~Photo courtesy of Somerville Overcoming Addiction

City Hall to Be Lit with Purple Lights; Ceremony to Place 157 Flags for Those Lost to Overdose; Communitywide Call for all to Display Purple

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 and National Recovery Month in September, advocates and officials in Somerville have united in their call for Somervillians to observe both events in a few simple but powerful ways. From displaying purple lights and ribbons to attending vigils and events, residents can send a message of support and hope for recovery.

(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

State Primary Election, September 4

The September 4^th State Primary Election is quickly approaching and sample ballots are available now. Find them along with information about polling place locations and other important upcoming election dates like voter registration for the General Election and the early voting schedule by visiting www.somervillema.gov/elections.

Somerville now 43^rd Massachusetts community to detect the destructive pest

State officials have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer – an invasive beetle responsible for the destruction of millions of ash trees in the United States – in the City of Somerville. This is the first detection in Somerville, making it the 43^rd Massachusetts community to confirm the presence of the pest. On August 10, the beetle was found during a routine inspection of ash borer traps and submitted to the State Department of Conservation and Recreation Forest Health Program, which confirmed the detection on Friday, August 17.

Artist Marka27, who lives in Cambridge, will create a mural in Union Square. — Photo courtesy of Marka27

By Shira Laucharoen

Colorful murals created by internationally acclaimed artists will deck the outer walls of storefronts in East Somerville and Union Square. Through a mini festival produced by the Somerville Arts Council, three artists, Evaristo Angurria, David Zayas, and Victor “Marka27” Quinonez, will paint the murals from August 21 to 31.

By William C. Shelton

After 34 years as a probation officer, my friend Bob McWatters retired last month, having done something remarkable in what many would consider to be an unremarkable line of work. Most Villens who have known him as neighbor, Alderman, or Clerk of Committees do not know that his innovation won national and international attention.

I want to tell you about it. But first, I want to describe the path that led him there.

(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 JT Scott
Ward 2 Alderman

Sexual harassment is a major problem. We know from looking at the news that government is no exception. On investigating this problem locally, I discovered that Somerville does not keep track of sexual harassment trends.

Tonight, Wednesday, August 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sally O’Brien’s on Somerville Avenue, Union Square, Mayor Joe Curtatone and former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay invite all to a reception for Jimmy Tingle, who is a candidate for Lt. Governor. Suggested contributions from $50, $100, $250 & $500. For more information, contact the Tingle committee at 617-441-0522.

L to R: Dartmouth Guarini School Dean F. Jon Kull, Dr. Don Pease, Phil Privitera, Dean Lee Coffin, and Payton Privitera.

By Francis J. Kautz, Esq.

On Thursday, August 16, Dartmouth College held a dinner honoring Somerville Attorney Philip J. Privitera. Privitera earned both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Dartmouth, and remains an active Dartmouth Alumnus serving on the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) Alumni Council.

Eagle Feathers #160 – The Rough Rider

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Brady Towers, the nine-story, 84-unit building at the intersection of Medford Street, McGrath Highway, and Highland Avenue, is a federally funded development that houses the elderly and young disabled. For many years, its front lobby boasted an attractive trophy case that displayed an interesting collection of memorabilia.