Arrests:
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Rachid Belhadj, December 10, 2:01 p.m., arrested at Franklin St. on a charge of resisting arrest, multiple counts of receiving stolen property, and on warrant charges of shoplifting by concealing merchandise, furnishing a false ID to an arresting officer, and open and gross lewdness.

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I am a poet, so my home is littered with polished poems, drafts with coffee stains, framed pieces that I am really proud of, etc. So that’s why I caught up with sculptor Danielle Krcmar, whose latest idea is to put a poem in your home.

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Poet Bruce Foley writes: “I was born in Cambridge at Mount Auburn Hospital, as July 4th fireworks exploded over the Charles River. At around age two, we moved to Somerville, MA. My early youth was spent at Saint Catherine Elementary School. I would go on to participate in sports throughout Somerville and Greater Boston. At one time a Greater Boston League All Star in Basketball and Somerville High School football captain and quarterback. My interest in poetry began in high school, junior year. A Modern Poetry class, led by a very cool and learned guy, David Moriarty. Dave was encouraging, and here it is decades later, and I am writing still. It’s been challenging and fulfilling. Solitude and silence too, played a role in my writing. At one point in my life I was able to spend three years living pretty much alone. A hermitage up on Equinox mountain. Vermont. This was a defining moment and a deeply enriching period of creativity. After the experience of being published, winning contests or receiving an award, you become inspired, and you believe in yourself. Once this happens, who knows how far one can go? Poetry has been good to me. And Somerville will always be my home.”

— Photo by Bobbie Toner

Snow is in the forecast. Learn about Somerville snow rules now to be safe and avoid tickets.

• This year is a park even snow season, so unless signs say otherwise, you must park on the even-numbered side of the street during snow emergencies. Any exceptions will be noted by nearby signs. 

Somerville High School senior Samiyra Afife spent part of her summer connecting with peers from around the world through the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program. Samiyra was one of 400 high school students to participate in the week-long program this summer, immersing herself in scientific online courses and discussions about global issues.

New closures primarily affect gyms and indoor recreation spaces

Mayor proposes $5 million in local business stabilization funds for City Council approval

Due to the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and CDC warnings that the United States has entered a dangerous and record-breaking phase of high-level transmission for the virus, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health are rolling back the City of Somerville to a modified version of Phase II, Step 2 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ reopening plan effective end of day Wednesday, December 16, at 11:59 p.m. and will be in effect for at least three weeks. 

Culminating a ten week virtual program in which Somerville middle schools are partnered with legal mentors from area law offices, law schools, and city offices, students will present their cases online about First Amendment Free Speech rights to a Federal or State Judge in a Mock Trial.

December 12 – January 1

Even though, Somerville Arts Council will not be conducting their  traditional trolley tours this winter, the bright spirit of Somerville will shine on.

To help lead your own holiday tour, on the map you will find location pins to:

Celebrate the holidays singing along with The Somerville Community Chorus and The Somerville High School Chorus. Then, listen up and enjoy Mayor Joe Curtatone read The Night Before Christmas. Finally, join Santa Claus to help him light the city’s Christmas tree.

(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 State Representative Christine Barber

The number of COVID-19 infections throughout Massachusetts is rising at an alarming rate. Massachusetts now has more new COVID-19 cases per capita than Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, or Texas— and in the last week alone, MA has seen more COVID-19 deaths per capita than 23 other states. This surge of infections and hospitalizations is placing tremendous pressure on the state’s health facilities and leading to countless preventable COVID-related deaths.