The Human Rights Commission invites you to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration event, entitled, “Growing Our Community,” to be held on Monday, January 15. The annual event will be held at the East Somerville Community School, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The celebration will be emceed by Marcus Santos, and features musical performances by El Sistema and the World Percussion Ensemble as well as readings by winners of the student essay contest. This year, the Somerville Human Rights Commission will be recognizing the work of the late Ralph Hergert. For eleven years, Hergert served as the Director of Human Services for the City of Somerville. In this role, he helped create the Human Rights Commission, as well as the city’s Martin Luther King Jr., Celebration. Please note that they will be holding a food drive at this location. Feel free to bring canned goods and nonperishable items.

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Congratulations to Pat Sullivan, who has retired this week from the Somerville Fire Department after 32 years of service to the city. We thank him for his service. He recently served as acting Fire Chief. A nice guy from a great family here in Somerville. We wish him well and a great retirement, and again, thanks from a grateful city.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy birthday to former School Committee member and great person, Julie Tarpey DiPasquale. We wish her the very best and hope she has a great birthday. Happy birthday to Matt Hoey, who grew up here and is one of the many historical authorities in Somerville. We hope he has a great day on his birthday. Happy birthday to Matt McGlashing, who is celebrating this week as well. To local guy and businessman who also grew up here in East Somerville, Dominick Silvestri Jr., of the sign company in Magoun Square. We hope he has a great birthday as well. Happy birthday to Theresa Rodriques of Winter Hill. We hope she has a great day. Big time happy birthday to one of Somerville’s finest first responders, firefighter Kevin O’Donovan. We hope he has a great day. To the many other Somervillens who are celebrating this week, we wish them a very happy birthday.

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Our condolences to the family of Karen Piro, who passed away this week in Flordia. Karen, who grew up and lived for many years here, was married to former State Representative Vincent Piro. She was a beautiful person who was always positive. A great person who will be missed by many family and friends. Our condolences and prayers for Mrs. Piro, who was in her own right very well known here in the city. We don’t know yet if she’s going to be waked here in Somerville, but we will post online details and her full obituary as soon as possible.

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This past blast of snow and cold took a toll on everyone, but did it seem like the plowing of the streets was different than before? Remembering back to a couple of years ago, snow almost every few days – so much of it – but the streets were cleared each time. Maybe the city union which hasn’t had a contract in a few years was sending a message to Mayor Joe?

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Winter is clearly dominating the landscape, but days are already getting longer and it is a great time to start to dream about your garden for this coming season. Whether in a few pots on a porch or balcony, or in a large raised bed or community garden plot – you can easily grow great tasting and nutritious food for you and your family. Can’t you taste that first bite of fresh tomato with basil or that crunchy carrot just pulled from the earth? Participation in the Growing Center Seed Sale Fundraiser helps the Friends of the Community Growing Center to support the site and the programming at the Vinal Avenue garden space – AKA The Somerville Community Growing Center. To order go to: http://farmraiser.com/campaigns/growing-center-seed-sale-fundraiser-2018. Plan to pick up seeds on March 3, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Winter Farmers Market or on March 10 at the Center during the Maple Syrup Boil event, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Special Education Basic Rights Training on January 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Kennedy School, 5 Cherry St. Join the Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC) for a workshop that introduces participants to the federal and state special education laws, the special education process, parent and student rights, and how to resolve differences with the school.

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A blood drive will take place on January 17, 2:00 – 7:00 p.m., at the Somerville Armory, 191 Highland Avenue. This January, National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give now and help address a winter blood donation shortage. Severe winter weather has had a tremendous impact on blood donations already this year, with more than 150 blood drives forced to cancel causing over 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This is in addition to seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and hectic holiday schedules collectively contributing to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December. In Massachusetts, 25 blood drives were forced to cancel due to last week’s winter storm, causing 681 donations to go uncollected. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass are encouraged to help speed up the donation process. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and answer the health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, by visiting redcrossblood.org/rapidpass from the convenience of a mobile device or computer, or through the Blood Donor App.

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The WSNS Winter Concert will be held on Friday, January 12, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. You are invited to see what the students have been learning so far this year. Listen to performances about land, sea, space, and more by: K-6th Grade Classrooms; 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Strings and Band Ensembles; 7th and 8th Grade Chorus, World Percussion, and Orchestra. Contact Mr. Darrell with any questions at: adarrell@k12.somerville.ma.us.

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Somerville STEAM Social (S^3) Night (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, & Math) is a night out for parents and community members interested in supporting STEAM activities in Somerville schools. Come share your ideas at Greentown Labs’ new location. Thursday, January 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave. in Somerville. Sponsored by the Somerville Education Foundation. Questions? Contact: Marian Berkowitz at marmb2@gmail.com or Greg Nadeau at gnadeau7@gmail.com.

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If you have announcement or something you’d like us to mention, send an email with your request to donaldfnorton@gmail.com.