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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.

UDPATE: Community Path (Buena Vista Rd. to Cambridge Line) to Close for Drainage, Retaining Wall Repairs Beginning July 30, 2018

This portion of the path expected to be closed for approximately three months during excavation. Detour routes available at www.somervillema.gov/detours

A new date for the closure of a portion of the Community Path (Buena Vista Road to the Cambridge City line) has been announced. The closure is now set to begin on July 30, 2018, and will last for approximately three months.

Director of Adult Family Care Jeanne Leyden.

By Jeanne Leyden

Providing daily assistance for those who can no longer live alone is no small commitment. Depending on the circumstances, it often requires sacrificing time, money, and work opportunities.

Fortunately, there are MassHealth-funded programs that recognize this fact, and offer support for friends and family who help provide vital in-home care.

Erin G. Bradley

The Somerville Homeless Coalition, providing a range of  services for people experiencing homelessness for the past 33 years, announced Erin G. Bradley as the new Executive Director earlier this month. Bradley succeeds Mark  AlstonFollansbee, who retired June 30, after serving nearly 18 years as Executive Director.

Lt. Longo (l) and Capt. Doheney are seen being presented with their retirement badges by Chief Charles Breen and Chief of Operations Christopher Major.

Two veteran Somerville Fire Department officers will retire on August 5th. Lt. Stephen Longo  of Ladder 2  will complete forty years of service and Capt. James Doheney of Engine 7 will finish out a thirty-two year career. The Somerville Fire Department will miss their dedication and wishes them a long and healthy retirement.