(L to R) Denise Provost, Doug Holder and Červená Barva Press editor, Gloria Mindock.
— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Gloria Mindock, editor of Červená Barva Press, presented Doug Holder with the Červená Barva Press Literary Service Award. This award recognizes his extraordinary dedication to writers and the literary community. Through his work in Somerville, Cambridge, Revere, and beyond, he has created opportunities, inspired countless writers, and fostered a vibrant literary culture. His magazine has touched writers across the country, giving them a place to share their voices.

Eagle Feathers #361 – Weaving the Web

Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Somerville’s fifth birthday, March 3, 1847. Thirty years later, after moving to America, he became the recipient of the United States Patent #174465. This is often considered the most valuable patent ever granted. It acknowledged him as the inventor of the telephone and father of its industry.

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Reviewed by Rishabh Kumar and Vivek Singh

There’s a moment, decades into this book, where Michael S. Harper stops explaining himself and just says it plainly, “to survive as an artist in America is always an endurance contest, particularly if you are Black.” By then you believe him as you’ve watched him prove it, interview after interview, for almost forty years.

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Marilyn Jurich is a poet, author, and Associate Professor Emerita of English at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. During her long academic career at the university, she specialized in a diverse range of subjects, including fantasy and folklore, speculative literature, children’s literature, and modern British poetry.

District-wide event includes “Welcome to SHS” for incoming students

Somerville Public Schools (SPS) will welcome students and families back for the start of the new school year with its annual Back to School Fair on Tuesday, August 25, from 4pm to 6pm at Somerville High School.

The MBTA is  reminding riders that Orange Line service will be suspended between Oak Grove and Back Bay for 11 consecutive days, August 20 – 30, previously announced on July 15.

Citywide inspection program ensures hydrants are ready in case of fire; Temporary water discoloration may occur, but water is safe to drink

The Somerville Fire Department will begin its annual inspection and testing of all fire hydrants citywide on Monday, August 17, concluding on or around Saturday, August 29. This important annual maintenance program keeps the community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly when needed to put out a fire.  

Want to learn street hockey or archery as an adult? Join a free teen volleyball clinic and grab a Neighborhood Restaurant sandwich after practice. Explore a new adaptive arts-and-crafts program or enjoy a Friday teen night out with games, pizza, and friends?

Somerville’s 2026 Fall Program Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of ways for residents of all ages and abilities to move, learn, play, and connect this season.