Somerville’s Big Gay Dance Party took place last Saturday in Uniion Square Plaza. — Photos by Angelina Parrillo

By Angelina Parrillo

Halloween arrived early in Somerville on Saturday, June 21, as partygoers convened in Union Square for the annual “Big Gay Dance Party,” hosted by the Somerville Arts Council and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne.

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Imagine, you just walked around for a couple of hours in 90 degree heat ducking in and out of the Monastery and multiple buildings on the premises on the mountainside of Montserrat just outside of Barcelona, Spain. You have taken in the breathtaking views and are certainly ready for some rest and relaxation.

It’s been getting pretty darn hot lately. And it’s looking like we’ll be facing a good little stretch of even more hot weather in the days and – yes, even maybe – the weeks to come.

There’s little to be done about it other than exercising a little common sense to minimize the dangers of heat stroke. Watch your activity levels, get plenty of water, etc. Just be careful and do the right things. You’ll make it.

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Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Dennis Daly

Calliope rules the world of heroic poetry. Even collections of short heroic poetry motivated by injustice. Whatever the intent of the poet, this muse waits for her opportunity to intervene, to alter, to charm. When reading M.P. Carver’s latest chapbook, Hard Up, one delights in the counterpoint between musical expression and poetical grievance. Carver’s (and her muse’s) ability to transcend down-and-out situations with humor and the necessary concomitant irony inspires. It inspires so much that the political point of her art becomes secondary to her admirable persona and descriptive magic.

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Lizzy Co grew up in rural Vermont within a monoculture that did not have room for her. Poetry was a lifeline and a means of connection for her throughout her childhood. She has published one poetry collection, Give It A Home, and posts new poetry weekly on her website, www.thelizzycoshow.com. Currently, Lizzy lives in the Boston area, where she enjoys a healthy life with her lovely chosen family.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville Police Chief Shumeane Benford are honored to announce that the Somerville Police Department (SPD) this month has earned its third consecutive Accreditation award from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC), following an in-depth and detailed assessment process. Accreditation is a self-initiated process by which police agencies voluntarily strive to meet and maintain standards on best practices that have been established for the law enforcement profession. 

Support from mayors and city managers builds on backing by more than 50 advocacy organizations and key officials

Monday, 14 municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth announced their enthusiastic support for the Campaign to Stop Predatory Electric Suppliers, urging state lawmakers to protect residents and prioritize energy affordability by passing legislation to ban third-party electric suppliers from the residential electricity market.

Due to extreme heat today and tomorrow, the MBTA may need to operate trains at reduced speeds in some areas to ensure safety as we compensate for heat-related stress on the tracks, which could result in slightly longer travel times.   

 The MBTA will also have crews stationed around the system to provide assistance. Riders are encouraged to learn more about keeping cool in the heat and consult the T’s Extreme Heat Guide.  

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the City of Somerville’s Public Space and Urban Forestry Division, and the Urban Forestry Committee invite you to celebrate Arbor Day in Somerville. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, welcome a newly planted tree, get tree planting tips, and more. This year’s event is Thursday, June 26, at West Branch Library (40 College Ave.) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.