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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Review by Dennis Daly

Petitions are like prayers, only they are addressed with more certitude. Humanity seems no more capable of reforming itself in the name of itself or its favorite deity than a distracted Almighty, who has clearly moved on to newer and more interesting subjects. Nevertheless, the very act of petition engenders sympathetic audiences of listeners and possibilities.

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Megha Sood is a Pushcart-nominated poet, editor, and blogger from Jersey City, New Jersey. She is an Associate Poetry Editor at journals MookyChick (UK), Life and Legends (USA), and a Partner in the Literary project “Life in Quarantine” with CESTA, Stanford University, USA. Her works are featured in journals, including Poetry Society of New York, American Writers Review, Kissing Dynamite, Rising Phoenix Review, and many more. Blogs at https://meghasworldsite.wordpress.com/ and tweets at @meghasood16.

Arrests:
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Jimmy Zhang, of Salem, NH, June 24, 8:21 a.m., arrested at Mystic Ave. on a charge of shoplifting by asportation.

Chris Hicks, of Saugus, June 25, 1:36 p.m., arrested at Temple St. on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a person over 60 or disabled, assault and battery, and furnishing a false ID, and on warrant charges of assault and battery on a corrections officer, indecent exposure, assault. and assault and battery.

A heat advisory for the Boston metro region remains in effect through Wednesday evening, June 30, and community members are urged to take precautions. Temperatures of 98-99 degrees are forecast through Wednesday but will feel like 100 to 103 degrees. The National Weather Service warns that due to the high heat and humidity that heat-related illness is possible.

The Cities of Somerville, Cambridge, Framingham, and Chelsea in collaboration with the Chelsea Collaborative and Cambridge Health Alliance invite Massachusetts families to join a virtual (online and phone) panel discussion “Keeping Our Kids Safe and the COVID-19 Vaccine” on Tuesday, June 29, at 6:00 p.m.

The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market will begin its 2021 season on July 9. On Fridays and Saturdays until October 16, customers can buy fresh, local produce in neighborhoods around Somerville. The Mobile Market offers a 50% discount for any customers that need it and accepts cash, debit, credit, SNAP, P-EBT, WIC farmers market coupons, and senior farmers market coupons for payment. Any customers who shop and pay full price help the Mobile Market offer the discount to those who need it.

By Nathan Lamb

Somerville Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is providing farmers’ market coupons for eligible older adults, starting in early July. 

Coordinated through the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the program provides eligible older adults with $25 in coupon vouchers to purchase locally grown produce at participating farmers’ markets.  Coupons can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.