Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Let’s get away from today’s problems and take a little trip back in time to Paragon Park, Nantasket Beach. The park operated from 1902 through approximately 1984. Lots of us have happy memories of outings, family days, and just plain fun at Paragon Park.

Statues in Davis Square, Somerville.

Davis Square Neighborhood Council (DSNC) has been working towards 501.c-3 status for the past year. We are pleased to get to the point of electing our first Board. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Lees, age 65, of Milford, NH, who passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025.

Donna was the beloved wife of Roberto Velasquez and the devoted mother of Michael Sloane, Laura Sloane, and Thomas Sloane. She was the cherished daughter of Robert Lees and is also survived by her loving siblings Robert Lees, Russell Lees, Wayne Lees, Alice Rinderer, and Ralph Lees. Donna was a proud and adoring grandmother to her beloved grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and pride.

The Somerville Planning Board adopted the Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan at its July meeting.

By unanimous vote, the Somerville Planning Board at its July meeting adopted the Ballantyne Administration’s Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to guide sustainable development in one of its most rapidly evolving neighborhoods. Once fully implemented, the neighborhood plan offers the potential of up to 2,900 to 5,700 new residential units –- including roughly 580 to 1,100 affordable units – and an estimated up to $17 million in annual tax revenues among other community benefits. 

Recommendations for the proposed bike lane changes on Somerville Ave. were voted on by the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee at their recent meeting. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By C. Scott Morris

The Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee, in a unanimous vote, endorsed comments for the upcoming Somerville Avenue design project. The vote took place in a meeting last Thursday at the City Hall Annex.

Detective Courtney Reece (left) and Officer Keighla McAloney (right) supervising bounce house fun. — Photos by Norah Doyle

By Norah Doyle

National Night Out is an annual community-building event held on the first Tuesday of every August, aiming to foster good relationships between law enforcement and residents. This program promotes both community engagement and creating safer neighborhoods by allowing residents to spend time with law enforcement and emergency services in a fun, non-emergency setting.

Join the Somerville Arts Council for 24 Hours of Culture, a free community party celebrating art, music, food, and joy as a strategy for liberation. Saturday, August 16, 4 – 10 p.m. (rain date August 17, same times) in Union Square Plaza. Expect live performances, hands-on art workshops, games, and delicious food from local BIPOC vendors. Designed to uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices and showcase local artists, performers, and community leaders. This event is free to attend and open to all ages.

Eagle Feathers #335 – Don’t Spill Your Coffee

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Tradition has told us that a ninth-century Ethiopian shepherd once observed that some of his goats were behaving erratically. They were happier and livelier than others because they ate the magenta berries on a dark green shrub.

Those in public service to our city must be ready, willing, and able to rise to the occasion when called upon to do so. Each one of us, whoever we may be supporting in this year’s citywide election, is searching our hearts to determine whom we feel will best fill those roles.

Most of us seem to be very confident that our favored candidates are up to the task. Others bemoan a lack of integrity or skills required to do the job well among those who are running.