Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

When you ask Somerville’s social network a question they really come through. You didn’t think I remembered all that stuff from the old days by myself? Actually, I do remember quite a lot, some I can’t print, but I need some help occasionally.

On Tuesday, March 17, the following open letter was sent to Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker by several local and regional elected officials:

Governor Baker:

As state and municipal officials, we are calling on you to issue an order to Shelter In Place by the end of the day today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

A sign of the times. Social distancing is the new norm. — Photo by Doug Holder

By Jim Clark

As the world at large grapples with the coronavirus emergency, our own local efforts at quelling the advance of the deadly illness has taken shape as the city’s leadership steps up and issues its calls to action.

It has been an almost daily drama, with updated directives and advisories overtaking those issued in some cases only hours earlier.

Councilor At-Large designee, Kristen Strezo. — Photo by Isabel Sami

By Isabel Sami

Kristen Strezo, the newest appointed City Councilor At-Large in Somerville, has always wanted to be a voice of the people. Previously the co-chair of the Somerville Commission for Women, Strezo spent her two terms advocating for women’s rights and safety in the community. As a mother of two kids and a caregiver to her 93-year-old grandmother, Strezo says she wants what’s best for residents and their families, saying she’s committed to the overall improvement of Somerville as a city and unified community that belongs to everyone.

We here at The Times hope that everyone out there is staying safe and following the social distancing guidelines to keep this coronavirus threat at the lowest level possible. Please check in on your neighbors and help anyone that might not be able to get out and go to the store.

Older people (age 50 and up) and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. The CDC advises that it is “extra important” that persons with higher risk take action to help prevent exposure to the virus, and that all of us take actions to limit the spread in order to protect ourselves and those most vulnerable to complications.

Everyone knows what’s going on right now, as we seek strategies for coping with the challenges of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.

We are being asked to practice “social distancing” in order to help avoid spreading the virus between us. This will not be a cure-all, but it is likely to greatly enhance the possibilities for reducing the number of new infections.

By State Representative Denise Provost

MORE Coronavirus Updates

 New Public Health Restrictions:

Our state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has directed all elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts to suspend “educational operations” from Tuesday, March 17, until April 7, 2020. Somerville’s public schools have been closed since March 11. Read further in this newsletter for more information about how school meals will be safely provided to students.

Eagle Feathers #200 – Titanic Heroes

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

At Presidents Park in Washington, D.C., a memorial fountain was erected in October 1912. It was constructed in memory of Major Archibald Butt, military aide to President Theodore Roosevelt and President Howard Taft and also honors Butt’s companion, celebrated painter Francis Davis Millet.