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In these times a poem like this can be a much needed balm:

Krystal LaPorta is 31 years old and from Somerville, Ma. She was born in Boston, Ma. LaPorta is the author of a poetry book Beauty and Thorns, published through the Books of Hope organization. Her book can be found in the Somerville Public Library in the teens section. She currently resides in Somerville with her three boys, and enjoys the scenic views and art in and around the city.

Arrests:
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Janielson Desouza, of 70 Cottage Ave., Everett, January 25, 7:20 a.m., arrested at Franklin St. on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle lights violation, criminal uninsured motor vehicle, and speeding.

Join Somerville Local First and over 40 local vendors at Arts at the Armory on February 12th for a day of local Valentine’s Day shopping! Makers Marketplace features a wide variety of handcrafted goods, jewelry, accessories, confections, home decor, textiles, art, apparel and gifts for everyone you love! Swing by and support designers, artists and makers in the Boston area by giving a local gift- made with love!

Year-long series of events scheduled in 2017 in honor of City’s birthday. Submit your old photos, memories, stories of Somerville’s past to help shape a “Storytelling Gallery” at end of year event.

In 2017, the City of Somerville is celebrating its 175^th birthday, 175 years since we separated from Charlestown, and we’re celebrating all year long. But we need your help! While the City has plenty of celebratory events up its sleeve, we want to hear from residents, businesses, and visitors, past and present, about your memories of Somerville. All year long, we’ll collect stories, memories, photos, and anything else you want to share, and will display as many of them as we can during a year-end gala and “Storytelling Gallery.” Throughout the year, we’ll share your stories as well as some of our own via our website, social media, and more. Help us keep Somerville’s history alive through storytelling!

Suspect in Shawn Clark murder

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and law enforcement authorities are requesting assistance from the public on the anniversary date of the murder of a store owner in Malden on January 29, 2013.

It has been four years since the shooting death of Shawn Clark at Patriot Skateboards at 804 Main Street in Malden. Since the incident occurred, Malden Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office have devoted many resources and hours to investigating the circumstances of Clark’s death. Authorities have made some progress, but no one has been charged in connection with the crime.

February 4, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m, join The Welcome Project, City of Somerville (Official), and your neighbors on the Somerville High School concourse in showing support for our Sanctuary City (2017 is the 30th anniversary of Somerville becoming a Sanctuary City) and all members of our community. The rally will feature a short speaking program and musical performances.

In case of inclement weather, the rally will be held in the Somerville High School Auditorium.

Somerville Youth and Recreation Foundation (SYRF) is holding its 2017 annual foundation during the month of February. This is a Great Opportunity to Assist the Youth of Somerville. The (SYRF) is hosting an On-Line Auction starting Wednesday, February 1 through February 28.

A few years back, I came across an old tarnished silver tray at a Somerville second-hand store. It was buried under piles of other trays, but this one stood out. The outer edge of the tray was all I could see and it was hand-engraved.

It was announced Thursday, January 19, at the Annual Meeting of Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV) that Massachusetts’ oldest cable access television station is going by a new name (and accompanying logo) in an effort to better signify the activities that it encompasses. Brian Zipp, as part of his Executive Director’s report, introduced Somerville Media Center (SMC) as the new moniker. Citing the numerous activities  happening both at and beyond its Union Square facilities – Boston Free Radio (BFR), Somerville Neighborhood News (SNN), among them, the hope is that “Somerville Media Center” better reflects the organization’s efforts to address the ever-evolving and expanding media landscape.