By Olivia Daprile

On Friday, November 16, over 130 foster children were legally adopted by families across the state. Five courthouses opened their doors throughout Massachusetts on National Adoption Day, an annual event which aims to celebrate adoption and spread awareness about the thousands of foster children in need of adoptive families.

One of these families was Emily Ackman and Jonah Larkins-Ford, of Somerville Mass, who officially adopted their son, Tristan.

This is the 27th year of Somerville High School Craft Fair, with free admission, over 100 crafters and a snack bar.

There are crafters from ceramics to jewelry and carved wood and everything in between. Get gifts for everyone in one spot. Each crafter has purchased a space where 100% of their table reservation goes to support the runners of the Somerville High School Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams. Ever wonder who buys sneakers for kids in need or helps to cover expenses for travel to other states and regional events? The SHS TRACK PAC is a register 501c3 non profit.

A public information session regarding contamination at Conway Park will be held on Wednesday, December 5, at the Public Safety Building (Police Headquarters) at 220 Washington Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Weston & Sampson, the licensed site professionals in charge of soil testing, and City staff will be on hand to discuss the testing results and next steps as well as to answer questions. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) who have oversight over the testing and mitigation process will also be present to answer questions.

(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 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

It’s that time of year again. It’s the season for gathering with your friends and family, for enjoying whichever holiday(s) your family celebrates, and for giving. Here in Somerville, it’s also a season for construction and road work. With that in mind, I’m updating one of my op-eds from my archives to remind us all of the importance of shopping local this holiday season. And this year, let’s take it one step further—for the holidays and year-round—join in our #Loyal2Local campaign to especially support businesses impacted by construction.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Thanksgiving is a day that always goes as planned. The meal is prepared and the family sits down and eats, engages in cheerful banter and everyone goes home fulfilled. Each family member gets along with the others and everything is wonderful. Not always.

Many Somerville residents feel caught up in a web of never ending efforts to rid their neighborhoods of rodent infestation with all the construction going on. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

By NaBeela Washington

For many the Green Line construction in Somerville is a blessing. It brings increased opportunities for navigation and accessibility to Boston for residents and commuters. But for some, the changes have caused a stir for those living in close proximity to construction: major rat problems.

Local veterans, public officials, and civilians gathered at George Dilboy VFW Post #529 for a special day of celebration and appreciation for those who served their country.

By Jim Clark

On Saturday, November 10, members of the community, along with city and state leaders, joined members of George Dilboy VFW Post #529 in honoring those who served our country in the military as part of the Veterans Day celebration weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here and elsewhere who are fans of our paper. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Turkey.

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