Recount petitions have been filed by William B. Tauro, candidate for mayor, for a citywide recount for the Mayoral Election held on November 2, 2021.The recount has been scheduled for Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers of Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA. 0214.

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts rose slightly in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same time last year, according to preliminary data released today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). In the first nine months of the year, there were 1,613 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, approximately 21 more deaths than in the first nine months of 2020, or a one percent increase. Data released earlier this year noted that Black non-Hispanic men made up the largest increase in opioid overdose death rates, a finding reinforced by today’s report, and which underscores the importance of the Commonwealth’s continued investments to address this issue with a focus on equity.

Thanks to some hard working Somerville High School students, two Somerville Public Schools playgrounds are looking more vibrant and offering new features for outdoor active play. On two Sundays this October, students from the SHS Community Service Club helped beautify the East Somerville Community School and Capuano Early Childhood Education Center playgrounds, repainting existing images and creating new active play features.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is offering $25 Target gift cards to encourage participation in a local Senior Day COVID booster clinic on November 15 and 16. 

The clinic will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days at the Cambridge Health Alliance Vaccine Center, next to the Somerville Target at 180 Somerville Avenue.

Director of Veterans Services, Ted Louis-Jacques leads the annual ceremony to honor our veterans.

(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)

Part 2:  What do we do?
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By William C. Shelton

The City of Somerville’s buildings, roads, sidewalks, water distribution, and sewer systems are all at or near the end of their lifespans. A cogent memo to the City Council last spring detailed our infrastructure needs and estimated their costs. Its implications obligate reconsideration of basic assumptions guiding land-use policy in this city with severe constraints on developable land.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As the messenger, I posed this question to Somerville’s social media. What would you tell Somerville’s new mayor is the most important thing to add or to fix? And here we go! Your comments follow:

The City of Somerville is hosting two Veterans Day ceremonies on Thursday, November 11, to honor those who have served in the military.

Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery ― 10:00 a.m.

The first event will take place at Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Broadway at North Street. Speaking remarks will begin at 10 a.m. featuring City Council President Matthew McLaughlin and Somerville Director of Veterans’ Services Ted Louis-Jacques. A wreath-laying ceremony will follow. Members of the public are welcome to attend. 

The Somerville City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee put electric vehicle charging station availability for condo residents in focus at their latest meeting.

By Eileen Qiu

Condos could have electric vehicle charging stations installed on the property as discussed during the Legislative Matters Committee meeting last Thursday.

Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis said the Home Rule Petition is still getting drafted and would enable a right to charge, ensuring tenants have access to charging stations on property grounds.