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Steven Ratiner has published three poetry chapbooks, and is completing work on three full-length collections. His work has appeared in scores of journals in America and abroad including Parnassus, Agni, Hanging Loose, Poet Lore, Salamander, QRLS (Singapore) and Poetry Australia. He’s also written poetry criticism for The Christian Science Monitor, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The Washington Post. Giving Their Word – Conversations with Contemporary Poets was re-issued in a paperback edition (University of Massachusetts Press) and features interviews with many of poetry’s most important figures. He has taught in the Massachusetts Artist in Residence program for four decades, conducting poetry programs in over 300 schools. Since 2019, he’s been the Poet Laureate for Arlington, Massachusetts; his weekly Red Letter Poems features poets from across Massachusetts and beyond (steven.arlingtonlaureate@gmail.com) This poem was written for his grandson, who is a young citizen of fair Somerville.

Arrests:
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Stephen Forsberg, October 1, 11:10 a.m., arrested at Somerville Ave. on warrant charges of malicious wanton defacement of property, trespassing, and felony daytime breaking and entering.

First two clinics scheduled for Oct. 13 and Oct. 23, Pre-clinic registration required

The City of Somerville has set up two free flu vaccination clinics for residents in October that will be open by appointment. Additional dates will be added through the fall and winter and will be posted on somervillema.gov/flu. Residents are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine to protect their health as well as to support the community’s efforts to lessen the impacts of both influenza and the coronavirus. 

Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS), a nonprofit that creates opportunities for individuals through residential and outpatient behavioral health treatment, re-entry for justice-involved individuals, veteran services, and senior living, today announced that it has been awarded four grants – totaling nearly $9.2 million – to address behavioral health needs in several Eastern Mass. communities.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley today announced her endorsement of current Somerville Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne to become the city’s next Mayor

“I’m grateful to have known Katjana for more than a decade, and to have had the opportunity to work alongside her during her time on the Somerville City Council,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I have seen, firsthand, her commitment to leading with compassion and in deep partnership with community. During her campaign for Mayor, Katjana has presented a clear vision for Somerville’s future – rooted in inclusivity, equity, and justice – and a detailed plan for how to make that vision a reality. I know that, as Mayor, Katjana will continue to provide the bold, committed leadership that the residents of Somerville both demand and deserve.” 

The City of Somerville is set to debut the new Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan

The Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan is a master plan and zoning recommendation document that establishes the long-term vision for Assembly Square, Somerville’s newest and fastest growing neighborhood. Once adopted, it will provide the basis for decision making, development, and further planning as Somerville and the Assembly Square Neighborhood move into the future.

Open Armory is your chance to tap into beauty. Bring your talent, be it music, comedy, storytelling, or hula hooping. All are welcome at the Armory Cafe on the first Wednesday of the month. Join Ben Quick and Nate Taylor for a night of good times, good drinks, and dream chasing. And if nothing else, as Confucius said – everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

ECSB Bank President/CEO Gilda M. Nogueira (second from left) presents a check for $5,000 to support the Money Management program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services. Also in photo, from left, are East Cambridge Financial Services VP/ SCES Board Member Curtis Jones,

The East Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of East Cambridge Savings Bank, recently made a $5,000 grant to support the Money Management program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES). This grant is matching the first $5,000 donated to this innovative program that supports local seniors.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne, and city staff invite you to a virtual community meeting to review the final design for schoolyard renovations at the West Somerville Neighborhood School.  

The design includes a small turf field, age-appropriate play structures, active areas for kickball and basketball, a climbing wall, significantly more tree canopy, tables and seating, new safety surfacing and fencing, and drainage improvements, among other features.