Brattle Book Shop owner Kenneth Gloss also serves as Chairperson for the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair.

The Somerville Times’ antiquarian book columnist and expert, Kenneth Gloss, is owner of the historic Brattle Book Shop in the Downtown Crossing section of Boston. Since 2000 he’s been seen with some frequency as a guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. He is also the Chairperson for this “Granddaddy” of Antiquarian Book Fairs. He says that “serious collectors as well as curious browsers will want to see what the many regional, national and international dealers have brought to display, sell, discuss and appraise during this three-day event.” He looks forward to meeting The Somerville Times readers.

In cooperation with the City of Somerville, Tufts University is conducting work at the intersection of Packard Avenue and Powder House Boulevard to improve pedestrian safety infrastructure. The project, which entails the expansion of the sidewalks at each of the four corners of the intersection, will necessitate the temporary closure of the intersection on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Detours will be in place during these hours, as follows:

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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)

In the cellar of my grandpa’s house in West Somerville, you can still see wine barrels, bottle cappers, and other winemaking paraphernalia. I have the last known bottle of his wine. Please enjoy this entertaining and informative story by my friend Anthony Accardi.

Thanksgiving is just weeks away and the fall harvest season as we know it will come to a close. For the old time Europeans however, the fall harvest traditions actually started back in August.

Somerville firefighters have responded to four house fires this week. None of these fires is considered suspicious. Somerville firefighters were kept busy during a six hour period on November 3 and 4 responding to two porch fires.

The first fire was reported at 9:02 pm on Sunday evening. Firefighters responding to 45 Kidder Avenue found fire burning in mulch which had spread to a first floor, front porch. Part of the porch siding had to be removed to complete extinguishment of the fire.

Science teacher and coach Michael Coughlin (rear) organized the running club at Somerville’s Alfred F. Argenziano School just in time to run the Super Hero Race Oct. 27 with Maria Ortega (in white), Ivy Richardson (masked) and Isabella Ferrari (caped).

There was a kilted science teacher, a caped crusader and even a masked marvel all from Argenziano School in Somerville who were running to raise money for local non-profit On The Rise Inc., in the Fifth Annual Super Hero 5K Run/Walk in Cambridge on Oct. 27.

The City of Somerville received a 3.29 rate on its $13 million Municipal Purposes loan after Moody’s assigns City’s highest ever credit rating to borrowing

Reaping the benefits of the City’s highest ever credit rating in the City’s history, the City of Somerville will now receive a low interest rate on its previously approved short-term 20-year Municipal Purposes loan. After Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the City’s Aa2 long-term rating earlier this year, the credit rating agency recently also assigned the City’s more than $13 million in short-term borrowing the same high credit rating.

Part 3:  Political Forces
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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)

Over the last thirty years, globalization and technological change have transformed economic reality. All developed countries had to cope with these forces, and most, to a greater extent than the U.S. But America became the most unequal in wealth and income.

Somerville joins prestigious group, now comprised of 18 member cities and 12 affiliate members nationwide. Somerville recognized for excellence in sustainable transportation, street design and transportation policy.

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) added the City of Somerville, MA to its affiliate member list last week, including Somerville in its prestigious list of just 18 member cities and 12 affiliate members nationwide that includes Boston, Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., among others. In a press release, NACTO officials lauded Somerville for its “[commitment] to sustainable transportation initiatives, aiming to strengthen cities and improve quality of life through better street design and transportation policy.” Earlier this month, Somerville was also recognized by the League of American Cyclists with a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognizing a significant step up from Bronze in only two years.

(Response to SideKick Soccer press release)

To the Editor,

The City of Somerville Recreation Department and schools are committed to serving athletes with special needs, and we wish to correct the misinformation in the press release issued by Side Kick Soccer and printed by The Somerville Times without alteration. The press release fails to mention the now-inclusive soccer clinics and teams offered through the City and schools, and that Zach Rocha, the director of this for-profit company, had been informed that the City hired the company for only a one-time program now no longer necessary due to the inclusive programs offered through the Somerville Recreation Department.

– Photos by Claudia Ferro

Rosalita’s Puppets put on a special Halloween show called The Haunted Woods on Wednesday, October 30, at the Central Library.