The phone rang and the world changed.

That call, made in 1877 to the home of Charles Williams Jr in East Somerville was the world’s first phone call to a residence.

This year, that “first” is the inspiration for the Somerville Museum’s annual fundraiser PICK UP! on Thursday, September 10 from 6 to 8 pm at the Crystal Ballroom in Davis Square.

By Dennis Fischman

One of the great things about reading a mystery that’s set in a different time and place is that it makes you learn, in an enjoyable way, what’s normal and expected then and there. Without knowing that, you wouldn’t be able to see what was out of place, and a clue! That is one of the pleasures of Enigma of China, by Qiu Xiaolong.

State Representative Christine Barber

Retiring senator, who rarely endorses in legislative races, backs Barber to succeed her in the 2nd Middlesex

State Senator Pat Jehlen has endorsed State Representative Christine Barber in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Middlesex Senate seat, which Jehlen has held for more than twenty years and is leaving at the end of this term.

Alejandra Culqui and Tatiana Carreno from Alelu Studio sell crochet and art handmade crafts.
~Photos by Mina Rose Morales

Yart Sale returned last weekend. Somerville’s porches, driveways, and front yards were transformed into mini galleries and pop-up markets. Artists displayed paintings, photography, handmade objects, jewelry, art supplies and tools, collectible items, plants, frames, vintage clothes, and more.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Tip Top Market, formerly at the corner of Walnut and 211 Pearl Street, pops up quite a bit when people reminisce about the old days in East Somerville. We still have lots of corner stores in Somerville, but those neighborhood grocery, variety stores, and meat markets of yesterday had a different feel. It was a warm, welcoming, and familiar feel. Back then, a cuff wasn’t only on shirts and trousers. It was a way of getting by until payday.

The Boston Bruins have teamed up with libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer. Blades joined readers at West Branch Library on Tuesday, August 11, for a story, fun, and crafts. Attendees designed and made their own Bruins fan button, took pictures at the ice rink photo station, and more.

Mayor Jake Wilson joined other community leaders in promoting organ donation on Tuesday. ~Photo courtesy of New England Donor Services

On Tuesday, August 11, New England Donor Services joined Mayor Jake Wilson, City Councilor Jon Link, Registry of Motor Vehicles leadership, and individuals touched by donation at City Hall to celebrate organ donation and encourage people to register as donors at the RMV when getting their license, ID, or REAL ID, or online at www.mass.gov/OrganDonor. The Mayor and the City Councilor both displayed the hearts on their licenses during the event, showing pride in their decision to register as donors.

By Matt McLaughlin
Candidate for State Senate, 2nd Middlesex District

There is a civil war within the Democratic Party. The establishment is fighting off an insurgency for the soul of the party. As with any war, the victims are everyday working people, caught between factions who claim to fight for them but are in fact causing the suffering.