By Dennis Fischman

Can you separate what you feel about the author from what you think about the book?

That’s a question that comes up throughout literary history. Can you read Ezra Pound’s poetry knowing about his fascist sympathies? What about classic mystery writers like Dorothy Sayers and her casual slurs aimed at Jews, Blacks, and Italians?

— Photo courtesy of MBTA

Following up on the previous announcement on November 15, the MBTA is reminding riders that Green Line service will be suspended between Park Street and Union Square as well as Medford/Tufts for 15 days December 6 – 20. This is the final service suspension as part of the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program, which has replaced thousands of feet track and ties to eliminate speed restrictions. Following this Green Line service outage, the entire subway system will be free of slow zones.

 Union Square Main Streets (USMS) and 50+ local businesses crank up the jolly for the 10th Annual Holiday Stroll featuring rad retail, unique eats, an incredible inflatable Festivus Village, the Stroll the Square Challenge, and much more. This free and family-friendly celebration makes spirits bright on Saturday, December 7 from 12-6pm (extreme weather date 12/8) throughout Union Square in Somerville.

Dear Somerville Community,

As the new Executive Director at the Somerville Museum, I would like to introduce myself and share what drew me to this incredible cultural institution nestled in a residential neighborhood on the corner of Central Street and Westwood Road right in the heart of Somerville.

The Somerville Museum’s mission is to be a “mirror” to one of the most unique, innovative, creative and diverse communities in the country with a rich history that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from and what we want our future to look like.  Having facilitated and curated public art and as a former academic with a focus on cultural memory, I believe strongly in the significance of the arts to create space for shared understanding, transcend differences, and bring people together with a common purpose. 

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

Community invited to annual Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, along with city-wide illuminations tour 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) warmly invite the Somerville community to join in the City’s 2024 holiday celebrations. The City will illuminate City Hall concourse with festive Christmas tree and menorah lighting events that will include snacks, refreshments, entertainment and gifts for children. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. I have a funny true story to share. Monday is trash day for our street so I brought all my stuff out and put it in the barrels. I went back inside and put the TV on waiting for Leave it to Beaver to come on.

As part of its efforts to ensure that the 143-acre Assembly Square parcel develop sustainably to meet Somerville’s and regional needs, the Mystic View Task Force negotiated with the Public Storage Company at 50 Middlesex Avenue to secure a room for community events, including organization meetings and performances open to the public.

The yield of that discussion, the Community Assembly Room, or CAR, is located in the storage facility complex behind Mama Ana Café and is administered by MVTF. It is approximately 20’ x 30’ and has about 50 chairs.  There are restrooms in the hallway between the CAR and the café.

More than 70 community events have taken place in the as-of-yet developed Gilman Station space while details of the plan are being ironed out.

By Jeffrey Shwom

As we approach the two-year anniversary of the opening of the Green Line Extension’s Medford/Tufts line on December 12, the status of transit-oriented and civic space development next to train stations, especially the Gilman Square station, remains in process after years of planning. The Times caught up with the City of Somerville’s Economic Development department, which is touting forward progress in development around Gilman Square.

The former Cummings Elementary School building will serve as a warming center for unhoused residents through the winter months.

By Harry Kane

The city has decided to transform the former Cummings Elementary School building into an overnight warming center for unhoused residents during the cold months.

At the City Council meeting on November 26, the city appropriated $388,000 to cover the costs of the warming center that will be in operation from December 9 through April 15. An additional $35,000 for a restroom trailer and $30,000 for security has been allocated by the city.

Kick off the holiday season on Thursday, December 5, at 5 p.m. at the Christmas Tree Lighting on the City Hall Concourse. Enjoy live entertainment, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Cafeteria, and light refreshments. All children who attend will receive a special gift from Santa. Santa Claus will be escorted by the Somerville Fire and Police Departments making his grand entrance atop a shiny red fire truck. On Thursday, December 26, the Menorah Lighting takes place on the City Hall Concourse (93 Highland Ave.) at 6 p.m. Traditional songs and sing-alongs. Special gifts will be available for children. Light refreshments will be served.