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Gloria Mindock was appointed Somerville Poet Laureate in January of 2017. She has recently released a collection of poetry Whiteness of Bone. She is the founder of the Cervena Barva Press and has been a noted player in the Boston area arts scene for many years.

The annual “Somerville Reads” campaign returns for 2017, with the chosen title, El Deafo by Cece Bell.

El Deafo, a New York Times bestselling graphic novel about growing up hearing impaired, has received numerous awards, including a 2015 Newbery Honor, the 2015 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (ages 8–12), and the 2017 Massachusetts Children’s Book Award. Cece Bell’s graphic novel memoir will appeal to readers of all ages, and draws on themes of acceptance, friendship, and the celebration of differences.

“Baby Driver” is currently showing at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square.

By Dre Joseph

The one prevailing takeaway from Edgar Wright’s latest actionized endeavor, Baby Driver, I had rattling off the walls of my head was this: “If you really know what you’re doing behind the wheel of a car, you can have some serious fun. Note to self: Ansel Elgort is a super weird name. End note.”

Battinelli, Thomas of Somerville on July 12, 2017 at age 88.

Beloved husband of Evelyn (Talmo) and devoted father of Elisabeth Battinelli and her husband Zheng-Yi Chen of Somerville. Loving grandfather of Sofia and Carl Chen. Brother of Joseph Battinelli of Arlington, Salvatore Battinelli of Cambridge and the late Cosmo Battinelli of Winchester. Dear Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

Republican leadership is flailing about for a healthcare bill that will not immediately make obvious the cruelty at the heart of their enterprise. Meanwhile Democratic leaders advocate doubling down on a failing program.

The Somerville Mobile Farmers’ Market is returning for its seventh season, beginning July 14 and running through October 21, 2017. The Mobile Market sells fresh, local produce and offers an unlimited 50% discount for residents of North Street or Mystic Housing, as well as for showing your SNAP, WIC, or Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons. The Mobile Market accepts cash, debit, credit, SNAP/EBT, WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons.

Afropop group Kina Zoré will be entertaining at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at Seven Hills Park as part of ArtBeat’s 2017 edition, “Voice.”

By Rebecca Danvers

ArtBeat, one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, is set to enliven and entertain Somerville this weekend with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food, and all-age activities.

By Jim Clark

On Tuesday, July 4, police officers were dispatched to the Dollar Tree store on McGrath Hwy.  on reports of a robbery.

While en route, police dispatch advised the officers that the suspects got into a vehicle and took off out of the parking lot onto Medford St. They were also informed that it was not a robbery but a shoplifting.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers.

159 Standards – For police departments, achieving certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is no simple task. A department must meet 159 law enforcement professional standards to receive this coveted recognition. So it’s no wonder that many police departments choose not to participate in the voluntary program. But after intense and diligent work, the Somerville Police Department achieved this notable goal. The SPD received certification on May 3, which is an accomplishment for which we should all be proud. Among the steps our police took to get there, the Department updated and documented numerous rules and regulations not just to state but to national standards and best practices. Policies are also now posted online for public transparency. Additionally, more than 50 percent of officers have completed Crisis Intervention Training, and community engagement has increased tremendously with “park, walk, and talks” and more than 500 school visits during the 2016-2017 school year.