Quick-build upgrades will support safer, healthier service on Route 95 bus. Virtual information session scheduled for Tuesday, November 10

A new quick-build bus priority lane is scheduled to be added in late November to the eastbound section of Mystic Avenue (Route 38) between Main Street in Medford and Wheatland Street in Somerville. The project is a joint effort between the cities of Somerville and Medford and MassDOT, designed to create shorter bus rides, better reliability, and more social distancing along the MBTA 95 bus route.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day. Polls will be open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Some polling locations have changed, so double-check your polling location at somervillema.gov/MySomerville.

If you are voting by mail, drop off your mail-in ballot in the blue drop boxes around Somerville. Please drop off your ballot at soon as possible, and no later than 8:00 p.m. November 3. For a map of drop box locations, go to somervillema.gov/VoteByMail.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Congresswoman Katherine Clark are pleased to announce the donation of 7,500 masks from the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce to first responders in Middlesex County and members of the District Attorney’s COVID Preparation Task Force on October 27.

The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have created instability for many. Looking for ways to give back? Consider these socially distant volunteer ideas:

The Ignite Festival will not be extinguished. Instead of a festival per se, this year Ignite will be more like a festive and delicious night out. On November 7, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m this en plein air gastronomic gala will take place at restaurants throughout Union Square, from the Plaza to Bow Market and beyond. Each eatery will feature special fiery dishes and libations to warm you up.

— Photo courtesy of Sligo Pub

Mayor and City Councilors unite to request more than $550,000 in small business fees be waived 

The City is making a new, $750,000 round of relief available to Somerville’s small businesses as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the local character of the city’s commercial establishments during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and City Councilors also united to request that the City Licensing Commission and City Council waive more than $550,000 in annual licensing fees. This follows an earlier round of small business relief during the summer where the City distributed $1 million in emergency funds to impacted small businesses and waived almost $200,000 in fees.

— Photo © YurolaitsAlbert / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Among mask mandates, social distancing, outspoken political views and personal challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened risk for public spaces turning into places of conflict.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

If there’s ever a real argument comparing these days to the good old days, two words can help win the discussion, full size. Not just candy bars either. Back then there was no such thing as fun size. And instead of a regular size goody bag, my friends and I carried full size pillowcases. Everything back then (60’s-80’s) was bigger. Cars were bigger, toys seemed bigger and, of course, Halloween candy bars were … full size.