Somerville Mayor Emeritus Eugene C. Brune.

By The Times Staff

After it was pointed out that there were a few inaccuracies in our story from last week concerning former Somerville Mayor Eugene C. Brune and the Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation, we got together with Brune to have him clarify the facts and set the record straight. We thank him for the opportunity to do this.

The Somerville Times: Tell us about the Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation and how it will work this year.

Eugene Brune: Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, the SHS Scholarship Foundation would like the proceeds from our annual raffle to help ease the burden even further, by funding one (4) year, $2,000 per year renewable scholarship for a highly deserving Somerville High School/Full Circle High School student. This would be in addition to all of the other $1,000 to $2,500 non-renewable scholarships that we award each year to students for their first year of post high school graduate degrees.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Rossmore St. residence late last Saturday on reports of an unknown male in the backyard with a can of gas.

Upon arrival, the officers immediately smelled a strong odor of gasoline and proceeded into the driveway leading to the backyard.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Tip Top Market, formerly at the corner of Walnut and 211 Pearl Street, pops up quite a bit when people reminisce about the old days in East Somerville. We still have lots of corner stores in Somerville, but those neighborhood grocery, variety stores and meat markets of yesterday had a different feel. It was a warm welcoming and familiar feel. Back then a cuff wasn’t only on shirts and trousers, it was a way of getting by until payday.

(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)

We are nearly 15 months into the struggle for justice being waged by Somerville mother Flavia C. Peréa in defense of her 6-year-old son who was accused of sexual assault by the City of Somerville. At the time of the drafting of this letter to the editor the city has yet to issue a statement of apology for the bigotry directed at this local family.

The City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee is following up on its stated commitment to establish some form of police oversight.

By Joe Creason

The Legislative Matters Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, March 24, the first of several scheduled community discussions on establishing a system for civilian oversight of police.

Present at the meeting were City Councilors, city staff and community organizers who wished to share their perspective on how to improve civilian-police relations.

By Max Eidelman

The City Council met last Thursday for their regular meeting. One of the first topics addressed was a commendation for Donna Joy of the City’s Personnel Department. Joy, after 34 years of service, is retiring. Ms. Joy briefly spoke, saying that it has been an honor to have worked for the city for such a lengthy period of time. As Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin said, “Every city employee, including us, has had to go through her at one point.”

We wish all of our readers, their friends and families, a happy Easter and Passover. May the blessings of these occasions bring healing and strength to all of us throughout these challenging times. It is a time to embrace hope and optimism as we look together towards the future.

The startup of renovation activities at Conway Park are expected to commence sometime this spring.

By Alex Reidy

The sixth and final public meeting concerning the Conway Field and Playground Renovation was held on Wednesday, March 24, where many issues were put to rest as they plan to get underway with construction.

Sometime this spring is the intended start date, with spring 2022 being the estimated completion date.

Women helped to get us through the pandemic and we must center them in the recovery
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By State Representative Christine P. Barber

One year into the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic impacts, just one of the innumerable losses we have faced, are enormous. So many have lost jobs, risked their health and well-being by doing dangerous work and met greater needs to care for children throughout the pandemic. For this Women’s History month, I am uplifting the women who helped Massachusetts get through the last 12 months of the pandemic. The best way we can honor women is to ensure the recovery from COVID-19 is squarely centered on their needs. 

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A refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time. Serve it over quinoa, farro, or even mix it with romaine lettuce. Packed full of protein and flavor, a quick, easy dish for a very satisfying lunch or even a snack.