The City of Somerville is currently seeking applicants for 10 open positions on the Somerville Commission for Women. The Commission works to  ensure the equal status of women in educational, economic, political, health, legal, and social spheres and provides information, referrals, and guidance.

— Photo © iStock via Getty Images Plus

If your effort to reduce your personal plastic use has fallen by the wayside in recent months, you’re not alone – reusable bags and containers have gotten a bad rap during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a new report shows that they can be a safe, effective way to tackle the global plastic pollution crisis.

Doug Holder interviews poet and Boston College Media Lab Director about his new book Twenty Days by Twenty: 400 Lines in Australia

Isaiah Lombardo

On November 14, Isaiah Lombardo, a 24-year-old Somerville resident with Down syndrome, will be participating in the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s 12th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show (“BBBY Fashion Show”).

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Somerville people are very picky about where and what they eat. I did a Facebook survey where I asked, “If you could bring back one former Somerville restaurant what would you pick?” I was totally blown away at the number of responses I received. Here are the results along with some comments in quotes.

Because of COVID-19, the City of Somerville had to forgo its usual in-person Veterans’ Day ceremony this year. To mark the day and honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, the City’s Veterans’ Services Office pre-recorded a ceremony with messages from Mayor Joe Curtatone, City Council President Matt McLaughlin, and Director of Veterans’ Services Ted Louis-Jacques.

By Jim Clark

At the October 22 meeting of the Somerville City Council, an order was put forward and approved asking that the City Solicitor draft an ordinance banning the use of tear gas by the Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating in Somerville.

By Hongyu Liu

The Somerville community gathered at the Union Square on November 7 to celebrate the Ignite Festival. Due to the pandemic, the festival this year focused on showing works from local artists and attracting customers to local restaurants.

Last week’s “Illuminated Walk” shed light on the Somerville Community Corporation’s 100 Homes program. — Photo by Isabel Sami

By Isabel Sami

The Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) hosted an illuminated walk through East Somerville on Saturday, November 7, to raise awareness about affordable housing in Somerville. Members of the community showed up to carry house-shaped lanterns though the streets as a way to represent the SCC’s 100 Homes program.

Licensing Commission Chair Joe Lynch offered his insights into the Commission’s efforts to help alleviate some of the pain inflicted on local businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (file photo)

By Max Eidelman

On October 29, the Somerville Licensing Commission formally announced that it will waive the annual renewal licensing fees for businesses in the city’s hospitality industry. This decision was made pursuant to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone’s request and is an integral part of the efforts to help small businesses through the upcoming winter.