A proposed property tax increase could bring in more revenue for the Community Preservation Act, which in turn invests in Somerville’s public spaces, among other things.

By Parker Garlough

Somerville voters may see a new referendum on the ballot this November. The proposed ballot measure would increase the surcharge that is collected from property owners for the Community Preservation Act from 1.5% to 3% of their property taxes. If enacted, the average single-family home would pay $93 each year.

On Friday, July 12, the Somerville Museum honored Mayor Emeritus Eugene Brune, for over 30 years of service as a Trustee and for his ongoing commitment and contributions to the Museum. It was a wonderful event with a large and joyous crowd of family and friends who joined together to celebrate Gene, on his birthday, 95 years young!

(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)

As members of Shalom Somerville, a grassroots coalition of Somerville residents, workers, and students dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and civil community in our city, we were deeply concerned and disappointed by the recent inclusion of the film Israelism in the Performance Opportunity Program (POP) series at Arts at the Armory.

A Poetry Reading: Celebrating Amy Lowell takes place on Saturday, July 20, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. (Rain Date: July 21, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.). Visit the Somerville Community Growing Center in celebration of the garden poetry of Amy Lowell, with readings from Jennifer Clarvoe, Lloyd Schwartz, and Denise Provost in a garden setting. Conversation and an open mic will follow. Presented by the NE Poetry Club. More info at nepoetryclub.org.

Last Thursday, the Somerville City Council passed a resolution to support the “Natural Psychedelic Substances Act,” a question on the November ballot that would bring psychedelic-assisted therapy to Massachusetts. Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. introduced the resolution.

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During the hot summer months, I prefer to eat on the lighter side. Salads are a big part of my lunch menu. I usually have most of the items listed below on hand. Sometimes I have left over grilled chicken, grilled steak, or even roasted vegetables that I like to incorporate into my salads. For additional protein garbanzo beans or edamame beans can be added for texture and color. You can add just about anything for a fun, not so boring and nutritious salad. The sky is the limit!

Summertime is a great time for outdoor gatherings celebrations. Part of the fun is indulging in the pleasures of grilling and sharing good food and drink with family and friends.

But certain safety measures must be followed to make sure that these grand epicurean hoedowns don’t end in catastrophic property – and personal – damage caused by fire gone out of control. Especially considering how dry and combustible everything is during these recent heat waves.

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Review by g emil reutter

Rammelkamp brings us on a journey into the history of burlesque and stripping from Boston to the west coast and Europe. It is a romp from the late 1800’s up until the 00’s. As much as the poems are energetic, frenzied one may say, there are many written with a sublime sadness. Through the tassels. g-strings, feathers and sex, these are performers whose lives are documented by Rammelkamp.

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Kacy Fallon is a proud mom, military wife, writer, and educator. Her work has appeared in PANK Magazine, Euphony, 50-Word Stories, Ghost Town, and Boston Poetry Magazine, among others. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Kacy is an adjunct professor of English at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, where she previously served as the Director of the Writing Center. She currently lives in Kennebunk, Maine with her husband and three children.