(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)

By Jack Connolly
Jackconnolly422@gmail.com

Several community meetings have been held by Copper Mill LLC, the proposed developers of the Elm St./Grove St location currently occupied by the Burren, McKinnon’s Market and Dragon Pizza. The most recent meeting was held on February 12th before a standing room only crowd at the Community Baptist Church. The developers stated that the city encouraged them to meet with the community to get reaction to their proposal for a 500-unit, 25-story [put height in feet here] tower. The developer claims that this size and scale are necessary to make the development profitable and that there would be no compromise on the proposed number of apartments and building height. By the way, this is the third attempt at redeveloping this site by the owner and development team after two failed previous attempts.

Somerville’s Council on Aging St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon takes place on Thursday, March 13, starting at 11 a.m. at the George Dilboy Post, located at 351 Summer Street. $10 per person. Join in for a performance by the Rebecca McGowan School of Irish Dance and a special meal (corned beef and cabbage). Reserve your spot for the event and lunch by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

Students putting the final touches on a wedding scene.  — Photos by Liam Beretsky-Jewell

By Liam Beretsky-Jewell

Thursday, March 13, will be opening night for the Highlander Theatre Company’s second major production of the 2024-2025 school year. Dozens of students have been hard at work putting their spin on a Shakespearean classic: Much Ado About Nothing, a drama-filled romantic comedy that explores themes of love, sabotage, and deception, following the tangled love affairs of two young couples.

It’s a tradition that most of us have a lot of fun with. Whether one is of Irish lineage or not, St. Patrick’s Day stands for a recognition of Irish and Irish American culture, and in many ways its resulting fusion.

The religious origins of the day have, for some, been obscured and often all but forgotten in favor of the prominent displays of the color green, eating and drinking, and numerous parades. The day has been celebrated on the North American continent since before the American Revolution, and is actually an official holiday in neighboring Suffolk County. Ask any of our Boston brethren and they would – to a single soul – be aware of this fact.

Eagle Feathers #324 – Hidden Henry Hansen

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

 It has been eighty years since the United States landing on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945.  At an appalling cost of nearly 6,800 lives and 17,000 injured, the month-long struggle proved to be the toughest in Marine Corp’s history.  The battle was highlighted by the early American flag raisings on the island’s highest peak, Mt. Suribachi.  It was a photo of the second and larger flag raising by Associated Press photographer, Joe Rosenthal, that became a national, iconic image.  Two American flags would be flown on that day.  First, a small flag was raised under fire and combat.  Hours later, a larger, more visible flag was raised after the elevation had been secured.  

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Interview conducted by Doug Holder

Recently, I caught up with Somerville artist Carol Moses. Moses has been affiliated with the Vernon Street Studios, and Brickbottom for many years. From her website:

“Carol Moses paints in watercolor and oil, on paper and canvas. The artist also produces series of photographic portraits with interviews of the subjects. With an affinity for math and logic, and a background in cultural anthropology and linguistics, communication and connection are at the forefront of both the non-representational painting work and the portrait/interview series.”

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Robert K. Johnson, now retired, was a Professor of English at Suffolk University for many years. His poems have appeared in a variety of magazines. Two of his most recent full-length collections of poetry are FROM MIST TO SHADOW and WINTERBERRIES. Dorian Brooks’ poems were also included in WINTERBERRIES.

Fishsauce for Banh Mi.  — Photos coutesy of Việt Citron

maca doubling in size and Buzz + Thrive Gardens opens a three-month popup

Việt Citron is now open on the first floor of Bow Market. This location joins their Burlington location of the same name, both owned and operated by husband and wife duo Ngoc Tran and Howard Lee. The Burlington location has been open for five years and quickly became a regional favorite for fresh casual Vietnamese cuisine.

Somerville High School senior Sam Ryan receives a certificate and check for his award-winning graphic logo design for the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators 2025 Connecting for Success Conference. Pictured (L-R): Superintendent Dr. Ruben Carmona, Principal Alicia Kersten, Assistant Principal and Director of Career and Technical Education James Hachey, Sam Ryan, CFS Conference Chair Gabriella White, and Graphics Instructor Richard McElroy. (Photo: Allison Cammarata)

The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) has named Sam Ryan, a senior graphic design student at Somerville High School, as the winner of this year’s Connecting for Success (CFS) conference graphic design contest.