Speakers, including Governor Charlie Baker, Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Mayors Katjana Ballantyne and Breanna Lungo-Koehn and others representatives, both state and local, celebrate the opening of the Medford/Tufts Green Line Extension station at Tufts University.

On Sunday, December 18, a ceremonial Menorah Lighting event will take place on the City Hall Concourse beginning at 5:00 p.m. All members of the community are invited to join Mayor Ballantyne, Rabbi Eliana Jacobowitz, and city staff for a brief ceremony and photo on the City Hall Concourse. A short informal program of traditional songs and sing-alongs will be performed, special gifts will be available for children, and light refreshments will be served. The Menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah. 

Beginning around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 18, the annual Jingle Bell Run road race will be held in and around the Davis, Teele, and Ball square areas. Short traffic delays may occur on Holland Street, Broadway in Teele Square, North Street, Powder House Boulevard, Broadway in Ball Square, and Cedar Street.

(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)

By State Senator Pat Jehlen

For many years, the work of caring for older people and young children has faced an increasing crisis as there are just not enough people willing to do the work for the low pay. The Boston Foundation’s Boston Indicators and Skillworks released an extremely important report on that workforce; last week, the Caucus of Women Legislators hosted a presentation on it.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Center for Arts at the Armory hosts and manages the 13th Annual Somerville Winter Farmers Market every Saturday through April 8. This weekly market offers the best locally grown and regionally produced agricultural items, including vegetable produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, pastries, and sweets. Each market will feature more than 35 weekly vendors and several rotating guest vendors while welcoming an anticipated 1,000 visitors. To learn more and for a complete listing of vendors, weekly specials, and live entertainment, please visit www.somwintermarket.org.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I asked for a guitar for two Christmases and finally got it on Christmas Day 1966 and started taking lessons. Before that my favorite toy was an Erector Set and my Aurora Racecar set. This story is about our friends and neighbors’ best and most loved Christmas presents and gifts.

The Somerville City Council was updated on the currently proposed development plans for the Broadway and Temple Street area. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Emilia Wisniewski

The Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development provided updates on a renovation project in Winter Hill, including a time for public hearing and expected construction, at a nearly four-hour City Council meeting last Thursday.

The Green Line Extension to Medford officially opened on Monday, and Somerville was there for it. — Photos by Bobbie Toner and courtesy of MBTA Green Line Extension

By Jim Clark

Passenger service began on the completed Green Line Extension route on Monday as crowds gathered to be among the first riders and to participate in this historic event.