As we still contend with the awful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, then do our best to give the little ones some semblance of normalcy as they look to celebrate Halloween, we are triply tasked with searching our souls for the right answers to questions posed at the ballot box next week.

For some of us the choices are blessedly clear, while others may have difficulty culling the wheat from the chaff amidst all of the conflicting messages put forward on each side of almost every issue. Politics as usual, really.

*

Review by Doug Holder

Back in 1993, Lorena Bobbitt castrated her husband, John Bobbitt. Lorena was the victim of violent domestic abuse from her husband, and as a result she took matters in her own “hands.” By cutting the “manhood” of her partner, she received some payback from all she suffered. This production, written by Eliana Pipes was developed at the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University. It started as a classroom exercise, but now has hit the bright lights of the small stage.

*
Emily Crain is a current sophomore at Endicott College. She is working to complete a major in English with a concentration in Secondary Education, as well as minor in Gender Studies. She has always enjoyed writing poems and stories in her free time, and she is so excited to be able to finally share her work with the world.

Update: This forum will take place as scheduled, but due to the unstable weather forecast caused by the Nor’easter affecting Massachusetts, the outdoor portion of the event is on hold. Depending on weather conditions, a decision will be made on Thursday to either allow for a casual reception outside or mingling inside following the town hall portion of the event. If the mingling is held inside, attendees will need to wear masks the entire time and food/drink will not be allowed due to COVID safety restrictions. If weather permits for the outdoor portion of the event, the reception will be held with casual snacks and pizza.

As Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone prepares to leave office in January after serving 18 years as mayor, the City of Somerville will host an in-person community conversation with him. The discussion will look back at both city and community efforts during his administration, check in on the ongoing response to the pandemic, and look forward to the challenges and opportunities in the city’s future. Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Byron Barnett (recently retired from 7News WHDH) will facilitate the town-hall-style event, which will be open to attendees’ questions. A casual outdoor reception with local foods will follow, and City staff will be available at the reception to check in with community members on specific questions.

Arrests:
*

Mohamed Mohamed, of Cambridge, October 20, 7:03 p.m., arrested at Somerville Ave. on charges of possession of a firearm without FID card, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of ammunition without FID card.

John Malone, October 21, 11:56 p.m., arrested at Highland Ave. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor.

The Somerville Museum presents Penny Chronicles and the Stories They Tell, through – January 8, 2022, 1 Westwood Rd, Somerville. Curator: David Guss

They cost a penny to buy and a penny to send. They were the social media of their day, snippets of news attached to images of local buildings, monuments, and events. Big pictures in a small frame, serving as testimonies to one’s pride of place. Strung together, they tell Somerville’s unique history: a visit from a president, the impact of suffragettes, veterans marching, monuments dedicated, developers building rows of new homes.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Commission for Women, and RESPOND Inc. invite residents to join them for the annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Tuesday, October 26, to remember and honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2021. Due to rain, the vigil will now take place in the atrium at the West Branch Library, 40 College Avenue, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Note that masks are required indoors. 

West Branch Library, Somerville. — Photos by Anton Grassl

Please join Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 6 City Councilor Lance Davis, and the Somerville Library Trustees for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated and restored West Branch Library on Friday, November 5, at 11:00 a.m.