Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As the weather starts getting nicer, something is in the air. You can take a breath and smell optimism. The city is buzzing. Ahead of us are beaches, camping, baseball and generally enjoying the outdoors. Many road races, outdoor festivals, and summer recreational programs are coming up.

Having worked near Somerville High School, I sense the excitement. There is much activity. Lots of things are happening, especially for this year’s graduating class. Next year will mean college and the real world.

What does this have to do with a guy who graduated High School in 1971? It happens every year at this time. I remember counting the days until school was out. I see kids at the bus stop, walking with backpacks, hoodies and ear buds, and all I can do is go back to when that was me.

Of course, we had no iPods, or cell phones and dungaree jackets were more the style of the day, but we were the same energetic kids. This time of year sparks the old mind to recall those magical memories of High School and friends we made there. This was definitely the best time of year to be a student. You could feel freedom. I am very happy for my own kids too as they get closer to the end of another school year. They worked hard for many months and now the end is in sight.

Twice last week I witnessed what I call Somerville Security. Now that’s not some new local alarm company, it’s what you feel when old friends see each other. We reminisce about old times. We speak of our crazy antics and funny stories that still seem so fresh in our minds. We can’t believe that these recollections are 20, 30, 40 years or more in the past.

The warming temperatures start to get people out more. When we start mingling, the old friendships are revisited. Looking back also makes me think of a lot of clichés. “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” “I wish I had saved more money.” Would have, should have, could have is my go to phrase.

What we do have is history, and thanks to youth sports fundraisers, class reunions, and citywide events, we get to see our old friends. For the most part, I can remember a lot of names and faces. Sometimes I have trouble connecting them to the right people.

This time of year seems to bring back thoughts of being young and hopeful. Like I said, it’s in the air. Get out and be a part of the vast number of city events and celebrations. You will see your old friends and meet new ones.

Although it won’t be me reaching the end of another school year, I am still excited for the students. I am genuinely happy for the kids as they start talking about summer vacation plans because I was once there, and so were many of you. Next week is April vacation, a sort of testing out time for summer vacay.

As I sneeze from my springtime allergies, I think back 40 years to when that kid at the bus stop in front of Somerville High School was me. As I always say, let’s enjoy our memories of yesterday while making new memories for tomorrow. Somerville Rocks!