(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)

Neighbors, 

We are in unusual times, this is certain, but that may be the only certainty we have before us.

Many of us are frightened for our health, stunned at the squandering of our wealth, and worried about the very structures that support Democracy.

Fall 2019 – Broadway after bus/bike lane restriping. The Holland St. and College Ave. plan will claim rush hour parking spots to be used as bus/bike only lanes. — Photo courtesy of Kittelson and Associates

By Denise Keniston

On Thursday, August 10, Somerville’s Transportation Mobility Planners held their second public meeting on the “Holland St. and College Ave. Mobility Improvements” project. In Spring 2021, the city will start resurfacing the roadways and sidewalks of Holland Street from Davis Street to Teele Square, and of College Avenue, from Davis Square to Powder House Circle.

The “Care to the People” that now graces the exterior walls at the CHA Somerville Campus mural was unveiled last Thursday.
— Photos by Isabel Sami

By Isabel Sami

To brighten and incite joy in Somerville, the Cambridge Health Alliance Foundation had an idea: a beautiful mural at the CHA Somerville Campus. Together with the Somerville Arts Council, the foundation put out a call for local artists to submit ideas for the mural, and Amanda Hill was selected.

By Elizabeth Long

In a virtual meeting per state orders, the Somerville Commission for Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC) met on Wednesday, August 12, to discuss plans for a more sustainable future, and all the steps in between.

This summer, Somerville Prevention Services is hosting a series of free virtual presentations about a range of substance use prevention topics as one way to continue to educate and support community members during the coronavirus pandemic. Session themes include tobacco/nicotine, marijuana, problem gambling, anger management in recovery, and alcohol. Upcoming presentations will be held on August 20 and August 27 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Visit somervillema.gov/preventionservices shortly before the meeting to join live. Each session will also be recorded and posted online following the presentation. For more information, please visit somervillema.gov/preventionservices.

(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)

Dear Somerville Neighbor,

Statewide Preliminary election day is September 1^st, and long-time   MA state Rep. Denise Provost is NOT running for re-election. Please join those of us who are signed on to this letter, as well as many others, in supporting Ms. Catia Sharp to succeed Rep. Provost  as the state representative for the 27^th Middlesex district (Wards 5 & 6, and certain precincts in Wards  2& 3) for the Ma House of Representatives.

Eagle Feathers #210– Swashbucklers

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

It was close. The English Redcoats retreating from Lexington and Concord barely escaped to freedom. They had to wade through the swash or shallow waters of Charlestown’s Neck, which was an island during high tide. It is near the site of today’s Schrafft’s City Center at Sullivan Square.

Once again, we’re facing the harsh fact that that the reopening process is not just moving along slowly, but has virtually come to a standstill.

The recent announcement that the city is holding back on going into Phase 3 Step 1 has been a dagger in the heart for some. Mainly, the small business owners who feel the need to get back to some semblance of normal operation in order to simply survive after being closed down or severely restricted for so long.

Roxbury Community College (RCC) is making sure every college student at RCC has the technology to complete courses online through its new RoxSTARS: Scholars with Technology Achieving Results program.

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By Betsy Lenora

It took a third move from spot to spot to find the most comfortable place for my picnic. Noise was the biggest obstacle. A leaf blower chased me from riverbank to park bench & finally, to my quiet perch on a concrete ledge. Sitting over an outlet to the Mystic River, my legs dangled freely. Below my feet were a pile of rocks. Straight ahead, the river flowed towards the ocean. The banks on both sides were lined with trees & provided welcoming shade. Nearby, Alewife Brook emptied itself into the river, merging with the faster water on its way to the sea. While I ate my lunch, I watched as canoes, kayaks, & rubber rafts passed by in a colorful flotilla. The river is not terribly wide, at least not in this area. It was easy to see the riverboat people along with an occasional dog.