~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Last Friday, students from East Somerville Community School paraded over to the Pearl Street Center and sang for the elderly for Halloween dressed in book character costumes. The audience of seniors was greatly pleased by the performance.

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Sharon Shaloo is putting literature on the map – literally. This executive director for the Mass Center for the Book has been working on creating a literary map of Massachusetts, among her many other projects.

Lee Varon is a social worker and a member of Somerville’s Bagel Bards.

Arrests:
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Benjamin Warren, of  Arlington, October 24, 4:56 a.m., arrested at Beacon St. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor.

Christopher Capone, of  Winthrop, October 24, 9:31 a.m., arrested at Washington St. on warrant charges of armed assault in a dwelling and impersonating a police officer.

Due to high interest in the Solarize Somerville program, Somerville residents and businesses now have more time to take advantage of free solar energy consultations and discounted solar panel purchases being offered for a limited time through the program. Site visits are now extended through November 23 and participants have until December 16 to decide if they would like to go solar. The program uses bulk purchasing to lower the cost of installing solar panels generally by up to 20 percent.

Winners to be selected, presented during Historic Preservation Month in May 2017

The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Preservation Awards. During its annual celebration in honor of Historic Preservation Month in May 2017, 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, Nov. 18, 2016.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Board of Aldermen invite residents to the Fall 2016 ResiStat Community Meetings, a twice-yearly effort to share the latest City news, data, and neighborhood updates directly with residents and gather their feedback. ResiStat is more than a great way to get an overview of what’s happening specifically in your neighborhood as well as citywide. The social time before and after the meetings also offer an easy opportunity to talk one-on-one to the Mayor, your Aldermen, and city staff and police—and to connect with your neighbors (we serve pizza and kid-friendly, healthy snacks to make it more fun to come and chat).

Left to Right: Doug Holder with Jack Holland behind the bars of an old bank vault at the Bloc 11 Cafe in Somerville, Mass.

Holder interviews pop/rock musician Jack Holland about his new band  “The Dutch Tulips,” and his life and times of an up and coming musician in Somerville, Mass. and beyond.

Listen to podcast here

Year-long series of events scheduled in 2017 in honor of city’s birthday. Logo will appear on all city banners, memorabilia, for celebration.

Did you know?: in 2017, the City of Somerville is celebrating its 175^th birthday, 175 years since we separated from Charlestown, and we’re celebrating all year long. The events will kick off in January 2017, at the City’s Mid-Term Address and Ceremonies, where we will unveil the official 175^th birthday banner and logo. This is where you come in. We are seeking logo ideas and sketches to be considered for the 175^th celebrations. Winning logo(s) will be featured on all banners, signage, and memorabilia for the year, and will receive a $200 honorarium. Any member of the public is welcome to apply, though preference will be given to Somerville residents. Sketches and drawings are welcome.

Wondering about the residents of this historic Milk Row Cemetery dating back to 1804? Join the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission on Sunday, November 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., for the final public opening of 2016. Due to its fragile condition, the site is often closed to the public, except by appointment, or during regular openings during the seasonal months. At those times, volunteer docents, often dressed in historic period clothing, will help you learn a little about the buried residents, from as far back as Revolutionary times, and their history within the community, once known as “Beyond the Neck.” The grounds may also be appreciated as a peaceful retreat for reading and contemplation.