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

By Jack Connolly
Jackconnolly422@gmail.com

Heard the latest?

The Stop & Shop grocery store Bfresh is closing soon, mid-October; “Not meeting financial expectations” was the press report.

Street talk is that there’s been a lot of shoplifting going on in there, as well as in the CVS store just up the block; Maybe Bfresh’s parent company, Stop and Shop, decided Davis Sq. is not the place to be anymore. Dunkin’ Donuts has already left Davis Sq.

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I recently had the opportunity to try a restaurant that’s been on my radar for quite some time. I mean what are the chances that I was hungry, I was driving by the area, and found a parking spot right out front? It was meant to be! Upon entering the restaurant, we were promptly greeted and seated.

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I recently caught up with poet Max Heinegg, who has a new collection of poetry out. Heinegg works as an English teacher, brew master, musician, singer, actor and of course poet. He resides in Medford, and his poetry reflects the Somerville, Cambridge and Medford area.

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Charles Coe is the author of two previous volumes of poetry, both with Leapfrog Press: All Sins Forgiven: Poems for my Parents (2013) and Picnic on the Moon (1999). He’s also the author of Spin Cycles, a novella published by Gemma Media. Charles is the winner of a fellowship in poetry from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and was selected by the Associates of the Boston Public Library as a “Boston Literary Light in 2014.” He teaches poetry in the MFA programs at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island and Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. His latest collection is Purgatory Road.

Fact sheet and highlights

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The House plans to vote on this on Wednesday and the Senate will vote on it on Thursday

Included in this document are highlights of the Conference Committee’s plan to provide responsible tax relief to Massachusetts’ residents and businesses and make the Commonwealth more affordable, equitable, and competitive. The total impact for fiscal year 2024 will be $561.3 million, with a $519.3 million on budget impact. In fiscal year 2027, when fully phased in, the total impact will be $1.02 billion, with a $969.3 million on budget impact.

Congratulations to Cheryl Delafano of the COHR program for her Beyond the Call of Duty award! Cheryl, a Jail Diversion Coordinator embedded in the Somerville Police Department, was recognized for her fast acting communication and collaboration skills on August 15, 2023. Upon realizing a medically distressed community member outside of the Police Department, Cheryl immediately informed Officers who along with EMT were able to provide prompt medical care. The combined efforts of all involved resulted in the individual receiving life saving measures. “Their actions exemplify the long history of dedication to duty and professionalism within the Somerville Police Department”. Congratulations Cheryl!

For a 28th year the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) will be hosting its annual Somerville 5K Road Race on Saturday, September 30th. Held just a few blocks away from their recently opened Engagement Center in the heart of Davis Square, the coalition holds this race each year to raise support and awareness for the underserved populations in the Somerville and Greater Boston area. Being a community based organization, the race sees local supporters and organizations come together to help in the fight to end homelessness, food insecurity, and eviction.