(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

First, an update: I’m happy to say that the. governor signed the Act Expanding Protections for Reproductive and Gender-affirming Care, that I wrote about in an earlier newsletter.   

As you probably know, the legislature finally adjourned formal sessions at about 10 am Monday, after an all-night session.  In the last few days, we passed many important bills.  The governor can still decide to sign, veto, or send them back with amendments.  It’s too late to override a veto, or to deal with an amendment unless there is unanimous support.

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Shuttle bus diversion will help facilitate the opening of the Green Line Extension’s Medford Branch

The MBTA announced that the Medford Branch of the Green Line Extension (GLX) is anticipated to open in late November 2022. In order help facilitate the opening of the Medford Branch and to allow crews to perform final-phase construction work, temporary shuttle buses will replace all Green Line service between Government Center and Union Square stations in both directions beginning Monday, August 22, through Sunday, September 18. This diversion in service is also necessary to allow for continued work at the private Government Center Garage project. Regular Green Line trolley service will resume at these stops on Monday, September 19.

The Massachusetts State Primary election is Tuesday, September 6. This election will narrow the field for Representative in Congress, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Governor’s Council, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, and Sheriff. Somerville voters can vote early in person or by mail.

Major revitalization work will take place along the entirety of the Orange Line over 30 days from approximately 9:00 p.m. on August 19 through September 18.

The MBTA announced its plans to accelerate major track and maintenance work on the Orange Line during a 30-day shutdown of the entire line beginning at approximately 9:00 p.m. on August 19 through September 18 with service resuming on Monday, September 19, to improve service, safety, and reliability on a faster timeline.

Open Positions: Five;Term: Three years 

The City of Somerville seeks five members for the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC), and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community.

Celeste restaurant in Union Square is playing host to Somerville artist Nicolás Carmona Guzman’s new installation, “Lightforms.” — Photos by Adrian Harrison

By Michael McHugh

Last Saturday, Celeste, a Peruvian restaurant located in Union Square saw the opening reception of a new public art installation by local artist Nicolás Guzman Carmona,  titled Lightforms.

By Jim Clark

Members of the Somerville Police Department had been investigating an armed carjacking that occurred at Mystic Ave. on July 01. During the course of this investigation, detectives were able to identify two males that were suspected of being involved in this incident.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

In a world where bad news and sad stories often dominate the news, it’s nice to appreciate the little things that can make a person’s day.

I was done shopping the other day and my groceries were on the belt. I was the next one after the cashier was finishing up with a blind gentleman. He was having trouble with one of his cards and the cashier was helping him.

Plans for the expansion of Junction Park were presented at a public meeting last week.

By Luda Tang

The City of Somerville hosted their third public meeting concerning the Junction Park expansion and renovation on Tuesday, July 26. The previous two meetings discussed the organizing principles and characters of the park as well as some opportunities for passive recreation.