By early September, the wheels will be set in full motion for HONK! Festival 2024, this year to be held from October 4-6, with HONK! outdoor band concerts held throughout Davis Square and nearby neighborhoods on that Friday through Saturday.

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

On behalf of the Dojo Partners, we would like to voice our collective support for the proposed Somernova campus expansion project. We are made up of organizations who have all directly benefited from The Dojo at Somernova and we are; Somerville Bike Kitchen, Mystic Learning Center, Better Future Project, Parkour Generations Boston, Somerville Media Center, Somerville Community Corporation, Riverside Community Care, Somerville Foundation, Books of Hope, Youth Stream, The Center for Teen Empowerment, Highlanders FRC 6201, Elizabeth Peabody House & DEILAB.

Application Period Closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) are pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for nine (9) income-restricted apartments at The Guild, located at 154 Broadway. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

A few months ago, I did a story about Buddy’s diner which still remains closed today. I thought I’d throw it out on Facebook and do a survey on favorite breakfast spots in Somerville past and present. I asked for their favorite food at their favorite restaurant. Comments appear in quotes.

On June 20, 2024, the Somerville City Council passed the Ballantyne administration’s proposed $360 million Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget, delivering on Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s key investments in schools, city services, and workforce equity.  

December 17, 1928 – June 27, 2024

Vallone, Frances T. “Fran” (Bertocchi), 95, of Somerville died calmly June 27, 2024 after much recent health turmoil in her life. Lifelong resident of Somerville. Steadfast wife of the late Robert “Bob” Vallone and last survivor of all her and Bob’s siblings and in-laws. Daughter of the late Albert and Antoinette (Croci) Bertocchi.

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

Dear Planning Board and City Council,

My name is Jhenny Saint-Surin, and before diving into the reasons why I support the zoning amendment for Somernova, I want to disclose that I have consulted for Rafi Properties on this project. However, before being a consultant, I am a Ward 5 resident who has lived in Somerville for over 10 years and worked for the city for 7 years. I hope to call Somerville home for many years to come and wish for developers who come into our city to be as community-oriented as Rafi Properties.

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

By State Senator Pat Jehlen

There’s no place like home! How can we make sure everyone in Massachusetts has a stable home they can afford, whether it’s owning or renting? Housing affordability is the biggest crisis right now in our state.