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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.

SMC offers plenty of fun and educational opportunities to learn how to create locally made media and to enhance your professional skills. They welcome the everyone in the community to become a member with SMC and take advantage of their youth and adult education workshops. Here are just a couple of the educational opportunities they are currently offering:

The Somerville Fire Department recently responded to a Central Street address to investigate a fire alarm sounding. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a carbon monoxide detector activated in the basement of the home. Using meters, firefighters detected elevated levels of carbon monoxide. A rotted vent pipe from the furnace to the chimney was discovered as the source of the hazard. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas which can build up indoors and poison occupants who breathe it.

If you plan to vote in the Massachusetts Presidential Primary and you’re not already registered here, the deadline to register is Wednesday, February 12. To learn more, visit http://somervillema.gov/elections.

(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. 

We recently released the proposed SomerVision 2040 plan, which updates and extends the community-developed SomerVision comprehensive plan. Thanks to months of work by the SomerVision 2040 Committee, community members, and City staff, SomerVision 2040 contains some new and updated goals around important issues like housing, development, the environment, and job creation. Below are a few numbers from the plan, and you can see the full document at www.somervision2040.com. The Planning Board is also accepting comments on SomerVision 2040, which you can send to planning@somervillema.gov.

The Somerville Public Library and St. Mark Community Education Program announced this week that they will partner for spring 2020 to offer a free, twelve-part Citizenship Interview Preparation Class for residents seeking to apply for American citizenship. Classes will be offered on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from March 7 through May 23, at the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.). The class is designed to prepare students for all parts of their citizenship test. It will cover the literacy test, 100 questions about U.S. history and government, and provide help to improve speaking and listening abilities in English.