Whether it be homegrown or imported, we have at our fingertips an incredibly diverse and nearly exhaustive supply of mellifluous entertainment to keep us amused and amazed as we watch it pass through our community.

The same goes for commitment to political and social issues. It’s natural for the HONK! Festival organizers to choose our community in which to hold this event. Activism thrives here, driven by a long tradition of dialog on important issues of the day and a genuine concern for the betterment of our own community as well as that of the world at large.

*

Presented by Off the Shelf Correspondent Michael Steffen

….from Rattle Fall 2026 (presented online 23 September 2026)

Psalm 131

by George David Clark

*

Christopher Cavallo is a writer living and working in the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts. He and his wife Amy make their home in Haverhill, MA, sharing all their love with two gorgeous and adopted “faun” greyhounds, Phoebe and Caliope. While poetry is his preferred genre of writing, Chris has interest in writing in the categories of both short fiction as well as screenplay.

Governor declares State of Energy Emergency, removes charges from bills and expands heating assistance to deliver nearly $150 million in relief for Massachusetts households; Partners with Citizens Energy Corporation to create Emergency Winter Warmth Fund

Governor Maura Healey announced new actions to help Massachusetts families lower their heating and electric bills this winter.

On October 9, Oteil Burbridge, founding member of Dead & Company and longtime bassist for the Allman Brothers Band, will perform for one night only with Vermont-based groove trio LaMP (Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski) in Somerville! 

Makes Significant Improvements in Green Line Reliability

The MBTA announced the successful advancement of work on the Green Line, including critical work to replace and upgrade the 120-year-old signal system within the central tunnel and much more.

The City of Somerville is seeking one new member to join the Somerville Municipal Scholarship Committee as a volunteer member. This vacancy is for a person with a passion and energy to assist high school students (public and private) with pursuing higher education.  

Community-informed safety upgrades will begin Fall 2026 on well-loved and heavily used path.

Somerville’s Community Path is getting some community-focused safety upgrades. This fall, the City plans to address the top safety concerns shared by over 1,000 path users including speeding, motorized vehicles on the path, failure to yield at street crossings, and visibility issues.

The City of Somerville is inviting all community members to honor Italian American Heritage Month with an Italian flag raising on Thursday, October 15 at 5 p.m. on the City Hall concourse (93 Highland Ave.).