It is possible that pedestrians in Somerville may be waving colorful flags while traversing crosswalks in hopes of making it to the other side without mishap.

By Jim Clark

While many crosswalks in the city of Somerville may be regulated by traffic signals, a good many others are not. And even when obeying the respective reds, yellows and greens, there can be instances when pedestrians fall victim to oncoming vehicular traffic due to poor visibility or inattentive drivers.

Several cities and townships across the U.S. have adopted the use of “pedestrian crossing flags” to help increase the visibility of those who cross streets properly and legally.

Chris Trapper plays The Burren in Somerville this coming Friday and Saturday. — Photos by Topher Cox

By Blake Maddux

Singer-songwriter Chris Trapper’s non-musician jobs have included “selling chocolate chip cookies to tourists in Boston’s Quincy Market” and “food and beverage guy” for Copley Plaza Hotel.

That was before the Buffalo native found success as the leader of The Push Stars, which formed in Cambridge, MA and released four albums and an EP between 1996 and 2004.

By Giovanna DaSilva, Sam Buckley, Julian Delmonico, and Veid Patel

Imagine you are an eighth-grade student. You and your friend are on the cross country team, and you need to take a bus to get to a meet. You get dismissed early and are ready to run. You head on over towards the bus stop. You grab a seat on the bench and wait for the bus. And wait. And wait. And wait some more. About 30 minutes have passed when the bus finally pulls up at the stop, and you’re too late for the meet.

By Donald Norton

Lifelong resident and all around nice guy Vinny Vincente, together with his brother Tito Vincente, operated Goode Gas on Pearl Street for decades and built up a huge following that exists even today.

Finally, after working part time on various cars in the shop these past several years, he’s decided to join his brother Tito in retirement.

It’s been an interesting year in politics and social discourse, to say the least. The City of Somerville is certainly one classic example of strong, good-hearted people having the capacity to set aside fundamental ideological differences for the sake of appreciation of the community.

Events such as the city Christmas Tree lighting, taking place this Thursday, symbolically serve as a reminder that we are indeed a cohesive community, with our common hopes, fears, ambitions and objectives.

Somerville Local First’s final market of the year features 40+ local makers and artists ready to help with your holiday shopping. With jewelry, pet accessories, housewares, textiles, fragrances, leather goods, gifts, and specialty food items available – there is something for everyone.