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Jac-Lynn Stark was born in the Bronx and currently lives on the North Shore of Boston where she enjoys pondering life either from near the ocean or in the woods. She recently retired from 14 years of teaching English at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston. Some of her previous work has been published in Muddy River Poetry Review, Global Poemic, Drunk Monkeys, Zig Zag Folio, and forthcoming for an anthology called American Graveyard, calls to end gun violence from Read or Green Books.

Spring Hill Sewer Separation Project

Beginning on or around January 3, City contractors will begin working on subsurface utility improvements in the intersection of Highland Ave. and Central St.

While work in the intersection is underway, access to Highland Ave. from Central St. will be restricted (details below).

(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 State Representative Christine P. Barber

 After decades of advocacy, I was thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Green Line Extension through my district in Somerville and Medford last week. This public works project is the result of years of hard work from countless community members, laborers, activists, and colleagues at all levels of government. I’m proud that we made it to our opening day to celebrate this momentous occasion. 

City buildings will be closed Monday, January 2, in observance of the New Years holiday.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites all to join the city’s annual  kick off for the New Year on Sunday, January 1, 2023, with a ceremony for the anniversary of the Grand Union’s flag-raising at Prospect Hill Park. A processional that all are welcome to join will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at Prospect Hill Park from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to join this family-friendly event, and anyone who wishes to is encouraged to don Colonial-style or Colonial-inspired clothing (see below for links to how to make a tricorn paper hat or neck ruffle).     

— Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Somerville

The Somerville Kiwanis club teams up annually with the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) Head Start Program to supply much needed gifts to eligible Head Start children. Now in its 23rd year, the gift program has changed a bit due to Covid restrictions. However, given the Kiwanians incredible generosity and “get it done” attitude, they were able to supply every single Head Start child, ages 3-5 years old, with a gift for Christmas this year. That’s almost 200 gifts. Kiwanis members purchased the gifts and gathered together to wrap every one of them prior to delivery to the Head Start staff for distribution. 

The City of Somerville and Pathways for Immigrant Workers will host a free immigration legal information session for small employers and lower-wage workers on Thursday, January 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School Cafeteria located at 50 Cross St. To register, email info@myimmigrantpathway.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.