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Lynne Viti is a lecturer emerita in the Writing Program at Wellesley College. She is the author of two previous poetry collections, Baltimore Girls and The Glamorganshire Bible, and the recently published Going Too Fast: Stories. Her website is at lynneviti.wordpress.com.

(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.)

Dear Editor,

We all know that smoking is harmful to one’s lungs. As our lives are disrupted by the coronavirus, this fact raises concerns about the damaging impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) may have on those who smoke or vape. Dr. Nora Volkow [1], director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, says, “Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.” While the long-term impact of vaping is not clear, there is evidence coming out that vaping, like smoking, harms the ability of the lungs to fight infection.

During regular business hours, the City’s 311 information service has expanded to include health, mental/emotional support and economic issue specialists in order to put residents in touch with needed help during the COVID-19 crisis.

Order stamps and supplies, print postage, arrange pick-up

You don’t have to go to the Post Office to use many postal products and services. In fact, most simple tasks can be done from the convenience and safety of your home with or without a computer.

Like purchasing stamps. Using your computer, you can go to the Postal Store on usps.com and select different stamp denominations. USPS will deliver them right to your home.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Chief of Police David Fallon have confirmed an investigation into a fatal stabbing that occurred yesterday at Clarendon Hill Apartments in Somerville.

Daphne Kalotay

Three Somerville Authors on Massachusetts Book Awards “Must Reads” Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) is pleased to announce the “Must Read” longlists in the 20th annual Massachusetts Book Awards. The awards recognize significant works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for adults and young readers written by Massachusetts authors and published during the preceding calendar year.

Dear Community Members,

Hearty Meals For All will served up free to-go meals outside of the Somerville Community Baptist Church Friday.

If you are struggling with food security during this difficult time, sign up for Somerville Emergency Food resource at tinyurl.com/SOMCovidFood and visit somervillema.gov/coronavirushelp “Food Access” tab for more information about where to get food support.