Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) announce a partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to launch a first-of-its-kind Middlesex County research study measuring the impact of opioid misuse. The data provided by public and private partners will examine system responses and readiness to apply evidence-based solutions to preventing and reducing opioid-related impacts.

The work of Cassie Cramer (left) and John O’Neill was recently honored by Paine Senior Services, a Cambridge-based organization helps older adults remain independent in the community.

By Nathan Lamb

A local community organization recently recognized two Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) staffers for providing information and services that help older adults age in place.

The Cambridge-based organization Paine Senior Services recently honored former SCES Executive Director John O’Neill for his career in elder services and Caseworker Cassie Cramer for helping meet the mental health needs of older adults.

Please join Ward 3 Alderman Robert McWatters, and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, for the third in a series of community meetings to discuss upcoming renovations to Prospect Hill Park. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12, at 6 p.m., in the Somerville High School Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave.

It is that time of year again to put in your wreath order with the Somerville Community Growing Center.

In addition to our wreaths being a beautiful, hand-decorated craft item, your purchase helps support programming and maintenance at the Growing Center. With that said, we would like to say how greatly appreciative we are for your support and community love. These wreaths include handmade bows, in choice of three colors (red, burgundy or purple), cones and other natural materials.

Denis Villeneuve’s masterful reboot of a cult classic, “Blade Runner 2049” is currently thrilling audiences at the Somerville Theatre.

By Dre Joseph

Studio Pitch: Yes, the original film bombed, but we think people are ready for more Blade Runner!

With Blade Runner 2049 slipping onto the schedule in a time when audiences are numb to remakes, sequels and soft reboots, it was greeted with something of a shrugging “of course.” At least by me.

By Senator Pat Jehlen

Exciting news from the GLX Project Team and the MBTA today!  The remaining 2 bids for the GLX construction were opened today.

Each bid came in below budget and included all six additive options to the program. This means that Station Canopies, Elevators, Public Art, additional Community Path access, the Community Path Extension to Lechmere Station and the Enhanced Vehicle Maintenance Facility will be included in the project.

Applicants sought for vacant Somerville Redevelopment Authority position

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA), which is tasked with implementation of the City’s urban renewal plans, is seeking applicants to fill a current vacancy on the five-member board.

The nomination period is extended  through Friday, Dec. 1, 2017.

The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Preservation Awards. During its annual celebration in honor of Historic Preservation Month in May 2018, the Commission will honor Somerville residents who performed significant restoration or maintenance efforts on designated historic buildings, or on non-designated buildings erected before 1966. The nomination period is open through Friday, Dec. 1, 2017.

Freelance photographer and software engineer Lee.

By JT Thompson

Lee is a freelance photographer and software engineer who has been the director of the Washington Street gallery and studios, just outside Union Square, for the last fifteen years.

When we meet at bloc 11 café, he is wearing a 2006 brown and blue Art Beat t-shirt, glasses with black, rectangular frames, and a red cloth hat which looks something like a hunting cap. He says he thought it would add a nice touch of color to his photo.

Amendment will establish panel to study policies affecting justice-involved women

State Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford spoke in the House chamber on Monday evening in support of an amendment she filed to the House omnibus criminal justice reform bill to establish a justice-involved women policy review panel. The House voted unanimously to adopt Barber’s amendment.