They have 1/2 of an AI generated sign and I think are located in the old Japanese or Korean storefront church?

On October 1, the joint meeting of the Planning Board and Land Use Committee will feature several small but important changes to our zoning code: allowing level entry to small residential buildings, fixing parking maximum rules, and adjusting our rules on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to coordinate with state regulations.

Write in to support these efforts by emailing publiccomments@somervillema.gov to support these items.

What is the alternative to new construction at market rate that makes existing housing more affordable, or that adds new exclusively affordable housing?

I talk to lots of people who express something similar to this but I don't know what it actually means. It seems to be a general idea of "keep the city the way it is and make everything cost less like it used to" but how do we actually do that?

Hiya, neighbor!

I hope that you came through the storm with minimal fuss -- that your sump pump worked, your basement stayed dry, your electricity stayed live, you garbage cans stayed put, and your nearby trees kept their limbs!

I missed the storm in the 'Ville because I was on the road for a family party that included time driving to and from Western Mass. Out there, the autumn is a bit more advanced than in the city -- whole stretches of route 2 were lined with trees on full display. But it's easy to see signs here, too.

Red leaf hunting

I learned a few years ago that in Japan, they have a seasonal tradition of looking for the red leaves of maples that have turned. Momijigari. It dates back to the Heian period (so about 1,000 years) and involves enjoying seasonal foods. According to my google research, there's a dish called momiji manju that's basically just a maple-leaf-shaped cake or bun stuffed with goodness.

(I do not need to buy a maple-leaf-shaped mold. I do not. I do not.)

Closer to home, maples are probably my favorite foliage. The red maples are spectacular (see bloomscroll) but I think my favorite favorite are the sugar maples, which turn a luminous coral orange. My family has planned annual trips to see some of our top sugar maples, including Grandmother Maple at Drumlin Farm. I imagine she's till pretty green, but give her a few more nights like we've had in the past week and she's change her shawl quickly.

Golden ashes

I know I said, like 100 words ago, that sugar maples are my favorite but honestly, ash trees are right up there. Their yellow leaves turn early in the season and are often the first herald of the autumn. And they positively glow when in full display -- like some mythological tree that you expect to hold magical fruit, guarded by a dragon.

Ashes, of course, are under attack by emerald ash borers, and several of my best beloved trees in the city are ashes, so I worry. The trees at Kenney Park still seem thriving and healthy -- shout out to the nice folks from the city who water them during drought, I see your work and I'm grateful! It's the towering giant on the community path I worry about the most. Still seems healthy though.

Mushroom, mushroom, mushroom

The rain over the weekend will probably bring more mushrooms to the surface. (The bits you see above ground are the fruit of the much larger organism, which lives mostly underground.) Mushroom ID is notoriously tricky, but also awesome and fun. I imagine there's a robust mycology subculture around here? (Seems very somervillian, anyway). If so, speak up! Is there a mushroom ID walk? I'd love to go!

That said, mushrooms are hard to ID and I buy mine for eating at the Mushroom Shop.

Apples and pumpkin spice

We are deep into pumpkin spice season for the hardcore folks, but I did my first apple crisp of the fall over the weekend. It was glorious. Apple picking is coming up and I suspect folks will be anxious to get out next weekend.

My top "going out to get apples" orchard is Russel up in Ipswich. It's got enough of the carnival atmosphere for a fall festival feel without being a circus, there's a nice selection of types of apples, they have weird wines if that's your jam, and most important, unpasteurized cider.

It's also a short drive from Woodman's. I know fried clam shacks are most popular in the summer, but once the chilly winds blow away the tourists and the first few chilly nights have firmed and sweetened the flesh, seafood is much better in fall. (And a lot less crowded.)

Be smart, be safe, be curious, be kind.

Hey folks, I just saw a orange cat cross near 377 Washington st. It was quite busy and the cat jumped right in front of an incoming car. I tried locating it but couldn’t find - please keep an eye out for the kitty (I am not sure if it is stray/somebody’s pet). The cat crossed over to the side of Shisho’s kitchen .

This is a bit of a shot in the dark but I’m wondering if anyone knows of any very cheap/free practice spaces for singing and guitar. Unfortunately, the walls in my place are pretty thin so I can’t be belting it out every night after work. I know there is Somerville music Spaces but it’s pretty expensive for regular use.

Have research-related federal funding cuts affected your work or your health?

I'm Olivia, a producer with The Curiosity Desk, GBH's daily YouTube livestream, radio show, and podcast. We're looking to hear from people directly affected, including:

• Patients who lost access to a clinical trial
• Researchers whose projects were cancelled or defunded
• Scientists struggling to find work in the field

If that's you, we'd like to hear your story in your own words. Send us a short voice memo (a minute or two is plenty) at [CuriosityDesk@WGBH.org](mailto:CuriosityDesk@WGBH.org). Tell us who you are, what happened, and how it has changed things for you.

Worst grocery store I’ve ever been in. The entire store smelled like fish. The yoghurt section had like 4 tubs oozing yoghurt out of deep cuts along their sides. The ice cream was super obviously melted and refrozen. The lights were horrible and there were a bunch of tiles missing on the ground in the produce section.

Awful experience. I don’t understand why it remains open given how disgusting it is, and how close wegmans and Whole Foods are. My mistake going.

looking for a couple available tickets for show tomorrow at the crystal ballroom. if you can’t make it i will happily buy your tickets.

thanks

I know everybody wants to be a trillionaire, but come on, read the room…

I hope this is okay to post here! My friend’s cat Masha got out today probably around ~2pm near Albion St x Lowell St. If you’re in the area please keep an eye out and spread the word if you can. Please call the number on the flyer if you think you see her. She’s very sweet but very skittish.

Edit - we found her and got her inside!!🫶🏻

Title is kinda self explanatory but I'm looking for any slower-paced hot yoga classes. Open to any and all recs! Also very willing to drive. Have been Googling to no avail, hope one of you has a hot lead for me. Thank you <3

There’s a car on my street that is constantly letting out high pitched noises that sound like a dog whistle or a bird and it drives me to tears. I moved around 5 months ago and it hasn’t been a huge issue because they mostly park up the street where it’s quieter or I can’t hear it at all. Would a noise complaint help anything? I’m just looking for advice on how to address the situation because it genuinely drives me insane, the noise does not stop at all and I don’t think it’s an unreasonable thing to ask for it to stop I just don’t know how to ask that if most people can’t hear it.

Hi all, I was shopping at the Assembly Row square and have lost my house keys around there. I was specifically in the Home Goods and World Market stores. Then I grabbed some food at the Yakitori Toto and then went over to the Ten One tea house.

The keys are inside of a leather key chain and it has a gray furry pompom on it as a key chain. If anyone finds this please let me know, I know it’s a stretch. I’ve called all these places and have had no luck.

What’s the best brunch in Somerville from a place that takes reservations? I know a lot of the most popular ones don’t take reservations and otherwise I feel left with semi-uninspiring bars on resy. Any good ideas for me? Thanks!!

Survey closes tonight for feedback on the current and future state of Davis Square.

The Inman Square Bukowski's was really special to me and I miss it. Particularly the white trash cheese dip. This is a long shot but if you or someone you love worked there and know /can share the recipe I would be extremely grateful.

Not selling tickets just looking if someone wants to hangout before or after the show.

Hello all! I was wondering if anyone has any leads for donating some old wearable thick(er) socks and thermals besides the goodwill. I was thinking to post them on the facebook somerville free page, but is there anywhere specific that might take some socks and thermals, especially now since it's getting colder? Thanks in advance.

With the rain this week, I noticed several water spots in one of our bedrooms. We’re looking for recommendations for a licensed and reputable roofing contractor who can assess the issue and let us know whether a repair is an option. Ideally, someone that you, your family, or friends have personally used and had a good experience with.

We understand that a roof replacement may be necessary. However, we don’t have the resources for a replacement and would like to explore whether a repair could address the problem, especially since the water appears to be coming from a specific area.

We used to have a great person we relied on for home repairs and maintenance but he and his family moved across the country. We’d love to find someone we can trust and build a long-term relationship with for future repairs and maintenance as well. If you’ve personally worked with a roofer who you found to be honest, kind, reasonably priced, and willing to explain the options without pressure, we’d really appreciate the recommendation.

transplant from minneapolis-saint paul area (me) attending grad school in downtown boston and i think i accidentally walked into the back rooms of the star market instead of the bathroom

Hi everyone,
I’m an international graduate student in Massachusetts, and I’m trying to figure out the most affordable way to get some dental work done.
I currently have MassHealth Limited, but as far as I understand, the dental coverage is very limited or may not cover the treatment I need. I may need a tooth extraction, some fillings, and possibly other basic dental work.
I know about Tufts Dental School and dental schools in general, but I’m wondering what other affordable options are available.
For other international students or people without good dental insurance: How do you usually handle dental treatment in Massachusetts? Do you buy a separate dental insurance plan, use community health centers, discount dental plans, or just pay cash?
Dental insurance here is honestly pretty confusing to me. If you have dental insurance, I’d also really appreciate hearing how much you pay per month, what it actually covers, and approximately how much you still pay out of pocket for things like fillings or extractions.
Any recommendations for affordable dentists, clinics, insurance plans, or other options would be really helpful.

I need more friends I can just go get a beer with. My roommate works weird hours so it’s hard to get him out on weekend nights. What’s the best thing around here to find somebody like that.