~Photos by Jack Connolly and Donald Norton

Robert McWatters, a lifelong resident of Somerville, former City of Somerville Ward 3 Alderman, and a 34-year veteran of the Cambridge District Court Probation Department recently retired.

(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)

Sir,

Alderman emeritus Jack Connelly in The Somerville Times of July 25th suggests that the city should research and categorize all the city buildings as to their significance. It would be an ideal situation if this were the case and it’s an interesting notion. Mr Connolly has not been the first to suggest this concept.

By Mars Thomlin

She is shy and reluctant to discuss her latest paintings, which is surprising because her paintings make such a bold statement. Diane Blouin is Somerville born and bred. She has spent her entire life painting. She has been a member of the prestigious Copley Society of Artists for more than 30 years. She spent 50 years working in the financial industry on State Street in Boston and has now retired to paint full time.

Somerville Rotary held its Summer Raffle recently, with proceeds going toward contributions to Somerville High School Students during the new Rotary 2018-2019 year.

The First Prize of $200 worth of lottery tickets went to Donald Norton (pictured right), sold by Donald Norton.

Saying goodbye to cherished institutions can be as difficult as sharing a final farewell with a close friend or family member. Even when we know it’s for the best.

It isn’t easy for some of us to watch the demolition of parts of the old Somerville High School as construction crews make way for the massive renovation project now underway. It can almost be felt in the heart and our nervous systems.

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The Certain Magic that Happens When Collective Poetry and Arts Performances Gather Together in a Public Space
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By Francine C. LaChance
francinelachance@comcast.net

The Grolier Poetry Festival went on, as scheduled, on Saturday June 2, 2018, from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Poets, musicians, dancers, and actors performed for a rapt audience, under the sun and an occasional light rain. During the light rain, Stage Manager James Fraser was found onstage, holding an umbrella or two over the performers, and in one case, a harp. Some remarked that the light rain only added to the magic of the day – the magic that occurs when so much talent and creativity comes together in one glorious space, with an open and receptive audience.

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A former Somerville resident, Miriam Sagan was born in NYC, raised in New Jersey, educated in Boston, liberated in San Francisco, and has lived more than half her life in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is the author of 30 published books, including the novel Black Rainbow (Sherman Asher, 2015) and Geographic: A Memoir of Time and Space (Casa de Snapdragon). which won the 2016 Arizona/New Mexico Book Award in Poetry. She founded and headed the creative writing program at Santa Fe Community College until her retirement in 2016. Her awards include the Santa Fe Mayor’s award for Excellence in the Arts, the Poetry Gratitude Award from New Mexico Literary Arts, and a Lannan Foundation residency in Marfa, Texas.

With the Tuesday, September 4, State Primary quickly approaching, the City of Somerville would like to remind residents that the deadline for registering to vote in that election is Wednesday, August 15 (by 8 p.m. if registering in person at City Hall or by 11:59 p.m. if registering online). This is also the deadline for voters wanting to update their address or change party affiliation.

Arrests:
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Anthony Gilardi, of 3000 Stone Place, Melrose, July 26, 3:37 p.m., arrested at Fellsway on warrant charges of possession or use of false or stolen RMV signature, credit card fraud over $1200, attempt to commit a crime, destruction of property over $1200, larceny over $1200 by false pretenses, and unarmed robbery.

Joao Bonicenho, of 135 Bailey Rd., July 27, 5:27 p.m., arrested at Cross St. on charges of drug possession to distribute and distribution of a class D drug.

Join the City of Somerville Planning Department for a discussion about the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan on Tuesday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave. Planning staff will review feedback received from the community via prior discussions and outreach, and receive additional input, which will be used to help finalize the plan.