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Newstalk – August 26
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In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month, the City of Somerville invites community members to a candlelight vigil and flag planting on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) in memory of residents whose lives were lost to opioid-related overdose in 2025 and years prior. Somerville Prevention Services staff will host events and trainings to distribute free overdose prevention information and harm reduction materials such as nasal spray naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields, and syringe disposal boxes. To register for an in-person training, visit the SPL website https://somervillepubliclibrary.org/. For more information on the vigil and flag planting, visit somervillema.gov/news.
August 26
Our View of the Times – August 26
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On the first Monday of September, Labor Day is celebrated to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the work and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.
It is also a time to show appreciation for all the everyday workers of today who help keep our economy strong and serve the needs of everyone.
Old school, new clothes
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
I always hated this time of year because TV is showing back-to-school sales. The yearly ritual of getting new school clothes begins.
It was a men’s suit store named Anderson Little at Wellington, which was usually our stop for pants. They were always itchy. We had to wear the clothes our parents bought us. That is, up to a certain age when we demanded our shopping rights.
Newstalk – August 19
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On Friday, August 21, the City of Somerville will celebrate Davis Square’s “summer glow up” with a ribbon-cutting from 4:30 to 5 p.m., directly before the Down in Davis: Alive at Five performance at Statue Park. The event will mark the completion of recent public space improvements in the square, including the activation of the Davis Square Slip Lane and new placemaking art at Statue Park.
August 19
Our View of the Times – August 19
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This September, purple flags will once again be placed on the front lawn of Somerville City Hall to honor residents whose lives were lost to opioid-related overdose in 2025 and in years past. The annual display is part of the city’s recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month.
Wowie Kazowie! The Bozo Show
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
Larry Harmon’s Bozo the Clown character originated in 1946 as a read-along kids’ record. Bozo became a part of popular culture and was even the center of a Seinfeld episode. But more importantly, Bozo is a piece of our Somerville/Boston childhood.
If Somerville Is Serious About Ending Segregation, It Must Include Disabled Students
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“If we are serious about ending segregation in our schools, that requires changing how our schools function.”
Somerville School Committee member Andre Green reportedly made that observation last week as the Committee considered the future of the Winter Hill and Brown Schools.
Erika Uyterhoeven, Democrat for State Senate
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Massachusetts will hold its primaries on September 1. One of the few competitive races is the election for the 2nd Middlesex State Senate. As a former constituent of Erika Uyterhoeven and a current one of Christine Barber, I am eager to see a proven ally of public education take this seat: Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven.
Newstalk – August 12
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The State of Massachusetts will hold its Primary Election on Tuesday, September 1. This election will narrow the candidate pool before the November Election on Tuesday, November 3. Offices on the ballot include: Governor, Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, District Attorney, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Councilor, Senator in General Court, Representative in General Court, and Register of Probate. Eligible voters may vote one of three ways: on election day, via early voting, or vote by mail. Deadline to Register to Vote for the Primary Election is Saturday, August 22. More information for the State Primary Election is available at somervillema.gov/elections. You can also call 311 (617-666-3311) with questions.
August 12
Our View of the Times – August 12
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Those in public service to our state must be ready, willing, and able to rise to the occasion when called upon to do so. Each one of us, whoever we may be supporting in this year’s statewide election, is searching our hearts to determine whom we feel will best fill those roles.
Service was Tip Top
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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.
Democratic Civil War Has Working Class Casualties
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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.
Newstalk – August 5
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The city is inviting residents, artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses to help shape what could become the first Municipal Cultural Trust in Massachusetts, a new tool designed to protect affordable creative space and prevent artist displacement. Community members can give feedback during a three-part meeting series that begins Wednesday, August 5, at the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) at 6 p.m. Each meeting will focus on a different stage of the Cultural Trust discussion. Full schedule: https://www.somervillema.gov/news/somerville-seeks-community-input-first-its-kind-cultural-trust
August 5
Our View of the Times – August 5
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The Somerville Health and Human Services recently reported that testing by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected from Somerville. However, Somerville remains at a “Moderate” risk level for WNV.
The faker
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
Recently, I had to go into Cambridge Health Alliance’s emergency room when a close friend was rushed there. Thankfully, they were okay, but then my mind started to go back to my early youth.
Newstalk – July 29
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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.
July 29
Our View of the Times – July 29
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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.
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