‘The Path Since 2010,’ which tracks SomerVision progress to date, is also being released ahead of SomerVision 2040 kickoff

If you’re interested in big issues like housing, development, job creation, and open space we need your help in planning for the future of Somerville. As part of the launch of SomerVision 2040, the City of Somerville is seeking members for a steering committee that will help shape the community process and immediate goals.

Please join the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Ward 4 Alderman Jesse Clingan for a community meeting on Thursday, January 10 to discuss design plans for the Healey Schoolyard. The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Healey School cafeteria at 5 Meacham St. For more information or with any questions about the project, please contact Arn Franzen at AFranzen@somervillema.gov.

Somerville Media Center and Winter Hill Brewery are teaming up for a super fun Valentine’s Day themed fundraiser event on Tuesday, February 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Winter Hill Brewery.

They are inviting their friends, neighbors, community media producers and supporters to come drink local beer at Winter Hill Brewery as a way to help raise funds for SMC.

Goodbye Board of Aldermen, welcome Somerville City Council

The City of Somerville’s legislative body will officially become the Somerville City Council (formerly the Board of Alderman) on January 31, 2019. The name change was approved when Gov. Charlie Baker signed a home rule petition on January 1 requesting the switch to City Council.

(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

When we enter a new year, many of us set goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Experts recommend enlisting a partner to help keep you on track with your resolutions. Although the City of Somerville can’t join you at that gym or stop by for Sunday night meal prep, there are some ways we can be a part of your goals for 2019 whether it’s learning a new skill, exercising more, or getting involved.

By Jim Clark

An ongoing feud between members of a Cambridge Gang known as Port 44 and a Somerville Gang known as MP45 or ESV has recently drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities in both cities.

There had been multiple shootings between these two groups and several firearm and narcotic arrests have resulted with members of these gangs.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

New Year’s Eve was the biggest payday of the year for bands and musicians back in the day. Maybe now still. My bandmates and I brushed off our tuxedos and brushed up on Auld Lang Syne.

By The Times Staff

As another year passes, we look back now and highlight some of the stories of particular interest that we covered in 2018.

The year began in Somerville with newly elected members sworn in on the Board of Aldermen. The new members included Alderman At-Large Stephanie Hirsch; Alderman At-Large Wilfred N. Mbah; Ward 2 Alderman Jefferson Thomas (“J.T.”) Scott; Ward 3 Alderman Ben Ewen-Campen; and Ward 4 Alderman Jesse Clingan.

‘FELINE’ magazine is the purr-fect fashion accessory
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L to R: Molly Bales, Renessa Ciampa, and Jonathan Lansey proudly display the cover for the inaugural issue of “FELINE”, featuring celebrity feline Venus “the two-face cat” who has 1.6M followers on Instagram.

By Jim Clark

For Molly Bales, Human Editor-in-Chief of FELINE magazine, based in Porter Square, living up to the standards set by her employer, Clawdia Beauchat, provides both a stimulating challenge and a deep sense of satisfaction for a job well done.

On behalf of the publishers, editors, writers and – most importantly – the staff here at The Somerville Times, we want to wish you all the very best in 2019, for the city, its residents and those who love Somerville like we do. We might have some surprises this year you never know here at the paper. Happy New Year 2019 to all!