Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Before Somerville was turned into Detourville we were pretty lucky. Occasionally, we would get stuck behind a trash truck, or have to go a different way because of utility work. You may have noticed lately, however, that you have been sitting in a slow moving line of traffic at various points in the city because of Green Line construction detours.

Throughout the month of May, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) partners with other local organizations to host events honoring Somerville’s history and historic assets. All events are open to the public, ADA accessible, and free.

May – October. Launch of Volunteer Docent Program. Three Historic Sites: Prospect Hill Tower, Milk Row Cemetery, and Old Powder House. Full season schedule on weekends and Thursday evenings is posted on the SHPC and City websites, and on banners outside each site.

The city is looking into the many issues associated with antiquated substation facilities, such as the one in Union Square, and the growing electrical needs of the community. — Photo courtesy of Google Street View

By Jim Clark

A resolution was put forward at the latest regular meeting of the Somerville City Council requesting that the Directors of Infrastructure and Asset Management, Engineering, Public Works, and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, along with any other appropriate departments, work to develop a binding, equitable, citywide Electrical Infrastructure Master Plan to guide the location and design of electrical substations and other infrastructure.

A designer for 20 years, Gaye Korbet now paints a mix of realist and abstract pieces which she likened, respectively, to prose and poetry. — Photos by Ryan DiLello

By Ryan DiLello

This past weekend, nearly 300 artists across Somerville opened their doors to the public, for the annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS) event. With the help of local nonprofits, artists, and residents, the SOS organization coordinates a series of candid gallery visits and art markets, enabling the general public to connect with the arts community in a highly authentic way.

Happy Mother’s Day to all this weekend. Be sure to treat mom to a special day and let her know how much she means to you and others.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Mudflat is a clay studio for students and artists of all ages and levels located at 81 Broadway in Somerville. The studio welcomed visitors over the weekend as part of the Somerville Open Studios event.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

East Somerville Main Streets hosted their Spring Neighborhood Cleanup last Saturday, April 30. Neighbors, friends, and the larger community joined forces to help clean up and beautify East Somerville. 26 trash bags were filled, delicious pastries and coffee from Ola Cafe was served, and lots of great conversation and community spirit was on hand.

In the midst of the darkness of these troubled times, there is one particular beacon of goodness and light that pierces through the gloom to warm our hearts and lift our spirits – Mother’s Day.

While life as we know it has been far from normal in recent months, this is one occasion that can restore a bit of normalcy and order for us as we pause to honor the beloved matriarchs of our families.

Arrests:
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Henry Alvarez-Garcia, April 29, 12:09 a.m., arrested on warrant charges of conspiracy to violate drug law, trafficking in cocaine, and larceny of motor vehicle.

Vando Soares Da Silva, May 1, 8:45 p.m., arrested at Middlesex Ave. on charges of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

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Review By Off the Shelf Correspondent Ed Meek

To better understand what is going on in the world these days, as well as how we got here and where we’re going, get a copy of Alfred McCoy’s brilliant new book To Govern the Globe. McCoy is the author of Policing America’s Empire. In his new book, he takes on the challenge of covering the last 800 years from the perspective of the rise and fall of empires, and more importantly, of world orders leading up to Pax Americana and the current decline of the United States. He describes convincingly the coming dominance of China and the world-wide problem of climate change that will undermine China’s future as we collectively attempt to survive a hostile environment – one that we’re beginning to understand the serious nature of as we witness wildfires, flooding, droughts, hurricanes, record heat, shifting seasons and climate refugees.