’Tis the season for community cheer. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) invite the Somerville community to join in the City’s 2025 holiday celebrations. Once again, the City Hall concourse will be aglow with festive Christmas tree and menorah lighting events that will include snacks, refreshments, entertainment, and gifts for children.

I am so sorry to hear of Charles Coe’s death. He died in his home in Cambridge from a heart attack. I first interviewed him for a small South End magazine, and since then I have read, served on the NEPC Board with him, reviewed him, and was on a panel with him to select the Somerville Poet Laureate. Here is an interview I conducted with him years ago… Fine man, poet, teacher, performer, activist and citizen…
— Doug Holder

Q: Why do people say that “health is the greatest wealth”?

A: Because no amount of money can guarantee good health—but poor health can quietly drain your finances!

The City of Somerville is seeking four new volunteer members to join the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC). These vacancies are for volunteer members who are passionate about local pedestrian and/or transit issues.

Host, Sarah Fishman speaks with Ward 2 councilor, Jefferson Thomas “JT” Scott.

By Alyssa Buford

On November 13th, the Somerville Commission for Women held a virtual meeting moderated by commissioner Jennifer Harrington and Racial-Social Justice Head Leonor Galindo. The commissioners, volunteers appointed by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, work with the city staff liaison to advise the city on policy as well as coordinate projects, initiatives, and outreach on behalf of women in the community since they were established via a city ordinance in 1988.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I ended up graduating from college in 1977, even though I dropped the “College Course” at Somerville High School. You see, I flunked geometry, and when they put me back in the same teacher’s class the next year to suffer through it again, I freaked out. And it’s a shame because that Pythagorean Theorem would have come in real handy in my everyday life – NOT!

Update: The deadline to apply is now Friday, December 12, 2025. Applications can be completed via jotform: form.jotform.com/252803350912148 and should include contact information and a letter of intent. Resumes are helpful but not required.

The City of Somerville is seeking three (3) new members to join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD). If you’re passionate about making sure the vital protections in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with disabilities are preserved, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.