“Bounce” oil, oilstick and sgraffito on panel, 2022, part of the “KSx20: Persistence of Light” exhibition marking twenty years of work by artist educator Karl Stephan, at Nave Gallery, March 19 – May 1.

For twenty years Karl Stephan worked in relative obscurity. But when Nave director Susan Berstler saw Karl’s pandemic work – and heard the story – she offered him a full-gallery retrospective.

Despite every dark event from 9/11 to Katrina, Trump to Covid and now Ukraine, Karl persists in seeking and sharing joy in art-making. From “suburban surrealism” to the new expansive “color music” his work celebrates the persistence of light.

Jerry C. DeCristofaro, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the Winchester Hospital on Saturday, February 26th. He was 85.

Born in Boston, MA, Jerry was a life-long resident of Medford. Jerry was the son of the late Joseph and Lucille (Moncada) DeCristofaro and grandfather of the late Garrett Anthony Joseph Theisen.

On March 3, 1842, Somerville officially became its own city after breaking away from Charlestown.

The City of Somerville has an opening for our citywide Community Garden Coordinator position. In this role, you will be the liaison between each of the 11 Community Gardens and the city. The role receives a $500 annual stipend paid quarterly. 

Unit 301 is located at 13 Alpine St. in Somerville and available to an income eligible, first-time homebuyer through the City of Somerville’s Inclusionary Housing Program*

The long-awaited debut of the Green Line Extension’s service to Somerville is right around the corner. — Photo courtesy of MBTA GLX

By Jim Clark

After many years of planning, controversy, and delayed construction, the new Green Line Extension (GLX) service will begin operating in the City of Somerville starting on March 21.

Last Thursday, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak made the official announcement setting the date for GLX service to Union Square to get underway.

Inadequate parking is an ongoing issue for those who need spaces at Somerville High School and along Highland Ave., according to many concerned Somerville citizens.

By Kyle Dante

In a follow-up to its November agenda, a public hearing took place on February 24 with the Somerville Traffic Board.

Somerville is felt by many to have inadequate parking. For example, during the construction of the renovated Somerville High School (SHS), teachers had no available staff parking. In addition, the pilot proposal left hundreds affected by parking limitations. These factors resulted in a public petition being brought to the City Council in November of 2021.

In response to updated CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance on indoor masking, the Somerville Board of Health will hold a special meeting to discuss the local indoor mask mandate. The meeting will take place virtually on Thursday, March 3, beginning at 6:00 p.m. For information on how to join the meeting, please visit somervillema.gov/BOHMarch3

(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)

Regarding your article in the February 23rd edition, it is good to know that the city is at last addressing the rat problem. I live in Day St close by Davis Square and have been catching rats almost daily now for over a year. A week ago we were presented with an estimate from the Subaru dealer for repairs to our new car with only 4,700 miles on it for over $5,000 to remedy rat damage to the wiring and hoses. Rats are more than a nuisance; they carry disease, and we fix this problem. Putting food waste in secure trash barrels deprives them of a food source and perhaps we need more so that visitors to Davis have somewhere to leave their pizza crusts and other foods that litter the streets. It is good news that the pilot run of SMART will include Davis. Rats are smart, they learn quickly so it is hoped we can outsmart them with technology.

Alan Bingham
Somerville