(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 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Brown Schoolyard Design Community Meeting, November 18

Join us for a meeting on Monday, November 18, to talk about ideas for the new layout of the Brown Schoolyard. The meeting will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in kindergarten classroom B-08 in the lower level of the Brown School, 201 Willow Ave. If you have any questions, please contact Arn Franzen at afranzen@somervillema.gov.

Join the Somerville Museum for the opening reception of our next exhibit, “Faith in a City: Exploring Religion in Somerville, MA.”

The “Faith in a City” project explores a selection of local religious communities through music, photography, interviews and history as a way of better understanding the city. The project also includes some congregations near Somerville where local residents go to worship. The focus is how religion is meaningful to people across the city.

(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 State Rep. Christine Barber and Kenia Arbaiza

 Kenia Arbaiza, a recent graduate of Somerville High School and Field Representative with the youth-led nonprofit Our Climate, joins her state representative Christine Barber (D- Somerville and Medford) in a call for strong, immediate, state-level climate action. 

The Somerville High School Highlanders lost their final home game to the Bedford High School Buccaneers last Friday with a score of 39-21. — Photos by Adam Parise

By Adam Parise

After losing in the first round of the playoffs vs. Pentucket Regional with a score of 34-0, the Somerville Highlanders Varsity Football team played a constellation match back home at Dilboy Stadium last Friday, November 8.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the TJ Maxx store on Middlesex Ave. last week on reports of a shoplifting.

Upon arrival, the officers were flagged down by the store’s loss prevention officer who stated that a woman with hoop earrings and a black jacket was walking through the parking lot with a bearded man that had on a dark jacket and hat.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

If you really want to appreciate your childhood city, move away for a while. You’ll either stay away or eventually yearn to come back.

I or my family family have maintained an address in Somerville since 1919. I did however pack my bags a few times and move away. I thought I was relocating permanently. I found out a geographical solution was not the answer. Lol.

The Somerville City Council is asking for an update on what plans may be in place to deal with any potential water contamination problems that may arise in the future.

By Jim Clark

An order was put forward and approved at the the latest regular meeting of the Somerville City Council asking for the Director of Health and Human Services to report to the Council on the plan for an emergency response to the increased risk of disruption to the potable water supply due to water contamination from strong storms caused by climate change.

The public was recently invited to a meeting to report on progress in the planning of the Arthur D. Healey School’s new schoolyard.

By Adam Parise

Last Thursday, November 7, city officials and residents gathered at the Arthur D. Healey School’s cafeteria to discuss the layout, features and construction for the new schoolyard.

During the presentation, residents asked questions regarding the current situation and the future for the schoolyard, including what it would look like.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Fourteen veterans were recognized for their service at this year’s Somerville Heroes Salute ceremony held on Saturday, November 9, at the Holiday Inn.

Eight World War II veterans, two Vietnam veterans, this year’s Somerville Police and Fire Veterans of the Year, and the first inductee to the Iraq/Afghanistan Hall of Fame were honored. Bishop Henry A. Moultrie II received this year’s Somerville Profile in Courage Award. Along with being a Vietnam veteran, Bishop Moultrie recently retired after 45 years as the pastor and founder of the Mission Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Somerville.

As part of the Crossing the Line: In Search of Sanctuary exhibit at the Nave Gallery, there will be a Community Panel Discussion Shelter from the Storm – The Importance of Sanctuary Cities, on Sunday, November 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This special community panel discussion will feature Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Prof. Susan Akram, Boston University, Ben Echevarria, Executive Director, Somerville Welcome Project and Somerville Councilor, Wilfred Mbah. The Nave Gallery is located at 155 Powder House Blvd. For more info, visit https://navegallery.org/wp/crossing-the-line-in-search-of-sanctuary.