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Many people agree that James Franco is a fine actor … but poet? Critic Dennis Daly has strong reservations:

Review by Dennis Daly

Some purist reviewers of poetry posit the importance of their responsibility as gatekeepers. I don’t see it that way. My critiques tend toward books that I like either in whole or in part. But … but there are limits. My button gets pushed by elitist practitioners of award winning drivel or wannabe celebrities showcasing their narcissism by caricaturing the artistic tradition they pretend to comprehend. The subject of this review is an example of the latter.

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Steven Ablon is a psychiatrist whose main purpose as a poet is (in his words) “to break your heart.” Ablon, a Harvard Medical School faculty member who is well-seasoned in the practice of psychoanalysis, is acquainted with heartbreak. In his poetry he wants his words to be strongly evocative. He wants to reach the reader on a visceral level.

Fourth of July Fireworks, Family Fun Day set for June 25 & 30, at Trum Field.

Summer officially kicks off next weekend with the annual Family Fun Day in Somerville on Saturday, June 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at Trum Field. Summertime in Somerville from June to September will include annual favorite events and series as well as some new programs for residents of all ages. Following Family Fun Day, the City will host its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Trum Field on Thursday, June 30.

Arrests:
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 Jose Olivo, June 6, 1:06 p.m., arrested at Parker St. on a charge of felony daytime breaking and entering of a vehicle or boat.

Henry Alvarez, of 26 Kensington Ave., June 6, 6:33 p.m., arrested at Assembly Row on charges of assault and battery, shoplifting by asportation, and resisting arrest.

Our hearts are heavy as we share that Somerville’s national, city and Gay Pride flags are at half-mast in honor of, with the deepest sympathy for, and in solidarity with the Orlando shooting victims, their loved ones and families, and the LGBTQ community.

If anyone is in need of support during this difficult time, please contact our Trauma Response Network at 857-221-0942 or pcontente@police.somerville.ma.us. ‪#‎OrlandoStrong‬‪#‎LoveNotHate‬ ‪#‎PrideNotFear‬

Lincoln Park groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, June 17, 2016. (click to enlarge)

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston invite the public to attend the Lincoln Park groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, June 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park (near the Argenziano School playground). The ceremony will mark the official start of the long-awaited renovation of Lincoln Park. New features include a multi-use grass field, a new Argenziano schoolyard, an updated softball diamond, community gardens, an outdoor play area, Parkour and skateboard areas, 150 new trees, outdoor exercise equipment, new lighting, and an off-leash dog area. The project will also include rain gardens that recycle stormwater as well as a 1.26-million gallon underground stormwater management system aimed at curbing flooding in the area.

The brainchild of Mayor Joe Curtatone, who played trumpet in the Somerville High School Jazz Band, the annual Jazz & Blues Fest will take over Powderhouse Park in Somerville June 18 from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. for the best all-day free concert around.

Interviewed Ken Field ( internationally acclaimed Jazz Composer) at the famed Bloc 11 Cafe in Somerville —
We talked about his work with Peter Wolf, Patti Smith, and others. Also we touched on his work with the Honk Festival, Sesame Street, New Orleans Jazz and so much more.

By Amy Swain

Fans of theatrics, mark your calendars. June 17 brings The Tongue in Cheek Singers to Arts at the Armory for a “boundary-breaking evening of song.”

The show is part of the three-times-yearly tradition the group has been observing since 2011. Seven of the group’s ten members will put on their cabaret-style show beginning at 7:30 pm.

Tufts University is marking the 10th anniversary of the Doris W. York Endowed Scholarship Fund, which since 2006 has awarded more than $1 million in four-year, full-tuition scholarships to students in the top fifth of their Somerville High School classes.