Holly Simione, recently a candidate for City Council At Large, is said to be “seriously considering” a campaign for State Representative to replace Christine Barber, who is giving up her seat to run for retiring Senator Patricia Jehlen. Simione brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare systems, disability rights, public finance, and policy implementation. Former Chair of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council has been fielding calls from friends and supporters urging her to run for the seat. She expects to make a formal announcement soon.

Brickbottom Gallery will open its doors to the artist members of Fountain Street Gallery. In “Many Paths,” an exhibition of painting, photography, and mixed media, sixteen artists introduce their work to the Brickbottom Gallery community. The partnership of two community-based arts organizations (Brickbottom Gallery and Fountain Street) unites artists and audiences, encouraging everyone involved to broaden their perspectives.

Eagle Feathers #346 – Seven Hills to Seven Seas

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

“From the seven hills to the seven seas” would be an appropriate description of the lives of thousands of Somerville men and women throughout the years. Long ago, the city’s location was a high-tide island called “Charlestown Beyond the Neck.” Its watery perimeter was made up of the Mystic River to the north, the Alewife Brook to the west, Tannery Brook and Miller’s River to the south, and the Charles River with its millponds, to the east.

As we get into the snowy months of winter, it’s good for all of us to make sure we understand what the odd-even rules are and where we stand this season.

Here is a reminder of what the city’s snow parking rules and guidelines are for the 25/26 winter season:

For the second time in a row, the Kennedy Middle School Debate Team was the top school at the Boston Debate League Tournament. These results are a testament to the hard work put forth by debaters and Coach Aine Blanchard. The Kennedy team will move on to the next middle school tournament in early February at Boston Latin Academy.

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Recently, I caught up with the poet J.D. Scrimgeour, the current poet laureate of Salem, Ma. He has a new collection of poetry/prose out, Poet in High Street Park: Prose & Poetry for Modern Salem (Loom Press).

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Poet Wendy Drexler writes: “My new collection, Harvest of What Remains, will be published at the beginning of February by Lily Poetry Review Books. My book navigates my experience as a caregiver for my husband, who has Alzheimer’s.”

Applications Now Being Accepted for City Resident Representative 

The City of Somerville is seeking one new resident to join the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust (SAHT) in a volunteer role. The current vacancy is for a City Resident representative. Applicants must be Somerville residents who are income-eligible for state and/or federal housing programs. If you’re passionate about advancing affordable housing in our community, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.