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A Handpicked Poem presented by Off the Shelf Correspondent Michael Steffen.

By Lloyd Schwartz, from the book Artur Schnabel and Joseph Szigeti Play Mozart at the Frick Collection (April 4, 1948) and Other Poems, published by Arrowsmith, 2026

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Keith Tornheim has six books of poetry, Fireflies: Poems of Love and Family; I Am Lilith, Dancer on the Wind; Spoiled Fruit: Adam and Eve in Eden and Beyond; Spirit Boat: Poems of Crossing Over; Can You Say Kaddish for the Living?; The Sacrifice of Isaac. His poems have appeared in Ibbetson Street, The Somerville Times, Boston Literary Magazine, Muddy River Poetry Review and Poetica.

Nonprofit leader, social entrepreneur, and longtime community advocate launches campaign to bring together Prospect Hill, Central Hill, and Spring Hill

Serena Hollmeyer Taylor, a longtime community advocate, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader,  announced her candidacy for Somerville City Council in Ward 3. Taylor, who serves as President Emeritus of the Somerville Homeless Coalition, is running to bring her experience solving problems, building coalitions, and delivering results to City Hall.

Layne Staley Tribute East returns following a powerful inaugural year as a mission-driven concert honoring the legacies of Layne Staley and Mike Starr while raising awareness and support for people affected by addiction.

Tuesday, November 3, Massachusetts will hold its State Election, which is open to all registered voters in Somerville.  Offices on the ballot include Governor, Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and more.

There are also nine ballot questions on various subjects. You can help keep lines at the polls shorter by reviewing sample ballots and review ballot questions in advance online at somervillema.gov/sampleballots.

Neighborhood Connect brings City-related discussions and decision-making to Somerville residents. Formerly known as City Hall Community Meetings (and ResiStat before that), this meeting series is an opportunity to learn more about City programs and initiatives, meet your neighbors, find ways to get involved, and talk with elected officials and City staff.

Last day for hazardous waste drop-off Saturday 11/14

Have a fall cleanup list you’ve been avoiding? The Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) wishes to remind residents that the last days for hazardous and yard waste collection this season are quickly approaching. DPW collection of these materials will resume in Spring 2027 as per the usual seasonal cycle.