Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

“Started in 1913, the shop grew from carriage needs to auto needs and then in the 1940’s … the addition of electrical appliances came along … and the name was changed to Lechmere Tire and Sales Company. The word “tire” would be dropped by 1950, and most of us would fondly call the sprawling retailer located just over in East Cambridge Lechmere’s.” From Shopping Days in Retro Boston.

Somerville’s annual “Truck O’ Treat” was held on Thursday, October 29, outside City Hall. Many came out in costumes to enjoy this family-friendly event, which included safe Trick-or-Treating, a spooktacular visit from a decorated City of Somerville truck, lawn games, light refreshments, and more.

Somerville Council on Aging’s Halloween Celebration was held at the Holland Street Center on Thursday, October 29. Seniors had a fun-filled day featuring music, a costume contest, trick‑or‑treating, and lunch.   ~ Photos by Claudia Ferro

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

Sasha Chanoff. — Photo by Jessica McDaniel

By Sasha Chanoff

A young mother named Mariam was on the Taliban’s hit list when they took control of Afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal five years ago. (I’m using a pseudonym out of concern for the safety of her family members overseas). She had worked with the U.S. government promoting women’s rights. “I knew the Taliban would kill me and my family,” she said. “I had to escape to save myself and my three children and husband.”

The city is hosting its second citywide cleanup as part of the Year of the Neighbor initiative. Somerville community members are invited to spend a couple of hours outside, meet people nearby, and leave your street a little better than you found it. Join in on Saturday, November 7, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Cleanup events have been scheduled in all seven wards. Learn more and find your ward’s meeting point here. https://www.somervillema.gov/news/somerville-invites-neighbors-join-fall-neighborhood-cleanups-november-7.

A vigil was held last week in support of victims of domestic violence.

By Eliot Josti

Last Wednesday, Somerville’s Department of Equity and Belonging hosted a Domestic Violence Vigil at Somernova in order to support and connect with those affected.

To celebrate the latest installation, Somerville Arts and Culture (SAC) invited community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 27, on the corner of Temple St. and Mystic Ave. Initiated in 1996 by former SAC Director Cecily Miller, the Mystic Mural Program creates a space where students from all backgrounds can create, learn, and contribute to the vibrancy of their community. During the ceremony, attendees viewed the 2026 mural and heard from Mayor Jake Wilson and Muralist  David Fichter.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

As we’ve witnessed Israel’s live-streamed genocide of Palestinians over the last three years, thousands of residents have called on Somerville to cut our support for Israel’s crimes. What began as a grassroots campaign to boycott and divest from companies complicit in the oppression of Palestinians is now a week away from becoming City law.

The State Election has come and gone, and those who fought long and hard – candidates and their supporters alike – are to be congratulated for once again participating in our democratic process in these difficult times. Alternatives were presented, and the voters made their choices. That’s what it’s all about.

This is my take on a dish I had while visiting the café at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. The combination of flavors, sweet and tangy and a mixture of textures go very well together. It makes for a beautiful presentation if you’re having a dinner party. You can place these on an individual dish or on a platter for a buffet. Either way, your guests will be impressed with the presentation.