(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 6, Livable Streets hosted Jamey Tesler, Secretary of Transportation and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to discuss MassDOT’s efforts to make streets safer for people. “Tell us where to put the cone; one cone can make a huge difference to safety,” Tesler said, referring to separating people from cars.

(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 Ken Brociner

May the coming year (or two) be the last ones in which this damn pandemic hangs over the entire world like a never-ending plague. I hope that in the next few years, enough effective vaccines and boosters will be available to everyone, in every nation, on this small planet of ours.

The publishers, staff and everyone associated with The Somerville Times wish everyone a very Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, as well as a prosperous and healthy New Year in 2022. We welcome a healthier 2022!

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

The annual Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell Run & Walk took place on Sunday, December 19, with festively dressed runners and walkers competing in the 5K race through the streets of Somerville. The top finisher in the male division was Louis Serafini, of Cambridge. The top finisher in the female division was Clare Franco, of Boston.

And now the shopping is mostly done, the presents are (hopefully) wrapped, and the plans for the big day have been made. Now is the time to slow down, relax and enjoy the holiday and all the finer things that come with it.

Being with family, friends and loved ones and sharing the warmth of the occasion is unquestionably at or near the top of the list of things we enjoy most at this time of year.

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A singer, puppeteer, and actor who immerses herself in her work

I caught up with Somerville’s Charlotte Anne Dore to talk about her life and work as a puppeteer, actor, and singer. It seems whatever this multi-talented person does – from belting out a few numbers in a cabaret – expertly manipulating puppets – to playing Mary Jo Kopechne in the major motion picture Chappaquiddick, she intensely immerses herself in her work.

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Celine Shanosky works in nonprofit consulting and currently lives in the local area. She has a BA in English and Public Health Studies from Johns Hopkins University and is from Baltimore, Maryland.

Outgoing Mayor Joe Curtatone and incoming Mayor-Elect Katjana Ballantyne explain how they are closely coordinating on all aspects of the pandemic response as part of a highly collaborative transition process.

Some of the nearly two hundred toys that were distributed to CAAS Head Start children by Kiwanis members.

Over the past three days, members of the Kiwanis Club of Somerville have taken on the role as Santa’s elves, delivering wrapped toys to 150 children in Somerville and Cambridge who are part of the CAAS Head Start Program. The names, ages and gender of each child were sent to the Somerville Kiwanis Club where program chairman and head elf Jim Bowdring, and co-chair, Jillian Bowdring, divided the list amount amongst the member elves, who purchased and wrapped toys for the children.  The toys were then brought to the Kiwanis Toy Shop, also known as Superior Promotions, where members divided the toys for delivery to the children in our community.

Arrests:

Jasard Hardmon, December 14, 10:22 a.m., arrested at Assembly Row on charges of larceny under $1200, removal of theft prevention device, and possession of a burglarious instrument.

Robert Morales, of Bridgewater, December 17, 3:28 p.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of assault and battery on ambulance personnel, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and threat to commit a crime.