No more styrofoam?

[dougo.livejournal.com]

Sometime in the past few months, at least three restaurants stopped using styrofoam containers for packaging takeout meals: Deli-icious, Golden Light, and Teriyaki House (in Powderhouse Square). I think this is a good thing; besides the non-recyclability, I've always had an aesthetic dislike of styrofoam. But it made me curious: is this just a coincidence, or is there some particular reason that three local places switched around the same time? Did an anti-styrofoam ordinance go into effect? Did some supplier stop carrying styrofoam containers? Did non-styrofoam containers get cheaper? Does anyone happen to know?

RIP Art Apinian of Savas Shoe Repair

[ron_newman]

Art Apinian, who ran Savas Shoe Repair (in the little plaza between Starbucks and Orange Leaf), died on November 9. He was only 62 years old. I learned of his death today, when pbockelman posted it to Facebook.

The shop appears to still be open, but I do not know who is now doing the repairs there.

I'll miss him.

Celebrate New Year's Day on Prospect Hill

[ron_newman]

Every New Year's Day, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission celebrates the January 1, 1776 raising of the First American Flag on Prospect Hill.

At 11:30 am, "George Washington" on horseback leads a short parade from the City Hall concourse to Prospect Hill Park. The main event starts at noon, featuring songs, readings, short speeches, military re-enactors (both Colonial and British), and refreshments (usually donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and cider). I've enjoyed this event for many years and encourage all of you to attend it too.

In some years, the city has invited the public to climb the tower at the end of the ceremony. I don't know if it will be possible this year, since the tower has been undergoing some repairs.

To reach Prospect Hill from West Somerville, take the #87 bus to Union Square, then walk up Stone Avenue. Or take the #80 or #88 or #90 bus to McGrath Highway, and walk up Greenville Street or Prospect Hill Avenue to the park.

Here is the city's official press release about the event.