By Donald Norton
The Duhamel Education Initiative held its 21st Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 1 at First Church Somerville. The Somerville School Committee cooked and served the breakfast again this year. Funds raised from this and other DEI events help support special programs that benefit Somerville Public School students.

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(a.k.a. the Somerville Poetry Festival?)
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By Kirk Etherton, B.N.P.M.F. board of directors

Somerville has lots of fine writers–including songwriters. This Friday – Sunday (April 7 -9) you’ll find a number of them in Copley Square. Most events take place at the B.P.L.

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The perfect poem for spring from long-time contributor Robert K. Johnson.

Arrests:
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Weldon Tucker, of 66 Vernon St., March 27, 5:23 p.m., arrested at School St. on charges of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Eric Dalton, of 15 Ainsley St., Boston, March 27, 9:17 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on a warrant charge of shoplifting over $100 by asportation.

Are you or someone you know interested in volunteering to be a football or cheerleading coach? Join the VILLENS family! Please contact Roger Desrochers Jr. at rogspw@aol.com / 617-838-2145 or Marsha Hamel McGlashing at clovamac64@aol.com / 617-968-9680.

After over 30+ years of operation, SCATV has created an umbrella brand for their three main programs: SCATV, Boston Free Radio, and Somerville Neighborhood News. The Somerville Media Center launch party will take place on April 28th from 12pm – 4pm at 90 Union Square. All are welcome to come and check out the new signage, have a tour, meet more of your community media neighbors and enjoy some snacks.

John R. Doncaster, a lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away surrounded by his devoted family at home on Saturday, April 01, 2017, he was 76. Born in Cambridge, he was the son of the late John R. and Doris (Johnston) Doncaster-Walsh. A graduate of Somerville High School with the Class of 1958, John proudly served in the US Army and was a research specialist with the Polaroid Corp, retiring with over 30 years of service.

On April 12, Saloon will host the second annual tribute evening in honor of Ken Kelly, notable Somerville restaurateur and business leader who passed in December 2015, after a long battle with cancer. In 2001, Kelly founded The Independent in Union Square and later opened sister restaurants Foundry on Elm, Saloon, Brass Union and River Bar in addition to the Rockwell Theater.

State Representative Mike Connolly, from the Somerville/Cambridge 26th Middlesex district, recently spoke with Greater Somerville host Joe Lynch about the latest news and initiatives in the 26th.

Somerville resident Kirk Etherton.

Doug Holder interviews Somerville, Ma. poet Kirk Etherton about his involvement in the Boston National Poetry Festival. The festival was founded by Harris Gardner and Lainie Senechal.
Listen here.