(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)

Robert B. Antonelli, President of the West Somerville Senior Citizens Housing Neighborhood, which includes the 240 residences in 4 buildings at 1 and 2 Capen Court, the Waterworks, and the VNA.

Mr. Antonelli’s group is requesting a public meeting of the current owners of 501 Mystic Valley Parkway, Ward 7 City Councilor, the representatives of the DCR, Somerville Fire Department, and Somerville Inspectional Services to discuss the future development plans for 501 Mystic Valley Parkway. This one-acre development will affect the abutting cities & towns of Cambridge, Medford, Arlington, and Belmont. Any representatives from any of those 4 cities & towns are invited to the meeting. Mr. Antonelli can be contacted at 617-623-0123. A date has yet to be determined.

— Robert B. Antonelli

June 19, 1954 – July 21, 2026

Born on June 26, 1954, in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, John was the cherished son of the late Manuel Pacheco Medeiros and Maria Lopez Medeiros. He immigrated to the United States at a young age, carrying with him the values that would define his life—faith, humility, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to family.

The MBTA recently held a virtual meeting to go over its Bus Network Redesign plan. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Sean Perry

On Tuesday, July 21, the MBTA hosted a virtual meeting to discuss revisions to bus routes introduced by the Bus Network Redesign plan. The meeting allowed riders to share their thoughts and concerns about proposed changes to Routes 67, 80, 94, 96, and 350 throughout Medford, Cambridge, Somerville, and Arlington.

(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)

At a time when it can feel like elected officials are out of touch with the people they represent, Matt McLaughlin offers something different: a life shaped by the very challenges facing many of the families he seeks to represent.

(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)

By State Rep. Christine Barber

Decisions about abortion care belong to a patient and their doctor. No one else. That conviction is why I filed H.5595, An Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care.

Join #ARTSTAYSHERE for a special screening of the documentary short A MATTER OF LIGHT on the founding of Vernon Street Studios, the largest artist workspace community in Somerville, on July 29, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Somerville Museum, One Westwood Rd., followed by a discussion with Anne Continelli, the filmmaker, and the founders. This special event is part of #ARTSTAYSHERE’s community curator exhibition FACES, PLACES & SPACES, on view through August 23. Go here to reserve your ticket for the film event: https://AMatterofLight.eventbrite.com. Go here to read the ArtScope feature on the exhibition: https://bit.ly/artscopejulaug26.

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Imagine, you just walked around for a couple of hours in 90 degree heat ducking in and out of the Monastery and multiple buildings on the premises on the mountainside of Montserrat just outside of Barcelona, Spain. You have taken in the breathtaking views and are certainly ready for some rest and relaxation.

Who can honestly say that they don’t have a special place in their heart for warm summer days where lingering in the sun, soaking it in, makes up for all the icy months we suffer through off-season?

Still, there are times when the heat gets a little too intense for our liking and for our health and wellbeing, as we’ve experienced this past week or so.

(L to R): Lou Sirignano, Will Mbah, Tom White, and Tom Gorman.

Somerville’s Veterans Breakfast for Purple Heart Recipients took place on Thursday, July 23, at the Highlander Cafe at Somerville High School. The city’s Veterans Services Division, along with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Veterans Affairs, honored USMC Lou Sirignano, a Vietnam veteran, as a Purple Heart recipient. The event was attended by numerous veterans, community leaders, family and friends.