What a relief to have 2020 behind us, right? Well…

To a certain extent, we can certainly breathe a collective sigh of relief. But to be realistic, our problems are far from being totally behind us.

Without meaning to be a wet blanket, we must also acknowledge that there are many challenges and issues held over from last year that must be met with resolve and smart behavior.

Arrests:
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Carmelo Maldanado, of Boston, December 24, 9:40 p.m., arrested at Mt. Vernon St. on warrant charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a burglarious instrument, and attempt to commit a crime.

Keyshawn Huggins, of Weymouth, December 31, 8:39 a.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of possession of ammunition without FID card, carrying a firearm without a license, drug possession to distribute, and possession of a large capacity firearm.

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The year 1980. The city of Revere. It is a coastal town right outside of Boston, but the Hub’s skyline looks like OZ to the denizens of this gone-to-seed burg.

Carey, who is originally from Revere, knows the walk and can talk the talk. He is able to catch the bullshit banter of the barroom, and the invective from the numerous poseurs, thugs and cops, that circle each other in a compost heap of their own making. Carey’s brutal dialogue reminds me of my favorite Boston crime writers – the late George Higgins (The Friends of Eddie Coyle).

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Our poet this week is Adrian Shaw. Adrian writes us from England: Adrian’s poetic enquiries have been recently collated into a collection of two volumes, and the final one of this trilogy is, at present, unfolding.

The arts editor of Somerville’s Ibbetson Street magazine, Jennifer Matthews, has released a new music video this week, entitled Exploding Stars. Matthews, a gifted and accomplished singer/songwriter, appears in the video dancing in a diaphanous blue gown, her hands uplifted to the sky, the raining light and to the wonders of the universe.

In its third and largest round of COVID-19 business relief to date, the City of Somerville has made an additional $5 million available for small businesses affected by the pandemic. 

The city will administer awards of up to $25,000 to eligible restaurants, fitness and recreation facilities, theaters, nightclubs, and other businesses impacted by government-directed closures. Applications and full eligibility requirements are available at somervillema.gov/BizRelief. Translated versions in multiple languages will be published in the coming days. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting Friday, January 8. 

What sparked your interest in Somerville, Massachusetts?

Campaign debuts amid small rise in overdose deaths during COVID-19 pandemic

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has launched a new phase of the #StateWithoutStigMA public information campaign aimed at reducing the stigma of substance addiction that prevents people with substance use disorders from seeking treatment. The campaign launches at a time when the state is experiencing a slight rise in overdose deaths as it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Welcome to the City’s very first virtual First Flag Raising event. 2020 was certainly a historic year in many respects, and Somerville has continuously risen to meet its challenges with creativity, resourcefulness, and concern for everyone’s health and well-being. We hope you enjoy our newest initiative to commemorate a very significant part of our heritage, using both some prior content and adding some new twists, including several engaging youth.