Community members ages 12 and older can submit and vote on ideas for how to invest $1 million in city improvement projects

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is  announcing the launch of Somerville’s second cycle of the Participatory Budgeting process (www.somervillema.gov/PB), giving community members a direct say in how $1 million of city funds is allocated. Somerville residents are invited to begin submitting their ideas today, Friday, September 20. The city will begin implementing the winning projects in summer of 2025.

The Somerville Urban Forestry Committee is seeking two new members to help shape the future of our city’s urban canopy! We have one open position for a youth member (ages 14-17 at the time of appointment) and another position open to any resident passionate about urban forestry and public green spaces.

The Somerville Animal Food Pantry is helping local pet owners who are financially challenged to feed their beloved furry friends.

By Katherine Davis

Having to choose between yourself or your pet is a heartbreaking dilemma that every pet owner hopes they are never faced with. Financial situations that lead pet owners to surrender their pet are generally temporary, but when left to make the difficult decision, in the moment it is often seen as the only way to provide their pet a more stable home. A 501(c)(3) program under the Rescue Allies Inc., the Somerville Animal Food Pantry works incredibly hard to combat financial insecurity within the city of Somerville by providing free pet services to those in need– giving a helping hand to pet owners as they work to get back onto their feet.

Officer Priscilla Ribeiro was awarded the Arthur W. Regan Award today for her initiative and leadership in bringing National Night Out back to Somerville. The Artie Regan Memorial Award is given to an SPD Employee whose work in the community goes beyond the call of duty. Given just a few weeks to organize, she immediately began collecting donations, marketing, and connecting with local businesses and vendors to make National Night Out an unforgettable night for the community. Working with over 70+ city departments, vendors, sponsors and ensuring free food and dessert for all constituents, Officer Ribeiro’s leadership and positive attitude remained constant. We thank Officer Ribeiro for her continued commitment to our Somerville community and are proud to present this award to her.

— Somerville Police Department

Lyndell’s Bakery will remain open in Somerville.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Sauntering into Lyndell’s Bakery will prove to be a sensory sensation. The cupcakes, bread and everything else that is baked there are all made from scratch.

Interestingly, Lyndell’s Bakery is the oldest business in Somerville – or one of them – but just how old is it? “I believe it is [the oldest business in Somerville]. I know, for sure, that we’re the oldest scratch bakery in New England. I’ve been told a few years ago that we’re one of the top 10 oldest retail scratch bakeries in the country. We’re 137 years old this year,” said Bill Galatis, Owner of Lyndell’s Bakery.

What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Innovation presented by Boynton Yards returns for the 19th year next Saturday, September 21 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. (rain date 9/22). This zany, madcap festival honors the invention of Marshmallow Fluff by Archibald Query in Somerville in 1917 and salutes the spirit of innovation that thrives throughout the city today.

Gilman Square Neighborhood Council and the Arts Council celebrated the latest SomerStreets event, the Gilman Square Arts and Music Festival on Saturday, September 14, on Pearl St. from Marshall to James.

(Originally published On April 6, 2012, in The Somerville Times)

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

It’s a well-known fact that Marshmallow Fluff was invented in Somerville and everyone has enjoyed a Fluffernutter sandwich. I posted a question on Facebook looking for what people think should be the official food of Somerville. I got so many suggestions that I decided to just list as many as I could. Here are some of Somerville’s favorite treats both past and present.

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) conducted its regular business at its latest meeting on Tuesday September 10.

By Fred Bernardin

On Tuesday September 10 at 5:30 p.m., the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) held their monthly meeting via Zoom. The meeting was hosted by the City’s Economic and Development Planner, Ben Devers. SRA Members Philip Ercolini, Iwona Bonney, Ben Ewen-Campen, and William Gage were present; SRA Member Christine Stone was absent. In addition, the meeting was attended by Special Counsel Catherine Lester Salchert.