(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 Justin Klekota,
Candidate for Somerville City Council At-Large
(http://electjustin.org)

As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we remember that the greatest challenges facing humanity require the cooperation of the entire global community. As the heroic efforts of our public health and medical professionals to fight the pandemic continue, we must resolve to build a healthier, greener future. Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead given the historic climate legislation passed into law last month that empowers our Commonwealth to reduce fossil fuel emissions to combat the threat of glacial melting and sea level rise along our coastlines and waterways.

April 22, 2021 marks the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of Elizabeth Peabody House, a Somerville nonprofit that supports families in reaching their full potential through early childhood education, youth development, and family assistance. The organization will mark the start of its 125th anniversary year, which it will celebrate from April 2021 through April 2022, with a virtual event – Elizabeth Peabody House at 125.

So, Patriots’ Day came and went this week with little fanfare and fuss, and no Boston Marathon, all because of the ongoing the coronavirus threat. It is very important we continue to be safe, yet we can’t help but miss these grand old traditions that most of us look forward to. It’s unfortunate that we have had to give up so much so far, but these events and special occasions will return. For now, be safe and ride this thing out with patience and good humor.

While the usual commemorations of Patriots’ Day have not taken place this year due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we still look for ways to remember with reverence the exploits of the brave men and women who made the American Revolution the success it eventually became.

Locally, we especially honor those who fought the battles of Lexington and Concord, and of Menotomy. And, of course, the lauded “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” is a fundamental part of the great American saga.

Eagle Feathers #228 – The Story Teller

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

His goal in writing was to stimulate interest, excite and enlighten young people about history. His heroes were mostly of the American saga. Elbridge Streeter Brooks (1846-1902) was a well-known author, reviewer and editor for numerous publishers and magazines: The Independent, Wide Awake, Publishers Weekly, and Harpers to name a few. He set out writing a series of articles named Historic Boys and Historic Girls which were in the St. Nicholas Magazine.

— Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Dept.

Shown is Lt. Robert MacLaughlan receiving his retirement badge from (L-R) Assist Chief Chris Major and Chief Breen in the Chief’s Office. Bob officially retired on April 18. His last assignment was in Fire Prevention. 

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I was lucky to connect with Somerville’s Allison Reyes. This young woman is part of a musical group Testi5, where she sings and dances, she also teaches ballet, and has a strong bond with her church, and the Dominican community.

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Kitty Beer’s stories and articles have appeared in print and online in the U.S. and Canada, including her work as an environmental journalist. She grew up in New England and raised her two children in Canada, Germany, and upstate New York. She holds her B.A. from Harvard University, and her M.A. from Cornell University.

Charline Rosemond was found murdered on April 13, 2009, in Somerville. It is 12 years later and her case remains unsolved. If you have any information about the unsolved homicide of Charline Rosemond, please contact Somerville Police Det. Alan Monaco at 617-625-1600 Ext. 7226 and DA Office 781-897-6600. Please help bring closure to the Rosemond Family.

The Somerville Fire Department responded to a building fire at 2-4 Adrian Street on Monday afternoon, April 19. The initial call was reported at 2:52 p.m. Arriving firefighters encountered a heavy smoke condition in the building with an active fire in the basement. The building is currently under renovation and is unoccupied. Workers were on the site working at the time of the fire.