By Erin Nolan

Last week, Sgt. George R. Schipani was finally returned to his hometown of Somerville for the first time in almost 70 years. Schipani, who was killed in action during the Korean War in early 1951, was buried with full military honors, including a procession led by Massachusetts State Police and the Somerville Police Department, at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, June 22.

By Marshall Collins

At the June 13 Planning Board meeting, the developers behind the revitalization of Union Square shared their updated vision for open space, which was refined based on feedback from the community over the rigorous 18-month community process.

The Fourth of July holds a special significance in the hearts of truly patriotic Americans. Not only is it a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it also happens to fall at the best time of year to make good times happen, summer.

Who among us doesn’t enjoy the occasion? Who can resist the warm glow of good fellowship between friends, neighbors and families as the “birthday” of our nation comes around?

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Ah, the mushy peas. I was served mushy peas with my order of fish and chips while vacationing in Ireland. I had heard of them, but never really thought about what they consisted of. I must say I wasn’t really impressed with my first taste. They were pale greenish gray with a bland muted pea flavor.

The 2019 City of Somerville Fourth of July celebration takes place this Thursday, June 27, at Trum Field, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks scheduled at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Join Mayor Curtatone for the annual 4th of July Fireworks with live entertainment on Thursday, June 27, from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., at Trum Field, 541 Broadway, Somerville.

The entertainment lineup for the celebration includes performances by the USO Metropolitan New York Performers and local Disco-Funk band Booty Vortex, leading up to a 20-minute fireworks display beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m.

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Longtime Somerville resident, college professor, poet, and philosopher Ifeanyi Menkiti passed away at the age of 78 this month. Menkiti is noted for saving the famed Grolier Poetry Book Shop in Harvard Square, when he took over ownership. I am grateful for him for many things, his warm welcoming presence, his poetry, his generosity, and his humanity. I am also grateful that he bought the Bloc 11 Cafe building on Bow Street in Union Square years ago. He told me over lunch there that he wanted a cafe that would be a meeting place for writers, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and others. As we looked across the crowded cafe, I realized his vision had been met.

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Krikor Der Hohannesian lives in Medford, MA. His poems have appeared in over 150 literary journals including The Evansville Review, The South Carolina Review, Atlanta Review, Louisiana Literature, Connecticut Review and Natural Bridge. He is a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee and the author of two chapbooks, Ghosts and Whispers (Finishing Line Press, 2010) and Refuge in the Shadows (Cervena Barva Press, 2013). Ghosts and Whispers was a finalist for the Mass Book awards poetry category in 2011.

Ribbon cutting at the reopening celebration
~Photo by Mark Hoffman

The Somerville Community Growing Center celebrated its reopening last Saturday morning with a crowd of friends, neighbors, and volunteers.

Arrests:
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Jarrod Lee, of 46 Prospect St., Brockton, June 18, 2:38 p.m., arrested at Middlesex Ave. on a charge of violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon.

Jose Escobar, of 15B Hamlet St., June 19, 11:43 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on warrant charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, not being in possession of license, and no inspection sticker.

Starting today, Monday, June 24, a detour will be in place during work hours on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m., in Union Square. Eastbound traffic will be detoured onto Webster Ave. to Prospect St., and northbound traffic from Webster Ave. will be required to turn left onto Washington St. Police details will be on site to assist with all traffic during work hours. MBTA bus routes 85 Outbound, 86 Outbound, 87 Inbound, and 91 Outbound will be diverted via Webster Ave. and Prospect St.