(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

As you know, there are five ballot questions on our November ballots. Last week, I wrote about why I am voting yes on Question 2.
There are also local ballot questions about increasing local revenue in Somerville, Medford, and Winchester. I will vote yes in Somerville, and would vote yes in Medford and Winchester.

The Massachusetts general election is Tuesday, November 5. Voters will elect the U.S. President and Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, and more. There are also five statewide ballot questions and one City of Somerville ballot question. View a sample ballot. 

The 2024 Halloween Block Party Pet Spooktacular takes place on October 26, at Chuckie Harris Park, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Dress up your pet in their most creative costume and join in for a day of Halloween fun like no other. Watch cute pets and their owners in a costume contest, play fun games, take great photos, and enjoy tasty food. Don’t forget to check out local artisans and vendors.

Bill Barton, President & CEO of Bob’s Discount Furniture (right) toasts the opening of the company’s flagship experience location in Somerville alongside Rachel Nadkarni, Director of Economic Development, City of Somerville (center) and Felicity Beal, Director of Development, Greater Somerville Homeless Coalition (left) – Bob’s newest community charity partner.

On Friday, October 18, Bob’s Discount Furniture hosted an invitation-only VIP Sneak Peek of its new flagship experience in Somerville, MA.  Bob’s Discount Furniture, the 9th largest U.S. furniture chain with 189 stores across 24 states and over $2B in annual sales, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new flagship experience in Somerville, Mass. (38,012 square foot store, bringing approximately 20-25 new jobs to the region).

Owner Jim DanDee of Lumentation Lab and Curator Claire Ogden present “Shoot Your Shot,” a photo exhibition of 35mm prints from local photographers on display from October 9 – November 13. Shane Woolley is the photographer of “Queen of Forty Foot – Leap,” featured in the exhibit. Claire Ogden took the installation photograph.

By Harry Kane

The love of film photography has made a comeback in Somerville with a community photo exhibition curated by Claire Ogden and presented by Lumentation Lab. The show is currently on display at the Rooted Armory Café, and will continue until November 13.

CultureHouse and the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) released a report that details the impact of CultureHouse Union Square, an intergenerational community pop-up located in a once vacant storefront at 64 Union Square. CultureHouse Union Square, funded by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, was the result of a partnership between CultureHouse and USNC with the intent of informing the design of and showing the case for a long-term community center for the neighborhood. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Back in the early 80’s a Somerville pal got his pilot’s license. I was a lot less fearless back then so I agreed to go up with him for a ride. The airport was on Billerica Rd., Tewksbury, or something like that so we picked a day and hit the field.