Lewis “Doc” West reviews documents with Money Management volunteer Judith Rosen, in one of their monthly meetings at his Cambridge home. The Money Management program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services helps roughly 80 older adults maintain independence by helping with mail reading, bill paying, and financial errands.

Lewis “Doc” West has been happy to call Cambridge home since the late ‘90s. But when he started losing his vision to glaucoma, he needed to make some changes.

As a musician, the biggest was relearning how to play the guitar. More recently it was finding an apartment within walking distance of vital services. West, who is legally blind, began the process of looking for affordable housing a few years ago, and he was glad to have some assistance from a Money Management volunteer through Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES).

Pollinator Action Plan grows Somerville’s commitment to creating a healthy environment for pollinators – including bees, moths, and butterflies – that are vital for a flourishing urban ecosystem

The City of Somerville is thrilled to announce the formation of an Advisory Committee to work on a Pollinator Action Plan that prioritizes local pollinator health to establish and maintain a healthy and biodiverse urban ecosystem. The plan is the first of its kind in a city as densely populated as Somerville. 

(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)

Traffic Commission
130 Holland Street
Somerville, MA 02144

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Pursuant to the authority vested in the traffic commission by Chapter 397 of the Acts & Resolves of 1978 (hereinafter “the Act”), I respectfully request that you remove or cause to be removed thirteen signs unlawfully installed by Tufts University and located on Professor’s Row, a public street in Somerville, purporting to restrict on-street parking to Tufts employees.  (Exhibits A and A1 annexed hereto.) See pdf link below for Exhibits

After participating in a 10-day delegation to Cuba with Witness For Peace in which he learned about the impact of the United States’ 60 year blockade of Cuba from Cuban doctors, scientists, lawyers, historians, artists, and community leaders, Somerville At-Large City Councilor is planning to introduce a lengthy resolution at tonight’s city council meeting calling on President Biden to remove Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrroism list and calling on Congress to end the failed policy of regime change.

The City of Somerville seeks two residents to fill vacancies on the city’s Condominium Review Board (CRB). One vacancy is for a full member, which is open to Somerville tenants, and one vacancy is for an alternate member, which is open to all Somerville residents. 

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— Photos by Bobbie Toner

What the Fluff? A Tribute to Innovation is a multi-day madcap festival took place September 22-26, honoring the invention of Marshmallow Fluff in Union Square. This festival celebrated Somerville’s proud tradition of innovation with live music by Samba Lolo, MonaVeli, DJ Mixtress and The Fluff Freaks. SMC’s Executive Director, Kat Powers was presented with the Mayor Joe Flufftastic Innovation for Impact Award. Saturday’s event had a great turn out with lots of fluffalicious feasts, games, zany happenings, and much more.

The city’s current plan for removing parking spaces to make way for protected bike lanes on both sides of Holland St. does not sit well with some area businesses and residents. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

A group of business operators located on Holland St. have banded together to oppose and inform the public and other local businesses about the city’s plans for removing some 50 parking spots on Holland St., to be replaced by protected bike lanes on both sides of the street.

City officials, along with other local patrons of the arts, recently gathered for the opening of the “Sanctuary City” exhibit at the Somerville Museum.

By Ryan DiLello

Only a day after the Republican governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, chartered a plane to fly migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, the Somerville Museum debuted its latest exhibit, Sanctuary City, curated by Julia Cseko.