(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

If you are not aware, last Wednesday morning around 8AM (5/10/22) a lifeless body of a Davis Sq. a regular hang-out guy was found near JP Licks Ice Cream in the Davis Sq, Plaza. Fellow drinking and drugging pals lamented the loss of ‘Mike’, who was well known to all of us who live and work in or around Davis Sq. by daily sightings, as he and others huddled about, taking care of business outside of the 7-11 store.

Readers who pick up our print edition this week will notice a slight change in size that we are trying out. We will be covering the same local events and issues as always, but the leaner format will allow us to move forward with a number of changes for the better that we are striving for. Let us know what you think.

By State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven

In our Commonwealth, diversity is our greatest strength. Somerville is a shining example, where 25% of the community in our vibrant city are immigrants. Our city thrives on the many people and cultures in which we build community together.

The Art For All art sale held at Aeronaut Brewery in Somerville on Sunday raised more than $6,500 to help fund the non-profit group La Colaborativa. — Photo courtesy of Art For All Boston

By Michael McHugh

This past Sunday concerned citizens from Somerville, Chelsea, and beyond attended a fundraising event at Aeronaut Brewery to benefit the Latinx immigrant community. The Art For All 3 art sale put on by the Boston For All community fundraising organization showcased original local art that has been donated personally by each artist, and could be purchased by attendees through a “pick your own price” policy.

Senator Ed Markey and State Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven

Senator Edward Markey joined dozens of local supporters of the Fair Share Amendment to launch the Somerville campaign for the statewide ballot question Sunday May 15.  Teams of Fair Share advocates canvassed the Somerville’s neighborhoods and speaking directly to voters.

This year’s installment of PorchFest hit the city this past weekend. Those who have, in the past, taken notice of the event – and it is an event that is rather difficult not to notice – usually have fairly strong opinions of approval or distaste for the goings on. It was no different this time around.

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Review by Ruth Hoberman

In March 2020, the Northwest and the Northeast shared a peculiar horror: that first onslaught of deathly ill people, the sirens and scrambling for masks and ventilators, the fear of contagion – all weirdly juxtaposed with daffodils and nesting birds. John Okrent’s recent collection of sonnets, This Costly Season, recreates the anxiety, despair, and rare glimmers of hope so many of us felt during that time.

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A month after her family put down the family cat, Chloe, 12-year-old Maisy Flynn penned a tribute to the companion she had known all her life. This one’s for Chloe. Maisy Flynn is a 12-year-old girl who lives with her mother, father and brother. When not at Middle School, Maisy can be found hanging out with friends, enjoying time with her family or working on arts and crafts. She is the beloved granddaughter of Paul Steven Stone, a local writer and member of the Bagel Bards writers group.

— Photo courtesy of The Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc.

Dear Community, Students, Parents, and Guardians,

On Friday, youth in our City rallied for peace including calling for safety from gun violence and the impacts of racism in all of its forms. It was an act of both frustration and hope, of both concern and determination organized by youth involved with the nonprofit Teen Empowerment. Many of us went, and we were impressed and moved.

FabVille, the City of Somerville’s digital fabrication lab, is hosting its first Maker Showcase to celebrate the local maker community and their diverse creations. All are welcome at this evening of free demonstrations, talks, networking, and refreshments.