The City Charter is somewhat like a local Constitution, it governs the structure and functions of our local government. The City Council Special Committee on Charter Review is examining the Charter and will recommend changes to the mayor and council. The intent is to update the Charter where needed to meet the community’s evolving needs. Learn more about the Charter Review process at somervillema.gov/charterreview.

The shopping is well underway, and all the presents should be wrapped on time. And once the plans for the big day have been made, don’t forget to slow down, relax and enjoy the holiday season and all the finer things that come with it.

Eagle Feathers #268 – Reuben James

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Reuben James was born in Boston and was a sailor and Boatswain’s mate in the United States Navy during the Barbary Wars. He fought alongside Commander Richard Somers, namesake of our city, and under the command of Somers’ best friend Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, who later commanded the Constitution.

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Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Karen Klein

In her foreword, Jane Fonda, actor, activist, and maker of the film 9 to 5, praises the women of 9 to 5 who built a nationwide movement, started a women-led union, changed the image of working women and “made it clear that women[are]workers in the own right…with rights.” She claims their story will inspire you. It does. I need only quote from the numerous examples of male bosses’ bad behavior toward their secretaries to convince you of the need for the 9 to 5 movement.

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Our poet writes: Hello! My name is Kassidy Butt and I am a junior at Endicott College with a major in English and a concentration in Secondary Education. I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life with my mom, dad, sister, and two dogs! Writing is something I have always had a passion for and I cannot wait to become an English teacher one day!

Arrests:
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Rodrigo Gutierrez, of Weymouth, November 28, 3:09 p.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and state highway traffic violation.

~Photo by Bobbie Toner

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Chief of Police Charles Femino have confirmed that Darien Burns, 53, of Somerville has been arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury in connection with the fatal stabbing of Joseph Muzzi, 33, of Weymouth that occurred last night inside the Spin Cycle laundromat on Main Street in Somerville.

All are invited to join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City staff for Somerville’s 2022 holiday celebrations throughout the month of December.