You don’t need to be a medical professional to help someone in an emergency. Sometimes, knowing who to call and what to do in the first few minutes can make an important difference.

The $100,000 grant from the City of Somerville is intended to help The Dojo @ Somernova continue its valuable programs benefiting local youth.

Teen Time @ The Dojo, a partnership between The Center for Teen Empowerment and The Dojo @ Somernova, a free youth-driven community space on Somernova’s innovation campus, has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the City of Somerville’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Mayor Jake Wilson welcomed Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner, Dr. Vanessa Boukili, to a recent episode of “Open Door Chats” to discuss Somerville’s canopy cover.

By Harry Kane

Planting more trees and expanding the canopy cover in Somerville was the focus of a recent episode of Open Door Chats hosted by Mayor Jake Wilson.

The mayor sat down with the city’s Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner, Dr. Vanessa Boukili, to learn about the work that is being done to increase the canopy cover, which in 2018 was 14.6 percent. The city’s goal is to increase the canopy cover to 16 percent, explained Boukili.

In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month, the City of Somerville invites community members to a candlelight vigil and flag planting on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) in memory of residents whose lives were lost to opioid-related overdose in 2025 and years prior. Somerville Prevention Services staff will host events and trainings to distribute free overdose prevention information and harm reduction materials such as nasal spray naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields, and syringe disposal boxes. To register for an in-person training, visit the SPL website https://somervillepubliclibrary.org/. For more information on the vigil and flag planting, visit somervillema.gov/news.

Vernon Street Studios.

By Mina Rose Morales

While filming her documentary A Matter of Light, Anne Continelli uncovered a hidden truth that changed the film’s original storyline: Artists face economic displacement.

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This recipe was inspired by what was available at the local farmers market. I stock up on produce, cook it for the week, and use the produce in various dishes. I usually purchase what looks really good, and at times I don’t always have a specific dish in mind. This particular dish has different textures, concentrated flavors, fresh components, and a nice balance of acidity from the balsamic glaze. It certainly tastes as good as it looks!

On the first Monday of September, Labor Day is celebrated to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the work and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.

It is also a time to show appreciation for all the everyday workers of today who help keep our economy strong and serve the needs of everyone.

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Recently, I caught up with Brittany Perham, the author of the memoir Executrix. Brittany is an associate professor of English at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. She is an accomplished poet, and as she told me this memoir is very much a poet’s memoir. It is written in an original style, and exhibits the sensibility of a poet. Her publisher writes of the book:

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Richard Wilhelm is a Somerville resident. He is an artist and poet. He was one of the founders of the Ibbetson Street Press in Somerville, MA.