Happy Valentine’s Day to all our readers and fans. We hope everyone has a great day with their significant other or with close family and friends. Enjoy the day!

In May of 2019, the Somerville City Council passed an ordinance banning the use of plastic straws and/or stirrers in all food and retail establishments within the City of Somerville. This ordinance went into effect on February 9, 2020; however, during the first six months, only warnings will be issued to give businesses a chance to substitute alternative products.

(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 Matthew McLaughlin
City Council President

Davis Square ain’t what it used to be.

That is good or bad depending on your perspective. When I grew up outside of Davis it was a collection of rundown buildings and dive bars. Later it became the “Paris of the 90’s,” the economic and social hub of Somerville. That boom was followed by rapid displacement that forced people like me out of the neighborhood we grew up in.

The Grand Opening of Staples Connect in Somerville took place on Wednesday, February 5. Staples representatives were joined by Somerville City Councilors Jesse Clingan and Katjana Ballantyne to “turn on the wi-fi” and officially open the doors to the new Staples Connect.

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Review by Marcia D. Ross

If there were a contest of best first lines in Ibbetson Street (#46), the winner would have to be a toss-up between several contenders. Mary Buchinger’s brief Song begins with “The river didn’t say” – an effortless glide into the exquisite (but never fancy) river of the language of imagery and sound that comprises the entire poem. In a distinctly different way, Denise Provost’s first line, “You might have crept up, grabbed us by surprise–” is, like the rest of the poem, in fetching Petrarchan sonnet-form, trying to fend off a brutal hurricane’s dreaded arrival. These two have many rivals, but first lines are important.

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Susan Tepper is a twenty-year writer and the author of eight published books of fiction and poetry. What Drives Men is a quirky road novel and her most recent book that came out from Wilderness House Press in June, and was shortlisted at American Book Fest. Tepper has worked a variety of jobs that include actress, singer, flight attendant, marketing manager, cable TV producer, interior decorator, rescue worker and more. A new poetry book will be coming out in April. Tepper is a native New Yorker. www.susantepper.com

Arrests:
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Kelly Carrillo, of Jaques St., February 3, 9:48 a.m., arrested at Tower St. on warrant charges of destruction of property over $1200, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and willfully obstructing an emergency vehicle.

Join Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang and the Somerville Engineering Department on Wednesday, February 26, for a community meeting to discuss water, sewer, and roadway upgrades planned on Hall St. The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kennedy School cafeteria, 5 Cherry St.

DOHERTY, Mary Rita “Marita” (Clark) – 90, Passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Monday, February 3, 2020. She was from Somerville, Ogunquit, Maine, Fort Lauderdale, FL and formerly of Arlington where she lived most of her life and raised her family with her beloved late husband George L. Doherty, Jr.

Cherished mother of Nancy Doherty-Neri of Andover and her husband Steven, Resa M. Doherty of Andover, Patrick M. Doherty of Woburn, George L. Doherty III of Stoneham and his wife Colleen, and J. David Doherty.Dear sister of Richard N. Clark and his wife Cindy of Sarasota, FL, Leonard “Skip” Clark of Portsmouth, RI, the late Leo V. Clark, Jr and his wife Loretta, James E. Clark, Philip G. Clark and his surviving wife Frances B “Fran” of Ogunquit, Maine.

Did you know that 27.5% of American teenagers used electronic cigarettes in 2019 according to the Center for Disease Control? Teen and adult electronic cigarette use and addiction is a growing national public health concern.