Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a big Happy New Year to all our readers, looking forward to a great 2017 year here in the city of Somerville. We’re on vacation (at least some of us are), so The Somerville Times will not be publishing the week between Christmas and New Years. This will be the last edition for the year. There will not be a paper on the 28th, but we will keep up with things online. A vacation is needed to rev up for the coming new year. 2017 looks to be a good year for us all.

Rain or shine, the Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5k always brings the best of Somerville’s runners out to compete in the holiday season marathon festivities. — Photo courtesy of BA Event Promotions

By Joe Ruvido

More than 3,300 people took part in the Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5k this Sunday in Davis Square. The forecasted rain held off for most of the event and a balmy 50 degree westerly wind gave the race an unseasonably spring-like feel. The event served as a fundraiser for local charities including Toys for Tots and Somerville High School sports teams.

Eagle Feathers #119 – A Tip of the Hat

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

“Hats off ” is an expression that denotes admiration or respect. It is a silent acknowledgment of someone’s gratitude or appreciation. Spectators wave their hats during stadium events. Along parade routes, veterans and patriots can be seen placing their hats over their hearts as the American flag passes by. Each spring, college students toss their hats jubilantly into the air upon their graduation. In sports, fans toss their hats onto the ice or playing fields to honor the “hat trick,” a rare three-goal performance by one player.

Sampson the Dog recently had two tumors removed, and the SCES SeniorPet program is collecting donations to help the owner defray the veterinary bill.

The SeniorPet program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is seeking donations to help a local elder with limited means defray burdensome veterinary bills.

The pet is Sampson, an 8-year-old male dog who is very dear to his owner. Sampson recently went for a checkup and the vet found two tumors, in the mouth and rectum. The tumors were removed and send for a biopsy, but SeniorPet Manager Marie Mazzeo said the bill presents a challenge for the owner, who put $1,150 on a charge card, knowing that Sampson still needs more medical care to come.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

East Somerville Community School held its annual Holiday Store event in the ESCS Atrium December 12-15. Toys, crafts, and lots of surprises were offered for shoppers looking for unique gifts for the holiday season.

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Many a poet has passed through Stone Soup Poetry founded by the late Jack Powers on Beacon Hill over four decades ago. I had the privilege of being the president of Stone Soup one short year, about 20 years ago. I also conducted a series of interviews with Powers, and the interviews are online, and one is in the video collection at the University of Buffalo. Somerville resident Kirk Etherton is the  “interim host” of the venue now, so he offered to share a few words:

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Robert K. Johnson is a retired professor of English, Suffolk University/Boston. For many years he was the Poetry Editor for the Ibbetson Street Press. He has been widely published, both poetry and non-fiction.

Protect Yourself Against Online Scams*

With everyone starting their holiday shopping for their family, it’s definitely the best time for shoppers to be more vigilant of scams. Criminals know that sometimes shopping online is the best way to steal unsuspecting shoppers of their money and personal information. These criminals can be very creative and their efforts to obtain your money and personal information can result in devastating outcomes for families. Don’t become a victim.

Arrests:
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Ruben Quinones, of 30 Fremont St., Arlington, December 15, 10:07 a.m., arrested at Bay State Ave. on warrant charges of marked lanes violation, uninsured motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of property damage.

Martin Acosta-Rosario, of 20 River Rd., December 15, 7:00 p.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of conspiracy to violate drug law, carrying a firearm without a license, armed assault to murder, carrying a firearm with ammunition, distribution of a class D drug, distribution of a class B drug, fugitive from justice, and ammunition without FID card.

Christmas is on a Sunday this year, but the City is observing it on Monday, December 26. City offices will be closed. Trash and recycling pick up will be on a one-day delay all week. There will be no street sweeping and meter and residential permit parking will not be enforced on December 26.

For more information contact 311 or 617-666-3311