By Dennis Fischman

There’s a name we in the Somerville Public Library’s mystery book group have given to a certain type of mystery novel. We call it “a murder cabin.”

The murder cabin is a descendant of a type of classic mystery from the Golden Age of Mystery, a hundred years ago. In those celebrated novels, a group of people have been collected in an isolated place: on an island, as in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, or in a country house (like Peter Wimsey’s family home, Riddlesdale Lodge, in Clouds of Witness). Somebody gets killed – perhaps, more than one – and only the people in that place can be the suspects.

Lumentation offers quality photo developing and printing services via an online marketplace. ~Photos by Jeffrey Shwom.

By Jeffrey Shwom

At the corner of Lowell Street and Highland Avenue, Lumentation is one of those walk-by-and-look-twice businesses. A few folks still think it is Somerville Quick Stop that closed a few years back. “People ask do you sell chips, cigarettes, earbuds? Convenience store stuff,” remarked manager Imaya Jeffries. When you walk inside, however, the first thing you’ll notice is that the fridges are filled with much different items … film.

Entrepreneur and Community Advocate Calls for Bold, Action-Oriented Leadership

Jason Mackey has officially launched his campaign for Mayor of Somerville, pledging to bring decisive leadership, innovative solutions, and a results-driven approach to city government.

“Somerville deserves leadership that delivers — not just talks,” said Mackey. “For too long, critical issues like housing affordability, transportation, and public safety have been met with half measures and delays. I’m running to change that. This city needs a mayor who will tackle problems head-on and get things done.”

*
The City of Somerville is looking for community members to help test an innovative, non-toxic approach to reducing the local rat population.

In partnership with the Cambridge Public Health Department and Cambridge Inspectional Services, Somerville is participating in a Rodent Fertility Control Study using Evolve, a hormonal fertility control product designed to humanely curb rat reproduction. This study aims to determine whether Evolve is an effective long-term solution in dense urban areas like Somerville while reducing reliance on traditional rat poisons, which can harm other wildlife such as birds, cats, and foxes.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Back in the days of ample parking spaces every square had a “five and dime” store.

In Davis Square there we’re two, Woolworths and Grants. I started as a stock boy and worked my way up to the luncheonette making grilled cheeses, hot dogs and ice cream treats. Let’s toss around some memories of those stores of yore.

Join a community panel, take a virtual tour, and explore black voices

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and learning, and this year, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) are inviting the community to join a series of events designed to engage, inspire, and connect the Somerville community. 

The latest Federal immigration policies are proving to have a significantly adverse effect on small businesses in East Somerville. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Carlie Lombardi

On Thursday, February 13, the Somerville City Council held a meeting to discuss the impact of the new federal immigration policies. The council discussed the concerns from East Somerville’s small business community, which is facing challenges due to these policies.

Bids are being accepted for improvements to the lighting on Somerville’s Community Path. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jeffrey Shwom

The unlit stretches of the Somerville Community Path Extension on both sides of East Somerville Station may see a brighter tomorrow, as the City of Somerville closed solicitations by contractors to install nighttime lighting. According to the Closed Bids listed on The Procurement and Contracting Services Division’s website, solicitation for “Community Path Extension – Additional Lighting” along a half mile stretch is under review.