While we may still be keeping our cold weather apparel handy for a while, considering the unpredictable weather over the past several weeks, it’s still nice to know that springtime has officially arrived. We anxiously await the balmier days ahead.

One of the finer benefits of New England living is standing witness to the massive explosion of nature’s rebirth and renewal, seemingly amplified here. Grass, trees, wildlife and flowers seems to go forth and multiply at an astounding rate, as if on cue to the call for “Action!”

Eagle Feathers #175 – Free to Fight

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

After the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill were fought, the American colonies found themselves at war with the most powerful army and navy in the world. It was a time when slavery was popular, even in the north. At first, Congress disallowed blacks and Indians from enlisting; but as the war continued, this changed. From the beginning, northern maritime states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island welcomed all volunteers. African Americans had found a freedom and acceptance at sea that was unequaled on land. They had sailed on Massachusetts Maritime ships and from the start, fought as part of the Marblehead Regiment on land and sea. These slave soldiers fought in Minutemen companies and Colonial Army companies throughout the war.

The unsolved 1995 murder of Somerville teen Deanna Cremin is but one of the many cold cases the new investigative unit will be addressing.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced the launch of a new Cold Case Unit. To lead the team, she has hired an experienced prosecutor who will focus exclusively on solving the County’s oldest and most challenging cases. The Unit will investigate unsolved homicides, suspicious deaths where foul play is suspected and missing persons cases.

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Often we greet our members of the Bagel Bards group (that meets at the Au Bon Pain in Davis Square, Somerville) with the refrain, “You’re still alive!” This group of writers, playwrights and poets take nothing for granted. But this reflects on the group’s informal nature, and the gallows humor that we have refined into a high art.

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Our poet this week writes: “My name is Jennifer Grimes and I am a student at Endicott College. I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing. I’m a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor’s society and some of my work has been published online at TeenInk.com and FaseMagazine.com.”

Arrests:
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Kara Barowski, of 202 Powder House Blvd., March 18, 6:09 p.m., arrested at Highland Ave. on a warrant charge of receiving stolen property under $1200.

Paul Capotosto, of 52 Neponset St., Revere, March 18, 7:27 p.m., arrested at Highland Ave. on a charge of shoplifting over $250 by concealing merchandise.

Somerville Neighborhood News speaks with Viola Augustin, GLX Project Liaison; Jesse Moos, Construction Liaison & Compliance Manager; and Daniel Amelin, Project Manager, Utilities about upcoming construction projects throughout the city and how they will impact drivers, pedestrians and cyclists and their commutes.

Council to review Mayor’s Request for Home Rule Petition to Grant Municipal Voting Rights to 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Members of the public are invited to attend and speak at two April 4 Public Hearings on a request from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone to file a Home Rule Petition to the State Legislature requesting that 16- and 17-year-old Somerville citizens be granted legal voting rights for municipal elections.

Council to hear testimony on traffic safety, traffic calming, and the Traffic Calming Petition

Members of the public are invited to attend and speak at a Public Hearing on traffic safety, traffic calming, and the Traffic Calming Petition submitted by the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advocacy Group and signed by approximately 350 people. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

The City of Somerville has been working to produce a strategic plan to guide its safe streets work, using the global “Vision Zero” movement as a framework to eliminate traffic crashes that result in severe injuries and fatalities.  A series of community engagement opportunities have been scheduled for residents and stakeholders to discuss the city’s public policy framework around safe streets.

Upcoming opportunities include: