(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)

— Photos and speech video courtesy of Somerville city workers ceasefire coalition

Fifty-five employees, staff, and other public servants of the City of Somerville and Somerville Public Schools, have formally asked for Mayor Ballantyne and Superintendent Carmona to join them in calling for a sustained ceasefire across Palestine and Israel, the release of all hostages, and the provision of all life-saving humanitarian aid. 

By Dennis Fischman

Mystery novels have thrived in the cold ground of Greater Boston. For example, I think of Linda Barnes and her taxi-driving detective Carlotta Carlyle; Robert B. Parker and the Spenser series (turned into the popular Spenser for Hire TV series in the 1980’s); Dennis Lehane; Tess Gerritsen; and even Matthew Pearl and his surprise hit The Dante Club.

Applications now being accepted for three positions
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Are you passionate about supporting the well-being of seniors in Somerville? The Somerville Council on Aging Board of Directors is actively seeking three new members, and we invite all residents to consider applying. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

At the corner of Cedar St. and Highland there’s a bank. It used to be Friendly’s Ice Cream shop. I can still taste the lime Rickeys and vanilla cokes not to mention the Fribbles. Back in the 70’s it was a great hangout especially after Somerville high events.  I’d like to share the following memories of that Friendly’s location.

This weekend while attending a Providence Bruins game, former Somerville Alderman Bob McWatters caught up with Assistant Coach for the Hartford Wolfpack, Paul Mara. McWatters coached Mara when he played for the Boston Junior Bruins, 30 years ago. Mara went on to have a terrific career in the NHL, playing 12 seasons with 6 different teams. They both enjoyed catching up and McWatters is thrilled to see a young man he coached have such a distinguished career.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) and the City of Boston are providing $20 Bluebikes credits to residents aimed to alleviate the impact of transportation disruptions and provide accessible alternatives for affected individuals of the Green Line closure.

The proposed reconstruction plans for McGrath Highway between Somerville and Cambridge have come closer to full realization with the acquisition of funding by MassDOT.

By Jim Clark

Funding has been secured that will allow the start of the McGrath Highway reconstruction project.

According to MassDOT, the proposed project consists of reconstruction of McGrath Highway (Route 28) between Broadway in Somerville and Rufo Rd. – 3rd St. in Cambridge.

(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 Senator Pat Jehlen

Somerville has submitted a home rule petition, S2545, to allow the city to regulate rents in buildings of 3 or more units not occupied by the owner. This newsletter is the first of two based on my testimony in favor of the bill.

Join Mayor Ballantyne in celebration and the Somerville Arts Council tonight for their Local Cultural Council grant season and awards. Meet and network with the 2024 LCC grant awardees, LCC review panelists, and Arts Council staff and board. Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. Join in to celebrate these awardees and this community process at Warehouse XI, 11 Sanborn Court, Union Square. https://fb.me/e/8c7woC2eY.