Simple eco-friendly changes to your daily routines can help the planet. — Photo © lady_in_red13 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Each American throws out about 4.5 pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By incorporating the “Three Rs” (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) into routines, you can help divert some of this waste away from landfills to help protect the environment.

Here are a few ideas for changing your habits to be more eco-friendly:

Annual Christmas tree lighting and community candle lighting with Temple B’nai B’rith moved online; Arts Council map can help you plan your own Illuminations Tour

This year, the City of Somerville has rethought its annual holiday traditions so that we can still celebrate as a community while protecting against COVID-19. 

The City of Somerville is seeking community members interested in taking action on the climate crisis to apply for the 2021 Climate Forward Ambassador Program. The program will begin January 2021, and meetings will be held virtually over Zoom. 

A fire broke out late Wednesday night at 35–37 Teele Ave. According to reports the fire was originated from the roof. Fire companies soon arrived to douse the fire.

The residing families were reportedly displaced. As of this time there have been no reports of injuries.

Investigators were called in to determine the cause of the blaze.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I found a piece of family treasure recently that knocked me for a loop.

I got up on the Sunday morning after Thanksgiving, had coffee and a piece of pumpkin pie, right out of the plate, no fork. I’m watching TV, typing with one hand and patting my emotionally needy cat with the other.

Among other issues addressed by the Somerville City Council at their latest meeting, a disbursement $500,000 from the Covid-19 Stabilization Fund to support local arts was approved.

By Max Eidelman

The Somerville City Council met for a remote meeting last Tuesday to address matters ranging from the appointment of the city’s next Chief of Police to the financial support of Somerville’s arts community.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan is reminding those struggling with addiction, those who care about someone struggling and members of the public about the availability of Narcan and how to access virtual support amid an uptick in overdose deaths. In Middlesex County, between October 14, 2020 and November 16, 2020, there were17 overdose deaths, six ​of which occurred over last weekend.

As the holiday gift shopping season intensifies, it’s important to remember that our local merchants are depending on us all to do our best to shop local. With the challenges they have dealt with over the course of the year, many are struggling to stay in business. Let’s help them to get through this trying time and be here for us in days, months and years to come.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

An Oak Street house in Somerville was blown to one side, threatening damage to a neighboring home, as a powerful storm hit the region Monday evening. The house, which has been undergoing renovation, leaned precariously to one side as the weather system blasted through the area.

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Leftovers, it’s what’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But in this case, breakfast! When I went to fetch the eggs and milk for the French toast, I stumbled upon the eggnog and decided to use it instead. Let’s just say the final result did not disappoint. The combination with the sliced almonds and syrup are a match made in heaven. Give it a try.