Residents and city planners gathered to discuss the need for thinning out a number of trees in the area in order to curtail the spread of harmful insects.

By Amy Swain

On Wednesday, May 25, residents gathered at the Somerville Water Department to discuss possible tree removals and replacements. Public hearings are routine when considering tree removal in the city, so interested citizens – more than fifty – were ready and eager to voice opinions.

Don’t forget, on THURSDAY NIGHT, June 2, Alderman at Large and President of the Board of Alderman Bill White is having a fundraiser at Cantina La Mexicana in Union Square. We’re very lucky to have Bill on the Board of Alderman. He’s one of the smartest and most forward thinking aldermen. He is currently in his fourth year as President of the Board of Alderman. You know you’re good when your colleagues on the Board keep voting for you every year for the office of President. Not in our lifetime has that accomplishment ever been made.

By Tom Bannister

On Tuesday, May 31, EPA Regional Administrator, Curt Spalding in coordination with the Mystic River Watershed Association, U.S. Representative Michael Capuano, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority announced the localized grades for the Mystic River Watershed. The grades are specified for each segment of the watershed, totaling 14 separate stretches of river and tributaries.

“Mountains Beyond Mountains” (detail) by Ben Foley; 2016; Tempered and crystal glass, steel, light.

Residual Form is an exploration of the art experience. As process becomes more and more a part of the artwork, how much of the artist’s hand do we need to see? How do we define our experience when we must redefine the art object? In this exhibition the questions of the Process Art Movement are being asked by both emerging and established artists.

Think of it as pruning the rose bushes, or – perhaps more aptly – weeding the garden.

The powers-that-be have pretty much determined that a systematic removal of certain trees throughout the city is necessary for the overall health and well being of the rest of the “forest.”

Mary (Walker) Ireland

Mary (Walker) Ireland celebrated her 103rd birthday on May 25 at the Little Sisters of the Poor. “Mary has lived to this wonderful age because of the loving and wonderful care given by all the Sisters, Nurses and CNA’s,” said Margaret Walker, Mary’s daughter. “God Bless them all.”

On Wednesday, June 1 the Ward 2 ResiStat neighborhood meeting will take place. You’ll have a chance to learn more about what’s going on in Somerville and your neighborhood, share your feedback, and chat with elected officials, city employees, and your neighbors.

The meeting will be held at the Argenziano School, 290 Washington St., from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Stop by at 6:00 to enjoy some pizza, refreshments, and a social half hour.

Arrests:
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Lisa Fucci, of 13 Cottage Ave., May 24, 11:52 a.m., arrested at Central St. on warrant charges of destruction of property over $250 and felony daytime breaking and entering.

Michael Le, of 40 Stacy St., Randolph, May 24, 3:58 p.m., arrested at Mystic Ave. on a charge of larceny over $250.

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Somerville Bagel Bard Wendell Smith reviews a new book by local poet Philip E. Burnham:

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Jennifer Martelli lives and writes in Massachusetts. She is an associate editor for The Compassion Project. Martelli’s first full-length collection of poetry, The Uncanny Valley, is forthcoming from Big Table Publishing Co. www.jennifermartelli.com