If you live in West Somerville, Teele Square, or the Tufts area this is a chance for to come learn more about things happening in your neighborhood – including development of the Powder House School and quality of life issues – as well as ask questions and share your ideas with the Mayor, elected and city officials, and your neighbors.

Join the City of Somerville for the fifth annual Somerville Bulb Blitz on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, and help prepare your neighborhood for a bright and colorful spring 2016! Residents are invited to join city staff to plant bulbs that will bloom in Spring 2016. Since the Bulb Blitz began in 2011, residents have planted more than 12,300 bulbs citywide. Participants should bring their own tools (bulb planters, shovels, hoes, gloves, etc.). To sign up, visit http://tinyurl.com/2015bulbblitz. For more information or with questions, contact Luisa Oliveira at LOLIVEIRA@somervillema.gov.

The Somerville Health and Human Services Department has scheduled two additional free public flu vaccination clinics. While there is no charge for vaccinations, attendees are asked to bring an insurance card if available. Those wanting a vaccine should wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm. Flu clinics will be held as follows:

The girl’s soccer team clinched its second tournament birth in school history and second birth in two years with a convincing 5-0 win over Cristo Rey Boston on Saturday afternoon. With this win the lady anchors improved to 8 wins, 7 losses and two tie games in the season. The goals were scored by Kelysha Chambers and Valerie Samedy (sophomores), Kathiana Monestime (senior) and two goals from seventh grade phenom Maria Peirera. Senior goalkeeper Erika Lydon teamed up with the defense of sophomores Joyselen Lopes and Destiny Augustine and senior Adrianna Kinney to record their eighth shutout of the season. Seedlings for the playoffs will be determined on November 2.

Update:You can post photos via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. As long as you use the hashtag #SquareFlair and your post is public, they will be able to find it in a search and count it.

Help your neighborhood get celebratory banners!

Can you just not hide your Somerville pride? Somerville residents, show us what’s awesome about your neighborhood and your local business district by sharing your #SquareFlair! During the week of Nov. 1 – Nov. 6, use the hashtag #squareflair to show us what you love about your square, an example of how you support your neighbors and your favorite local business, and any way you get involved in your City to help your square win 2015 commemorative All-America City banners! Winners will be announced on Saturday, Nov. 7, at a SQUARE Party, complete with Square Dancing and square-themed food!

Two featured news headlines from Somerville Neighborhood News #51 are “Somerville Takes Race and Racism Conversations to the Neighborhoods” and “How the Arts Community and Somerville Non Profits Collaborate.”

As world leaders prepare for UN climate negotiations, Mayors’ National Climate Action Agenda releases Compendium of City Climate Action; #ClimateMayors mark countdown to Paris talks with Twitter dialogue Oct. 30, 1 p.m. EST 

With 30 days to go before world leaders convene under the United Nations banner to negotiate a new global agreement to combat climate change, Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone joined Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti today in announcing his membership in the Mayors’ National Climate Action Agenda (MNCAA), along with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, bringing the total to 32 mayors and cities across the United States.

By William C. Shelton

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Kendall Square’s growing pains could be Somerville’s economic gains. This is not a matter of wishful speculation. It is a statement of current and quantifiable market opportunity that exists for private developers and public leaders with vision, will, and capacity sufficient to seize it.

By Kristen Elworthy

Despite the sporadic rain interruptions, hundreds of people participated in the Fifth Annual East Broadway Foodie Crawl on Tuesday, September 26th, 2015, and helped to raise nearly $14,000 to support East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS). This year, the crowd featured an increased percentage of local participants thanks to ESMS’s outreach to local schools. The event presented the vibrant flavors of about a dozen East Broadway restaurants, representing five continents as participants embarked on a walking tour of the neighborhood. Each restaurant provided a sample of the food, while experiencing the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Partnership with City of Somerville & Union Square Main Streets Gives Local Businesses Free Access to Marketing Consultants and Funding for Recommended Improvements

Union Square Station Associates (US2)  announced its second round sponsorship of the City of Somerville’s Technical Assistance Program to help storefront small businesses take advantage of the new opportunities that will be presented by the community-driven redevelopment and enhancement of Union Square. Round One awardees were announced in March and completed their improvements this summer.