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Poet Kitty Beer reports: “I write novels about climate change. I also write short stories. At one time I was a freelance reporter specializing in environmental issues.”

The Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Somernova Site developer Rafi Investments-Somerville, LLC (Rafi) requires that the USNC constitute a “CBA Implementation Committee” (CBA-IC) consisting of five (5) members to monitor the progress of all the commitments entered into by Rafi and the USNC under the CBA. A copy of the executed CBA can be found here. 

Somerville artist Hanneke Cassel will give international students financial aid to attend the Scottish fiddle workshop Pure Dead Brilliant Fiddle Weekend.

Passim has announced the 2025 recipients of its Iguana Music Fund, awarding $40,000 to 23 New England-based artists. Established in 2008, the Iguana Fund supports musicians at critical stages of their careers, providing resources for community and career building projects including recording, equipment purchases, and event creation.

Looking to relax post-holiday season? Bring your gently used puzzles to West Branch and swap out for a puzzle from their supply. This event will be held on Monday, December 29, at West Branch Library (40 College Ave.) from 2 to 8 p.m. Learn more.

Stay in the holiday spirit and check out Somerville’s best and brightest light displays. Explore the online interactive map to plan out your own walking tour.  The map is available until January 2026.

~Photo courtesy of MBTA.

The MBTA  announced service changes in January on the Orange, Blue, Red, Needham, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Lowell, and Newburyport/Rockport lines.

Riders can find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/PlannedWork. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I got a call from my daughter last night. When I saw her name come up on my phone I immediately said what every parent says when their kid calls, “Is everything okay?” Thankfully, it was.

The reason she called was to share an old Christmas memory with me. She was in the process of finding the right Christmas tree for her family. Her husband was driving her and their kids around tree shopping.