hill.