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Our featured poet writes: “My name is Gina Ingrando and I am a freshman English major at Endicott College. My concentration is creative writing, and it is one of my favorite things to do. It is also my favorite elective at the moment. I am currently having another poem published in a poetry collection called Together. My biggest goal is to get my poems out there and have people read and enjoy what I love to do.”

(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 William C. Shelton

The poet Federico Garcia Lorca wrote that La Rambla was the only street in the world that he wished would never end. It is a linear plaza running three-quarters of a mile, from Barcelona’s center to the Mediterranean.

Following months of suspended enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville will resume residential parking enforcement December 1, 2020. 

City data indicates most residents have already renewed their expired permits in 2020 (thank you!). Those who still need to renew an expired permit or obtain a new permit are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Sign up for city alerts to be reminded of snow emergencies and parking regulations

As snow season approaches, the City of Somerville reminds all residents that because this winter season begins in an even year, snow emergency parking is allowed on the even side. The city’s snow removal policy for public streets requires that residents park only on one designated side of the street during snow emergencies (unless otherwise posted). One-sided parking is needed to allow plows to push snow to the other side of the street to ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles and others. Any exceptions for designated streets will be posted with official roadside signage. For example, roads that have parking only on the odd-numbered side of the street year-round will also, usually, park on the odd side during snow emergencies.

Help plan for the future of the Assembly Square neighborhood by participating in one or more virtual sessions of the city’s Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan Update Public Design Charrette. Sessions are planned for Monday, November 30, through Friday, December 4, and will allow residents to share their ideas, talk with their neighbors, and learn more about Assembly Square planning.

Yet, in a safe, deconstructed way. Time to light things up Somerville —and take self-guided tours, while supporting local businesses.

Even though, they  will not be conducting traditional trolley tours this winter, the bright spirit of Somerville will shine on. So whether you’re a business or a resident, time to deck the halls and plug things in!  Somerville Arts Council is  hoping that each neighborhood and square gets involved. They’ll  then create a digital map so folks can take a “deconstructed tour” on their own time, supporting local businesses as they go. So, as a participant or tour goer, let’s celebrate the folk artistry and creativity of residents and businesses that transform their spaces and yards with lights, ornaments, and shrines of devotion and fantasy.

The Somerville Winter Farmers Market is establishing alternative methods for keeping itself operating through the 2020-2021 season.

The Center for Arts at the Armory (CAA) proudly announces that it will host and manage the Somerville Winter Farmers Market (SWFM) every Saturday beginning December 5th through April 10th, with online pre-ordering beginning November 29th. This weekly market offers the best locally grown and regionally produced agricultural items, including vegetable produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, pastries, and sweets. Each market will feature more than 40 weekly vendors, with 10-14 outside in our parking lot.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Springfield St. location last week on reports of a vehicular accident.

Upon arrival, police dispatch informed arriving units that the vehicle in question had struck two parked cars. A traffic unit and EMTs were subsequently called to the scene.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

My daily community Covid-19 updates posted this message for the holidays: “With the holidays approaching, you may be thinking about ways to gather with loved ones to celebrate. As a reminder, the safest choice is to avoid gathering with anyone you don’t already live with. Staying within your own household is the only sure way to not spread COVID-19 to others. Instead of celebrating in-person, consider connecting with loved ones via the phone or virtually. If, however, you plan to get together with family or friends, here are some things you can do to lower the risk. See link below.”

Details about the renovations planned for Conway Park were recently shared in a virtual public meeting. ~Photos by Hongyu Liu

By Hongyu Liu

The City of Somerville expects to start renovating Conway Park in early 2021. On November 17, Brandon Kunkel, the team leader of Weston & Sampson Inc., shared more details of the renovation at a recent virtual public meeting.