Festival premieres ROOTS & WINGS: The Next Generation, a newly commissioned work celebrating artistic inheritance across generations and cultures

Arts at the Armory’s fourth annual Feet Keep the Beat Festival returns July 30–August 1, bringing together acclaimed percussive dancers and musicians for three days of performance, participatory events, and workshops celebrating rhythm, movement, and cultural traditions from around the world.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As you all may know by now, I love reminiscing about Somerville in the old days, especially with my Facebook friends.

Not the 1900’s, but the 1960’s through the 1980’s.  The dates may not all be correct, but that’s what comes with the aging process – a process I love as long as it continues for as long as humanly and coherently possible.

Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) and Somerville Community Land Trust (SCLT) announced the launch of Rooted In Somerville, a first-of-its-kind volunteer-led fundraising campaign to promote neighborhood stability and dignified living in Somerville by reaching out directly to buyers and sellers of Somerville housing stock to support tenant education and outreach and the creation of permanently affordable housing in the city. A kickoff for Rooted in Somerville will be held Friday, July 31, at 6 p.m. at American Flatbread located at 45 Day Street, Somerville, MA 02144.

(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)

Robert B. Antonelli, President of the West Somerville Senior Citizens Housing Neighborhood, which includes the 240 residences in 4 buildings at 1 and 2 Capen Court, the Waterworks, and the VNA.

June 19, 1954 – July 21, 2026

Born on June 26, 1954, in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, John was the cherished son of the late Manuel Pacheco Medeiros and Maria Lopez Medeiros. He immigrated to the United States at a young age, carrying with him the values that would define his life—faith, humility, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to family.

The MBTA recently held a virtual meeting to go over its Bus Network Redesign plan. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Sean Perry

On Tuesday, July 21, the MBTA hosted a virtual meeting to discuss revisions to bus routes introduced by the Bus Network Redesign plan. The meeting allowed riders to share their thoughts and concerns about proposed changes to Routes 67, 80, 94, 96, and 350 throughout Medford, Cambridge, Somerville, and Arlington.

(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)

At a time when it can feel like elected officials are out of touch with the people they represent, Matt McLaughlin offers something different: a life shaped by the very challenges facing many of the families he seeks to represent.

(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

Decisions about abortion care belong to a patient and their doctor. No one else. That conviction is why I filed H.5595, An Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care.

Join #ARTSTAYSHERE for a special screening of the documentary short A MATTER OF LIGHT on the founding of Vernon Street Studios, the largest artist workspace community in Somerville, on July 29, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Somerville Museum, One Westwood Rd., followed by a discussion with Anne Continelli, the filmmaker, and the founders. This special event is part of #ARTSTAYSHERE’s community curator exhibition FACES, PLACES & SPACES, on view through August 23. Go here to reserve your ticket for the film event: https://AMatterofLight.eventbrite.com. Go here to read the ArtScope feature on the exhibition: https://bit.ly/artscopejulaug26.