Citywide inspection program ensures hydrants are ready in case of fire; Temporary water discoloration may occur, but water is safe to drink

The Somerville Fire Department will begin its annual inspection and testing of all fire hydrants citywide on Monday, August 17, concluding on or around Saturday, August 29. This important annual maintenance program keeps the community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly when needed to put out a fire.  

Want to learn street hockey or archery as an adult? Join a free teen volleyball clinic and grab a Neighborhood Restaurant sandwich after practice. Explore a new adaptive arts-and-crafts program or enjoy a Friday teen night out with games, pizza, and friends?

Somerville’s 2026 Fall Program Guide is now available, featuring hundreds of ways for residents of all ages and abilities to move, learn, play, and connect this season.

By Dennis Fischman

One of the great things about reading a mystery that’s set in a different time and place is that it makes you learn, in an enjoyable way, what’s normal and expected then and there. Without knowing that, you wouldn’t be able to see what was out of place, and a clue! That is one of the pleasures of Enigma of China, by Qiu Xiaolong.

State Representative Christine Barber

Retiring senator, who rarely endorses in legislative races, backs Barber to succeed her in the 2nd Middlesex

State Senator Pat Jehlen has endorsed State Representative Christine Barber in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Middlesex Senate seat, which Jehlen has held for more than twenty years and is leaving at the end of this term.

Alejandra Culqui and Tatiana Carreno from Alelu Studio sell crochet and art handmade crafts. — Photos by Mina Rose Morales

Yart Sale returned last weekend. Somerville’s porches, driveways, and front yards were transformed into mini galleries and pop-up markets. Artists displayed paintings, photography, handmade objects, jewelry, art supplies and tools, collectible items, plants, frames, vintage clothes, and more.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Tip Top Market, formerly at the corner of Walnut and 211 Pearl Street, pops up quite a bit when people reminisce about the old days in East Somerville. We still have lots of corner stores in Somerville, but those neighborhood grocery, variety stores, and meat markets of yesterday had a different feel. It was a warm, welcoming, and familiar feel. Back then, a cuff wasn’t only on shirts and trousers. It was a way of getting by until payday.

The Boston Bruins have teamed up with libraries across the Commonwealth to encourage kids and teens to keep reading over the summer. Blades joined readers at West Branch Library on Tuesday, August 11, for a story, fun, and crafts. Attendees designed and made their own Bruins fan button, took pictures at the ice rink photo station, and more.