By Ryan DiLello

The lights that lined the trees and windows in Somerville’s Union Square came as a warming relief on a cold and windy Saturday. Storefronts were decorated for the seventh annual Union Square Holiday Stroll, a neighborhood tradition in the spirit of supporting local businesses.

Eagle Feathers #243 – Doctor Warren

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

“It is the united voice of America to preserve their freedom. Let us prefer the lonely cottage, while blest with liberty, to gilded palaces, surrounded with the ensigns of slavery.” These timeless quotes came from Joseph Warren who was born in Roxbury on June 11, 1741.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

This year’s Assembly Square Ice Sculpture Stroll took place on Thursday, December 9, at Assembly Row. Nine ice sculptures of various sizes, shapes and characters were located throughout The Row for visitors to find. Starting at any location, participants followed a map to visit each special location and enjoy perks and surprises along the way. They then collected a holiday memento when the map was complete. Holiday Music was provided by Kiss 108.

Santa recently visited Sally O’Brien’s and asked former Alderman Bob McWatters and Liam Mannion if they were naughty or nice.

The holiday season gives us that little nudge we sometimes need to take stock in what is most important for us and to share in the sense of appreciation that we feel amongst one another.

Of course, for those of us who may be blessed with material abundance, it is also important to help the less fortunate who may be in need as the winter holiday season unfolds. Consider giving a little of your time or money to make another’s life a little better, particularly during the winter months to come.

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Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Dennis Daly

While reading Denise Provost’s new book, City of Stories, I marveled not only at her well-wrought pieces, but the witty, contagious joy pooling in each one, which charmingly overflows and inevitably drenches the reader in its artistic charm. Sure, there are moments of sorrow and maddening dysfunction in her observations. Hope, however, and the poet’s offbeat stoicism always seem to save the day.

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Caitlyn Sievers is a junior psychology and criminal justice major at Endicott College. She is originally from Salem, Connecticut and loves to hike and spend time outside in her free time. After graduating, she plans to attend law school.

Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church will present Psaltikon’s A Byzantine Christmas at the church on Saturday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. Now in its tenth year, A Byzantine Christmas is the Greek vocal ensemble’s annual holiday and heritage-themed offering of traditional Greek sacred music, kalanda (carols), and readings. St. Catherine’s Philoptochos Society co-sponsors the event. A wine and cheese reception will follow the performance.

Foss Park ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Friday December 17 at 10:00 a.m. at 49 Fellsway West, at the corner of Broadway and McGrath Highway in Somerville. Department of Conservation and Recreation Acting Commissioner Stephanie Cooper, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, State Representatives Mike Connolly and Christine Barber, State Senator Pat Jehlen, other distinguished guests and members of the public will be in attendance.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Chief of Police Kevin Molis have announced that Antonio Rufo-Sanon, 19 of Somerville, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with fatally shooting Daquelle Matthews, 22 of Boston, in Malden last month.