Executive Director of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission Brandon Wilson was treated to a (Semi) Retirement party on Wednesday, September 21. The  event, hosted by Evelyn Battinelli, Mary Cassesso, and Howard E. Horton, was attended by her family and the many who knew and worked with Wilson through her many years of service to the city and community at large. She was hired by Mayor Gene Brune and worked under him and the next four mayors: Dorothy Kelly Gay, Mike Capuano, Joe Curtatone and Katjana Ballantyne. They all showed up to the party at the Somerville Museum and spoke of the memories that have shared with her. City
Council President Matt Mclaughlin presented a citation awarded by the City of Somerville.

Last week, the public had a chance to weigh in on the proposed protected bike lane installations along Holland St. during a special meeting hosted by the city. —Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Last week The Somerville Times reported a story about Holland St. business owners and their objections to parking and bike lane changes on the street. This past Wednesday, the City of Somerville through its Traffic Commission hosted a special meeting to hear comments from the community.

Since 2014, the Nave Gallery, in partnership with the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, has presented a “Social Justice Art” show in the fall, to highlight a societal concern through the arts, to raise awareness and engage in conversation. This year, the Nave Gallery is pleased to host The Opioid Project to tell the stories of those affected and afflicted by addiction. The Gallery feels strongly that these stories need to be seen and heard.

Organized by the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), last Sunday, approximately 70 Somerville tenants rallied in support of four families from El Salvador and one family from Haiti who are at imminent risk of displacement in October.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss roadway upgrades and transportation safety improvements on the western portion of Washington Street, from Line Street to Webster Avenue. The city is planning to reconstruct sidewalks, repave Washington Street, and install changes that will improve street safety and usability, including wider sidewalks at bus stops, raised crosswalks for traffic calming, and protected dedicated bike lanes. Construction is expected to begin in 2023. At this meeting, city staff will present a proposed design for Washington Street and gather input from attendees. After the meeting, the proposed design will be posted to the project website along with a survey for additional feedback. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 28, at 6:00 p.m. Visit somervillema.gov/westernwashington to register to attend.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By State Senator Pat Jehlen

In August, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to raise the minimum score that this year’s freshman class, and classes following, will have to attain on the MCAS test in order to graduate. And against Commissioner Riley’s recommendation, they voted to increase the passing score further for classes starting in 2030. They also voted, against Commissioner Riley’s recommendation, to increase the passing score further for classes starting in 2030.

Who among us actually likes getting a shot of any kind? There are certainly a given number of masochistic types out there who don’t mind taking a little jab in the arm or … elsewhere.

But many of us put off or completely avoid the prickly deed for as long as we can push it, until the cold and flu season completely bypasses us altogether, or we fall victim to the merciless clutches of our microbiological nemeses. And, of course, perhaps even more importantly, those all-important COVID-19 booster doses should not be put off or rejected altogether.

Eagle Feathers #263 – Mount Vernon

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Mount Vernon is an American landmark and the former estate of George Washington. The old mansion is situated on a picturesque plateau located 200 feet above and overlooking the Potomac River in Virginia. The remains of our Revolutionary War Commander and first President of the United States and his wife Martha lie in a brick tomb on these hallowed grounds.

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Book review by off the shelf correspondent Ed Meek

Tom Perrotta is one of the best satirists writing fiction today. His new book is a sequel to the very funny novel Election. The main character of both novels is Tracy Flick. In Election, she is a high school overachiever running for President of her class. She is the type of student everyone hated in high school – always knew the answer, hand up first in class, front row student and leader of half a dozen high school clubs.