After partying and losing ourselves in the festive spirit of Halloween this past weekend, we are now tasked with searching our souls for the right answers to the options presented at the ballot box next week.

For some of us the choices are blessedly clear, while others may have difficulty culling the wheat from the chaff amidst all of the conflicting messages put forward on each side of almost every issue. Politics as usual, really.

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There are many variations of bruschetta, but this, in my opinion, is a hearty and delicious combination that will make you feel guilt free eating this delicious snack. It can also be served as a pre dinner appetizer or as a side to go with a steaming bowl of soup.

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School’s (PHA) varsity girls volleyball team won their first ever MCSAO (Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization) championship this past Saturday, November 29, 3-0 over Pioneer Charter School of Science II. Senior Trisha Exantus was chosen as the Division’s Most Valuable Player and Senior Mia Morris, Senior Angie Casseus, and Junior Lydia Martins were all selected to the MCSAO all-star team. The season is not done yet, as the girls head to Georgetown High School on Wednesday, November 2, at 5:00 p.m. for a preliminary round matchup in the MIAA playoffs.

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For years I’ve seen and chatted with Somerville writer Regina Hansen at my favorite haunt in Union Square, the Bloc 11 Café. However, I had never had the chance to interview her. But with her new young adult fiction novel The Coming Storm coming in with the literary tide, I was on it like a hornet, and got to speak to her in my familiar environs at the back of the said café.

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Faith Ploof writes: “I am 20 years old and a sophomore at Endicott College, studying education with a concentration in educational studies. I am originally from a small town in Vermont and came to Beverly to further my education. I have always enjoyed school and the challenges it presents me with. My favorite subjects have always been reading and writing and that has only grown since I have learned to use my creative mind when writing. My goal after graduation is to teach in a kindergarten or first grade classroom. Outside of school I love all things outdoors, which inspired this poem, especially hiking and camping with my family. I am also on the Endicott Equestrian Team and have been riding horses almost my whole life. Writing poetry for my creative writing class was a bit outside of my comfort level at first but I have since learned to love the art and the places it can take me.

The City of Somerville is forming a 12-member Civic Advisory Committee to represent the public in the redevelopment of 90 Washington St., and all residents are encouraged to apply. The Committee will meet regularly starting in January 2023 to advise City staff and consultants in selecting one or more development partners for 90 Washington St. Committee members will include eight residents, two local business or non-profit representatives, and two City Councilors. 

Bus routes are going to change in Somerville (and beyond), and the MBTA shared an updated proposal of what that might look like. Since the initial proposal in May, they made lots of changes based on public input. But there’s still room for your input! Join their online meeting Nov 2. Public Meeting | Bus Network Redesign (Virtual) | Events | MBTA

Bill sponsored by Somerville Representatives Barber and Connolly would create path for Somerville to seek to pilot standards for fossil-fuel free construction and major renovations

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne recently testified in support of Bill H.5291, presented by Representatives Christine P. Barber and Mike Connolly. The bill would position Somerville to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to pilot fossil-free new construction and major renovation standards for buildings. 

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The Somerville Commission for Women and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne honor the victims of domestic violence at their annual vigil.

Free Open Streets event to feature live music, family-friendly activities, and more

 SomerStreets: Monster Mash, the final SomerStreets festival of the year, takes over Somerville Avenue on Sunday, October 30, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. (rain date: November 6). Join the family-friendly festivities for tricks and treats aplenty between School Street and Warren Avenue, including: