Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte 

This is the true story of a car that had a life and personality of its own. A vehicle that transported colorful characters, and made the rounds in more ways than one way, on the streets of 1980’s Somerville.

Jack Parker and the Boston University Terriers celebrate winning the 2009 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four Final. — Photo courtesy of Mitchell Layton|HHOF-IIHF

By Norah Doyle

Somerville native Jack Parker will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this November.

Parker first picked up a stick and laced up his skates when he was 12 years old, following in his twin brother’s footsteps. Both boys were students at St. Ann’s K-8 Catholic school and had started their athletic careers as basketball players.

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill to bring Massachusetts laws into the 21st century by removing offensive language from state statutes.

An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities, strikes the “r-word,” a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, out of state law in the dozens of instances where it currently appears. This includes renaming an entire chapter of law that prominently includes the r-word.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in an animal this year.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Yart Sale is back. Somerville’s citywide creative yard sale returns this summer, and applications are now open. Whether you’re selling art, vintage finds, art supplies, tools, frames, zines, or handmade crafts, this is your chance to be part of this Yart Sale. Event date is Saturday, August 9, 12 – 6 p.m. For locations, visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yart-sale/yart/

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the City of Somerville will hold its City Preliminary Election, which will narrow the candidate pool before the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4.

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Last year I invested in an electric pressure cooker, otherwise referred to as an Instant Pot. I have used the traditional stovetop pressure cooker in the past and let me just say, this is a game changer! Extremely safe and easy to use.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced that the West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year.

While no human or animal cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been reported, they are strongly encouraging community members to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Among their recommendations:

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Somerville photographer and master color printer Carol Fondé told me that she loves Somerville, the community, the artists, and the supportive people in her life. I met Carol Fondé at the Nave Gallery in Somerville, to discuss her life and work. Her exhibit at the Nave had ended, but much of her work was still on display, before it would be removed for another exhibition.