(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.

The sewer separation project aims to reduce flooding and waterway pollution in the Winter Hill and Ten Hills areas.

By The Times Staff

The city is upgrading infrastructure to separate a combined sewer system into separate stormwater and wastewater pipes in an effort to mitigate flooding and reduce waterway pollution in Winter Hill and Ten Hills.

Eagle Feathers #342 – The Thanksgiving Miracle

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

If you look at the official city symbol of Worcester, Massachusetts, you will see that it is heart-shaped. This image is symbolic because the city is located in the very center of Massachusetts, or the heart of the state.

Here comes the holiday shopping season once again, and we are ready to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the only way we know how: with enthusiasm and optimistic attitudes.

Let the political and social pundits doom and gloom themselves into their usual perpetual state of the doldrums. We know how to lift ourselves, to rise to the occasion and make the most of what we have, in spite of whatever challenges may confront us.

*

A fellow Bagel Bard and Somerville resident told me she has a new book out from the Wilderness House Press, Ghosts of the Past: Gothic and Postcolonial Themes in 19th Century and 20th Century Novels. I caught up with Bansari Mitra, and she generously agreed to an interview.

*

Madison Beane is a junior at Endicott College, where she studies psychology and criminal justice. Much of her writing is inspired by the loss of her mother to stage four melanoma—a loss that continues to shape her life and her work. Madison often finds comfort and clarity by the ocean, spending time with family and writing on the beaches of Cape Cod. Her poetry reflects themes of love, memory, and resilience. She would like to thank her professor, Doug Holder, for his guidance and encouragement in her writing journey.

*
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne & Somerville Veterans’ Commission on Monuments, Memorials and Dedications pay tribute to our veterans with the dedication of Hero Square Signs, honoring their extraordinary service and sacrifice.