(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)

Massachusetts will hold its primaries on September 1. One of the few competitive races is the election for the 2nd Middlesex State Senate. As a former constituent of Erika Uyterhoeven and a current one of Christine Barber, I am eager to see a proven ally of public education take this seat: Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven.

This September, purple flags will once again be placed on the front lawn of Somerville City Hall to honor residents whose lives were lost to opioid-related overdose in 2025 and in years past. The annual display is part of the city’s recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month.

(L to R) Denise Provost, Doug Holder and Červená Barva Press editor, Gloria Mindock.
— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Gloria Mindock, editor of Červená Barva Press, presented Doug Holder with the Červená Barva Press Literary Service Award. This award recognizes his extraordinary dedication to writers and the literary community. Through his work in Somerville, Cambridge, Revere, and beyond, he has created opportunities, inspired countless writers, and fostered a vibrant literary culture. His magazine has touched writers across the country, giving them a place to share their voices.

Eagle Feathers #361 – Weaving the Web

Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Somerville’s fifth birthday, March 3, 1847. Thirty years later, after moving to America, he became the recipient of the United States Patent #174465. This is often considered the most valuable patent ever granted. It acknowledged him as the inventor of the telephone and father of its industry.

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Reviewed by Rishabh Kumar and Vivek Singh

There’s a moment, decades into this book, where Michael S. Harper stops explaining himself and just says it plainly, “to survive as an artist in America is always an endurance contest, particularly if you are Black.” By then you believe him as you’ve watched him prove it, interview after interview, for almost forty years.

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Marilyn Jurich is a poet, author, and Associate Professor Emerita of English at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. During her long academic career at the university, she specialized in a diverse range of subjects, including fantasy and folklore, speculative literature, children’s literature, and modern British poetry.

District-wide event includes “Welcome to SHS” for incoming students

Somerville Public Schools (SPS) will welcome students and families back for the start of the new school year with its annual Back to School Fair on Tuesday, August 25, from 4pm to 6pm at Somerville High School.

The MBTA is  reminding riders that Orange Line service will be suspended between Oak Grove and Back Bay for 11 consecutive days, August 20 – 30, previously announced on July 15.