Poets Kim Triedman and Patrick Sylvain joined me on my Somerville Community Access TV show Poet to Poet: Writer to Writer, to talk about the acclaimed poetry reading they were part of and the subsequent anthology Poets for Haiti. All this was in reaction to the tragic earthquake that brought Haiti to its knees. Triedman, managing editor for the Ibbetson Street Press in Somerville, Mass, edited the anthology and was instrumental in organizing the reading. Sylvain is originally from Haiti and now lives in Somerville. He is a well-regarded poet, educator and activist.

Our poet this week is Somerville Bagel Bard Alice Weiss.  She is formerly from New Orleans,  Louisiana, earned her living as a civil rights attorney for twenty one years, among other things, investigating and challenging the conditions of jails in parishes throughout the Atchafalaya Basin and the Bayous.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor, Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane and the Somerville Traffic and Parking Department (T&P) announced that the City has begun a traffic calming pilot program in those wards, using radar feedback signs to slow vehicle speeds on some major roadways.  Piloted in Wards 2 and 5 in April, the program may be invested in areas throughout the City, if successful during test periods.  Radar feedback signs have been installed on Summer Street in Ward 3 and Broadway in Ward 7, and registered speeds will be measured to determine the effectiveness of the signs in slowing vehicular traffic.  The program is being undertaken as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety, and to make Somerville more walkable, pedestrian- and bike-friendly community.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

Arrests:
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Ronald Holland, 37, of 14 Stanley Rd., Methuen, May 31, 2:16 p.m., arrested at College Ave. on a warrant charge of assault and battery.

John Farrell, 23, of 133 Rock Glen Rd., Medford, May 31, 2:48 p.m., arrested at 175 Fellsway on a warrant charge of unarmed burglary.

Celebrate the culinary glories of Somerville and the region!

Now in its 13th year, this famed feast showcases the best fare of more than 30 area restaurants. The Taste celebrates Somerville’s exceptional, diverse array of dining establishments, while at the same time bringing the community together in a festive welcome to summertime.

Kenneth Gloss, Proprietor of the Brattle Book Shop, poses with books in the store, which is located at 9 West St., Boston, MA.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Maybe you are an avid book collector, or maybe you simply enjoy reading and perhaps appreciate looking at rare or old books every so often. If either scenario describes you then you have come to the right place.

The event “Is There Value in Your Old and Rare Books” will be hosted by Kenneth Gloss, Proprietor of the Brattle Book Shop in Downtown Crossing, will take place at the main branch of the Somerville Public Library on June 13 at 6:30 p.m.

A Sergeant with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department has been indicted on drug charges after allegedly receiving cocaine and money from an undercover state trooper, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public.

Michael Dell’Isola, 51, of Somerville, was indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on a charge of trafficking cocaine.

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

June. Yikes! And what a month May was! Somerville, a city that is always pulling something new and exciting out of its hat, had a very festive May, especially toward the end. The Somerville Arts Council’s experimental Porchfest should be added to the likes of their successful Art beat and the Illumination Tour. And thanks to the Mayor’s Annual Fitness challenge, I actually enjoyed the festivities 10 pounds lighter.

Race winners from 2009 pose after having won.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The City’s annual Shape Up Somerville/Somerville Recreation Road Race, which was initially planned for April 10, has been rescheduled for June 5, and is part of the City’s first SomerStreets event of the year.

At 11 a.m., the children’s “Fun Run” will kick off with a race around Foss Park, which is a different racecourse from previous years.