The City of Somerville is seeking four new volunteer members to join the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC). These vacancies are for volunteer members who are passionate about local pedestrian and/or transit issues.

Host, Sarah Fishman speaks with Ward 2 councilor, Jefferson Thomas “JT” Scott.

By Alyssa Buford

On November 13th, the Somerville Commission for Women held a virtual meeting moderated by commissioner Jennifer Harrington and Racial-Social Justice Head Leonor Galindo. The commissioners, volunteers appointed by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, work with the city staff liaison to advise the city on policy as well as coordinate projects, initiatives, and outreach on behalf of women in the community since they were established via a city ordinance in 1988.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I ended up graduating from college in 1977, even though I dropped the “College Course” at Somerville High School. You see, I flunked geometry, and when they put me back in the same teacher’s class the next year to suffer through it again, I freaked out. And it’s a shame because that Pythagorean Theorem would have come in real handy in my everyday life – NOT!

Update: The deadline to apply is now Friday, December 12, 2025. Applications can be completed via jotform: form.jotform.com/252803350912148 and should include contact information and a letter of intent. Resumes are helpful but not required.

The City of Somerville is seeking three (3) new members to join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD). If you’re passionate about making sure the vital protections in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with disabilities are preserved, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.

Food security programs in the city will be getting a financial boost of $975,000 to address their ongoing needs for funding.

By The Times Staff

A lot of people are going hungry, and that has city officials taking swift action to cope with the crisis. Following the government shutdown and food aid benefits lapse, the city is appropriating money to feed vulnerable neighbors in the community.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to reopen the renovated Junction Park took place on Friday, November 14. — Photo by Jordan Pagkalinawan

By Jordan Pagkalinawan

Residents who frequent Somerville’s community path will notice a new and improved Junction Park. On Friday, November 14, dozens of community members joined Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Councilor Naima Sait, and the city’s Public Space and Urban Forestry Division for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reopen the renovated park, which includes nearly an acre of additional space and a host of innovative features.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Justin Klekota

On November’s ballot, Somerville voters were asked whether the city should divest from Israel. While many voters saw it as a symbolic gesture, Question 3 remains extremely problematic. Its main sponsor, Somerville for Palestine, claims to stand for justice, but their rhetoric and continued agitation threaten Somerville’s unity.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Health and Human Services invite community members to attend Somerville’s annual Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience on Thursday, November 20, at the Council on Aging (167 Holland St) from 5 to 6 p.m.The program will include remarks from Mayor Ballantyne, members of the Somerville LGBTQ+ community, and the city’s LGBTQ+ Services Co-ordinator. The event is free and open to all, and live ASL interpretation will be provided. For more information about LGBTQ+ programming, events, and resources, please email lgbtqservices@somervillema.gov or visit somervillema.gov/lgbtqservices.