Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I did a story back in 2011 about the first jobs of my Baby Boomer Somerville friends. This is part two. In the first story, I mentioned that I worked at Lyndell’s Bakery as a helper (in the ‘60s) and at FW Woolworth’s as a stock boy/lunch counter guy. I also worked at The Dodge ’Em Cars at Revere Beach.

Following months of speculation and uncertainty, yesterday’s guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd last May brought with it long-awaited accountability for Derek Chauvin’s actions. But while accountability is the first step toward justice, the full achievement of justice is measured through transformation. It is about repair, dedication, and actions. Our thoughts continue to be with Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones, who have had to endure unspeakable pain. Our hope is that when we look back at this moment in history, that this verdict will clearly mark a turning point toward broader accountability and progress in addressing systemic racism and its deadly consequences within law enforcement — as well as systemic racism in our society as a whole. We also hope the verdict offers a space for some relief from the trauma that this event and so many others have caused, particularly for our Black colleagues, friends, neighbors, and family members who continue to bear the burden of systemic racial injustices in communities across our nation. 

Bike sharing is catching on fast, with Bluebikes in particular providing affordable and convenient access to alternative transportation throughout the region.

By Alex Reidy

The first ever regional bike share meeting for Bluebikes on Tuesday, April 13, began with introductions from people involved in seven surrounding municipalities, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Somerville, and Watertown.

Deprioritizing of arrests for drug possession offenses was one of the topics of discussion at the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee.

By Joe Creason

The Legislative Matters Committee held their meeting on Thursday, April 15 in order to discuss the city’s agenda as well as issues with development of certain policies.

(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 Justin Klekota,
Candidate for Somerville City Council At-Large
(http://electjustin.org)

As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we remember that the greatest challenges facing humanity require the cooperation of the entire global community. As the heroic efforts of our public health and medical professionals to fight the pandemic continue, we must resolve to build a healthier, greener future. Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead given the historic climate legislation passed into law last month that empowers our Commonwealth to reduce fossil fuel emissions to combat the threat of glacial melting and sea level rise along our coastlines and waterways.

April 22, 2021 marks the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of Elizabeth Peabody House, a Somerville nonprofit that supports families in reaching their full potential through early childhood education, youth development, and family assistance. The organization will mark the start of its 125th anniversary year, which it will celebrate from April 2021 through April 2022, with a virtual event – Elizabeth Peabody House at 125.

So, Patriots’ Day came and went this week with little fanfare and fuss, and no Boston Marathon, all because of the ongoing the coronavirus threat. It is very important we continue to be safe, yet we can’t help but miss these grand old traditions that most of us look forward to. It’s unfortunate that we have had to give up so much so far, but these events and special occasions will return. For now, be safe and ride this thing out with patience and good humor.

While the usual commemorations of Patriots’ Day have not taken place this year due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we still look for ways to remember with reverence the exploits of the brave men and women who made the American Revolution the success it eventually became.

Locally, we especially honor those who fought the battles of Lexington and Concord, and of Menotomy. And, of course, the lauded “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” is a fundamental part of the great American saga.

Eagle Feathers #228 – The Story Teller

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

His goal in writing was to stimulate interest, excite and enlighten young people about history. His heroes were mostly of the American saga. Elbridge Streeter Brooks (1846-1902) was a well-known author, reviewer and editor for numerous publishers and magazines: The Independent, Wide Awake, Publishers Weekly, and Harpers to name a few. He set out writing a series of articles named Historic Boys and Historic Girls which were in the St. Nicholas Magazine.

— Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Dept.

Shown is Lt. Robert MacLaughlan receiving his retirement badge from (L-R) Assist Chief Chris Major and Chief Breen in the Chief’s Office. Bob officially retired on April 18. His last assignment was in Fire Prevention.