Applications to Become a Paid Climate Forward Ambassador Will Be Accepted Until January 2, 2023

The City of Somerville is seeking community members aged 16 years or older to participate in the 2023 Climate Forward Ambassadors program. Potential members should be interested in learning more, as well as educating others, about climate change, environmental justice and equity, and Somerville’s Climate Forward Plan. Ambassadors do not need any prior knowledge about climate change to participate—in fact, the ideal group will have a range of knowledge and expertise. Participants will receive a $400 stipend for participating, and dinner will be provided for in-person meetings.  

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.