On Saturday, October 26, the Somerville Rotary Club had its Annual Food Drive, With the continued cooperation of the Porter Square Star Market Somerville Rotary has been able to be visible at the store with our tables and signs accepting food, health and personal toiletries donations.

On Monday, October 21, Sublime Systems and Somernova hosted a one-of-a-kind retirement party in Somerville.  The event celebrated the retirement of a material that has defined construction for the last two centuries: ordinary portland cement (OPC).

The question of how best to handle the homelessness issue in the Davis Sq. still remains unanswered. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Nirvana Ragland

Davis Square, long known for its indie theaters and bustling cafes, finds itself at a crossroads. The Somerville neighborhood’s residents and business owners are seeking solutions as more people without homes seek shelter in the area’s parks and doorways, sparking community-wide debates about public space and social services.

Needed dental supplies and additional items, according to the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The holiday season is upon us, and with it, comes copious candy and a smorgasbord of sugary and sticky snacks. All that sugar subjects Somervillians to tooth tartar.

For anyone who could be assisted, the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) is holding a dental drive from October 21 to November 1. However, you are encouraged to continue to drop off dental products after that date because your assistance will still help people.

The lack of a crossing guard or police assistance at the intersection of Curtis St. and Powder House Blvd. prompted an inquiry at the behest of City Councilors Mbah and Pineda Neufeld. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Katherine Davis

On Thursday, October 24, the Somerville City Council held its regular meeting to cover a number of topics city-wide. Some of these fell under the securement of third-spaces for teens in the city, others were regarding the securement of a permit for Trick-or-Treat on October 31. A few of the more unique discussions are as follows:

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Women, RESPOND, Inc., the Somerville Public Library, and the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) invite residents to attend the city’s annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Wednesday, October 30. This annual vigil is dedicated to commemorating the lives lost to domestic violence in the past year, recognizing the strength of survivors, and renewing our community’s dedication to eradicating domestic violence. The 2024 Somerville Domestic Violence Vigil will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the East Somerville Library (115 Broadway). If there is rain, the vigil will move indoors to Connexion, 149 Broadway. The event is free and open to the public. Light food and refreshments will be provided. There will be American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at the event. If you would like to attend, please consider RSVPing in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-somerville-2024-domestic-violence-vigil-tickets-1038275519027?aff=oddtdtcreator.

(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 Chris Dwan

The conversation around the fate of the low brick industrial buildings along Somerville Ave between Park and Church Streets (AKA American Tube Works, AKA the Ames Envelope Complex, AKA “SomerNova”) has entered a new and hopefully more productive phase. Mayor Ballantyne’s administration has started something they call the Central Somerville Avenue Plan – a city-led process to:

Eagle Feathers #316 –All Hallows’ Eve

 By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Halloween, the last day of October and the day before the Christian, All Saints Day, had its origin in ancient Celtic lore. It was considered a time of year when both good and evil spirits and ghosts flourished. Bonfires were lit, masks were made, jack-o-lanterns were carved out, and witches were said to have haunted the skies on brooms.  Most of these fables and myths never crossed the ocean, but some unfortunately took root here.                                     

For some of us it feels like forever since we’ve shaken off the cares and concerns that seem to be bearing down so heavily as we observe the divisions and discord that has been so prevalent in our society over the past few years.

The local election is just around the corner, and the national election is coming up next year. The balance of power in Washington will be in play, and more than ever it seems as though so much will be at stake in that particular election cycle, no matter which side we align with.