Jehlen Endorses Barber to Succeed Her in Senate

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Sen. Pat Jehlen Endorses Rep. Christine Barber for State Senate

Retiring State Senator Pat Jehlen has endorsed State Rep. Christine Barber in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Middlesex Senate seat, which includes Somerville and which Jehlen has held for more than twenty years. Jehlen, who says she rarely endorses in legislative races, announced the backing in a video released by the Barber campaign, calling Barber best prepared to carry the fight for affordable housing, affordable health care, and affordable living. Barber, a six-term representative for the 34th Middlesex District and chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, cited her record on driver's licenses for immigrants regardless of status, ending copays for insulin and inhalers, and expanding ConnectorCare.

The Somerville Times

Central Library Hosts End-of-Summer Reading Celebration Today

Somerville Public Library's Central branch celebrates the end of its summer reading program today, Friday, Aug. 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the library lawn with games, music, and prizes.

Somerville Public Library

The Femmes Headline Pop Punk Night at Crystal Ballroom Tonight

The all-women and non-binary band The Femmes performs 2000s pop-punk hits tonight, Friday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. at Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre.

The Crystal Ballroom

R&B Singer Otis Kane Performs at Warehouse XI Saturday

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Otis Kane plays an all-ages show at Warehouse XI in Union Square Saturday, Aug. 15, with doors at 7 p.m.

JamBase

Somerville Museum's Vacation Arts Program for Kids Begins Monday

The Somerville Museum's weeklong Vacation Arts Program for children ages 7–11 starts Monday, Aug. 17, with daily workshops in book-binding, mosaics, and printmaking from 9 a.m. to noon.

Somerville Museum

'Let the Woman Speak' Comedy Showcase at Union Tavern Tonight

Laugh Giraffe Comedy is presenting its "Standup Comedy Spectacular: Let the Woman Speak!" on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 PM at Union Tavern, highlighting witty female comedians from across the region.

Eventbrite

Rich O'Reilly Plays Council on Aging Cultural Series Today

Rich O'Reilly performs acoustic classic pop, folk, and light Americana at 11 a.m. today at Dilboy Post, 351 Summer St., with lunch served at noon as part of the Council on Aging's cultural series.

City of Somerville

Davis Square 'Glow Up' Ribbon Cutting Set for Aug. 21

The City of Somerville will hold a ribbon cutting for Davis Square's summer improvements—more color and seating—on Friday, Aug. 21, from 4:30 to 5 p.m.

www.somervillema.gov

City Warns of Scam Emails Targeting Special Permit Applicants

Somerville officials say special permit applicants have received fraudulent emails demanding payment that mimic city logos, titles, and staff names; the city is sharing tips to spot the scam.

www.somervillema.gov

Quiet Queer Book Club Debuts Sunday at All She Wrote Books

East Somerville's All She Wrote Books launches its Quiet Queer Book Club Sunday, Aug. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon; bring your own book for a relaxed reading session.

All She Wrote Books

Kitty Connection Seeks Urgent Foster for Senior Cat Pair

Medford's Kitty Connection warns that 13-year-old siblings Greensleeves and String face euthanasia by month's end unless a foster or permanent home takes them together.

The Somerville Times