Four information sessions and three open house events planned in November, December, 2023 and January, 2024.

The Somerville Public Schools’ (SPS) annual school enrollment period for prekindergarten and kindergarten students will open on January 3, 2024, and SPS staff are gearing up to make sure Somerville families are ready and able to enroll students. All students who will be 4 years old by August 31, 2024 are eligible for the district’s PK program. All students who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2024 are eligible for Kindergarten. 

Ward 1 Fall Community Meeting

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Police Department, and Autism Eats warmly invite the Somerville community to a friendsgiving dinner at Mount Vernon Restaurant (14 Broadway) on Tuesday, November 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

The friendsgiving dinner is autism family friendly and all behaviors are welcome. Reservations are required and can be made at www.AutismEats.org. 

City will host Veterans’ breakfast on Friday, November 10; memorial ceremony and wreath laying on Saturday, November 11

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Veteran Services invite the Somerville community to honor the service of all those who have served in the U.S. Military this Veterans Day. 

Because Veterans’ Day falls on a Saturday, city offices will be open on Friday, November 10 and Monday, November 13. There will be no change to trash collection or street sweeping schedules. Permit parking and meters will follow a holiday schedule on November 11.

Police Chief Search Committee reopening recruitment for Somerville’s next Chief of Police

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville’s Police Chief Search Committee are announcing that the city’s search for the next Chief of the Somerville Police Department (SPD) will continue. 

Information session and registration event Thursday, November 16, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Help with home heating costs is available for eligible persons. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the City of Somerville Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, and the Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program invite Somerville and Cambridge community members to learn more about financial assistance available to help with home heating costs this winter. 

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin Parish Annual Christmas Bazaar took place on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4 at St. Catheine’s Hall. There was a silent auction, raffles, games, punch board, refreshments, and much more for the attendees.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I did a survey of my social media friends and asked a question. You are mayor for one hour. If you could change one thing about Somerville what would it be? Each set of quotes is a response. Here they come.