Community and Government members gather around planted flags in a moment of silence for those who have been lost to drug overdose. — Photos by Keith Foster

By Keith Foster

Part of the Somerville community gathered outside Somerville City Hall last Thursday, August 27, which was Overdose Awareness Day, for a candlelight vigil and flag planting for eleven victims of opioid overdose. In addition, there will be overdose prevention training events throughout September, which is National Recovery Month.

The proposed zoning amendment is intended to allow for more accessible housing.

By The Times Staff

The ground story elevation requirement in Somerville’s zoning code is under scrutiny thanks to a petition organized by a Tufts University graduate student named Crystal M. Huff. The petition proposes removing the requirement of a 2-foot minimum elevation of any building’s ground story to allow for more accessible housing.

The Mystic River Mural Project revealed its new mural that highlights the impact on Mystic River watershed eagles. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

City Councilors Emily Hardt and John Link requested that Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances be amended to ban the use of anticoagulant rodenticides on city-owned property during the last City Council meeting on Thursday, August 27.

Congratulations to the candidates who won their races in this week’s State Primary Election. They will face off with their respective opponents in the General Election on November 3. We thank all the candidates for their participation in the electoral process and wish them the best in the future. Updated election results will be posted on our website: www.thesomervilletimes.com.

Eagle Feathers #362 – The Chiefs

“The First Combination Chemical and Hose Reel, with Ladders, was invented by the Chief of Somerville, and exhibited Aug. 10, 1887. Humphrey (Dumps) of Engine 4, Boston, operated the Tanks. The First Fire that it performed splendid service at was in Cambridge, Box 71. The fire was in the Cambridge Poor-House.”

Once again it is time to shift gears and power down a bit as we roll out of the high-octane frenzy of summertime and into the laid-back back breezy days of autumn and on into the winter months ahead.

We all need to become a bit more aware of what lies ahead of us on the road, and to be especially alert to activities near our schools and playgrounds, as the kids are now back to their normal schedules.

By Off the Shelf Correspondent Jen Fries.

An acquaintance of mine, poet and columnist Doug Holder, recently posed a question on social media: Have you ever been a regular, and what does that mean to you?

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Holly Chatelain is a writer and editor new to the Boston area, having recently moved from Denver to Revere. She is a managing editor of Ibbetson Street Press. This poem was inspired by her cross-country drive from Denver to Boston to make the move.