The publishers, staff and everyone associated with The Somerville Times wish everyone a very Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, as well as a prosperous and healthy New Year in 2021. We are happy to see 2020 go and welcome a healthier 2021!

Aoife Troxel took her frustration with a lack of live entertainment due to coronavirus restrictions to heart as she created her fabulous gingerbread model of the Somerville Theatre. — Photos by Aoife Troxel

The annual Boston Society for Architecture’s (BSA) Gingerbread Exhibition and Competition welcomed entries from local architecture firms as well as families and individuals. The theme of this year’s virtual exhibition and competition was Escape from 2020: Fantasyland.

Eagle Feathers #220 – The Yule Train

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

One day in the winter of 1842, a train rolled through this city. Among its passengers was a young English author who, shortly after his four-month visit to America, would change Christmas forever. The coach or omnibus, as they were often called, was the first American train he ever boarded. It was the Boston and Lowell, the first major railroad built in New England.

Somerville teacher Jessica Couture gets ready to self-swab for her COVID-19 test. —Photos by Alonso Nichols, Tufts University Photography

As part of ongoing efforts to support Tufts University’s local communities, Tufts and the City of Somerville have begun a COVID-19 testing program for Somerville PK-12 public school teachers and staff members. When PK-12 resumes, students will be tested as well.

The holidays can be a pain for a lot of people. It is especially difficult this year as we all contend with the challenges that we have dealt with lately.

But when it comes to this time of year, the headaches should really serve as a reminder of the importance of why the daily routine should come to a grinding halt sometimes for a greater spiritual good.

The Somerville Turkey – a beloved and hated bird – was put to sleep due to his aggressive behavior…

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Review by Off the Shelf correspondent Lee Varon

During the ongoing pandemic, many of us have rediscovered the joy of getting lost in a good book. Especially, for me, this means a mystery. The Girl in the Boston Box by Cambridge writer Chuck Latovich is a perfect present for yourself or someone you know.

This year, instead of gathering on Prospect Hill on New Year’s Day to reenact the raising of the Grand Union Flag (considered to be the first flag of the nation), you can tune in to a virtual celebration of this historical event. Beginning Friday, January 1, a pre-recorded ceremony will air on City Cable (RCN channel 13 and Comcast channel 22) and the City’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/SomervilleCityTV. 

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This week’s contributor writes: “My name is Debbie Sue Toner and I am a Poet. I have won 3 separate poetry contests wherein my poems were officially published. I have been writing poems since grade school. I truly love writing poems for any reason. Besides writing poetry, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my 5 children, and my granddaughter. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading one of my many poems!”

Update: Snuggles the dog was found safe.

The Somerville Police Department is seeking any information about a vehicle involved in a Tuesday, December 22, crash. At around 7:52 a.m. a 9-year-old boy was struck at Broadway and Walnut Street while walking his dog. He sustained minor injuries. The driver did not remain on the scene and police are looking for information that will help identify them. The vehicle allegedly involved in the crash is described as a gold-colored passenger car and it was seen heading east on Broadway.