John J. Howe of Somerville passed away peacefully surrounded by family, January 31, 2022. Beloved husband of Sheila (O’Brien) Howe. Loving father of John Howe and his wife Karin of Wakefield, Kristen Kennedy and her husband Michael of Melrose, Gregory Howe and his wife Paige of CA and Erin (Howe) McGovern of Somerville. Brother of Marie Howe of Somerville, William Howe of FL and the late Desmond Howe. Cherished grandfather of Pierson, Harrison, Katherine, William, Barron, Jillian, Caitlin, Julia and Desmond.

The Rockland Trust charitable foundation recently presented a check to The Center for Arts at the Armory for $5,000 which will go towards funding the Somerville Winter Farmers Market.

Gilman Square’s Green Line T-stop is bringing the local community together to discuss its optimal use and ensure the common good for all who may be affected by its presence. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Eliza Billingham

Imagining the subway like a river, most people think of a subway stop like a small, sudden clearing on the bank; an easy point of access and transition. But the wise know that a subway stop is more like a water wheel, a point of power and productivity for those who control it. The issue then becomes who harnesses the power for whom.

While the Historic Preservation Commission has no say over the fate of Lyndell’s Bakery, representatives of the business say it will go on at an alternative location.

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On Tuesday of last week, the Historic Preservation Commission held its monthly meeting. The meeting had an elevated level of importance as recently there have been rumors going around that local bakery Lyndell’s was set to close after 135 years in operation. The bakery, which opened in 1887, has been a staple in the Somerville community for generations.

The CHA Somerville Vaccine Center is now accepting walk-ins, as supply allows. The Center is open to all, five days a week and some Saturdays. You can get booster shots for ages 12+ and initial vaccines for ages 5+. The vaccines are free, regardless of immigration or health insurance status, and you don’t need to show ID. Full hours and details are here: challiance.org/vaccine. You can still make an appointment at tinyurl.com/metronorthvaccine. If you’re a CHA patient, you can also make an appointment through MyChart: challiance.org/mychart. If you need assistance finding a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you can call 3-1-1 (617-666-3311).

By Kyle Dante

The Metro Boston Homeland Security Region met last Friday with nine officials from towns and cities across Massachusetts. Not having met since July of 2021 due to concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting featured Regional Planner Jillian Eweka leading the event on budget matters.

Thomas P. Sullivan, Jr.

Winter Hill Bank is pleased to announce that Thomas P. Sullivan, Jr. has been promoted to Senior Vice President/ Lending Operations and Compliance by the Board of Directors at the bank’s annual meeting. With over 25 years of experience in banking and real estate lending, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and involvement in the areas of audit, risk, operations, lending and regulatory compliance. Tom’s attributes include a strong background in product development, policy making, report writing and management. He provides outstanding analytical, organizational and creative skills to the betterment of Winter Hill Bank. In addition, as a member of the Bank’s Executive Management Team, he will work closely with senior leaders to focus on the strategic growth and other initiatives of the bank.

(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)

Gun violence prevention is crucial to the safety of our city, and the vocal support of Somerville residents is paramount in encouraging our elected representatives to prioritize this issue. Please help our state continue to be a national leader in the fight to prevent gun violence by urging our lawmakers to support passage of the following bills this week:

The first big snowfall of 2022 has come and gone, and with its arrival there also came the city’s Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot program, targeting properties on Broadway and School St., with the intention of testing options to support safer travel.

During the pilot, the city increased enforcement of existing sidewalk snow removal rules, which can include issuing fines when sidewalks are not shoveled properly or on time.