On Thursday, October 6, the Mystic River Watershed Association and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) kicked-off a series of improvements to Torbert Macdonald Park in Medford. Revitalization projects include newly paved paths, phragmities removal, a volunteer stewardship program – and future amenities such as a river overlook and picnic area.

Join the city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, MassDOT and construction teams on Wednesday, October 26, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., for a drop-in Q&A regarding the ongoing Beacon Street Reconstruction Project. City and project staff will be at the Thirsty Scholar Pub, 70 Beacon Street, to answer questions and concerns as the construction season winds down for the winter. There is no presentation; drop in for five minutes, or stay for 50 minutes and chat with the project teams, and support a local business in the process.

By Colleen Morrissey

Are you getting the best possible health insurance through Medicare? The annual open enrollment period is the time to revisit this question, to ensure your coverage is optimized.

On Monday, October 10 city offices and public schools will be closed for Columbus Day. Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will be on a one day delay all week. There will be no street sweeping and meter and resident permit parking will not be enforced.

Dear Community Supporters,

The George Dilboy Post 529’s Annual Marine Corps Birthday Celebration will be held on November 10, 2016. All veterans are invited and encouraged to attend. This year marks the 241th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. Over the past 20 years, members have gathered yearly to honor those who have served our country and those who continue to serve and by providing toys for disadvantaged children.

Somerville residents three years and older eligible for vaccine; vaccine clinics begin in October

The cool air is a sign that the cold and flu season is approaching, which means it’s time for the annual flu vaccine clinics offered by the City of Somerville Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The clinics offer free flu vaccines for Somerville residents ages four and older (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). They will be held starting on October 13 at various times and locations in the community until the city’s supply of vaccine is exhausted. Due to limited supply and availability of nurses, vaccines will be offered during official flu clinic hours only.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Honk! stopped by Somerville High School friday afternoon as the Honk! Festival kicks off! La Fanfare Invisible (Paris, France), Yes Ma’am Brass Band (Austin, TX) and School of HONK (Somerville, MA)  jammed with Somerville’s High’s band.

October 20, 1964 – October 5, 2016

Brennan, Neil P. Retired Somerville Police Sergeant

Of Somerville passed away unexpectedly on October 5, 2016.

Beloved father of Neil P., Jr. and Charlie L. Brennan. Loving son of Christine Brennan Barberis and step-son of John Barberis. Devoted brother of Christine Levesque and her husband Peter, Kathleen Doran and her husband James and step-brother of Jack and Christopher Barberis. Former husband of Julie Brennan.

Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee evaluated for location, security, qualifications

Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has accepted the recommendation of the city’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee to allow four* applicants to seek special permits to open medical marijuana dispensaries at four committee-approved locations in Somerville.