On Friday, November 18, members of the Somerville Police Superior’s Union, Patrolman’s Union, Fire Union, and DPW Unions, were able to team up with the Mystic Learning Center to provide over 40 families with Thanksgiving dinners for the holiday. After picking up the food and supplies, all four unions came together to put dinner baskets together. They then delivered them to the families in need.

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I recently caught up with the artist Julie C. Baer, an artist who revels in nature, as she paints and plants.

Doug Holder: You have exhibited in Somerville. What is your impression as an artist of the vibe of the city?

JCB: It feels like Somerville’s cultural life is burgeoning these days by thoughtful young people using a really transdisciplinary approach to social entrepreneurship. You don’t see a random restaurant or store opening, but each new space seems to intentionally respond to the local context of the community culture and contribute an interesting, and needed, new dimension, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and interdependence. Super exciting and uplifting.

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Lloyd Schwartz is a board member of the NEPC and the Poet Laureate of Somerville. He is Elizabeth Bishop’s editor, and a critic for NPR’s Fresh Air and WBUR. His awards include fellowships in poetry from the NEA, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Academy of American Poets, and a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. His latest book is Who’s on First? New and Selected Poems.

Arrests:
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Kerry Dervishi, of Weymouth, November 22, 10:50 a.m., arrested at Myrtle St. on a warrant charge of refusal to provide DNA database sample.

Marsha Filmore-Lima, November 22, 11:20 a.m., arrested at Broadway on warrant charges of shoplifting by concealing merchandise, felony nighttime breaking and entering, and assault and battery.

Opening night December 1, 7:00 p.m.

The Highlander Theatre student musical production presents Into the Woods. This modern classic follows the story of the Baker and his wife (who wish for a child), Cinderella (who wishes to attend the King’s Festival), and Jack (who wishes his cow would give milk). To make their wishes come true they must first venture Into the Woods, which is filled with challenges and adventures that you won’t want to miss.

Review parking rules and sign up for alerts

Because this winter begins in an even-numbered year, snow emergency parking will be on the even side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Check street signs in your neighborhood so you know where you can park ahead of winter weather. You can also learn more about the city’s snow policies at somervillema.gov/snow.

Adult Family Care Nurse Clare Maggio (left) and Social Worker Nathaniel Meyer provide support and training during a monthly home visit with an AFC caregiver.

November is National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month, a time for recognizing and honoring the vital work of family caregivers.

Roughly one in seven American adults are caregivers. A 2018 Pew Research study found that on average they dedicate about 80 minutes per day helping friends or loved ones receive the care they need. That same study found that roughly half of caregivers described the experience as very meaningful, with roughly a third saying they’re extremely happy.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne joins the Department of Health and Human Services and the SHS School Gender and Sexuality Awareness Alliance (GSAA) to honor those who have lost their lives to violence.