JANUARY 27, 2021 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS Inside: Decriminalization of Entheogenic Plants Proposed by City Council

VOL. 9 NO. 4 SOMERVILLE, MASS. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS Inside: Decriminalization of entheogenic plants proposed by City Council

By Jim Clark A resolution was put forward at the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council supporting the decriminalization of entheogenic plants. Defined as plants and natural sources such as psilocybin mushrooms, cacti, iboga and combi- nations of plants similar to ayahuasca, their use as a psychedelic drug of choice for many since the 60's brought about criminalization as part Memories of hitchin' of the larger "war on drugs" on a national scale. a ride Many religious traditions and practices page 3 throughout the world utilize the psychoactive properties of these substances, and are largely accepted by most modern societies. A number of municipalities throughout the United States have recently moved towards decriminalization as further evidence of their ben-

The City Council has taken steps calling on law enforcement authorities to put enforcement of prohibitions eficial effects in the treatment of opioid abuse, against possession and use of entheogenic plants on low priority, pending official decriminalization. depression, and suicide have Continued on page 4 Maintaining a sense of normalcy while routines stay disrupted With the roll-out of the vaccine taking place The art collector's slowly, it may be awhile longer before life re- works of art turns completely to normal. However, if you page 5 have been working remotely, it may be a good idea to reincorporate some of the elements of your regular routine into your schedule now. Not only will maintaining a sense of normalcy help you to feel more productive and more like yourself again, it could also help make the tran- sition to the workplace smoother when it does occur. Here are a few ways to go about it: • Rise and shine: Have you let your morning schedule slide into chaos during the pandemic? Now is the time to get back to your regular hours. Get to sleep each week night at your pre-pandemic bedtime and set your alarm for your regular wake hour. With no commute, you may find yourself with some extra time in the Latest news from morning. Use it to get organized for the day, ex- the Board of Health ercise or check items off your to-do list. page 5 • Get dressed: Dress as though you are head- ing into the workplace. Wear Continued on page 12 — Photo © Ridofranz / iStock via Getty Images Plus 2••JANUARY 27, 2021

Somerville Weather Forecast for the week of January 27 – February 3 as provided by the National Weather Service DAY CONDITIONS HIGH/LOW PRECIPITATION HUMIDITY WIND

Wednesday Partly Cloudy 37°/26° 14% 6% N 7 mph January 27 The views and opinions expressed in Newstalk do not necessarily reflect those of The Somerville Times, its publisher or staff. The column has many contributors. Thursday Cloudy 35°/18° 19% 10% N 14 mph The Somerville Museum presents Voices from Somerville's January 28 Greek Community on Wednesday, January 27, at 6:30 pm. Friday Hear about connections between Somerville and Greece, with Sunny 25°/13° 0% 1% NW 18 mph January 29 stories about the city's meat-packing plants in the early 1900's, the first Greek-American World War I Medal of Honor recip- Saturday Sunny 29°/16° 0% 3% NW 11 mph ient, and the creation of a local Greek Orthodox congregation, January 31 as well as observations from an artist from Greece who documents the city today. Panelists include the granddaughter of a Sunday Snow 34°/30° 36% 17% SSE 10 mph Greek diner owner, a former Director of the City's Council on February 1 Aging and an award-winning artist whose work explores both Somerville and Greece. Following the panel, listen to a histo- Monday Snow 40°/29° 54% 21% NE 11 mph rian from Somerville discuss connections between Greek and February 2 U.S. history. This event is part of a Somerville Museum Zoom Tuesday series called Voices from Somerville: Culture, Community and Snow 36°/24° 40% 20% NW 15 mph History. Special thanks to Erline Tanice, Adda Maria Santos, February 3 Adriana Fernandes and Jhenny Saint-Surin for their help in NOTE: Conditions subject to change. Always check a daily forecast prior to activities that can be affected by the weather. producing this series. To register, please visit: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/voices-from-somervilles-greek-community-tickets-137281987119. ***************************** As of January 20, phase I vaccine distribution continues for TheSomervilleTimes.com COVID-facing healthcare workers, long-term care facilities, first responders (police, fire, emergency medical services), and Comments of the Week congregate care settings including homeless shelters and cor- rectional facilities. It’s expected that starting February 1, vac- Response to: Denise Provost leaves State House after 15 cination will begin for the final two groups in phase I, which years are home-based healthcare workers and non-COVID-facing JB says: healthcare workers. Persons eligible for phase I vaccination can Thanks for the CSO notification bill!! and for all of your public service. find vaccination sites and more info on the State website. For information on where you fall in the state’s vaccine rollout plan, check the timeline on the state’s website: https://www.mass. Response to: Somerville educators demand clear thresholds gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-program. This is rap- for in-person return idly evolving information that may be subject to change, and Risk Averse Parent says: city staff will continue to keep you updated via emails, their website, and other outreach. Have more questions about the As a parent who will be asked if I want my child to return to in-person learning, or remain remote, I also want thresholds. I feel I’m going to be asked if I want to give up the all-remote option *no vaccine? TheDepartment of Public Health Continued on page 7 matter what* happens in the community, which doesn’t seem reasonable to me. If I go hybrid (which I desperately want) but then our hospitals are overrun? I’ll have to pull my kid out of school entirely, right? Let’s have thresholds, and let’s figure out what else we can close/restrict instead of schools to keep spread below those thresholds. 699 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 Aurelia says: [email protected] Parent – PR fluff. A handful of kids attend the middle school online learning center, which has had www.thesomervilletimes.com two positive student cases. The high school one records single digit participation, if any, each day. 617-666-4010 • Fax: 617-628-0422 It is true that after school programs are using space at the Complex but again, they have had cases there. COA, same deal. They had multiple cases in a matter of a week, but it’s definitely not school www.facebook.com/ spread! /s Can’t believe everything you read. Staff have little confidence in the superintendent. @somervilletimes thesomervilletimes Tom says: Publisher – Somerset Valley Publishing Inc. JWE, I totally agree with almost everything you say. But I believe that in Somerville and other dis- Editor – Jim Clark tricts as well, the re-opening of school is being driven by the teacher unions, not individual teach- Assignment Editor – Bobbie Toner ers. Individual teachers are working exremely hard, under difficult circumstances, to continue to teach students. I’d like to know how many of those advocating for continued closure of the public Advertising Director – Bobbie Toner schools happily shop at Target, stand in line at Starbucks, and buy groceries at Stop and Shop. Be- cause there are lots of people in all of those places and none have had to close due to an outbreak. Arts Editor – Doug Holder

Writers: Jim Clark, Denise Keniston, JB says: Isabel Sami, Rachel Berets, Elizabeth Long This hard line position could end up backfiring on the union. How will they respond when 10- Contributors: Jimmy Del Ponte, Dorothy Dimarzo, 15% of the school district population leaves and then there is a need for layoffs? The idea that Blake Maddux, Bob Doherty, Ross Blouin families are going to remain in the district if this doesn’t end soon is misplaced, especially if there Photographer: Claudia Ferro is the real possibility of Sept 2021 not being a full return to normal. The conspiracy theory in me thinks that this is a great way to shrink the school population to free The Somerville Times is published every Wednesday up money for other things in the city budget. A proud member of the following newspaper organizations: Right now the virus is raging, but we could have had schools open in Sept-Oct and can probably have them open again in late March-April as the vaccines become available

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte Hitchin' a ride Friendly disclaimer: us from getting someplace. We merely hitch hiking is ex- stuck out our thumbs. tremely dangerous Today kids use Uber and Lyft. When and no one should I was a kid, we either took a bus or ever do it! train, walked, biked, skateboarded, or On my walk last we hitch hiked. My parents would have week I heard the freaked out if they knew I was thumb- song Hitchin' a Ride ing all over the place. by Vanity Fare. It came out in 1969, when I hitch hiked to U Mass Amherst al- I was 16. It got me reminiscing. most every weekend to visit my girlfriend By the time I reached Somerville High who was a student there. It was truly School in 1969 something was happen- "Zoo Mass" back then! Route 2 all the ing to the youth of America. Our hair way! A lot of my Somerville friends also got longer, our music got groovy and our hitch hiked as the following stories recall. clothes were ... different. We wore bell This lady says: "Back in the mid 70s my- bottom pants and the peace sign was get- self and my friend Kathy would take the ting popular. Some of our friends were bus to Plymouth and hitch from Plym- sent to fight in Viet Nam and there were outh to White Horse Beach." peace rallies everywhere. Then this female friend adds when The hippie movement started and my asked if she ever hitched: "YES!!! First friends and I were right in the midst of it. in High School with my friends. Then Few of us had cars but that never stopped when I moved to the Cape to Braintree. And across country twice!" My lifelong pal Phil, who was also ... — Photo courtesy of Wicked Boston hip, says: " I hitched up to Montreal, with Bob, across to Vancouver, down danger!!!!Exactly, and we never thought "YES!!! First in high school with my to LA and back, fresh out of (SHS) that anything would go wrong, unlike friends. Then when I moved to the Cape high school in 1972. I used to hitch when I had my daughters and would to Braintree. And across country twice. hike everywhere." Cool! have had a heart attack if they did that. "We used to hitch to the beach all the Miss "M" admits: "My friend and I used Different times. time – never alone – at least two or three to thumb to Nahant. One time we got "(We hitched) everywhere for years. In of us together. My mother is probably picked up by motorcycles. What were we the early days, people’s moms would pick rolling over in her grave." thinking?????" you up. I stopped when the only people Another young lady confessed: "Yes, (we The excitement, the adventure, the who would stop were creeps." hitched) mostly to Continued on page 5 4••JANUARY 27, 2021

By Jim Clark Attempted road trip goes south Somerville Police officers were agreed to do. to his violent and erratic behavior. victim did that because he was tim left the area because it was dispatched to a Washington St. The victim said that he gave Officers were able to locate the sexually involved with his cous- blocking the street. location last Wednesday on re- Payne the $40 and when Payne vehicle parked on the sidewalk in and he did not think that was The officers told Payne that the ports of an unarmed robbery. saw that he had more money of Line Street. It appeared to right. Payne reportedly said that victim believed Payne had taken Upon arrival, the officers were on him, he told him to "give me have been rummaged through, he became angry and told them $120 from his center console, flagged down by the victim and all your sh*t" and to "run your with the center console open and he was driving home and was no which he denied. his cousin, who told them that pockets". various items thrown around longer going to New York. After hearing this, Payne re- they had been in the victim's ve- At this point the victim said the interior. The victim said that Upon arriving at his home, portedly started to become hicle with a friend, identified as that Payne attempted to reach he was missing $120, his driver's Payne said that he asked for the increasingly angry and began Alex Payne. into his pants pockets and take license, a medical marijuana card $40 back from the victim, which clenching his fists and yelling The victim said that while driv- his money causing him and his and a small black flashlight from he confirmed was given to him. that the victim was a "rapist" and ing to Payne's residence at Bea- cousin to flee from the area. the vehicle. Payne said that he then went into a "f*cking skinner" and that he con St., Payne accused him of The victim further told police Officers went to the Beacon St. his apartment without incident. had to deal with him. having a sexual relationship with that Payne entered the victim's residence and spoke with Payne, Payne emptied his pants pock- Payne then began yelling at the his cousin and demanded to be vehicle and drove away. Payne who reportedly told them that ets and was reportedly in posses- victim, saying that he was going let out of the vehicle. The victim reportedly ended up stopping he, the victim and his cousin sion of victim's driver's license, to "kill him" and he had better be said that Payne exited the car at the vehicle on Line St. had driven into Boston to buy and black flashlight. The officers arrested or he was going to kill the Beacon St. location. The victim then called Somer- marijuana and take a road trip asked Payne why he would have him for being "skinner," a slang Payne reportedly continued ville Police and left the area in to New York. He further stated those items if they were not his term for being a pedophile. to berate the victim and called fear for his and his cousin's safe- that he gave the victim $40 for and he replied that he must have Payne was subsequently placed him "disgusting" even as he de- ty. The victim told police that gas and while at the gas station grabbed them accidently. under arrest for unarmed rob- nied the accusations. The victim he had last seen Payne walking an unknown male whistled at the Police then asked Payne if he bery and threatening to commit then said that Payne demanded eastbound on Beacon St. victim's cousin, causing him to had taken the victim's car with- a crime. He was transported to he repay him $40 for gas he had The victim's cousin told police become upset and yell at the man. out permission and he said that the station and booked in the put into his car, which the victim that she was afraid of Payne due Payne said that he believed the he had moved it after the vic- usual manner. Decriminalization of entheogenic plants proposed by City Council CONT. FROM PG 1 been demonstrated and promot- meeting. Hinzmanand spoke that psychedelic use is associated minal illness, double-blind trials two ailments that entheogen- ed by the medical community of her experiences taking pain with a 40% reduced risk of opi- show a single dose of psilocybin ic plants have been shown to and others. medicines and her improved oid abuse. Ibogaine treatments, mushrooms can substantially have particularly strong utility Speaking in favor of the City health after switching to entheo- derived from a West African reduce long-term anxiety and in treating according to pub- Council resolution, Ward 4 genic plants. Karazik shared plant, helped people with opioid depression with a nearly 80% lished, peer-reviewed medical Councilor Jesse Clingan, the his experiences with psilocybin addiction substantially reduce clinical response rate." research; and resolution's co-sponsor, said mushrooms and credited them 'withdrawal symptoms and drug The resolution in full reads as WHEREAS: The so-called at the meeting, "I'm proud to with playing a big role in his use in subjects for whom other follows: War on Drugs has led to the bring forth this resolution this mental health recovery. treatments had been unsuccess- WHEREAS: “Entheogenic unnecessary penalization, arrest, evening. As a city I think it's Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott ful' and achieve 'sustained re- plants,” a term originally classi- and incarceration of vulnerable important that we take a stand expressed pride that Somerville duced use in dependent individ- fied by anthropologists and eth- people, particularly people of to protect indigenous rituals is leading the way on the de- uals' over 12 months. nobotanists in 1979, are herein color and people of limited fi- and religious rights, as well as criminalization of these natural In addition, the attachment defined as the full spectrum of nancial means, rather than pri- decreasing the harms caused in substances. added, "Depression and suicide psychedelic plants, fungi, and oritizing harm-reduction pol- the name of this so-called war Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ew- are also ravaging Massachu- natural materials containing icies to treat drug abuse as an on drugs. The criminalization of en-Campen pointed out that setts communities. Our state’s indole amines, tryptamines, issue of public health; and any substances chosen by adults many of these substances are al- millennials have the highest phenethylamines, including psi- WHEREAS: That American for responsible personal con- ready legal and he believes that rates of depression for their age locybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, cities have long possessed an sumption should be done away this resolution represents an ex- group in the nation, and nearly cacti, and iboga; and inferred constitutional right to with, and funding for education citing first step. one in five residents suffer from WHEREAS: Substance regulate commerce and public and treatment increased." Councilor At-Large Wilfred depression. A 2020 meta-analy- abuse, addiction, post-trau- safety within their jurisdictions, Clingan went on to say, "With N. Mbah commented that sis of randomized clinical trials matic stress disorder (PTSD), a principle acknowledged by the specific focus on substances when these substances are con- dating back two decades found chronic depression, end-of-life U.S. Department of Justice Cole known as entheogenics, I say trolled and regulated they can that psychedelic-assisted ther- anxiety, grief, cluster headaches, Memorandum that permitted that by decriminalizing these be beneficial. apy is highly effective in treat- tendencies toward recidivism, states and localities to depriori- plants we're expanding the harm An attachment submitted to ing PTSD, depression, anxiety and other conditions are plagu- tize law enforcement of cannabis reduction tools at our disposal. the City Council by Somer- linked to terminal illness, and ing our community and the use charges; and These plants are known to pro- ville Members of Bay Staters & anxiety linked to autism. A No- of entheogenic plants has been WHEREAS: Many elected mote healing of depression, anx- Decriminalize Nature Massa- vember 2020 study in the Jour- shown to be beneficial for treat- representatives of the Somer- iety, addiction, and end-of-life chusetts stated, "We must take nal of the American Medical ing these ailments via scientific ville City Council have previ- trauma, as well as many other action to prevent opioid deaths. Association found one in two and clinical studies and within ously maintained that city re- benefits as yet to be discovered. In the month of May alone, patients put major depression continuing traditional and reli- sources should not expended I just hope my colleagues will nearly 170 of our friends, fam- in remission after only two psi- gious practices that catalyze pro- in any investigation, detention, join me this evening in asking ily members, and neighbors in locybin therapy sessions – four found experiences of personal arrest, or prosecution arising our law enforcement officers to Massachusetts lost their lives to times more effective than con- and spiritual growth; and out of alleged violations of state make these plants the lowest opioid overdoses as these deaths vention medication. Other stud- WHEREAS: The COVID-19 and federal law regarding the priority possible." continue to spike nationwide. ies show entheogen treatment pandemic has led to a resurgence use and personal possession of In addition, Clingan sponsored A 2017 study of 44,000 Amer- can substantially reduce distress, of heroin and opioid overdose controlled substances; NOW, Sarah Hinzmanand and Alex icans by researchers at Johns suicidal planning, and suicidal deaths and severe depression THEREFORE, BE IT Karazik to speak at the virtual Hopkins Medical School found ideation. For patients with a ter- in Massachusetts communities, Continued on page 11 JANUARY 27, 2021••5 Board of Health reports on The Somerville Times city's COVID-19 measures Historical Fact of the Week By Joe Creason On Thursday January 21, the Eagle Feathers #222 city’s Board of Health conducted a virtual meeting in accordance with Governor Baker’s executive orders, which adjusted certain The Collector provisions of the Open Meeting By Bob (Monty) Doherty Law during the initial phase of the pandemic. Julian deCordova and his wife traveled extensively collect- The City of Somerville’s Board ing art and antiques from around the world during their of Health meeting was led by the 46-year marriage. They were globetrotters 16 times over Director of Health and Human and had the means to do it. For many decades, they indis- Services, Doug Kress. criminately gathered art work which fancied their personal Kress gave a comprehensive varied interests. presentation on Covid-19, reporting the current developments of the disease with global, national and local data. Kress also gave an update on how the City Health Department is making progress in the face of the pandemic crisis. “Somerville was able to start them a scheduled reminder. January 14. That is a near 23% the vaccination process on Jan- The pandemic brings a set of increase of confirmed cases in uary 11. Police officers, court obvious and particular chal- just 15 days across the state. officers, ambulance drivers,lenges to the greater Boston While Somerville is faring hospital staff and Tufts staff re- area. Even though some may better than some communi- ceived the vaccine,” Kress said, point to the influx of out- ties in the greater Boston area, “vaccines were sent to the shel- of-state students as a serious Covid-19 is still a pervasive ters to be administered to the transmission risk and burden health crisis and there is much staff and to those seeking refuge on an already strained health- work left to be done. The city so that we protect the vulnera- care system, data from the State has a daily incidence rate aver- ble and underprivileged mem- department of public health aging about 58 new cases per bers of our society and prevent paints a different picture. population of 100,000 over the spread of disease” As of January 14, the percent the last 14 days, compared Another round of doses will positivity for all of Massachu- with a daily incidence rate of be given to healthcare aids, pub- setts was 6.7%. The percent about 33 in both Cambridge lic works, restaurant workers, at positivity for Massachusetts and Arlington. risk community members and excluding the population from Though there has been a sus- small healthcare providers once higher education institutions, tained rate of confirmed cases state guidelines have been met, rises to 7.9%. The percent pos- and infection in Somerville, the says Kress. According to the itivity for higher education on city has put great efforts to- health Director, Somerville is its own is only 0.5%. wards testing. From December Today, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in working on a new vaccine web- Statistics in the state on posi- 26 to January 9, 15,876 tests Lincoln honors their memory and their appreciation of page so that people know when tive cases have been trending up- were conducted. By January all-encompassing artwork. If you find yourself driving and where they can get vacci- wards as the winter progresses. 14, Somerville had conducted along Route 128 just south of Route 2, it’s hard to miss nated. The website will register The number of total con- 276,210 tests. the historic brown and white signs directing you to the those who get their first vaccine firmed cases in Massachusetts As of January 19, Somerville 35-acre grounds. Its ever-changing exhibits surround the dose and ensure that they get has jumped from 352,558 on has 3,957 positive confirmed heart of the popular museum which is its European cas- their second dose by emailing December 30, to 433,299 as of cases and 55 fatalities. tle-shaped mansion.

Hitchin' a ride CONT. FROM PG 3 Nahant, but U Mass Amherst It was different in the days. I This one's great too: "I hitched one time. It was so dangerous and would with them also thumb a from Cape May New Jersey to we were sneaky about it. Luckily, ride to the Embassy (Lounge) Camp Lejeune North Carolina, nothing bad ever happened." and saw you Jimmy with your and From Camp Lejeune North Another friend, an adventur- band. I believe it was The New Carolina to Somerville." ous Somerville lady, says: "In Friendship Band. The good old My mother would have had 1975 October I hitch hiked to days!!!" (thank you!) a cow if she ever knew half the Canada with my boyfriend. We Bob tells us: "We would take stuff I did behind her back. Of got a ride straight in from Bill- the bus to the Mystics in Med- course, she had only our safety erica over the U.S. customs into ford and then we would hitch on in mind but in the 60's and 70's DeCordova was proud of his over 200 craftsmen whose Canada and on the way home a the Parkway (Revere Beach ) to it was anything goes. A lot of creations could be seen from coast to coast including the sweet couple in their 50’s drove get to Sandy Beach." Somerville kids thumbed back windows of Tiffany & Company. He exhibited his lands, us straight to Cambridge. Plus Fred adds: "Many of us would also in the day when we were young castle and sculpture park collection to the public. One every weekend hitch hike to Re- thumb while waiting for the bus." and fearless. sparkling water exhibit was his diamond fountain where vere Beach and my mom was at I love this tale: "My husband I'd flip out if I found out my its flower and star-carpeted base was created out of glim- Sammy’s Patio and took me and also had a good one. He had kids thumbed rides today un- mering Union Glass door knobs. On retirement, trustees my two friends home. Oh, and no way home from way up in less it was a real emergency. You are honored with a gift of one of these handsome relics. once in 1974 me and my two Maine, so he hitched and a pas- might say I would thumb my Julian acquired most of his wealth as the last owner of the friends hitched to Topsfield and tor and family took him all the nose at hitch hiking today. It's Union Glass Company of Somerville. Continued on page 12 got the same teenagers that got way to Hodgkins Park around way too dangerous and it's a dif- us there took us straight home. the corner from his house." ferent world. Stay safe! 6••JANUARY 27, 2021

COMMENTARY

The views and opinions expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor ofThe Somerville Times do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions ofThe Somerville Times, its publishers or staff. John Adams doesn’t trust you plishments, I hope that Somer- budget or reallocate funds. Our appointments. Our own solic- dent to manage the schools. The ville will lead the way and en- only option to address budget itor, however, concluded that super attendant, with consent courage other cities to review concerns is to go nuclear and while the City Council may re- from the School Committee, their outdated charters. There reject the entire budget or make ject an appointment, the mayor should be empowered to use are several changes I believe will draconian cuts, which will have a has the ability through the city their expertise to make the best create a stronger government detrimental impact on the com- charter to retain said appoint- decisions for our students. with more accountability. munity. Even in the rare instance ment indefinitely or unilaterally Ten year review The right to an attorney we do propose significant cuts change what positions require Thomas Jefferson, the third Imagine going to court and your the mayor can simply pull funds an appointment at all. president and philosophical attorney is not only representing from any number of “revolving The City Council should have antagonist to John Adams, fa- By Matthew McLaughlin your opponent, but your oppo- funds” the City Council has little the ability to approve or reject mously said there should be City Council President nent is paying for both sides. This to no oversight over. appointments, otherwise the ap- a revolution every 20 years to The second President of the absurd premise is a reality for Other funds separate from pointments committee is mean- preserve liberty. Fortunately United States and author of every city government in Massa- the overall budget like PILOT ingless. There should be a win- we don’t need a revolution be- the Massachusetts Constitu- chusetts. The city solicitor’s office agreements with non-profits and dow of time the mayor’s office has cause many cities in Mass. have tion, which in turn influenced represents both the legislative contracts with utility companies to submit another appointment, a ten year review built into their the United States Constitution, and executive branch in theory, also have little oversight from 60 or 90 days for example, if an charter. We should review our was very skeptical of the public. but in practice they work at the the City Council. We’re talking appointment is rejected. If they government’s laws regularly and While his support for a strong pleasure of the executive branch. about millions of dollars that fail to meet that timeline the po- determine how relevant they are executive branch, and even a This conflict of interest im- the City Council has virtually sition should be vacated until an to the present day. constitutional monarchy, was pacts the City Council regu- no power to oversee. It is truly approved appointment is made. These are just a few examples tempered on the national level, larly. We can’t pass laws, obtain maddening and frightening how School Committees control of charter changes that will en- the Commonwealth of Mas- basic information from the city many times I’ve witnessed the the schools courage democracy and enhance sachusetts embraced Adam’s or even reach agreement on city magically “find” lost funds The recent dispute over when transparency. I am proud of the strong-man form of government. the meaning of the word “shall” “on a ledger” or discover that a to open schools revealed yet an- City Council for using our very This top heavy, archaic govern- without going through the solic- budget cut was completely ig- other authoritarian bent to our limited powers to reform zon- ment is reflected in our cities and itor’s office. Any future charter nored and funded by a separate, charter. The mayor’s office, with ing, make the appointment pro- towns that are dominated by all should allocate an independent unaccountable fund. the supporting opinion of the cess something more than a rub- powerful executive branches, be solicitor who works directly Any charter reform must ad- city solicitor, determined that ber stamp and influence funding them mayors or city managers, for the City Council, much like dress the inequality of the budget the executive branch controls for affordable housing and other who face little to no checks and the School Committee has for process. No dollar should be un- all city buildings and therefore basic needs. We changed the balances from city councils and union negotiations. None of the accountable. If the Council votes schools cannot reopen until the way the government works in school committees. Many resi- other charter changes will mat- to make cuts that vote should be mayor says so. This decision Somerville with no actual au- dents chide local governments ter if the legislative branch does respected. If we decide by ma- makes the already weak powers thority to do so. for being ineffective “rubber not have their own lawyer to in- jority vote that funds should be of the School Committee utterly I want to make the City stamps” but in reality our city terpret the law. spent differently that should also meaningless. The most essential Council and School Commit- charters limit our powers to near More control over the budget be respected. We need to go be- function of a governing school tee relevant bodies of govern- irrelevance compared to the om- On the federal and state level yond pretending that our budget body is completely stripped ment, representative of the nipotence of the executive. the executive branch proposes a is fair and transparent and ac- from the School Committee. people and empowered to do It does not have to be this way. budget and the legislative branch tually give the City Council the The entire purpose of the so by our city charter. As John The Somerville City Coun- proposes changes and approves. ability to do their job School Committee is to strike a Adams once said “public busi- cil, the Mayor’s office and the On the municipal level, howev- The appointment processbalance between public account- ness … must be done by some- School Committee will begin er, the City Council can review should matter ability while prioritizing educa- body.” If the job must be done a review of the city charter. As the budget but can only propose The City Council has approval tion over politics. The School by somebody we should give with many of our past accom- cuts. We cannot increase the authority over many mayoral Committee hires a superinten- them the ability to do it. Parking removal plan on College Ave. and Holland St. disastrous to Davis Sq area, are suffering and CLOS- from the T stop all the way past re-developed the square block- will be safer, especially for el- ING brought on by the chaos Orleans to Irving Street. by-block after the opening of derly and anyone with disabil- caused by the Covid 19 virus. Why, you ask? City planners the Red Line T stop. ities’, navigating in and around Look at who are closed now in want to make way for a dedi- It defies the bounds of compre- Davis Square. Davis sq.; Somerville Theatre, cated bike lane that would take hension, what with already over- Time now for SOMERVILLE the Rosebud Diner, the Paint- people around Davis Square and burdened shops and businesses to declare a moratorium on this ed Burro, Dunkin’ Donuts, Sli- eliminate short-term parking struggling to stay open, and try- PARKING REMOVAL PRO- go Pub, Spoke, Au Bon Pain, year-round. ing to claw their way back to sol- GRAM disguised as what the and the Rite-Aid pharmacy is What a slap in the face to the vency post Covid, would anyone City calls a Transportation Mo- By Jack Connolly closed, complete with graffiti hundreds of residents (myself want to make it more difficult bility Improvement Project. Business/Property Owner tags. Who’s next? included), businesses, City for clients, customers, diners, Time also to bring back the on College Ave. Despite the severe econom- and state planners, all united and shoppers to come back to Davis Square Task Force, Lifetime and Longtime ic disaster caused by Covid, as the Davis Sq. Task Force. Davis Square? where businesses, residents, Somerville City Hall transporta- These intrepid individuals Let’s hit the pause button on AND city officials can meet Davis Sq. Resident tion folks are touting a program all spent years trying to bring this parking removal madness together and plan how we Former Somerville Ward to remove dozens of PARKING people and progress to Davis idea and let’s take care of fixing can we can both come out of Six Alderman & Alderman Spaces on College Ave and Hol- Square; And who also planned the neglected problems of the Covid, return Davis Sq. to a at Large land St Where? On College Ave and monitored the construc- patched and crumbling cross- day and night destination for It’s no secret businesses in Da- from the T stop to Morrison tion of the Red Line T stop walks, loose bricks, curbing people coming to the Square, vis Square, and throughout the Avenue, and on Holland Street that opened in 1984, and then and tree wells, so that all of us and NOT around it. JANUARY 27, 2021••7

COMMENTARY

Our View Of The Times

All kidding aside, the recent move by the depression have reported tremendous re- scrap heap of illicit drug designation by swept up in the wake of the government's Somerville City Council to promote de- lief from just a few treatments with these our own society and its laws. This could "war on drugs." As a result, the true bene- criminalization of entheogenic plants as substances. be considered to be due in part to the ex- fits ofentheogenic plant use were unfairly an aid in treating various disorders seems These plants and their effects have cesses of the drug culture that exploded in suppressed and restricted. like a sure step in the right direction. been held in the highest regard by cul- the 60's and proliferated further through Times have since changed, and a new Use of these natural substances has tures throughout the world for centu- the 70's and beyond. awareness of the efficacy of these sub- been proven to help alleviate symptoms ries, in some cases being adopted as an In its attempts to stem the tide of ram- stances has emerged. Somerville, as a for- and effects of opioid abuse, depression, integral part of their spiritual and reli- pant abuse of some clearly harmful sub- ward looking, open-minded community, and suicidal tendencies. Studies have gious practices. stances, the relatively benign nature of is once again leading the way towards a shown that patients who struggle with And yet, they have been relegated to the natural plant based psychedelics were more enlightened, better way of life.

Newstalk CONT. FROM PG 2

has a list of FAQs online and watch for New Winter Learn-To-Skate classes As of January 19, a total of 3,957 Groundwork Somerville (GWS) is a continually updated list of more FAQs for children, ages 4 to 18 at the local ice Somerville residents have tested posi- hiring an Executive Director. Are you at somervillema.gov/covidvaccine. rink in Somerville. Classes at the Found- tive for COVID-19 since March, anoth- passionate about youth jobs, urban agri- ***************************** ers Memorial Rink, 581 Somerville Av- er 252 are considered probable positive culture, and environmental justice? This Happy birthday to the following this enue in Somerville, start February 14, cases (some current, some in the past), may be the job for you. If you are an ex- week: Happy birthday to our own De- at 2:00pm for 5 weeks. Use figure, rec- and sadly there have been 55 deaths. perienced manager interested in working nise Cosby, local real estate agent/au- reational or hockey skates. Beginner, in- See more Somerville case data at somer- with an amazing group of staff and board, thor of Murder at Harvard’s Kirkland termediate and advanced classes taught. villema.gov/covid19dashboard. New GWS might be the place for you. This is House. We hope she has a great day. For information and to register, call Bay variants of COVID-19 have popped a 25-hour a week position for 2021, with Happy birthday to Jeff Cappello, we State Skating School at 781-890-8480 up around the globe. Scientists are still the intention of moving to full time in wish him the best. Another local Winter or visit online at www.BayStateSkating- learning about them, but so far do not 2022. Check it out today: http://www. Hill person who is celebrating this week School.org. Bay State Skating School is believe they cause more severe illness. groundworksomerville.org/ground- is Maria Nella Nunes. We wish her the compliant with the Commonwealth of There is evidence, however, that at least work-somerville-seeks-a-new-execu- very best, and if you’re on Harvard St. Massachusetts Covid-19 guidelines. The one new variant (B.1.1.7) is more conta- tive-director/. and Mystic stop in at McCarthy’s and number of students allowed on the ice gious than the strain we’ve been dealing ***************************** wish her a great birthday as well. Happy will be limited. with and it is expected to take hold in the Attention dog owners: You are required birthday to Sheila Howe. We wish her ***************************** U.S. Because it spreads more easily, now to license your dog each year, so it's time the very best on this her birthday. Hap- The City of Somerville’s Prevention is the time to double-down on COVID to start thinking about it if you haven't py Birthday to a great guy, Michael Ken- Services Division, in partnership with safety going forward – cover your nose already. Registering for a dog license has nelly. We hope he has a great day. We Cambridge Health Alliance, will host a and mouth when in public, don’t gather never been easier, with online licensing wish Naomi Landers a big time happy virtual photovoice exhibition facilitat- with anyone you don’t live with, don’t through our website and mobile app. birthday this week. We wish all of our ed by Somerville youth to raise aware- touch your face, maintain at least six feet You also get access to an online pet com- Facebook friends, such as Cathy Pa- ness about underage problem gambling. of distance between yourself and others munity, with lost-pet alerts and signifi- lumbo Demasi, Edward Hardy, Paula Photovoice is a method of exploring in public, and make sure to frequently cant savings for your pet supplies and Eldeb, Geraldine Nevaras, Simon Sha- social issues that empowers individuals wash or sanitize your hands. Most im- services. Learn more and license your piro and Karen Crane Brisbois a very to tell a story through photography. The portant: don’t share your air. Limit trips dog at bit.ly/SomervilleDogs. happy birthday. We hope everyone has a event will be held on Thursday, January and the length of trips to indoor public ***************************** great day. To all the others we may have 28, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. places. It appears that it takes less time in The Somerville Public Library (SPL) missed, we sincerely wish them the very Visit somervillema.gov/ProblemGam- a room or store with someone who has is launching a new Pathways to Citi- best of birthdays. bling at that time for a link to attend. the new variant to catch it from them. zenship program for English-language ***************************** ***************************** ***************************** learners seeking U.S. Continued on page 11 8••JANUARY 27, 2021

FUN & GAMES

The Somerville Times Useless Facts of the Week Ms. Cam’s 1. A man named Charles Osborne had the hiccups for 69 years. 2. King Louis XIX ruled France for 15 minutes.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD Olio - (noun) A miscellaneous VALENTINE'S DAY mixture, hodgepodge

1. Who was the first 7. Who was the#765 young- ACROSS 1. "You're the ____!" athlete to rap at a Pro est tennis player to ever 5. Horse color Bowl musical gala, in be ranked number 1 in 8. Interesting person, acr. 1995? the world? 11. Feeling of the heart 12. Nevada city 2. What area holds the 8. What movie about a 13. City in Belgium world record for most wannabe rapper fea- 15. Use a whisk 16. Greek H's snow fall? tures Eminem? 17. Popular Valentine's Day delivery, pl. 18. "Love means never having to say 3. What is the Earth’s 9. Which Pink Floyd you're sorry" movie lowest land point below album features a prism 20. Ballpark calls sea level? on the cover? 21. Strong adhesive 22. Greek letter N, pl. 4. Artist Pablo Picas- 10. Which planet 23. Lord's subordinate 26. Given to drinking so used what method rotates in clockwise 30. Ovine mom of attaching paper to direction? 31. Old storage medium canvas? 34. Fairy-tale beginning 11. Which Beatle was 35. Politician Pelosi 5. What is the smallest barefoot on the cover of 37. Tokyo, once whale? Abbey Road? 38. Bone hollows 39. Sky bear 40. Fitted with a name tag, e.g. 6. What is the best 12. What is kelp? 42. "Ever" to a poet ranked country in 43. With more seeds 3. Convict's weapon 32. Infantry's last row hockey? Answers on page 11 45. Attic 4. Conical dwellings 33. Roulette bet 47. Summer sandwich? 5. Get on juice diet, e.g. 36. Chocolatier, pioneer of the 48. Fraternity letter 6. Opposite of binary heart-shaped box 50. Medieval headdress 7. Like a gossipmonger 38. ____ apple 52. Only day more popular than 8. Exterminator's target 40. Risk something Valentine's for card giving 9. Change for a five 41. Between eggy and eggiest 56. Like blue sky 10. Part of T.G.I.F. 44. Feeling worse than before 57. Walk the Pacific Crest Trail, e.g. 12. Like an abridged classic 46. Gave away 58. Samoan money 13. Tiler's paste 48. Thin piece 59. Dionysus' pipe-playing companion 14. "I Will Always Love You" singer 49. Annoyed 60. Affirm 19. Stupefied 50. Russia's alternative to caesar 61. Give off 22. Us, in Mexico 51. Aries or Taurus, e.g. 62. Plays for pay 23. Cupid's mother 52. Burn to a crisp 63. *Color of Valentine's Day 24. In the know 53. MADD member, colloquially 64. Lovers' reunion 25. Common thing? 54. Climbed down, as from 26. Smoke plus fog a carriage DOWN 27. Lay to rest 55. Fill beyond full 1. Cry like a baby 28. Rocks at mountain base 56. Pharaoh's cobra

2. Canyon sound 29. Symbol of Valentine's Day Answers in the next edition of The Somerville Times.

Soulution to last week's sudoku puzzle: Soulution to last week's crossword puzzle:

Answers in the next edition of The Somerville Times. JANUARY 27, 2021••9

To advertise in our Business Directory, call or fax. BUSINESS Phone: 617-666-4010 Fax: 617-628-0422

Let your customers find you in Somerville’s most widely read newspaper! DIRECTORY

To advertise in The Somerville Times call Bobbie Toner: 617-666-4 010 10••JANUARY 27, 2021

LEGAL NOTICES

Legal Notices can also be viewed on our website at www.thesomervilletimes.com

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS City of Somerville City of Somerville MAYOR'S OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DEVELOPMENT City Hall 3rd Floor, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville MA 02143 City Hall 3rd Floor, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville MA 02143 JOSEPH A. CURTATONE MAYOR PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE GEORGE J. PROAKIS, AICP The Somerville Planning Board (PB) will hold a public hearing on The Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hold a public hear- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 6:00pm. Pursuant to Governor Baker’s ing on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:00pm. Pursuant to Gover- March 12, 2020 Order suspending certain provisions of the Open nor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order suspending certain provisions of LEGAL NOTICE - HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (HPC) Meeting Law, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §18, and the Governor’s The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of people March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of a public meeting and public hearings on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 that may gather in one place, as well as Mayor Curtatone’s Declara- people that may gather in one place, as well as Mayor Curtatone’s at 6:45pm on the following applications, in accordance with the His- tion of Emergency, dated March 15, 2020, this public hearing will be Declaration of Emergency, dated March 15, 2020, this public hearing toric Districts Act, Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws, conducted via remote participation. will be conducted via remote participation. as amended, and/or the City of Somerville Code of Ordinances, Pt. II, The meeting will be held using GoToWebinar. The meeting will be held using GoToWebinar. Chap. 7, Sections 7-16 – 7-28. TO USE A COMPUTER TO USE A COMPUTER Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order suspending cer- Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1310069616441257744 Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4298439966155025680 tain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §18, and Webinar ID: 735-427-067 Webinar ID: 422-138-899 the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the TO CALL IN TO CALL IN number of people that may gather in one place, as well as Mayor Cur- Phone number: 1 (562) 247-8422 Phone number: 1 (415) 930-5321 tatone’s Declaration of Emergency, dated March 15, 2020, this public Access code: 715-571-128 Access code: 763-863-522 meeting and hearings will be conducted via remote participation. The Planning Board will consider the following pursuant to M.G.L. The Zoning Board will consider the following pursuant to M.G.L. 40A TO USE A COMPUTER 40A and the Somerville Zoning Ordinance: and the Somerville Zoning Ordinance: Registration URL: 337 Somerville Ave Union Square Ventures LLC seeks https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2323442204762921743 337 Somerville Ave Union Square Ventures LLC seeks modifications to the conditions of the modifications to the conditions of the Webinar ID: 686-865-555 previously issued special permits PB 2016-09 previously issued special permits ZBA 2016-116 and ZBA 2016-116-R1-0317. Applicant will TO CALL IN and PB 2016-09-R1-0317. Applicant will separately seek removal of the related separately seek removal of the related Phone Number: 1 (213) 929-4212 condition imposed by the Zoning Board of condition imposed by the Planning Board. Access Code: 126-680-405 Appeals. Development review application submittal materials and other docu- Development review application submittal materials and other doc- mentation may be viewed online at ALL OF THE CASES ADVERTISED BELOW HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/ospcd/planning-and-zoning/reports-and-decisions. COMPONENT umentation may be viewed online at https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/ospcd/planning-and-zoning/reports-and-decisions. Interested persons may provide comments to the Zoning Board of COURT REMAND Interested persons may provide comments to the Planning Board at Appeals at the hearing or by submitting written comments by mail to HPC 2013.085 – 9-11 Aldersey Street the hearing or by submitting written comments by mail to Planning & Planning & Zoning Division, 3rd Floor City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Applicant: Gerard Meehan, Trustee for G&T Realty Trust Zoning Division, 3rd Floor City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Somerville, MA 02143; or by email to [email protected]. Owner: same as applicant MA 02143; or by email to [email protected]. 1/20/21, 1/27/21 The Somerville Times Alter plan for “Building A” that was approved by the HPC on Novem- ber 4, 2020. Applicant seeks HPC approval to eliminate from proposal 1/20/21, 1/27/21 The Somerville Times the open porch on the left elevation ground story of “Building A”. SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY DETERMINATIONS OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE (STEP 1 IN THE SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY 30 Memorial Road DEMOLITION REVIEW PROCESS) 30 Memorial Road Somerville, Massachusetts 02145 Somerville, Massachusetts 02145 Telephone (617) 625-1152 HPC.DMO 2020.27 – 129 Boston Avenue EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Telephone (617) 625-1152 Applicant: Eamon Fee EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Web: www.sha-web.org Owner: David Galvin Web: www.sha-web.org Demolish principal structure. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT HPC.DMO 2021.01 – 13Allen Street Project Manager: Travis Panzini Applicant: K & K Development Project Manager: Travis Panzini The Somerville Housing Authority is requesting quotes from qualified Owner: same as applicant The Somerville Housing Authority is requesting quotes from qualified Electrical Contractors to perform electrical work including installa- Demolish principal structure. Plumbing Contractors to perform plumbing work including installa- tions and repairs on an as needed basis. Proposals should include an HPC.DMO 2021.02 – 21-23 Allen Street tions and repairs on an as needed basis. Proposals should include an hourly rate for electrical services. Applicant: 19-27 Allen St., LLC hourly rate for plumbing services. Term: 6 – 12 months Owner: Jean Martelli Term: 6 – 12 months Demolish all structures Not to exceed $49,000.00 Not to exceed $49,000.00 HPC.DMO 2021.03 – 27 Allen Street Quotes are subject to M.G.L c.149 sec.44A (2)(A) and to minimum Applicant: 19-27 Allen St., LLC Quotes are subject to M.G.L c.149 sec.44A (2)(A) and to minimum wage rates as required by M.G.L c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. wage rates as required by M.G.L c.149 §§26 to 27H inclusive. Owner: Jean Martelli Scope of work: The Contractor shall provide all labor and tools to pro- Demolish all structures Scope of work: The Contractor shall provide all labor and tools to provide the necessary work as directed for the completion of the electri- HPC.DMO 2021.04 – 373 Washington Street vide the necessary work as directed for the completion of the plumb- cal services at the SHA’s various developments. The Contractor shall Applicant: Thomas Lichoulas ing services at the SHA’s various developments. The Contractor shall apply for and obtain permits and regulatory approvals as may be re- Owner: Washington TN, LLC apply for and obtain permits and regulatory approvals as may be required. The SHA shall reimburse the contractor the amount paid. The Demolish all structures quired. The SHA shall reimburse the contractor the amount paid. The cost shall be identified and included in the monthly invoice. cost shall be identified and included in the monthly invoice. HPC.DMO 2021.05 – 377 Washington Street The Contractor shall be required on site within one week as sched- The Contractor shall be required on site within one week as sched- Applicant: Thomas Lichoulas uled by SHA. uled by SHA. Owner: Washington TN, LLC Stock and Materials: The Contractor shall use SHA furbished fixtures Demolish all structures Stock and Materials: The Contractor shall use SHA furbished fixtures and finishes unless otherwise authorized. Items purchased by the and finishes unless otherwise authorized. Items purchased by the While City Hall continues to be closed in response to the COVID19 Contractor at the SHA’s request shall be billed at no more than cost Contractor at the SHA’s request shall be billed at no more than cost plus 15%. The Contractor will be required to present the original item- pandemic, case documents reviewed by the HPC are available on the plus 15%. The Contractor will be required to present the original item- City website at ized invoice to the SHA. The cost shall be identified and included in ized invoice to the SHA. The cost shall be identified and included in the monthly invoice. https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/historic-preservation/hpc-cases. the monthly invoice. Cases may be continued to a later date; please check the agenda Payment Invoicing: Contractor’s invoicing must be itemized to reflect (posted 48 hours in advance of the meeting) on the City website or Payment Invoicing: Contractor’s invoicing must be itemized to reflect contract pricing for each item. email [email protected] to inquire if specific cases will be contract pricing for each item. Contractors who intend on bidding shall email Travis Panzini at heard. Continued cases will not be re-advertised. Note: Written com- Contractors who intend on bidding shall email Travis Panzini at [email protected] after 11:00AM on Thursday, February 4th, 2021 ments due to [email protected] NO LATER THAN NOON one [email protected] after 11:00AM on Thursday, February 4th, 2021 to request a bid package. week prior to the meeting date. Email [email protected] with to request a bid package. inquiries. Proposals must be received by 2:00PM on Thursday, February 18th, Proposals must be received by 2:00PM on Thursday, February 18th, 1/27/21 The Somerville Times 2021. Proposals can be emailed to [email protected]. Please con- 2021. Proposals can be emailed to [email protected]. Please contact Travis Panzini at [email protected] with any questions. tact Travis Panzini at [email protected] with any questions. 1/27/21 The Somerville Times 1/27/21 The Somerville Times Community Outreach Meeting Notice is hereby given that a Community Outreach Meeting for a proposed Marijuana Establishment is scheduled for February 4, 2021 at Notice of Self Storage Sale 6:00pm via ZOOM Meetings. You can join the meeting by going to Please take notice Prime Storage - Somerville located at 39R Medford TO PLACE LEGAL https://zoom.us/j/96772126971 or dial 301.715.8592 and enter Meeting St., Somerville, MA 02143 intends to hold an auction to sell the goods ID: 967 7212 6971. The proposed Cannabis Retail Facility is anticipated stored by the following tenant at the storage facility. The sale will oc- ADVERTISMENTS IN to be located at 255 Elm St. Somerville, MA 02144. There will be an cur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures.com on 2/10/2021 opportunity for the public to ask questions. Questions may also be at 12:00 PM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents THE SOMERVILLE TIMES, sent in advance to [email protected]. are household goods and furnishings. Tyler Motes unit #317B. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale Applicant information can be obtained prior to the meeting by visiting: may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and con- CONTACT US https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/programs/adult-use-marijuana-establishments ditions apply. See manager for details. BY 12 PM MONDAY 1/20/21, 1/27/21 The Somerville Times 1/20/21, 1/27/21 The Somerville Times PH: 617.666.4010

Legal Notices can be downloaded from our website: www.TheSomervilleTimes.com FAX: 617.628.0422 JANUARY 27, 2021••11

LEGAL NOTICES Decriminalization of entheogenic plants Legal Notices can also be viewed on our proposed by City Council CONT. FROM PG 4 website at www.thesomervilletimes.com RESOLVED: That the City arrest of adult persons for plant- materials near schools, driving while Council hereby maintains that no ing, cultivating, purchasing, trans- under the influence of these materi- City of Somerville department, porting, distributing, engaging in als; or public disturbance; AND BE agency, board, commission, officer practices with, and/or possessing IT FURTHER or employee of the city, including entheogenic plants listed in Classes RESOLVED: That the Somer- without limitation, Somerville Po- A-E of Chapter 94C § 31 of Mas- ville City Council calls upon the CITY OF SOMERVILLE lice Department personnel, should sachusetts law or Schedules I-V of city’s officials to work in support of PURCHASING DEPARTMENT IFB 21-41 use any city funds or resources to 21 U.S.C. § 812 of the Controlled decriminalizing entheogenic plants The City of Somerville, through the Purchasing Department invites assist in the enforcement of laws Substances Act shall be amongst and approaching all controlled sub- sealed bids for: imposing criminal penalties for the the lowest law enforcement priori- stances first and primarily through Conway Park Remediation and Renovation Project use and possession of entheogen- ty for the City of Somerville; AND the lens of public health when rep- Bid packages for may be obtained online at ic plants by adults; AND BE IT BE IT FURTHER resenting the city in conversations https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/finance/purchasing or on www.bidexpress.com on or after Wednesday, January 27th, 2021. FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City with state and federal agencies as Sealed bids will be received until Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 at RESOLVED: That the City Council hereby maintains that it well as state and federal lawmakers; 2:00pm. Late bids will not be considered. The Purchasing Director re- Council hereby maintains that the should be the policy of the City of AND BE IT FURTHER serves the right to reject any or all bids if, in her sole judgment, the best interest of the City of Somerville would be served by so doing. use and possession of all controlled Somerville that the arrest of adult RESOLVED: That the City A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 2PM EST, Wednesday February substances should be understood persons for using or possessing con- Council calls upon the Middlesex 10th, 2021 at Conway Park, 550 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143. first and primarily as an issue of trolled substances shall be amongst County District Attorney to cease Please email [email protected] for information regarding the bid. public health by city departments, the lowest law enforcement priority prosecution of persons involved in Thupten Chukhatsang agencies, boards, commissions, and for the City of Somerville; AND the use, possession, or distribution Procurement Analyst all employees of the city; AND BE BE IT FURTHER of entheogenic plants and the use or 1/27/21 The Somerville Times IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this resolution possession without the intent to dis- RESOLVED: That the City does not authorize or enable any of tribute of any controlled substance. Council hereby maintains it should the following activities: commercial Following additional Councilor be the policy of the City of Somer- sale of entheogenic plants and fun- comments, the item was laid on the ville that the investigation and gi, possessing or distributing these table for approval. SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY SECTION 8 PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER PROGRAM (PBV)

January 27, 2021 Newstalk CONT. FROM PG 7 The Somerville Housing Authority is soliciting proposals from local developers planning to build newly constructed units to participate in the Section 8 Project Based Voucher program. citizenship. With funding provid- ***************************** ***************************** Interested parties may obtain a copy of the Request for Proposals ed by the Massachusetts Board of Apply for small business relief If you need assistance accessing (RFP) by contacting the following: Library Commissioners, the two- funds. The City of Somerville has food, there are several resources Samantha Heggarty year program will create a 14-week made $5 million available to small available to you locally. Visit the Somerville Housing Authority 30 Memorial Road combined language and civics class, businesses in its third round of the COVID-19 Help page at https:// Somerville MA 02145 Office: 617-625-1152 provide naturalization workshops, Small Business COVID-19 Re- www.somervillema.gov/depart- Proposals are due February 17, 2021 and expand related library materi- lief Fund. Eligible businesses can ments/covid-19-help-food-hous- Somerville Housing Authority als offered at each of Somerville’s apply for grants of up to $25,000. ing-and-financial-assistance to Contact Person: Samantha Heggarty [email protected] three branches. The naturalization Applications are now available and learn more. There you will find a 1/27/21 The Somerville Times workshop series will begin in Feb- will be reviewed on a rolling basis. chart that includes local food pan- ruary, and the first cohort of up to Learn more about the funding, in- try schedules, contact information, Legal Notices can be downloaded from our website: 15 participants will begin English cluding eligibility requirements, or languages spoken at the food pan- www.TheSomervilleTimes.com and civics classes in March. All apply for funds online. try, and whether or not you need workshops and classes will be held ***************************** to bring ID. From on page 14 virtually on Zoom, led by instruc- The Pandemic – Electronic ***************************** tors and volunteers from St. Mark Transfer (P-EBT) Program cre- Hate incidents impact victims Ms. Cam’s Community Education Program. ated spring 2020 to provide eligi- as well as the community. In an Registration is now open at ti- ble families funds to purchase food effort to make reporting hate in- nyurl.com/beginneresolclass. while schools were closed during cidents easier for the residents of ***************************** the COVID-19 pandemic has been Somerville, you may now report Somerville’s Winter Farmer’s extended through the end of the them using an online form. Visit Answers Market takes place Saturdays, 2020-21 school year. Visit https:// the Somerville Police website 1. Deion Sanders 6. Canada 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., through www.map-ebt.org/home/#ihdtab under the Home tab and submit April 10, at 191 Highland Ave. for additional information. your Hate Incident report: www. 2. Capracotta, Italy, 7. Martina Hingis Offering the best locally grown ***************************** somervillepd.com/home/. 101 inches on March and produced agricultural items The city is still acceptinghome - ***************************** 5, 2015 8. 8 Mile and more. Online pre-order mar- made face masks as part of their Reminder: city buildings are 3. Shoreline of the 9. Dark Side Of The ket with a small outdoor "live" 10,000 Mask Drive. They have still closed to the public. Al- Dead Sea Depression Moon shopping market. They offer a di- passed the 5,000 mask milestone. though city buildings remain verse range of local and New En- Can you help get it to 10,000? If closed to the public, a number of 4. Collage 10. Venus gland produce, as well as cheese, you’re a crafty Somerville resident city services are still available on- eggs, meats, fish, breads, pastries, who has been sewing reusable face line or by calling 311. Check the 5. Dwarf sperm 11. Paul McCartney chocolate, and wine. They feature masks, please consider donating “City Service Status” tab on the whale 12. Seaweed rotating guest vendors each week, some to our 10,000 Mask Drive. city's COVID-19 page for more as well as live entertainment and After being laundered, masks are information. activities. Check out the schedule distributed to seniors and oth- ***************************** and map here: http://maps.man- er vulnerable populations. If you Don’t forget, if you would like To advertise in agemymarket.com/1610. Theywould like to donate masks, put to subscribe to receive a digital accept SNAP/EBT, CREDIT them in a sealed bag and bring edition of our paper, go directly The Somerville Times and DEBIT cards. $10 SNAP them to the drop box at either the online to our website over to the call match for EBT customers. For Central Library, 79 Highland right side and fill out your email market information visit: http:// Ave., or the East Branch Library, address to receive a free, full PDF Bobbie Toner: 617-666-4010 www.somwintermarket.org/ 115 Broadway. copy of the paper. 12••JANUARY 27, 2021

Somerville’s 100 Homes program accepting applications for affordable housing waitlist Somerville’s 100 Homes program is now accepting applications to be added to its affordable housing waitlist. Eligible applicants include people facing displacement, Section 8 voucher holders, and households earning between 80% and 100% of the area median income.

Priorities will be granted to households facing displacement, including those who are in the process of a no-fault eviction, have received a notice of lease nonrenewal, or must utilize a mobile housing voucher in Somerville or risk losing it, as well as homeless applicants with funding from a Continuum of Care organization.

Apartments are available to households on a rolling basis across various income brackets. Households will be contacted in the order in which applications are received.

The 100 Homes initiative, launched in 2014, is a joint venture between the City of Somerville and the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. The program aims to create and preserve permanently affordable rental housing by acquiring multi-family properties across the city.

Applications and eligibility information are available online at somervillecdc.org/100-Homes-Application. Applications can also be picked up at the SCC office, 337 Somerville Avenue, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Questions may be directed to Alex Bob, SCC’s 100 Homes project manager, at abob@somervillecdc.org or (617) 410-9910.

Historical Fact CONT. FROM PG 5 Its first owner, Amory Houghton had The square’s other Statue Park was moved his small company to a northern built with the 1980 arrival of the MBTA New York settlement. Now, 170 years lat- Red Line Extension and was originally er, this world-renowned business echoes located in the College-Holland Street the name of its village, Corning. Julian Plaza. This was a group of ten, lifelike left a legacy to his taste in art, and today’s carvings based on everyday people who fascinating ground and rooftop Sculpture lived nearby. Because of vandalism in the Parks at deCordova honor that legacy. late 1990’s, the statues were refitted with Somerville has its own Sculpture Parks bronze masks … sadly not unlike our across the city. One honors our veterans uniform of 2020. on Central Hill and two others honor The ten individual statues still stand and our citizens at Davis Square. The notable are relocated near the subway entrances towers of the Seven Hills Park are located and a nearby park. Also, pieces of Julian’s behind the Somerville Theatre and give collection are held at the Somerville Mu- an historic flavor of the city to commut- seum. Julian would most probably have ers, tourists and city dwellers alike. liked that historical acknowledgement.

Maintaining a sense of normalcy CONT. FROM PG 1 pants that don’t have an elas- life balance, try to structure your happy hour. to a compatible smartphone via water-resistant timepiece can be a tic waistband, do your hair and day as you once did, setting reg- • Use tech tools: Stay account- Bluetooth, you can access the cor- highly functional tool as you tran- wear accessories. Regain your ular business hours. Be sure to able to your new schedule as rect time in your current location sition back to a regular schedule. sense of style and feel good include breaks so you don’t ex- well as your fashion goals with and for up to 300 cities worldwide, If working from home long- about how you look. perience burnout. And, if your wearable tech, such as the Casio as well as your calendar, receiving term has you feeling sluggish and • Structure your day: When weekdays once included time Edifice Watch. With full-time notifications for tasks, meetings unproductive, get back to your working remotely, it’s easy to feel for socializing with colleagues, Smartphone Link technology, this and events. Featuring five alarms, regular schedule. Maintaining a like the workday has no clear be- make time for it now. Set up a timepiece enables you to stay up- a stopwatch, countdown timer sense of normalcy can help get ginning or end. For better work- virtual coffee meeting, lunch or to-date and on time. When paired and a two-year battery life, this you out of the rut. (StatePoint)

Bobby''s Dad Jokes Corner By Bobbygeorge Potaris On This Day in History Did you hear about the kidnapping at school? January 27 It’s fine, he woke up. 1825 – Congress approves Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), clearing the way for forced relocation of the Eastern Indians on the "Trail of Tears."

1862 – President Abraham Lincoln issues General War Order No. 1, setting in motion the Union armies. To advertise in 1924 – Lenin's body is laid in a marble tomb on Red Square near the Kremlin. The 1959 – NASA selects 110 candidates for the first U.S. space flight. Somerville 1967 – Three astronauts are killed in a flash fire that engulfed their Apollo 1 Times spacecraft.

call 1973 – A cease fire in Vietnam is called as the Paris peace accords are signed by Bobbie Toner the United States and North Vietnam. 1978 – The State Supreme Court rules that Nazis can display the Swastika in 617-666-4010 a march in Skokie, Illinois. JANUARY 27, 2021••13

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COVID Vaccine Letter to Clients We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to provide you with information about the COVID-19 vaccines and encourage you to get vaccinated when they become available. The past year has been so difficult for all of us, but the vaccines offer hope for a better 2021. We are all looking forward to reconnecting in person with our friends, our families and our communities. The more people who get vaccinated, the quicker that can become a reality. We are here to provide you with reliable information and assistance. Some of the questions we have heard are: How do we know the vaccine is safe? Vaccines are the most-tested pharmaceuticals, and the result of a rigorous development process and clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. In approving the vaccines for emergency use, the Food and Drug Administration determined that the known and potential benefits of these vaccines outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID-19. Are there side effects?Yes. Some people who get the vaccine reported side effects, usually mild and more common after the second dose. These side effects are the result of your body creating an immune response. Side effects may start 1-2 days after the vaccine and last on average 2-3 days. It is important to note in the clinical trials that fewer older people reported side effects. The most common were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and chills or fever. If you have concerns, we encourage you to contact your Primary Care Doctor with specific questions about the vaccine and your unique medical history. What should people do if they have asthma, allergies or other lung problems? According to the doctors at Cambridge Health Alliance, people who have these medical issues should absolutely get the vaccine. People with asthma, allergies or other lung conditions could get very sick or die from COVID-19. The only people who should not get a vaccine are people who have severe allergic reactions to a component of the vaccine. Other than the active mRNA ingredient, the vaccines are simply made of fats, salts, sugar, vinegar and certain glycerols. I have other questions… Our organizations are happy to connect you with reliable information, vaccine rollout updates and assistance. The vaccine distribution plan is still being developed, but we will provide updates on our websites (links below). As we learn more, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services may be able to help with sched- uling and transportation for vaccination appointments. We are also urging our employees to get vaccinated, to safeguard against further spread of this deadly and unpredictable virus in our homes and community. Please consider doing so as well. Sincerely, Paul Hollings Susan Pacheco Serena Chao, MD Ashley Speliotis Somerville-Cambridge Cambridge Chief of Geriatrics Somerville Elder Services Council on Aging Cambridge Health Alliance Council on Aging

CITY TV 22 (Comcast) | 13 (RCN) Schedule

Wednesday, January 27 12:35am Powderhouse School Park Ribbon Cutting 7:00pm First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 3:00am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 6:00am Mable & Jerry - Senior Story 1:00am Legislative Matters Committee 1.21.21 7:40pm In the Principal's Office - Glenda Soto 6:30am Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 6:35am Arts Community Town Hall 12.8.20 2:30am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 8:00pm School Committee Meeting 1.25.21 9:00am First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 8:10am In the Principal's Office - Glenda Soto 6:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice Four 11:00pm Quem Tem Duvidas Sobre a Vacina? 10:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice Two 8:30am School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 6:42am CDC Handwashing PSA Sunday, January 31 11:00am Fit 4 Life 2020 #3 6:45am Allen St. Playground Ribbon Cutting 9:00am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 12:00am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 11:30am City Council Meeting 1.28.21 7:00am The Bilingual Brain: Benefits of Bilingualism 9:34am CDC Handwashing en Espanol PSA 12:31am School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #3 8:16am SPL Cooking 13 10:00am MLK Virtual Celebration 2021 1:00am Letters of World War II at Council on Aging 4:30pm City Council Spotlight - Lance Davis 1.28.21 8:21am SPL Cooking 05 - Mocha Pudding Cake 11:00am Fit 4 Life 2020 #4 2:15am SPD Ride Along 5:00pm School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 8:30am School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 11:30am Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 5:30pm Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 9:00am City Council Spotlight - Lance Davis 1.28.21 2:30am City Council Organizational Meeting 1.4.21 2:30pm Quem Tem Duvidas Sobre a Vacina 7:00pm School Committee Meeting - LIVE 9:30am MLK Virtual Celebration 2021 6:30am First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 3:30pm Powderhouse School Park Ribbon Cutting 11:00pm Quem Tem Duvidas Sobre a Vacina? 10:30am Mable & Jerry - Senior Story 7:10am City Council Organizational Meeting 1.4.21 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #5 Tuesday, February 2 11:04am Fit 4 Life 2020 #5 8:00am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 4:30pm Land Use Committee Meeting 1.19.21 12:00pm Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 8:31am School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 12:00am MLK Virtual Celebration 2021 6:40pm SPL Gardening w/Green City Growers 3:00pm First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 9:00am City Council Spotlight - Lance Davis 1.28.21 1:00am Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 7:00pm Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #4 10:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice Four 6:30am Quem Tem Duvidas Sobre a Vacina? 7:31pm School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 4:30pm Finance Committee Meeting 1.26.21 11:00am Fit 4 Life 2020 #5 7:15am Powderhouse School Park Ribbon Cutting 8:00pm School Committee Meeting 1.25.21 8:00pm Arts Community Town Hall 12.8.20 11:30am City Council Spotlight - Lance Davis 1.28.21 7:30am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice Four 11:30pm School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 9:34pm Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 12:00pm Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 8:15am In the Principal's Office - Glenda Soto 1:00pm Mable & Jerry - Senior Story 8:30am School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips Thursday, January 28 Saturday, January 30 12:00am City Council Meeting 1.14.20 1:35pm SPL Gardening w/Green City Growers 9:00am Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 12:00am First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 2:00pm In the Principal's Office - Glenda Soto 11:30am Fit 4 Life 2020 #2 6:00am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 12:40am Allen St. Playground Ribbon Cutting 6:31am School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 2:15pm Powderhouse School Park Ribbon Cutting 12:00pm Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 1:00am Finance Committee Meeting 1.26.21 2:30pm Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice Three 1:00pm Mable & Jerry - Senior Story 7:00am MLK Virtual Celebration 2021 6:30am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice One 8:00am Quem Tem Duvidas Sobre a Vacina 3:30pm Allen St. Playground Ribbon Cutting 1:35pm SPL Gardening w/Green City Growers 7:05am SPL Gardening w/Green City Growers 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #4 2:00pm First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 9:00am Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 7:30am Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 9:31am Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 4:30pm Legislative Matters Committee 1.21.21 2:40pm In the Principal's Office - Glenda Soto 8:32am Powderhouse School Park Ribbon Cutting 6:00pm Raising Families 3:00pm Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 10:30am Powderhouse School Park Ribbon Cutting 9:00am Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 11:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice Three 6:30pm School Committee Update: Sarah Phillips 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #4 11:00am Fit 4 Life 2020 #5 7:00pm Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 5:00pm Traffic & Parking Committee 1.11.20 11:43am SPL Cooking 14 - Sesame Peanut Noodles 11:30am Quem Tem Duvidas Sobre a Vacina? 11:50am SPL Cooking 12 - Lemon Squares 7:30pm City Council Meeting 1.28.21 6:40pm Allen St. Playground Ribbon Cutting 12:15pm Allen St. Playground Ribbon Cutting 7:00pm Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 12:00pm Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 12:30pm City Council Meeting 1.28.21 Monday, February 1 1:00pm Finance Committee Meeting 1.26.21 12:00am Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 8:00pm Public Schools Re-Opening Town Hall 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #3 11:00pm Vacuna Contra el COVID-19 4:00pm Fit 4 Life 2020 #3 4:30pm The Bilingual Brain: Benefits of Bilingualism 12:30am Mable & Jerry - Senior Story 7:00pm City Council Meeting - LIVE 5:46pm SPL Cooking 14 1:05am Return to Italy Wednesday, February 3 Friday, January 29 6:00pm MLK Virtual Celebration 2021 2:00am First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 12:00am Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Vaccines 12:00am Mable & Jerry - Senior Story 6:50pm SPL Cooking 08 - Nicoise Salad 06072020 2:40am SPD Ride Along 1:00am Traffic & Parking Committee 1.11.20 Educational TV 15 Schedule Wednesday, January 27 8:00pm SHS Boys Soccer @ Lincoln-Sudbury 3:00pm Brown School Winter Concert 2020 11:40am SPL Cooking - Sesame Peanut Noodles 7:00am Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 10:00pm SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 4:00pm SHS Girls' Basketball vs Medford @ Tufts 12:00pm SPS Re-opening Town Hall 1.26.21 8:00am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 10:30pm School Committee Update: Emily Ackman 5:30pm SHS Girls' Basketball vs Watertown 1.18.20 2:00pm SHS Graduation 2017 9:00am Special School Committee Meeting 1.6.21 11:00pm In The Principals Office: LaGambina 7:00pm SHS Girls Basketball vs Everett 1.14.20 4:00pm In The Principals Office: LaGambina 11:00am SHS Girls' Basketball 2019-20 11:30pm In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 8:30pm SHS Hockey vs Everett 1.15.20 4:30pm Somerville School Day Games 11:30am SHS Boys' Basketball 2019-20 Friday, January 29 10:00pm SHS Boys Basketball vs Malden 1.21.20 6:00pm SHS Class of '18 Graduation 12:00pm Student of the Qtr. - Brown School 4.30.19 12:00am SHS Football @ Beverly 10.7.17 11:30pm SHS FOOTBALL 2019 Highlights 8:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 12:30pm Student of the Qtr. - Healey School 4.25.19 2:30am SHS Boys Basketball @ Beverly 1.30.18 Sunday, January 31 9:00pm Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 1:00pm Student of the Qtr. - WSNS 4.29.19 7:00am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 12:00am SHS Girls' Basketball vs Medford @ Tufts 10:00pm El Sistema Virtual Winter Concert 2020 1:30pm Student of the Qtr. - ESCS 5.6.19 8:00am School Committee Update - Sarah Phillips 1:30am SHS Girls' Basketball vs Watertown 1.18.20 10:30pm SPL Cooking 2:00pm WSNS Winter Concert 2020 8:30am In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 3:00am SHS Girls Basketball vs Everett 1.14.20 10:35pm SPL Cooking - Goat Cheese and Jam Omelet 3:00pm ESCS Winter Concert 12.18.19 9:00am SHS Construction Tour II 4:30am Chris Herren Speaks to SHS 10:40pm SPL Cooking - Sesame Peanut Noodles 4:00pm SHS Hockey vs Lowell 2.27.20 10:00am SHS Hockey vs Revere 1.24.18 7:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice III 11:00pm SPS Re-opening Town Hall 1.26.21 6:00pm Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 11:30am SHS Hockey vs St. Joe's Prep 2.8.20 8:00am Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration Tuesday, February 2 7:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 1:00pm SHS Hockey vs Lynn Class. 1.11.20 9:00am School Committee Update - Sarah Phillips 8:00pm Special School Committee Meeting 1.6.21 2:30pm SHS Boys' Basketball vs Reading 2.18.20 9:30am SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 1:00am SHS Graduation 2017 10:00pm SHS Girls' Basketball 2019-20 4:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 10:00am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 3:00am Somerville School Day Games 10:30pm SHS Boys' Basketball 2019-20 5:00pm School Committee Update - Sarah Phillips 11:00am SHS Hockey v Cambridge 12.22.14 7:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice II 11:00pm Student of the Qtr. - Brown School 4.30.19 5:30pm In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 12:30pm SHS Boys Soccer v Masconomet 10.1.15 8:00am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 11:30pm Student of the Qtr. - Healey School 4.25.19 6:00pm SHS Construction Tour II 2:00pm Boys' Middle School Intramural Soccer 9:00am Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 10:00am SHS Volleyball v Salem 10.6.17 Thursday, January 28 7:00pm MIAA Playoff: SHS Boys Soccer vs Revere 3:00pm Girls' Middle School Intramural Soccer 12:00pm SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 12:00am Student of the Qtr. - WSNS 4.29.19 9:00pm First Rd. Playoff SHS Hockey vs Boston Latin 4:00pm SPS Re-opening Town Hall 1.26.21 10:30pm SHS Girls Volley @ Beverly [9.12.18] 7:00pm Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 12:30pm School Committee Update: Emily Ackman 12:28am Student of the Qtr. - ESCS 5.6.19 1:00pm In The Principals Office: LaGambina 1:00am SHS Hockey vs Lowell 2.27.20 Saturday, January 30 8:00pm School Committee Update - Sarah Phillips 1:30pm In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 2:30am WSNS Winter Concert 2020 12:00am SHS Girls Basketball @ Beverly [1.29.19] 8:30pm SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 7:00am Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice II 1:30am SHS Girls' Basketball 2019-20 9:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 2:00pm SPS Re-opening Town Hall 1.26.21 8:00am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 2:00am SHS Boys' Basketball 2019-20 10:00pm SHS Hockey v Cambridge 12.22.14 5:00pm Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice II 9:00am Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 3:00am Public Domain Theater 11:30pm SHS Boys Soccer v Masconomet 10.1.15 6:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 10:00am SHS Boys Soccer @ Lincoln-Sudbury 7:00am SHS Boys Basketball vs Revere 1.6.20 Monday, February 1 7:00pm Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 12:00pm SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 8:30am Brown School Winter Concert 2020 1:00am Boys' Middle School Intramural Soccer 8:00pm SHS Boys Soccer @ Lincoln-Sudbury 12:30pm School Committee Update: Emily Ackman 9:30am SPS Re-opening Town Hall 1.26.21 2:00am Girls' Middle School Intramural Soccer 10:00pm SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 1:00pm In The Principals Office: LaGambina 11:00am School Committee Update - Sarah Phillips 7:00am SHS Class of '18 Graduation 10:30pm School Committee Update: Emily Ackman 1:30pm In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 11:30am In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 9:00am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 11:00pm In The Principals Office: LaGambina 2:00pm SPS Re-opening Town Hall 1.26.21 12:00pm SHS Construction Tour II 10:00am Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 11:30pm In the Principal's Office: Glenda Soto 5:00pm Yoga with Jenn Falk - Practice II 1:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 11:00am El Sistema Virtual Winter Concert 2020 12:05am Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 6:00pm Highlander History - Moreira & Gamache 1:30pm SPS Virtual Winter Concert 2020 11:30am SPL Cooking 12:35am 98th Annual All City Track Meet 2019 7:00pm Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 2:00pm Virtual MLK Jr. Day Celebration 11:35am SPL Cooking 2:00am SHS Class Day 2018

Now enjoy Somerville City Cable and SCATV in HD with Ville TV on RCN channel 613 JANUARY 27, 2021••15

OFF THE SHELF by Doug Holder Rejane Musis: Somerville's Practitioner of Praticutuca Somerville has a large population of Brazilian folks. Where I live in Union Square there is a large Brazilian Market and before the pandemic, a Bra- zilian butcher. There are still a number of Brazilian businesses peppered around the streets of our city, and this ethnic group makes big contributions to our collective culture. So I was lucky to speak to Rejane Musis about her program to educate kids about Portuguese and Brazilian culture. SOMERVILLE Doug Holder: How has it been for you living in DH: Sometimes folks mistake Spanish for Por- Somerville? With the large Brazilian population tuguese. There is a big difference between the two edited by Doug Holder here, it must in some ways feel like home. languages, right? yrical Rejane Musis: I arrived in Boston in 2011, now RM: Sure! They are two totally different Ro- LPoet Mike Steffen writes: "I recently I live in Everett, but Somerville is a city I love. I mance languages. In my opinion the mistake is watched the 1945 MGM movie with work a lot with Somerville residents. And yes, I proof about how some people don't know about Judy Garland Meet Me in Saint Louis, feel a little piece of Brazil in some of the streets of Latin America. I never saw that mistake between which piqued my interest in the 1904 Somerville, and I love it! Portuguese and Italian or French, for example. World Fair there, called "The Louisiana DH: You are a practitioner of Praticutuca, an DH: Do you think , through this program – and Purchase World Fair." I came across this educational tool that uses Brazilian pop culture in this racially charged climate – you can address colossal statue of the Roman god of the for learning and cultural identity. Can you give us racism? forge, Vulcan, while browsing the In- some more details about the program, and has the RM: Of course! I just got approved the BIPOC ternet for info on the Fair. At one point, the huge statue, the Somerville schools been receptive to it? grant by the Somerville Arts Council, and I will largest free-standing iron-cast statue in the world, lay in its cast RM: The Praticutuca is a project that teaches produce 10 videos for kids, in Portuguese, talking sections in the Birmingham fairgrounds (after it had been re- Portuguese heritage through language, music, and about racism here and in Brazil, and readings and turned from Saint Louis) and I came across the epigraph quote, literacy. We have existed since 2005 in Brazil, and singing by black authors/composers. "children would often play around the disassembled statue". As we found a home in Somerville. The Somerville DH: How has your work been affected by the it stands on its towering pedestal today on Red Mountain in schools are an awesome partner, sharing our vid- Pandemic? Birmingham, the backside of the statue, in the classical Italian eos and spreading the word about our group class- RM: Deeply affected. We are a family of mu- style, reveals the naked deity's bare bottom, facing toward the es which are always free and now online. sicians, and don’t have the possibility of play- suburb of Homewood, and there is apparently a song there sung DH: Tell us about your Portuguese TV show. ing gigs and teaching our group classes. This as a joke, Moon Over Homewood." RM: We have a YouTube channel with music vid- has affected us financially and mentally. I hope eos, storytelling and interviews. Everything is pro- now, with the new president, we can turn this World Fair Vulcan duced with kids from Brazilian families and every- page, and I hope soon Brazil will have the same children would often play around the disassembled statue thing is in Portuguese, YouTube.com/praticutuca. chance to as well.

We fall to pieces sometimes. Even the mighty forge god Vulcan.— SAVEMAStages advocating for struggling Raggedy Anns in their aprons scampered local venues struck by Covid-19 over the sound perch of his aproned breast. SAVEMAStages is a collective of venue owners, music industry professionals, and diehard music fans working Brought home to iron-rich Birmingham to ensure adequate funding reaches independent Mas- from the Saint Louis Expo, for unpaid sachusetts venues at risk of permanent closure due to freight costs the statue had lost its spear. the economic fallout from Covid-19. He huckstered an ice cream cone, Heinz pickles… These venues, which were the first businesses to close at the beginning of the pandemic and will be among the His classical arrogance could not suit last to re-open, are pillars of their communities. Their the downtown ladies’ Christian societies. cultural significance and local influence cannot be un- derstated; live music promotes an environment of heal- Die-cast metal airplanes in children’s hands ing and emotional release for its listeners and ensures financial stability for performers. zoomed over the small hills of his On December 27, 2020, the Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program, also known as the Save Our Stages Act, was signed into law. While SVO Grants will make about $15 billion yet again taken down bare ass. available to shuttered venues, there is still much work to be done. His new pedestal towers now on Red Mountain Following in NIVA’s (National Independent Venue Association) footsteps, this grassroots com- to moon over Homewood: a local joke munity organization is committed to uplifting and assisting Massachusetts venues during this to keep another world superlative’s unprecedented time. Spread the word or visit www.savemastages.org to get involved and receive up-to-date feet on the ground. Half-inch marbles information on SVOG and NIVA emergency relief funding. We are #strongertogether. were once flicked across all 56 monumental feet SaveMAStages members include: of the smith, for the up and down The Jungle Music Club • ONCE Somerville • Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in us all, to remind us where we’ve been. The Center for Arts in Natick • The Boch Center • Porter Productions Regent Theater in Arlington • Club Passim • CK Communications • Indian Ranch — Mike Steffen Adi Sun • Anngelle Wood • League Podcast • Jazz Boston • Wally’s • The Chevalier Theater Lowell Summer Music Series • Huntington Theatre Company • Narrows Center for the Arts Lizard Lounge and Toad • Dorchester Art Project • MASSCreative • ImprovBoston To have your work considered for the Lyrical send it to: Doug Holder, 25 School St.; Somerville, MA 02143. [email protected] The Parlor Room • EventThem/TicketUnion 16••JANUARY 27, 2021