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Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Ed Meek

— Life is plastic. It’s fantastic. (Barbie Girl)

The multi-talented Scott Guild has created both a novel and an accompanying musical version of the novel. The novel focuses on live plastic figurines existing sometime in the not-too-distant future after nuclear war.

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Scott Ruescher’s new collection of poems, Above the Fold, will be out from Finishing Line Press in March 2025. In his retirement, he has been writing promotional materials for The Neighborhood Developers in Chelsea and helping to teach ESOL and citizenship classes at The Immigrant Learning Center in Malden.

Charlene M. (Paolillo) Vaughan (1969-2025)

Charlene M. ‘Cha’ ‘Shi-Lene’ (Paolillo) Vaughan of Somerville passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, after a lengthy illness surrounded by her family & friends at the age of 55. She graduated from the Somerville High School Class of 1987.

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Racial & Social Justice Dept. and the Somerville Museum take you through a thought-provoking panel discussion on the impact of Black history on arts and culture and the importance of preserving Black narratives in our community. Hear from community organizers, activists, and City library staff as they share insights and experiences.

Enjoy free pizza and start planning summer fun!

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Superintendent Rubén Carmona are inviting Somerville families to the 2025 Summer Camp & Activities Fair. 

Families can enjoy free pizza while exploring a variety of local summer camps, recreational programs, and learning opportunities. Representatives from regional camps and organizations including the Somerville YMCA, City of Somerville Recreation Department’s Somertime Program, and the Somerville Media Center, along with many others, will be in attendance. Language interpreters will also be available on site.

Time to get FROZEN! The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtBeat 2025 Calls for Talent are now available.

In addition to approximately 100 craft, community, and food vendors on the street, we’ll have two stages of music and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, in partnership with the Somerville Arts Council and an extensive network of artists, cultural workers, and community members, is proud to announce the release of the Somerville Cultural Capacity Plan (SCCP), the city’s first-ever comprehensive plan to strengthen, support, and sustain Somerville’s vibrant arts and culture ecosystem.

By Vincent Hicks, CPA

Q: Can I claim a dependent on my taxes if they’re not my child and don’t live with me?

A: Surprisingly, yes! Many people don’t realize that the IRS allows you to claim certain dependents even if they’re not your child—or even if they don’t live with you. But there are some key rules to follow.