Even in troubled times, even the worst of times, there is one particular beacon of goodness and light that pierces through the gloom to warm our hearts and lift our spirits – Mother’s Day.

While life as we know it has been far from normal in recent years, mainly due to political divisions and the like, this is one occasion that can restore a bit of normalcy and order for us as we pause to honor the beloved matriarchs of our families.

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Interview conducted by Doug Holder

I am a member of the Board of Directors of the New England Poetry Club, so I was pleased to find out that our president, Steve Ratiner, has a new collection of poetry out titled Grief’s Apostrophe (Beltway Editions 2025). I caught up with a very busy Ratiner, and he graciously agreed to answer my questions about his new book, etc.

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Keith Tornheim, a biochemistry professor at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, has six recent books, The Sacrifice of Isaac; I Am Lilith, Dancer on the Wind; Spirit Boat: Poems of Crossing Over; Can You Say Kaddish for the Living?; Fireflies; Spoiled Fruit: Adam and Eve in Eden and Beyond. His poems have appeared in Ibbetson Street, The Somerville Times, Boston Literary Magazine, Muddy River Poetry Review and Poetica.

Paula Andrea Tobon and Giovanny Zuniga holding the starting line ribbon as Project Bread CEO Erin McAleer cuts it to kick off the 57th Annual Walk for Hunger. Photo Credit: David Leifer.

On Sunday, May 4, thousands gathered on Boston Common and tuned in from around the world for Project Bread’s 57th Annual Walk for Hunger, a beloved Massachusetts tradition and the nation’s oldest continual pledge walk. This year, more than 4,500 participants, both in-person and virtual walkers across 20 states and 3 countries, united to raise $1,046,000 (and counting) to ensure everyone in Massachusetts can put food on the table.

Interested in trying out city biking? Join in for a beginner friendly workshop and bike ride through Somerville. MassBike Coalition will be leading a workshop on riding a bike in Somerville. Learn how to navigate the city streets, safety 101, and street etiquette. The workshop will be followed by a short bike ride.

If you don’t have a bike that’s ok, free blue bike codes will be provided. All are welcome, interpretation will be provided to all who want it. Pizza provided.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. M. Michael Shaps of the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities is here to share resources available in Somerville and Massachusetts and to remind us to seek help when we need it.

Q: Are there any practices that big businesses use that could significantly help me with my finances?

A: Yes – quarterly check-ins!

Big companies review their finances every three months to stay on track. You can do the same with your personal finances or small business!