The shopping is well underway, and all the presents should be wrapped on time. And once the plans for the big day have been made, don’t forget to slow down, relax and enjoy the holiday season and all the finer things that come with it.

Being with family, friends and loved ones and sharing warmth of the occasion is unquestionably at or near the top of the list of things we like most at this time of year. It’s especially gratifying in a city as fun and heartwarming to be in as ours.

Former Alderman Bob McWatters with his son Bobby McWatters enjoying Thanksgiving in Austin Texas.

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On Saturday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m., Members of Toastmasters clubs from over a dozen countries will descend upon the “Humor and Drama” Toastmasters club, which meets in Cambridge and Somerville, for a warm, happy, welcoming meeting entitled.

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Michael Todd Steffen curates the Hastings Room Reading Series in Cambridge. His poetry and articles have appeared in The Boston Globe, Connecticut Review, Poem (HLA), ACM (Another Chicago Magazine), Ibbetson Street, Taos Journal and in the window of the Grolier Poetry Bookshop. His first book, Partner, Orchard, Day Moon, was published in April of 2014 by Cervena Barva Press, edited by Gloria Mindock.

Arrests:
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 Jodi Faria, of Billerica, November 29, 3:07 a.m., arrested at Assembly Row on warrant charges of receiving stolen property over $1200, trespassing, and possession of a class B drug.

A pine tree is decorated for the holidays with ornaments but this is no ordinary tree. Each decoration holds an adventure story that will teach a lesson and bring true joy. Using puppets, objects, song, poetry, music and the classic art of storytelling enter the holiday spirit with Evie (portrayed by Charlotte A. Dore) as she shares stories from her life and her imagination that take her on an internal journey from loneliness to resilient joy. A beautifully poetic script with elements of improvisation will allow the show to be customized for each audience.

Food For Free CEO Sasha Purpura accepted the Powderhouse Award for Somerville’s Non-Profit of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Anniversary Annual Dinner and Powderhouse Awards.

Local food rescue organization receives award at Somerville Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Anniversary Annual Dinner

Food For Free, the Somerville and Cambridge-based non-profit hunger relief organization, was named “Non-Profit of the Year” at the Chamber of Commerce’s 75th Anniversary Annual Dinner and Powderhouse Awards. The dinner, which took place on November 17, is the foremost gathering of local business, civic, and community leaders in the city.

Director of Outreach and Community Relations for Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) Nathan Lamb.

By Nathan Lamb

November is National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month – a time to recognize those who provide essential support for their loved ones.

Chances are, you probably know at least one caregiver. A 2018 review of Bureau of Labor statistics by Pew Research found that 15% of adults were providing care for another adult – on average devoting nearly 80 minutes daily to providing assistance.