Somerville Police Department welcome four new police officers to the ranks of the Somerville Police Department.

Pictured from left to right: Chief Benford, Deputy Chief Lavey, Officer Joshua Benson, Officer Chanthan Neang, Officer Isaiah Saint-Vil, Officer Christian Marsden, and Deputy Chief Donovan.

— Somerville Police Department

Three weeks ago, flash floods devastated communities along the China-Nepal border, but the sheer scale of this nightmare is still revealing itself. Rescuers are desperately searching for the over 6,150 people still missing, while over 1,400 lives have been confirmed lost. 

Things are about to get sticky in Union Square as Somerville’s annual “What the Fluff?” Festival returns Saturday, September 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. (severe weather date: Sunday, September 20).

 Update: Somerville’s Nepali Street Food Festival has been canceled for this year.

Celebrate the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Nepal at the Somerville Nepali Street Food Festival on Saturday, September 5, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave). The rain date is Sunday, September 6.

Green and Cool Somerville project will advance strategies for healthier street trees, safer sidewalks, and stronger infrastructure

A tree may grow in Brooklyn, but a tree canopy is growing in Somerville, thanks to a $187,200 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness state grant to develop new approaches for planting and maintaining trees along the city’s narrow, infrastructure-constrained streets.

Mayor Jake Wilson and Somerville’s Council on Aging held the annual senior picnic at Trum Field on September 10. Seniors enjoyed good food, music, dancing, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends. — Photos by Claudia Ferro

By Ewan Henrie

The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities held a virtual meeting on September 9 to discuss its agenda for the upcoming month.