Today as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s important to remember that reflecting on his legacy and quoting his powerful words is not enough.

Members of the King family have asked that rather than celebrate MLK Day we take inspiration from Dr. King and put in the work to build a more just, equitable society. In particular, they have asked Americans to stand up for voting rights. In a statement, Martin Luther King III said, “MLK Day has always been a day on, not off. When we call for ‘no celebration without legislation,’ we’re not urging Americans not to honor this day – we’re asking people to honor Dr. King through action to protect the right to vote.”

Help local pets and shop for your Valentine

Kitty Connection, an all-volunteer non-profit dedicated to rescuing and finding safe, loving homes for local cats and dogs, will hold an Online Silent Auction from 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 28 through 9:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30 at www.myminiauction.com/kittyconnection.

PCR testing available to residents and workers, regardless of health insurance or immigration status 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today announced new COVID-19 testing sites in East Somerville to expand access to free tests for Somerville residents and workers.

The City of Somerville is hosting a pop-up COVID-19 testing site on Saturday, January 15, at Connexion, 149 Broadway, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

This location will offer PCR tests to Somerville residents of all ages who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have a known exposure to COVID-19. Testing is free, regardless of health insurance or immigration status. Appointments are required. To schedule a test, visit somervillema.gov/covidtesting or call 311 (617-666-3311).  

RSJ department and Ballantyne Administration seek members for Youth Justice League and Ambassadors for reimagining policing efforts

The City of Somerville will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year with reflection, a call to support voting rights, and the announcement of two opportunities for residents to help advance and inform the city’s ongoing racial and social justice work.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to The Burren bar on Elm St. last Wednesday at approximately 1:00 a.m. on reports of a man hitting the door of The Burren with a chair.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Honor and progress is the city of Somerville’s motto/slogan. We certainly have lots of progress. I’d like to think that the honor part is our love and dedication to family, city and friends.

My family moved three streets from Davis Square in 1960. I was seven years old. The train still rumbled through Davis Square, which was filled with every kind of specialty store you could think of and two five and tens. The cars were big and clunky, and there were two bowling alleys, tons of bar rooms, and two Chinese restaurants.