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I caught up with the multi-faceted Joshua Sariñana to talk about his new project with the Somerville Arts Council, titled Through These Realities, that will seek six local poets and photographers of color, who will create a series of images, inspired by prompt-guided poetry from poets.

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Lynne Zika’s poetry has appeared in numerous literary publications: Poetry East, Exquisite Corpse, The Anthology of American Poets, etc. She has written for newspaper and radio and for trade and consumer magazines. In addition to editing poetry and nonfiction, she worked as a closed-captioning editor for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. She received a Pacificus Foundation Literary Award in short fiction, and her photography has received the Celebrity Award and the 2020 Choice Award from Viewbug.

During the height of tonight’s heavy rain and thunderstorms, Somerville Police and Fire, State Police and Cataldo Ambulance responded to the boat house on Shore Drive. Initial reports where one person was pulled out by the police department. 

A second victim was reported still missing in a kayak. Shortly thereafter the second victim was also taken out of the water.

A town hall meeting focused on the potential impacts of a supervised consumption site (SCS) on neighbors and businesses originally planned for Tuesday, July 27, has been postponed to Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m.

Where’s the “Equity” for our dining workers?

The Tufts Labor Coalition will be organizing a rally in front of Dewick Macphie Dining Hall on Tufts University campus on Friday, July 30^th at 3 p.m. Attending the rally will be Tufts Dining workers, Somerville and Medford community members and organizations, Tufts students, and local elected officials. Speakers will include workers, students, and community members. The rally will serve as a way to stand in solidarity with Tufts Dining workers as they demand that the Tufts administration either pay them during Summer 2021 or allow them to collect unemployment insurance until the Fall Semester.

A walk-in clinic for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be held Tuesday, July 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the City Hall Annex at 50 Evergreen Ave. No registration is necessary, but if you prefer, you can pre-register at somervillema.gov/vaccine. The clinic is free, and open to all people 12 years or older, regardless of immigration status or health insurance. Identification is not required. All minors must have parent or guardian permission. Anyone 12-15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Permission forms will be available onsite, or you can download one here. If you need assistance, please call 311 (617-666-3311).

 Soul Stew: An Installation at the Nook – Now thru August 21

Somerville Artist, Elmer Martinez, has opened an art installation in his backyard called Soul Stew: An Installation at the Nook. The multidisciplinary art installation, curated in response to a year of creative repression brought on by the Corona Virus pandemic, will feature 11 local artists and will incorporate visual, performing and literary art. The backyard gallery is located at 11 Stickney Avenue in Somerville and is open now through August 21.  Tickets to the gallery tours are $10 and workshops start at $15.  The gallery is open to the public Monday through Thursday July 26 – August 12 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and August 16 – 20 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.. Tours and workshops must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.  For a full list of workshops and events and to book tickets to the gallery go to https://gofund.me/db499ae0

Project submissions include Somerville-Everett Pedestrian and Bicycle Connection, Lynnway Center-Running Bus Lanes, and Knowledge Corridor Rail Passenger Safety & Security Improvements 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced today the submission of three federal grant applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to seek funding from a federal discretionary grant program to improve travel and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, rail and public transportation customers across the Commonwealth.

Regarding application for a Marijuana Retail License & Special Permit by ADVESA MA, INC for 690 Broadway in Ball Square 

Join the Advesa team for an open house at the proposed marijuana retail store 690 – 694 Broadway at the corner of Josephine Avenue.   We will be presenting our proposal for an Economic Empowerment cannabis retail store and meeting with neighbors so that they can learn about Advesa and its plans for the store, to obtain input from them as to the outside look of the store, and, most importantly, to address any concerns that they may have with a cannabis retail store in Ball Square.  We will provide light refreshments and look forward to meeting all of you.