(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)

By Ken Brociner

While I realize that it’s possible that no one thought twice about something I wrote about Joe Curtatone in my last column, I regretted it immediately after seeing it in print on December 22. And I am not referring to an overly harsh comment I directed at our former mayor. Not at all. As you can see, what I said was actually in praise of Curtatone’s stewardship of Somerville during the 18 years he was mayor. 

Eagle Feathers #247 – They Were There

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Thirty-seven of today’s United States were not involved in our eight-year Revolutionary War because they didn’t exist at that time. The fortitude of those original colonies forged the existence of those who followed and allowed them to enjoy our bountiful country today. Only thirteen experienced it. Massachusetts was the first. After victory, their hard-fought seeds of freedom were spread from coast to coast.

The Presidents Day holiday puts us in mind of those great leaders who governed us throughout our country’s tumultuous history: The American Revolution, the Civil War, two world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, and so on.

Greatness was thrust upon certain holders of that office by events that shaped their legacies, while others are relegated to general obscurity due to a lack of conflict and controversy during their times in office. Each one’s tenure in office should be regarded as equally important. In as much as big events could have elevated their place in history at a moment’s notice.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

On Tuesday, February 15, at approximately 1:17 p.m., the Somerville Police Department responded to numerous 911 calls for multiple shots fired in the area of Mystic Avenue and within the Mystic Housing Development.

Citywide Drainage and Water Quality Master Plan Community Meetings

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Engineering Division invite you to a series of community meetings to discuss flood mitigation in Somerville.

The City is developing a Citywide Drainage and Water Quality Master Plan, a collection of infrastructure projects that will reduce flooding, improve water quality, and mitigate combined sewer overflows. After years of modeling and evaluation, the Engineering Division and its consultants have developed 30 projects that would address the root causes of flooding and prepare Somerville for climate change. Now, the City is ready to present these ideas and get feedback from the public. Community input will help identify preferred alternatives and determine which of those 30 projects are included in the final Drainage and Water Quality Master Plan. 

~Photos courtesy of The Thirsty Scholar

Pub that appeared in “The Social Network” returns with new chef, ownership 

Shuttered since July of 2021, The Thirsty Scholar in Somerville has made its triumphant return under new ownership and management. Now open, the neighborhood bar – in part famous for making a special guest appearance in the 2011 blockbuster hit, The Social Network – debuts with a new chef, refined bar menu and the same pub charm.