— Photos by Claudia Ferro

It has been announced that the City of Somerville will move into a modified Phase 4, Step 1 of the state’s reopening plan starting on Friday, May 7. This means that indoor capacity for several businesses will be increased significantly, something that the local economy desperately needs. For specific details and general guidelines, go to https://www.somervillema.gov/reopeningphase4. Beginning on Tuesday, June 1, additional reopening steps that allow for expanded athletic activities and indoors performances will go into effect in Somerville. Somerville is joining with Boston in rolling out these reopening steps on a delay from the State schedule. All of the newly allowed activities will be subject to regular City permitting and safety rules and sector-specific COVID-19 guidelines.

While most Americans observe Labor Day on the first Monday of September each year, International Workers Day on May 1 is celebrated throughout other parts of the world in a similar fashion.

The occasion also traditionally marks the high point of spring and presages the oncoming summer months. But in the face of the COVID-19 situation, much of what was once traditional has flown out the window as a new “new normal” confronts us on an almost daily basis.

Eagle Feathers #229 – The Baseball

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

United States Civil War General Abner Doubleday fired the first cannonball in defense of Fort Sumter and served honorably throughout the war and beyond. This would not make him as famous as another acknowledgement in his life. He promoted military sports and for over 100 years was the commonly recognized inventor of baseball. Another contender for the claim was Alexander Joys Cartwright, Jr., a New York volunteer firefighter and bank clerk. He later became the first Fire Chief of Honolulu, Hawaii. Cartwright was the first to set down the dimensions and rules of the game that we know today.

Arrests:
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Michael Medeiros, of Pelham, NH, April 27, 4:22 a.m., arrested at Canal St. on a warrant charge of shoplifting by asportation second offense.

Robert Chiasson, of Woburn, April 27, 5:25 p.m., arrested at Powder House Blvd. on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor second offense.

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Years ago, the late poet Jack Powers invited me to a lunch with poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, founder of City Lights Books. I had to work that day, and I regret that I didn’t call in sick. Fortunately, Steve Glines, the designer for the Ibbetson Street Press, had dinner with the grand old man of the San Francisco Beat Poetry Scene (Ferlinghetti passed earlier this year), and here is his story:

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“My name is Caroline Fowler and I am from Boothbay Harbor, Maine. I am a junior, studying nursing at Endicott College. I have recently been studying psychiatric nursing and working on a mental health unit where I got the inspiration to write this poem to describe the mind of a schizophrenic patient.”

Beginning on Tuesday, June 1, additional reopening steps that allow for expanded athletic activities and indoors performances will go into effect in Somerville. Somerville is joining with Boston in rolling out these reopening steps on a delay from the state schedule. All of the newly allowed activities will be subject to regular city permitting and safety rules and sector-specific COVID-19 guidelines.

After nearly 35 years of dedicated service to the Somerville Fire Department, LT John “Moose” Byrne wrapped up his final shift yesterday. John had a remarkable career, most notably on Engine 3 in Union Square as a firefighter before being assigned as a Lieutenant on Engine 2 for the majority of his years with the department. Numerous firefighters were assigned to John right out of the academy for him to train on how to do this job; many of which went on to become officers themselves.

Today we thank all Firefighters worldwide for their service, dedication and many sacrifices. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and honor their memory.