Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Last week’s Porchfest, with huge numbers of people crowding the streets, brought back memories of when I was a kid and played in the neighborhoods. There were kids everywhere. Most streets were two-way back in the 60’s and 70’s. We played games like buck buck and Relieve E O.

Despite the rain, thousands of people came out Saturday to enjoy a day of free, live musical performances throughout the city. Hundreds of bands at more than 500 locations performed music ranging from indie, punk, and hip hop to Latin, jazz, country, and world music. ~ Photos by Bobbie Toner, Denise Provost, and Will Mbah.

The “No Mow May” initiative is intended to provide sustained support for vital pollinators in the area.

Noticing the grass is growing taller than usual? It’s intentional. During the month of May, mowing of city-owned passive-use grassy areas is paused as part of the international “No Mow May” initiative.

Chief Sustainability Officer Steven Nutter sat down with Mayor Wilson and outlined Somerville’s sustainability plans for the immediate future.

By Harry Kane

Creating a sustainable community and fighting climate change were at the forefront of Somerville’s agenda last week.

Celebrate Somerville’s Haitian community and honor Haitian Flag Day by joining a Haitian Flag raising ceremony on Monday, May 18. Hosted by the City of Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA), in partnership with the Haitian Service Providers Coalition (HSPC), all are invited to attend. The event celebrates Somerville’s Haitian community and honors the history and enduring spirit of Haiti. Attendees will hear from Mayor Jake Wilson and SOIA and HSPC staff. Where: City Hall concourse (93 Highland Ave.) When: 3 p.m., Monday, May 18. For more information, please contact 311 (617) 666-3311.

The Union Square Neighborhood Council is excited to invite local organizations, nonprofits, artists, makers, volunteers, and neighbors to join us for our upcoming Kickball Connect Community Event on Saturday, May 30, at the Lincoln Park softball field, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Eagle Feathers #354 – Our Tripolitan Hero

In 1808, a 20-foot-tall Italian marble monument was erected just inside the gates of the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. The U.S.S. Constitution delivered it from Italy via Boston. It was the city’s first outdoor memorial, the first American monument approved by Congress, and the only one for decades to follow.

It seems as though we cannot get enough of the farmers market scene in Somerville. They have become time-honored traditions and perennial mainstays of alternative commerce in the city.

There is something special about shopping for fresh produce, discovering unique arts and crafts vendors, and enjoying live entertainment in the open air. We feel a sense of camaraderie, too, as we gather to take in the sights, sounds, flavors, and aromas that permeate each market site.

Recently, I caught up with Christopher Reilley about his new book of poetry Pour Decisions. Reilley writes: “Whether you come for the poems, the drinks, or the stories, this is a celebration of bars as civic spaces and bartenders as witnesses to contemporary life.” I think I will hoist one for this fine collection.