Congratulations to those who were elected to public office in Somerville this week, and thanks to all who tossed their hats into the ring, whether successful or not. Every candidate should be proud of their efforts in contributing to the diversity of choice in every office. Our returning mayor, Katjana Ballantyne, faces many challenges as well as opportunities in her upcoming term. Let’s wish her and our new and returning Councilors the best as they head into the new year.

The Somerville Homeless Coalition, in cooperation with members of the Tufts community, are organizing this year’s “The Sleep Out” event to help raise consciousness about homelessness in the city.

On Friday, November 17, members of the Tufts community and the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) staff will be braving the elements and sleeping outdoors to spread awareness and support for SHC’s most vulnerable clients.

We honor them every year and we regard them with awe and deepest admiration. Proud, but humble in countenance, they seem to simply play their part in our annual celebration of appreciation for their courageous contributions to the wellbeing of our nation. The well-being of ourselves as a society.

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By Off the Shelf Correspondent Lawrence Kessenich

When I met my wife, Janet, she was a pianist and Eurythmics teacher. She had a variety of ways to make me melt, but one of them was playing Brahms. She would sit at the piano, back straight, head held high, fingers poised over the keyboard, her beautiful green eyes aglow, and then start in, leaning into the piece as she played with incredible feeling, teasing every ounce of emotion out of each measure. It sent shivers up my spine.

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Lawrence Kessenich won the 2010 Strokestown International Poetry prize in Ireland in 2010. His poetry has appeared in the Sewanee Review, Atlanta Review, Poetry Ireland Review, and many other magazines. He has published five books of poetry, the novel Cinnamon Girl, and has had plays performed at many festivals. His books are available at lawrence-writer.com.

Will Mbah celebrates and thanks his supporters on election night at the Winter Hill Brewing Company.

The citywide election for the City of Somerville took place on Tuesday, November 7. A number of City Council seats were contested, along with a challenge for the Office of Mayor.

Applications Due December 1, 2023 

 The Somerville Local Board of Health seeks two new members, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. The board offers an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community.