Steven Ablon is a psychiatrist whose main purpose as a poet is( in his words) “to break your heart.” Ablon, a Harvard Medical School faculty member who is well-seasoned in the practice of psychoanalysis, is acquainted with heart break. In his poetry he wants his words to be strongly evocative. He wants to reach the reader on a visceral level.

And indeed Ablon achieves this with his new book of poetry “Night Call.” Neeta Jain, Poetry Editor of The Journal of General Internal Medicine writes:

“In Night Call, Ablon slows us down so we can examine moments in medicine with him. He balances harsh, clinical reality of human frailty with the sweetness of compassion. A master poet, Albon uses poems to expose this tension as he masters medicine from student to physician.”

Athena, in Greek Mythology, is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, female arts, crafts, justice and skill. Somerville singer, songwriter Jennifer Matthews sent us a poem in tribute to this ancient deity. By the way, Matthews is back in Somerville after a long trek in Alaska, New Mexico, Austin, Texas and Europe. She is recording a new album Tales of a Salty Sweetheart. For more information go to http://jennifermatthews.com

Arrests:
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Mark Bowler, 57, of 10 Sewall St., September 19, 7:00 a.m., arrested at 14 Chapel St. on charges of open and gross lewdness and indecent assault and battery.

Michele Megan, 42, of 3 Quincy St., September 20, 10:49 a.m., arrested at Broadway on a charge of resisting arrest and a warrant charge of unarmed robbery.

If you’re in a room with ten other Somerville residents, two of them are likely to be poor.

Over 13,000 Somerville residents lived below the poverty level last year, according to figures the U.S. Census Bureau released on September 22.  One out of ten families in this city struggled to survive on an income below the poverty level ($22,050 for a family of four).  Somerville is part of a nationwide trend.  Across the U.S., the 2010 poverty rate was the highest rate since 1993.

Owner and Operator of Found Meredith Bennett with her mother and co-worker Marjorie Altshculer. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Next time you are in Davis Square, why not head over to the new high-end consignment shop “Found,” located next to the Foundry. Meredith Bennett of Newton has set up shop, procuring only the best in consigned clothing and accessories from Florida, New York, and Washington D.C.

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

If you pass by the offices of Wedgwood- Crane & Connolly at 19 College Ave and glance into the window, you will see part of my Somerville artifacts collection.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville patrol unit officer’s suspicions were aroused when he spotted a male running down the middle of McGrath Highway with his pants down at about 2:15 a.m. last Saturday.

The officer reportedly stopped the man and questioned him about the curious behavior. The man said that he was only jogging, but he looked nervous to the officer and seemed to look over his shoulder often, according to police.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

You will now be seeing a new Wind Turbine in Everett as you prepare to enter Somerville by Sullivan Square.

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

I often brag about Somerville’s restaurant scene. In some of our city squares, a walk around the block is like taking a culinary trip around the world. Somerville has become known for its eclectic, authentic eateries. In fact, Somerville has a more than $120  million annual restaurant industry. All those small, local businesses add up to something big.

Susan “Cindy Brady” Olsen’s Fluff-y creations can be seen at Bloc 11.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The 6th annual What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Invention is coming to Somerville. Specifically, Union Square Plaza in Somerville, where Prospect Street, Washington Street, and Somerville Avenue meet, will be utilized for the event.

On September 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., local artists, musicians, theatrical performers, inventors, and humorists will pay tribute to the creation of this great American foodstuff. A rain date of September 25 has been set.