(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.

By Eugene C. Brune
Mayor Emeritus      

Finally. After more than 50 years of expectation., long-awaited and promised Green Line is now serving the city of Somerville. The promise of this public transportation expansion was made after a major battle was launched by those neighborhoods that felt the noise, the disruption, the displacement, and the ill health effects, when I 93 ripped through Somerville, the densest city in the state. In the process, several lawsuits were filed which demonstrated the cumulative environmental problems which the new highway brought to town. Public transportation was seen as a mitigation for the environmental problems caused by the highway.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

On Thursday, December 8, Somerville kicked off the holiday celebrations with the Holiday Lighting on the City Hall Concourse. Santa Claus was escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police Departments making his grand entrance atop a shiny red fire truck. Santa met with children in the Somerville High School Cafeteria where all children who attend received a special gift from Santa and had the opportunity to take a photo with Old St. Nick.

After many delays, the Green Line Extension to Medford is completed and up and running. Many came out in the early hour morning on Monday to celebrate the opening. The main event is the Saturday, December 17, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Go Green Line! Community Celebration at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Avenue. Event attendees will be close enough to walk down and check out the new Gilman Square T stop behind the high school before or after the event.