The Somerville Board of Health has voted to extend the eviction moratorium through September 15 of this year.

By Rachael Hines

In a virtual meeting at on June 17, the Board of Health (BOH) voted to extend the end date of the eviction moratorium to September 15, 2021.

“We’re still in a state of emergency in Somerville, though the state of emergency in Massachusetts has been rescinded,” said Board member Robert Ciccia. “What’s on the table is a sensible next step given the transition that the entire Commonwealth is in.”

*

It’s nice to finally be able to get back to some favorite destinations in Portland since things are starting to get back to normal from the past 15 months.

One of my guilty pleasures is the lobster roll at The Highroller Lobster Company, (https://highrollerlobster.com/about/). Served on a griddled brioche roll, and I highly recommend you get the lobster meat dipped in clarified butter, and topped with the lime aioli. The flavor combination enhances the moist, sweet lobster meat. I’m sure you will order a second one, seriously.

What is more delicious to the young mind than that savory and unrivaled treat, summer vacation? A well-deserved reward for all the hard work and irreplaceable time invested in the previous school year.

As adults, we can look back fondly on those golden days with a warm sense of nostalgia and a longing to return to the carefree days that linger now only in our memories. And yet, we can live those times again vicariously as we engage with the present younger generation who will be making its own special memories.

On June 21, Somerville friends held a memorial at Belmont Park to honor the lives of James Buff Macauley and Mike McLean. Families from both decedents were at the impromptu tribute to discuss and celebrate their lives. Both men, Somerville residents, recently passed and they were honored at Belmont Park, where they spent much of their younger days.

*

As I sat on my porch with my cat Ketz, and a strong cup of coffee – I thought about Somerville writer Joseph Torra’s new memoir, Who Do You Think You Are? Reflections of a Writer’s Life…

*
In his newest volume, Pieces of Bones and Rags, Michael C. Keith brings to the reader more idiosyncratic and laconic narratives designed to amuse, enlighten, and provoke. This quirky collection mines the full range of human behavior and experience for all their varied and distinct manifestations and consequences. The epigrammatic tales between these covers provide a sometimes numinous often harrowing sojourn across landscapes both familiar and exotic.

Arrests:
*

Pershing B. Reid III, June 16, 9:36 p.m., arrested at Barton St. on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon.

Robert Vallery, June 18, 8:35 a.m., arrested at Broadway on charges of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and possession of a class E drug.

Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

On Wednesday, June 23, the Massachusetts Transportation Committee will hold a hearing for H.3456/S.2289 An Act relative to work and family mobility during and subsequent to the COVID-19 emergency. The Committee will hear testimony from legislators, law enforcement, impacted individuals, and other supporters.

The City of Somerville and its contractor, Simple Recycling, are making several changes to Somerville’s curbside textile recycling service to improve the program for residents and the environment. 

Each year, only 15 percent of all unwanted clothing in the United States is donated or recycled, while approximately 14.3 million tons of clothing (or about 80 pounds per person) ends up in landfills. These process adjustments will make recycling textiles even easier and make the “pink bag” program even greener. 

An early Tuesday morning fire displaced 9 residents of 17 Bond St in Somerville. One resident reported a Somerville Police officer saved lives by knocking down their door and pulling people out of the home. 

As firefighters arrived heavy fire was showing which was extending into the building, a second  alarm was sounded. Firefighters worked extensively to keep it from spreading to neighboring houses. A third alarm was sounded to bring in extra personal to overhaul and rotate to hydrate because of the high tempertures. One firefighter was taken to the hospital and treated for dehydration. 

Cars and a second house were also damaged by the heat of the fire.

State and local authorities  are investigating the cause.