The original HONK! festival returns in full force to Somerville and Cambridge this year. Come kick off the weekend early and party in Union Square on Thursday, October 6. It will be featuring five local brass bands playing booty-shakin’ tunes for you to dance the night away to. The Lineup: 7:00 – Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, 7:45 – Dirty Water Brass Band, 8:15 – Ghost Town, 8:45 – Fly By Brass Band and 9:15 – Magnificent Danger. The main HONK! festival takes place Friday – Sunday, with music all weekend in Davis Square and Harvard Square. More info at: https://honkfest.org/2022-festival/schedule-2022.

Last week the MBTA announced that eligible riders can now apply online for a new, renewal, or replacement TAP CharlieCard or Blind Access CharlieCard. People with disabilities (including low vision) and Medicare cardholders are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a TAP CharlieCard and people who are legally blind are eligible for free MBTA fares with a Blind Access CharlieCard.

*

Here’s a recipe for one of the squash I highlighted a couple of weeks ago. The result is a creamy soup without any cream. It’s very healthy without the need to feel guilty having that second serving. Goes great with a salad on the side, like mixed greens with sliced apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Just perfect for this time of year.

With the passage of time, more and more cities and states in America are officially recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in lieu of the traditional observance of Columbus Day.

Somerville has been onboard for a few years now, and more of our neighboring communities across the Commonwealth, including the City of Boston, are joining in each year.

The Somerville Museum is so pleased to be spearheading the Access for All & More Capital Campaign. With a campaign goal of $2.35 million for Phase One and a goal of $400,000 for Phase Two the campaign is has raised 95% of the overall goal! The gap left to close is $133,500. Phase One of the campaign includes the addition of the elevator, renovation of the reception area, bathrooms, kitchen, and the addition of a Multi-Purpose Room.

*
I caught up with poet Wendy Drexler recently. An accomplished poet, Drexler is a fellow board member of the New England Poetry Club, and a very active part of the literary community.

*

Berk (Marty) is an accomplished improvisational jazz pianist and arranger who has found new artistic expression through writing poetry. The inspiration for The Gallery was spawned when he attended a jam session at the gallery of the artist Stephen LaPierre in Gloucester. The Gallery is the first of several poems he has written so far. He currently works with singer–songwriter Jennifer Matthews.

Arrests:
*

Marco Teixeira, of Everett, September 28, 10:12 a.m., arrested at Heath St. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Zach Sakurai, of Hampton, NH, September 28, 8:57 p.m., arrested at Broadway on charges of drug possession to distribute and operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.

Committee identifies funding priorities for approximately $3 million annually across affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects

The Somerville Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is seeking one new member, and Somerville residents interested in affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space are encouraged to apply. The CPC oversees the selection of projects to be recommended for funding by an estimated $3 million in annual Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenues. Applications are due October 28.  

Residents can now use SNAP benefits to buy food online from additional Commonwealth-based retailers

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) SNAP benefits to buy groceries online from Shaw’s and Star Market, two supermarket chains based in Massachusetts.