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B. Lynne Zika is a poet, essayist, photographer, and fiction writer currently living in Los Angeles. Her books The Strange Case of Eddy Whitfield, The Longing, and Letters to Sappho: Putting Out the Fire are available on Amazon and through other booksellers. In addition to editing poetry and nonfiction, she worked as a closed-captioning editor for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. She has received awards in short fiction, poetry, and photography. Her father, Yewell C. Lybrand, Jr., was a writer himself. Before his death at 34, he bequeathed her this wisdom and mission in life: Make every word count. Ms. Zika is grateful for what the arts have added to her life and for the many gifts exhibited by her children and grandchildren, especially their good will toward others.

Crews accomplished track work and other upgrades along the Green Line. 16 speed restrictions have been removed. ~ Photos courtesy of MBTA

The MBTA  announced the successful and on-time completion of critical track work on the Green Line, which removed 16 safety-related speed restrictions – one more than planned. Additionally, a seventeenth speed restriction on the Green Line between Haymarket and Government Center stations was significantly shortened by over 500 feet. Crews accomplished this critical work due to unencumbered access to track areas while Green Line train service was suspended on the B branch from Babcock Street to Kenmore, on the E branch between Heath Street and Copley, and in the downtown area between Kenmore and North Station for 10 days from January 3-12 and for 13 days from January 16-28.

Prior to the 9-2 vote, hundreds of Somerville residents rallied in support and packed the council chambers

On January 25, the Somerville City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling on the Biden administration to work toward an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza. The 9 to 2 vote makes Somerville the first city in Massachusetts to call for a ceasefire, following mere hours after the Minneapolis City Council passed their own ceasefire resolution.

The Tufts University Department of Music presents Time’s Echo: A Conversation about Art and Memory with author and critic Jeremy Eichler in the Distler Performance Hall at the Perry and Marty Granoff Music Center on Wednesday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m.

By Joei Chan

The Arts at the Armory is pleased to announce a series of events named Boston Storyslam by The Moth, which began on January 23 with the theme “Wonders”. On the fourth Tuesday of every month, come by and participate in a community-focused, open-mic storytelling competition, where anyone can share a five-minute story that is based around the theme of the night.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 28  from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at 50 Cross Street, Somerville.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant cultures of the Asian community as we welcome the year. The event will feature performances and engaging activities for all ages. Come together with friends and family to embrace the spirit of unity, joy, and new beginnings. 

By Stan Popovich

Do you find yourself worrying about everything that is going on around you?

It can be very tiring and depressing to constantly worry about your family, your job, your health, and everything else that is happening. Having things out of your control is very scary.