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Zvi A. Sesling, the Poet Laureate of Brookline, MA, is an award winning poet whose poetry is online and in print in more than 200 publications and numerous countries. He publishes Muddy River Books and edits Muddy River Poetry Review. He reviews books for the Boston Small Press and Poetry Scene. Sesling is the author of four volumes of poetry as well as two chapbooks, Across Stones of Bad Dreams and Love Poems From Hell. He lives in Brookline, MA. with his wife Susan J. Dechter.       

Open Positions: one position available
Term: 3 years
Availability: Immediate

The City of Somerville is currently seeking applicants for one open position on the Somerville Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission is devoted to preserving and protecting Somerville’s natural environment with an emphasis on several specific areas: wetlands, open space, and community gardens. The key responsibility of members is to protect the City’s wetlands and rivers via their authority to administer and enforce the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Rivers Protection Act. In addition, the Commission plays an important role as a sounding board for open space planning and open space initiatives. The City’s community gardens program, which offers gardening plots to residents, is also overseen by the Commission.

Arrests:
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Shawn Smith, of 15 Sheafe, Malden, July 15, 7:25 p.m., arrested at Temple St. on charges of carrying a firearm with ammunition, drug possession to distribute, possession of a class B drug, carrying a firearm without a license, aggravated assault and battery, possession of ammunition without FID card, and witness intimidation.

Vincent J. Piro, Age 78, of Medford and East Dennis, formally of Somerville, Mass., died peacefully on July 19 surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Karen Lee (Kelly) Piro, 18 months ago. He was a devoted father to Lisa Bowler and her husband, Brian, and Vincent and Michael Piro. He was a loving grandfather to Katie and Will Bowler and Ella and Vincent Piro.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

By Jim Clark

Both the driver and the victim of Saturday’s fatal hit-and-run crash have been identified by authorities. 52-year-old Somerville resident Cheryl Pauline Richards was struck down and killed as she stepped into the crosswalk on Mystic Ave., south of Route 28 last Saturday evening.

By Jim Clark

Local and state police are investigating a hit-and-run crash in Somerville that caused the death of a female pedestrian who was reportedly struck while crossing Mystic Ave., south of Rte. 28 Saturday evening, at about 8:00 p.m.

According to reports, the vehicle, which may have been a Mercedes-Benz, continued southbound after the crash. Police say that the vehicle most likely has front-end damage, probably on the passenger side.

Somerville artist Jane Sherrill.

By JT Thompson

Jane Sherrill, a painter and mixed media artist, has been working in the same studio in Vernon Street Studios for over thirty years. She speaks with the gentle thoughtfulness and cheerful self-confidence of someone who has looked for and found happiness in life.

“I moved to Somerville from the Cape because I wanted to be in a city, I wanted something to bump up against. The Cape was too easy, too beautiful. I’d lived in Chicago, New York. And Somerville is open, you can get involved. You can get to know the mayor, the city councilors. You can really be a part of it, of what’s happening in the city. And there’s a big arts community.”

A free summer basketball program for youth in Somerville . Anyone from the ages of 10 to 19 can join in on any Tuesday or Thursday through August 29 – no sign up required. This program will be held at the Healey School outdoor basketball court from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m, weather permitting. In case of rain, the program will move to the Healey School gym.

The former Boston Elevated Railway Substation’s before renovation. 

By Marian Berkowitz

School Street is familiar to many residents as it is well-traversed, connecting the Winter Hill, Central Hill, and Union Square neighborhoods. It’s a typical densely developed residential street, until you come down the hill and approach Summer Street. On the right corner of Avon Street, there is an old utility brick building. As a Union Square resident I have regularly gone past this abandoned building and always wondered about its former purpose. This past year I noticed with excitement that someone had brought it back to life.

(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.)

By Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. 

90 degrees or more: When the temperature stays above 90s degrees for a few days that’s considered extreme heat. Extreme heat isn’t just an uncomfortable inconvenience. Sustained high temperatures can be a health risk, especially to children, seniors, people with certain medical conditions, and those who work outside. It’s easier to become dehydrated in extreme heat and it’s important to watch out for the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about staying safe in extreme heat.