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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne helped ring in the new year on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as they raised the Grand Union Flag on Prospect Hill to commemorate the 249th anniversary of the first flag rising.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

It’s 2025. The older I get the more my head is packed with memories. There were a lot of resolutions, and a lot of playing in bands on New Year’s Eve. Places like the DAV and Logan Post and American Legions along with private parties.

By The Times Staff

The past year was an issues-oriented one for many in the city. A national election took place, which included ballot measures of great importance  to local residents. The city took on a number of matters concerning development and sustenance of both new and existing projects. Protests over the conflict in the Middle East took focus for a time, as did many other demonstrations in support of human rights and equality. The following events highlight some of the top stories of 2024:

Worker-owned cooperative espresso bar New Leaf offers customers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere along with coffee drinks and snacks at affordable prices. — Photos by Matt Kennedy

By Jeffrey Shwom

Now, folks who had their haircut at Razors Barbershop over the years may remember there being coffee, or a basic setup of coffee. I am trying to remember in 2009 when I frequented the place whether it was Keuring coffee and whether there were Italian cookies. Either way, it is certainly a welcomed sight along Highland, at the corner of Cherry Street, to see New Leaf Espresso continue the tradition, in a new way.

Self-sustaining comedy club Goofs Comedy Club serves up lots of laughter at its 432 McGrath Highway venue. — Photos by Candice Conner, Instagram @bycandiceconner

By Jeffrey Shwom

This is the last of three articles in a series titled, “Laughing around town: Somerville’s comedy scene”

From the street, three yellow duckies, one with Groucho Marx’s mask, peered back as we awaited entrance to Somerville’s newly opened Goofs Comedy Club. The gnome guarding the lacquered bar, boxes of Narragansett beer and highball glasses gave us a curious meet cute to the space that hosts the comedy show, Duck Duck Goofs. Founder and creative director Ryan Howe’s grandfather had given a gnome to protect over the space but to be clear, this was only the tip of the iceberg for the personal decorations.

Reebee Garofalo, recipient of a citation for his 80th birthday, at the December 12 City Council meeting with Councilors Wilfred N. Mbah and Ben Ewen-Campen. — Photo courtesy of the City of Somerville

By Harry Kane

Musician and activist Reebee Garofalo was given a citation for his 80^th birthday and commended for his community involvement by the Somerville City Council at the December 12 meeting. 

Garofalo spent years organizing and performing in progressive street festivals, benefit concerts and cultural events. He was born on November 18, 1944.

City offices will be closed on Wednesday January 1, for New Year’s Day. Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day. No street sweeping on Wednesday. All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, and all day Wednesday, January 1, for the New Year’s holiday. Regular hours will resume on Thursday, January 2.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Celebrate the incredible artistry of residents and businesses as they transformed their yards, windows, and storefronts with festive lights, whimsical decorations, and dazzling displays of creativity. While there is still a little time left, take a self-guided tour using the Somerville’s official online map (https://beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/illuminations/) and experience Somerville’s unique and interactive Illuminations extravaganza.

Looking back on the year just passed is an interesting thing to do. Sometimes sobering, at other times amusing, yet always somewhat inspiring if one considers what has been accomplished and what else is left to be done.

The advance of progress and renewal marches on as we in turn continue the pursuit of our individual hope and dreams.