Public feedback on the future development of Gilman Square was the focus of the recent Advisory Committee’s public meeting. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Luda Tang

On June 23, the Gilman Square Civic Advisory Committee (CAC) conducted a public meeting concerning the redevelopment of Gilman Square, hosted by Rachel Nadkarni from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). During the meeting, advisory members reviewed the comments received so far about the Gilman Square reconstruction plan, laying the groundwork for its ultimate execution.

By Ryan DiLello

The City of Somerville and adjacent committees held a virtual community meeting on Thursday to discuss the latest draft of Somerville Bicycle Network Vision, a comprehensive plan to expand bike-lane accessibility and safety throughout the city.

By Kyle Dante

The final revisions of the Somerville FY 2023 were decided on June 22 and followed up the next day. Upon reviewing all of the departments, the City Council cut $676,219 from the proposed $292,720,095 budget.

Get ready for summer fun at the City and Somerville Arts Council’s Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy live music, food, and of course, a big, bold fireworks display. Head to Trum Field on Thursday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. (rain date July 1). Due to large crowds and noise associated with the fireworks, the city recommends that attendees leave pets at home and avoid bringing unnecessary bags or backpacks, all of which are subject to inspection. For more information, call 311 (617-666-3311) or https://somervilleartscouncil.org/fireworks.

Author Neema Avashia reading the essay “City Mouse/ Country Mouse,” from her book “Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place.” — Photos by Mina Rose Morales

By Mina Rose Morales

WCVB’S Chronicle taped author Neema Avashia’s essay reading from her book Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place on Tuesday, June 21, at All She Wrote Books in Somerville.

Avashia is an educator and writer from West Virginia. She has lived in Boston since 2003. She is the daughter to Indian parents. She is queer. She is the author of Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place, which explores the childhood lessons she learned about race, class, gender, and sexuality. Avashia examines her identity as a queer, desi, Appalachian woman. It took her five years to write the book, but thinking about the stories began long before.

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.

Who among us doesn’t enjoy the occasion? Who can resist the warm glow of good fellowship between friends, neighbors and families as the “birthday” of our nation comes around?

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I was looking for an additional side to go along with a pork tenderloin and sautéed rainbow chard. Instead of mashed potatoes, I thought the cauliflower would be a much lighter choice. Well, that and the fact I didn’t have any potatoes in the house!

On Thursday, June 16, the Kiwanis Club of Somerville held their annual Legion of Honor luncheon. This year, three members were honored for a combined 115 years of membership, serving the children and senior residents of our city. Joseph C. Benoit and Ross E. Blouin were each recognized for 40 years of service and Distinguished Past President/Recording Secretary James A. Lynch was honored for his 35 years of dedicated service to the Kiwanis Club. Ross Bloiun was unable to attend the meeting. Pictured here, DPP James Lynch, President Mernaysa Rivera-Bujosa and Joseph Benoit. If you would like to join us and become a member, please visit our web page, www.somervillekiwanis.org.

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At first glance it may seem that a novel about an autistic boy and his struggles, might not be a ripe subject for fiction. After all, this population is characterized by repetitive behaviors, and non-verbal communication, hardly the stuff for rich dialogue, and action-filled pages. But in Tim Gager’s latest novel, Joe the Salamander, the author brings an autistic boy named Joe alive, and follows him from a newly-slapped baby to his maturation as a man.

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Arctic explorer-writer-mycologist Lawrence Millman is the author of 18 books, including such titles as Last Places, A Kayak Full of Ghosts, Fungipedia, Fascinating Fungi of New England, At the End of the World, Goodbye, Ice, and the forthcoming The Last Speaker of Bear. He has made 15 trips to Greenland, but has never been to Rome (Rome, New York – once). Note: A Greenlandic Meal is from Goodbye, Ice.