John Bernstein, a teacher at Elizabeth Peabody House, was recognized by the city for his contributions to the community.

By Jennifer Grimes

During their latest regular meeting on June 13 at Somerville City Hall, the City Council was touched by an inspirational story of one man who dedicated his time to the community.

Jon Bernstein, originally from North Carolina, moved to Somerville after receiving his degree in childhood development at Lesley University.

Once he settled down in Somerville, Bernstein dedicated his time to working at The Elizabeth Peabody House in 1991, a preschool that has belonged to the community since 1896. The preschool has been known to greatly support families and the community through early childhood education, youth enrichment, and family services.

Bernstein has been recognized throughout the community, not only for his role as a joyful teacher at The Elizabeth Peabody House, but also for the work he has done outside of the preschool. He has also been involved in youth activities and sports such as little league and pop warner football.

After spending hours at the preschool, Bernstein would continue his day with the children, getting involved with the youth in any way he could. He played a gracious role in better teaching and providing for the community.

Bernstein worked and nurtured thousands of young children in his career, treating each one as if they were his own. Over the 27 years that Bernstein devoted his time at The Elizabeth Peabody House, he never once missed a day of work. “Which is remarkable,” said Rodrick, the summation writer and council member, “I don’t even know where to start in conveying the degree of esteem he was held in among his colleagues. But to say he will be missed is probably a gross understatement. More than just a job, John loved the work he did with the young children, literally thousands of them.”

During the City Council meeting, Bernstein, after announcing his retirement after 27 years of impressive work, was presented with a plaque in sincerest commendations from the Somerville Council and the mayor.

The Elizabeth Peabody house also recognized Bernstein’s commitment to Somerville’s youth and dedicated the play yard in his name. The City Council gratefully presented Bernstein with the plaque which recognizes his efforts in making the city of Somerville a better place through the extension of Somerville’s youth. The consensus opinion was that Bernstein will be greatly missed in the community as he moves forward and onward with the next chapter in his life.