Students at Somerville High School walked out of school last Wednesday as a statement of solidarity with the shooting victims of Parkland, and to raise awareness of the gun control issue. — Photo by Claudia Ferro

By Jim Clark

Last Wednesday, February 28, students at Somerville High School staged a walkout to protest what was described as a lack of competent gun control laws across the country. More than 400 students left their classrooms at 8:17 a.m. and walked outside where 17 minutes of silence was observed to pay homage to the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, and address the epidemic of mass shootings in the United States.

On Saturday, March 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Somerville Teachers Association will be having an “alumni tour” of the old high school. This is a chance to see and walk through the old corridors once again before the school is torn down to make room for the new one. No admission fee is being charged, but donations to the STA scholarship fund will be gladly accepted. It’s a great opportunity to reminisce about your days at the old high school. Parking is available around the school in various lots. Please enter at the main entrance of the school.

~Photo by Donald Norton

In its annual tradition, the City of Somerville held a reenactment ceremony for the 242nd anniversary of the “Grand Union” flag-raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park on Sunday, March 4, attended by approximately 200.

On Tuesday of this week, The City of Somerville joined members of the general public in observing #BlackBalloonDay, in remembrance of those who have lost their lives through drug overdose. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. for people under 50 and opioid addiction is driving this epidemic.

Eagle Feathers #148 –Downing Street

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Traditionally, the most famous resident of 10 Downing Street, London, was Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of England. While living there, he guided the people of Britain through the darkest hours of World War II.

No matter what side you may find yourself on on when it comes to gun control and possible restrictions on the sales and possession of so-called assault rifles, you have to admire the passion and commitment of the many young people who are actively voicing their concerns on the issue.

A large group of students at Somerville High School have staged a walkout from their classrooms in response to the massacre in Parkland, Florida, last month and the epidemic of mass shootings in the United States.

An estimated 450 parents, guardians, youth and other community members stopped by the 2018 Somerville Summer Camp and Activities Fair held at the East Somerville Community School yesterday evening to learn about youth summer program options. More than 40 vendors from Somerville and the surrounding area were on hand at this annual event to share information and answer questions.

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I met Tim Devin at my usual corner of the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square. We were there to talk about his new project, namely a small press collection at the main branch of the Somerville Library, where Devin also works. Since I have been involved in small press publishing for decades, and a proud member of this group of ink-stained wretches, Devin’s project was of utmost interest.

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Richard Wilhelm is a poet and artist living in the Ball Square section of Somerville. He is one of the founding members of the Ibbetson Street Press.

Arrests:
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Christopher Burrows, February 26, 1:24 p.m., arrested at Canal St. on charges of removal of theft prevention device and larceny over $250, and on warrant charges of possession of a class A drug and trespassing.

Tyreek Smith, of 81 Woods Ave., February 27, 10:12 p.m., arrested at home on warrant charges of threat to commit a crime and false bomb threat.