In 2022, the Somerville community lost 22 residents due to opioid-related overdose. To commemorate our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who passed away, City of Somerville will place 22 purple flags on the front lawn of City Hall on August 31. One larger flag will also be displayed, representing all Somervillians who have been lost to an opioid-related overdose in the past. City Hall will also be illuminated purple in recognition of National Recovery Month. The flag and light displays will be viewable for the entire month of September.

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I have driven past this location many times only to think to myself, I must give this place a try. Well, I finally went, and now I’m kicking myself for not going sooner. I guess better late than never!

While its precise origins in the late nineteenth century are a bit unclear, the observance of Labor Day has generally come to signify a celebration of the common working class in America, in a somewhat similar fashion as that of International Workers Day on May 1 throughout other parts of the world.

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In May of 2023, I was a participant in an international poetry festival at the U/Mass Lowell Campus, in Lowell, MA. Many of the poets and writers there were from South America, and it was a pleasure to meet, read, and talk with many of these folks. In May we were confident that the dreaded virus was not a threat. The reports from the media indicated that the numbers had greatly diminished.

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Ryan Stovall is a former adventurer, world traveler, and Green Beret who earned his MFA from Fairfield University in 2021. Black Snowflakes Smothering A Torch is his first book.

September 1 is approaching, which means moving season is upon us. If you’re getting ready to move, here are some reminders and resources to help make the process go smoothly: 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 1 City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, and city staff invite you to a virtual community meeting about transportation safety improvements on Tufts Street.

The City of Somerville’s Fair Housing Commission (FHC) seeks one new member. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. The person who fills this opening must be a Somerville tenant who is income-eligible for assisted housing in the city. Applicants should also have experience or demonstrated interest in housing, social services, or civil rights. 

The city’s third Somerville Rent Stabilization Listening Session takes place, September 12. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville invite community members to provide public comments about rent stabilization at a third and final listening session. The city hosted two listening sessions last month and is holding a third session for anyone who was unable to attend earlier or has additional comments. The city has also extended the written comment period through September 10.