The Fourth of July holds a special significance in the hearts of truly patriotic Americans. Not only is it a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it also happens to fall at the best time of year to make good times happen, summer.

Eagle Feathers #282 – Our French Connection

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

In 1689 France and England began fighting a succession of wars for domination in the new world. The last of these encounters was fought in America and known as the French and Indian War. Early on, outnumbered forest-trained French troops and their Indian allies had the advantage of knowing wilderness fighting.

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On June 25, poet Harris Gardner, along with Ruth Lepson, were given The Sam Cornish Award by the New England Poetry Club at the famed Longfellow House in Cambridge, MA. The award celebrates their longtime commitment to community service in the literary community as well as their own poetic works.

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Richard Wilhelm is a painter and poet who was a founding member of the Ibbetson Street Press and one of the co-editors of the 2000 anthology City of Poets: 18 Boston Voices. His poems have appeared in Spare Change News, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street, and several other journals and anthologies.

Somerville Community Invited to Enjoy Free Outdoor Film Screenings

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites the Somerville community to kick back and enjoy free outdoor movies this summer. The City of Somerville’s annual SomerMovieFest returns this year with a series of seven family-friendly films being shown in parks around Somerville. 

Red Cross offers safety tips for Fourth of July

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals across the country. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 | 5:00–6:30 p.m. | Bow Market (upstairs level, indoors)

Celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass by reading one of his most famous speeches together. The event will be followed with a discussion led by our Project Scholar, Kyera Singleton. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend and participate. Please RSVP through this link to receive updated details and information.