Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Somerville is a great big melting pot with a mixture of all kinds of different people, all ages, cultures and groups. We have folks moving here from other countries, transplanted newcomers, and of course, the lifers.

Lifers are those who have been lucky enough to be able to stay in the houses their parents bought in the 50s and 60s and 70s for prices that are now equal to some monthly rents in parts of Somerville and surrounding areas. Lifers are also dyed in the wool Somerville people who grew up here and now either bought or rent because they still love this city.

By Jim Clark

According to the City of Somerville and specialists in this field, invasive plant species, such as black swallow-wort (BSW), can interfere with monarch butterfly reproduction.

Monarch butterflies help pollinate other plants, so a healthy population is important. If you have black swallow-wort in your yard, now is a good time to get rid of it before its seeds drop.

~Photo courtesy of Somerville Overcoming Addiction

City Hall to Be Lit with Purple Lights; Ceremony to Place 157 Flags for Those Lost to Overdose; Communitywide Call for all to Display Purple

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 and National Recovery Month in September, advocates and officials in Somerville have united in their call for Somervillians to observe both events in a few simple but powerful ways. From displaying purple lights and ribbons to attending vigils and events, residents can send a message of support and hope for recovery.

(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

State Primary Election, September 4

The September 4^th State Primary Election is quickly approaching and sample ballots are available now. Find them along with information about polling place locations and other important upcoming election dates like voter registration for the General Election and the early voting schedule by visiting www.somervillema.gov/elections.

Somerville now 43^rd Massachusetts community to detect the destructive pest

State officials have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer – an invasive beetle responsible for the destruction of millions of ash trees in the United States – in the City of Somerville. This is the first detection in Somerville, making it the 43^rd Massachusetts community to confirm the presence of the pest. On August 10, the beetle was found during a routine inspection of ash borer traps and submitted to the State Department of Conservation and Recreation Forest Health Program, which confirmed the detection on Friday, August 17.

Artist Marka27, who lives in Cambridge, will create a mural in Union Square. — Photo courtesy of Marka27

By Shira Laucharoen

Colorful murals created by internationally acclaimed artists will deck the outer walls of storefronts in East Somerville and Union Square. Through a mini festival produced by the Somerville Arts Council, three artists, Evaristo Angurria, David Zayas, and Victor “Marka27” Quinonez, will paint the murals from August 21 to 31.

By William C. Shelton

After 34 years as a probation officer, my friend Bob McWatters retired last month, having done something remarkable in what many would consider to be an unremarkable line of work. Most Villens who have known him as neighbor, Alderman, or Clerk of Committees do not know that his innovation won national and international attention.

I want to tell you about it. But first, I want to describe the path that led him there.

(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 JT Scott
Ward 2 Alderman

Sexual harassment is a major problem. We know from looking at the news that government is no exception. On investigating this problem locally, I discovered that Somerville does not keep track of sexual harassment trends.

Tonight, Wednesday, August 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sally O’Brien’s on Somerville Avenue, Union Square, Mayor Joe Curtatone and former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay invite all to a reception for Jimmy Tingle, who is a candidate for Lt. Governor. Suggested contributions from $50, $100, $250 & $500. For more information, contact the Tingle committee at 617-441-0522.