On Wednesday, December 21, the Chandler Travis Philharmonic hosts the 12th Annual Boston Christmas Cavalcade for the Homeless at the Once Ballroom (aka Cuisine en Locale, at 156 Highland Ave., Somerville; 617 285-0167), featuring the Stompers, the Boston Typewriter Orchestra, Jennifer Kimball, the Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band, Amy Fairchild & Carla Ryder, Ramona Silver, the Weisstronauts, Erin Harpe, Shaun Wortis, Merrie Amsterburg, Rose Polenzani, the Darlings, Jen D’Angora, Alastair Moock, the Classic Ruins, Bird Mancini, the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble, Mike Gent, the Boogaloo Swamis, Kimon Kirk, the Philharmonic Trombone Shout Band, the House of Bangalore Holiday Band, the Ding Donnelly and Danny Devereaux Show, the Athol Thingerth, and more TBA.

Left to right: Maryann Taranto, Kellie Pini, and District Attorney Marian Ryan

The Office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan this week continued the office’s annual tradition of donating to Toys for Tots. New and unwrapped gifts for children of all ages were collected at the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Woburn as well as Middlesex Superior Court.

Roughly a dozen volunteers joined with Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services to pack special holiday gift bags for Meals on Wheels clients on Dec. 6. The bags were decorated by local elementary school students, and contained an assortment of sweets and baked goods.

By Nathan Lamb

Roughly 500 Meals on Wheels clients will receive a special delivery this December, thanks to the efforts of some dedicated volunteers and the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) Holiday Bag program.

By Tom Bannister

When it comes to strengthening that critical home-school connection, School-based Family and Community Liaisons play an important role, supporting students by supporting families in many ways.

Local athlete Amanda Crowe will be running the 2017 Boston Marathon on behalf of Boston Children’s Hospital on April, 17, 2017.

She is currently fundraising towards her goal of $7,000 for this amazing organization and charity and what better way to raise money and have a great time than to have a Paint Nite Fundraiser at Two Three Zero in Somerville?

State Representative Christine P. Barber, from Somerville and Medford, attended on Tuesday her first meeting as an appointed member of the Massachusetts Autism Commission. Joining other Commission members from the Baker Administration, legislature, and advocacy community, Rep. Barber brings to the Commission an extensive background in health care policy and advocacy.

Join the City of Somerville for an Arbor Day celebration on Monday, December 19, from 11 a.m. to noon, in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall. The event will include a presentation and discussion about urban forestry and an official proclamation read by Mayor Curtatone. Light refreshments will be served.

 Just in time to complete your holiday shopping, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission has “Preserving Somerville” merchandise available for sale! The T-shirts (youth and adult sizes), long-sleeved shirts, and tote bags, designed by Somerville High School students, come in a variety of colors that can be viewed on the Commission’s website at www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation. Full color woven and washable afghans are also available and include images of iconic historic sites in the City.

By State Representative Denise Provost

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

On December 10, 2016, I was invited to give a presentation as part of a program titled “Reviving Federal Investment in Public Transit: Build Subways, not Submarines.” The program, held at MIT’s Stata Center, was expected to draw 50 -75 people; 125 from around the region attended, and an overflow room with a video screen had to be set up to accommodate those present. It’s encouraging to me that so many people care enough about transit to give up half a Saturday in December, to be informed and energized about it.

On Saturday, December 17, residents and visitors are invited to the Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations Tour.

Guides will lead trolleys past some of the city’s most spectacular displays of holiday lights, sharing stories about the families that decorate and providing local historic trivia en route.