Our poet this week is Linda Larson. Linda used to be editor of the Spare Change News, a newspaper sold by the homeless throughout the city. I used to be an arts reporter under her and the late Cindy Baron. They taught me a lot. Linda let me write a couple of feature stories in their All Poetry issues that they used to publish. Since then I have published a poetry collection by Linda, and she has appeared numerous times in Ibbetson Street magazine. She has long been an advocate for the homeless and mentally ill and has struggled with both of these demons throughout her life.

Friends and loved ones are pulling together in support of Warren Goldstein-Gelb in this time of need.

By Haley ED Houseman

Community members are coming together to give back to Warren Goldstein-Gelb, a devoted leader of local non-profit The Welcome Project. A large number of local nonprofits have joined together to host a benefit for Goldstein-Gelb, who recently suffered a stroke that will require a long road to recovery.

With bills to pay and the stress of long-term illness lingering, the community will hold a benefit on February 3 that will feature family-friendly food and music, with numerous raffle prizes and a silent auction, at Aeronaut Brewery on Tyler Street.

Who can be a poll worker?

Any registered voter in Massachusetts can be considered for a poll worker position.

Will I work in my own precinct?

You must be willing and able to go to any precinct. We always try to place you in a precinct close to your home, or we may place you in your home precinct if there is a vacancy.

Arrests:
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Paul Young, of 132 Pearl St., January 26, 11:30 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on warrant charges of assault and battery, threat to commit a crime, and unarmed robbery.

Herman Blanco, of 58 Medford St., Charlestown, January 27, 8:37 a.m., arrested at Somerville Ave. on warrant charges of trespassing on county or state property and possession of a burglarious instrument.

When I go to the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square I am usually grading papers, reading the rags, or writing an article for The Somerville Times.  This is not the case for Patrick Hunter, a 20 something Somerville resident. Hunter translates ancient Chinese poetry at this esteemed literary cafe.  Here is the podcast of the interview I conducted with him, along with a statement from this translator.

The last day to register to vote or to change your party enrollment for the March 1 Presidential Primary is on Wednesday, February 10.

Click here to find out how you can register to vote online, in person, or by mail.

If you are enrolled in one of the four political parties (Democrat – D, Republican – R, Green-Rainbow – J, or United Independent Party – CC), you may only vote in that party’s primary. If you are not enrolled in any party (UNENROLLED), you may vote for the candidate of your choice, regardless of party enrollment.

By Charles Lane

Saint Clement School has announced it is offering a Metro-Boston basketball clinic for boys and girls grades 2 through 8 on Monday, February 15 through Friday, February 19 at Saint School Gymnasium, 579 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA.

Area coaches will teach kids the proper skills on how to ball handle, shoot, pass and play defense. Cost for the program is $50 if you register before Monday, February 8 or $100 at the door.

By Jim Clark

Acclaimed children’s author and actor Paul Carafotes is pleased to announce the release of the latest addition to the Charlie Bubbles family of children entertainment options, Sing With Charlie Bubbles.

The music CD is based on the characters and their adventures from the original The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles trilogy of books.  The songs are currently available as both a digital download as well as on a CD that was released on January 15 of this year.

“Somerville Towards Route 93” – Cynthia Maurice

Out The Window & Around the Town exhibit opened last weekend at Brickbottom Gallery, 1 Fitchburg Street, Somerville. Paintings and drawings by two of Brickbottom Artist Building’s founding members, Cynthia Maurice and David Campbell are featured. The exhibit will run through February 27. Gallery Hours are Thursday – Saturday, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Visit http://brickbottomartists.com/ for directions and more information.

Senator Pat Jehlen sponsored the bill that would help close the wage gap between male and female workers in the Commonwealth.

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation today that would help close the wage gap between male and female workers in the Commonwealth. The bill was sponsored by Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) and Representative Jay Livingstone (D-Boston).

Massachusetts passed the nation’s first equal pay act just after World War II, and continued to steadily close the gender wage gap in the many years that followed. In recent years that progress has slowed to a crawl, barely moving in the last fifteen years.