Somerville High School senior Samiyra Afife spent part of her summer connecting with peers from around the world through the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program. Samiyra was one of 400 high school students to participate in the week-long program this summer, immersing herself in scientific online courses and discussions about global issues.

New closures primarily affect gyms and indoor recreation spaces

Mayor proposes $5 million in local business stabilization funds for City Council approval

Due to the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and CDC warnings that the United States has entered a dangerous and record-breaking phase of high-level transmission for the virus, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health are rolling back the City of Somerville to a modified version of Phase II, Step 2 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ reopening plan effective end of day Wednesday, December 16, at 11:59 p.m. and will be in effect for at least three weeks. 

Culminating a ten week virtual program in which Somerville middle schools are partnered with legal mentors from area law offices, law schools, and city offices, students will present their cases online about First Amendment Free Speech rights to a Federal or State Judge in a Mock Trial.

December 12 – January 1

Even though, Somerville Arts Council will not be conducting their  traditional trolley tours this winter, the bright spirit of Somerville will shine on.

To help lead your own holiday tour, on the map you will find location pins to:

Celebrate the holidays singing along with The Somerville Community Chorus and The Somerville High School Chorus. Then, listen up and enjoy Mayor Joe Curtatone read The Night Before Christmas. Finally, join Santa Claus to help him light the city’s Christmas tree.

(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 Representative Christine Barber

The number of COVID-19 infections throughout Massachusetts is rising at an alarming rate. Massachusetts now has more new COVID-19 cases per capita than Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, or Texas— and in the last week alone, MA has seen more COVID-19 deaths per capita than 23 other states. This surge of infections and hospitalizations is placing tremendous pressure on the state’s health facilities and leading to countless preventable COVID-related deaths.

Say goodbye to Once at 156 Highland Ave., take home a memento, and help them  get ready for their next steps. Sign up for a time slot to come by the venue and rummage through a ton of items that they have to part with.

They are offering staggered 15-minute entry time slots Saturday and Sunday from 12:00  to 6:00 p.m. More information on facebook event

Here is the COVID-19 update for Friday, December 11. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Dear Ward 5 neighbors, Somerville community members, friends, and supporters,

I am writing to let you know that I will not be a candidate for re-election for Ward 5 City Councilor in the November 2, 2021 City election.  The past 15 years serving on the School Committee and City Council have been the highlight of my work life.  I am grateful to have had this opportunity and grateful to have met and worked with so many caring, committed, smart and wonderful people.