(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

When we enter a new year, many of us set goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Experts recommend enlisting a partner to help keep you on track with your resolutions. Although the City of Somerville can’t join you at that gym or stop by for Sunday night meal prep, there are some ways we can be a part of your goals for 2019 whether it’s learning a new skill, exercising more, or getting involved.

By Jim Clark

An ongoing feud between members of a Cambridge Gang known as Port 44 and a Somerville Gang known as MP45 or ESV has recently drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities in both cities.

There had been multiple shootings between these two groups and several firearm and narcotic arrests have resulted with members of these gangs.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

New Year’s Eve was the biggest payday of the year for bands and musicians back in the day. Maybe now still. My bandmates and I brushed off our tuxedos and brushed up on Auld Lang Syne.

By The Times Staff

As another year passes, we look back now and highlight some of the stories of particular interest that we covered in 2018.

The year began in Somerville with newly elected members sworn in on the Board of Aldermen. The new members included Alderman At-Large Stephanie Hirsch; Alderman At-Large Wilfred N. Mbah; Ward 2 Alderman Jefferson Thomas (“J.T.”) Scott; Ward 3 Alderman Ben Ewen-Campen; and Ward 4 Alderman Jesse Clingan.

‘FELINE’ magazine is the purr-fect fashion accessory
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L to R: Molly Bales, Renessa Ciampa, and Jonathan Lansey proudly display the cover for the inaugural issue of “FELINE”, featuring celebrity feline Venus “the two-face cat” who has 1.6M followers on Instagram.

By Jim Clark

For Molly Bales, Human Editor-in-Chief of FELINE magazine, based in Porter Square, living up to the standards set by her employer, Clawdia Beauchat, provides both a stimulating challenge and a deep sense of satisfaction for a job well done.

On behalf of the publishers, editors, writers and – most importantly – the staff here at The Somerville Times, we want to wish you all the very best in 2019, for the city, its residents and those who love Somerville like we do. We might have some surprises this year you never know here at the paper. Happy New Year 2019 to all!

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

West Somerville Neighborhood School afternoon program students did some celebrating on their last day of school on December 21, prior to the holiday break. The carnival featured games, face painting, and various other fun activities.

Eagle Feathers #169 – Holiday Connections

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

We all love the time we can devote to rest and relaxation and take an intermission from our everyday pattern of work. Students call it a break, the military refers to it as a Leave of Absence or furlough, and it is publicly known as a holiday.

— Photos by Ana Bahnke

Residents of the Lowell St. Visiting Nurses Association facility were treated to some seasonal cheer on December 21 as the Moonlighters, led by Brian Bishop, entertained by singing holiday songs.

Arrests:
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Kevin O’Brien, of 93 Electric Ave., December 27, 11:50 a.m., arrested at Fellsway on warrant charges of alcohol from open container, marked lanes violation, operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor third offense, and operation of a motor vehicle with registration revoked as HTO.

Cameron Bourque, of 3 Mt. Vernon St., Melrose, December 27, 5:56 p.m., arrested at Temple St. on charges of drug possession to distribute and carrying a dangerous weapon, and on warrant charges of threat to commit a crime, criminal harassment, and witness intimidation.