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 Review by Dennis Daly

Spanning oceans and multiple generations, Homage, Kathleen Spivack’s newest collection of poems, delivers a movable feast of poets and other influencers of her estimable artistry. Spivack’s narratives celebrate famous poets, musicians, painters, and booksellers, many of whom she personally knew and some before her time, as well as teachers, a lighthouse keeper, and other oddly interesting individuals.

December 11

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Our poet writes: “My name is Sofia Swan, and I’m a 19-year-old student from Saugus, Massachusetts, currently attending Endicott College. I wouldn’t call myself a poet, but writing has given me a new way to explore my thoughts and emotions. Unspoken Weight is a poem about noticing the struggles in others and recognizing how trust and connection can feel both fragile and transformative. It’s a reflection on how we carry emotions and experiences, often without words, and how vulnerability can lead to deeper understanding. Writing this poem allowed me to put those feelings into a form I hope others can connect with.”

Somerville resident Monte Allen shares about the proposed rental registry and energy disclosure ordinance, answering questions and concerns. To learn more about the rental registry and energy disclosure ordinance go to somervillema.gov/sustainaville or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that three former bank employees, Yeimaly Moscat, 23, of Boston, Yojairis Suazo, 21, of Boston and Angelica Morales, 31, of Mattapan, have been charged after allegedly stealing money from customers’ accounts by processing unauthorized withdrawals at three different Citizens Bank branches. 

Are you passionate about community engagement and civic responsibility? The Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC) is seeking two volunteers to join its efforts in ensuring fair, informed, and nonpartisan recommendations for appointments to Somerville’s regulatory and decision-making boards and commissions.

“Water Love” by Carol Moses, one of the featured artists for the Vernon Street 50th Anniversary Exhibition.

Vernon Street Studios, Somerville’s largest artist studio building, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Vernon Street Studios got its start in 1973, when a select group of prolific local artists (that included the likes of esteemed artists Clara Wainwright and Maud Morgan) went to the building owners, the Rogers Family, to propose the idea of having artists share the spaces in the upper lofts of their building, which housed – and still does – a foam manufacturing company. They said yes.