The City of Somerville FY22 Budget was formally presented to the City Council by Mayor Curtatone at a special meeting on June 3, setting the stage for the usual discussions, debates, and compromises to come.

By Joe Creason

On June 3, the City Council held a special meeting to discuss the 2022 fiscal year budget. Mayor Joseph Curtatone began the meeting with his budget presentation requesting the appropriation of $270,088,117 to the FY22 General Fund.

“It’s been a challenging year, we lost 86 souls, lives were turned upside down, businesses were disrupted, and the emotional distress of isolation took its toll,” Curtatone said.

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By Bella Levavi

On Wednesday, June 2, City Councilors hosted their second community meeting to discuss the redevelopment of Gilman Square. At the meeting, they presented three three-dimensional massing options, each one representing plans for a civic space on the square and three to four large buildings.

Somerville Open Studios’ “Last Look Show” will be featuring the works of local artists at the Somerville Museum through June 27.

By Rachael Hines

Somerville Open Studios (SOS) “Last Look Show” debuted on Saturday, June 5, at the Somerville Museum. The show, which features the works of local artists, will run till June 27. The hours will be Thursdays 2:00 – 7:00 p.m., Fridays 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Entrance to the exhibit is free of charge, though the Somerville Museum always accepts donations.

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On Wednesday, June 2, the Somerville Health and Human Services Department held their monthly meeting for the Somerville Commission for Women. The meeting was led by commissioner Crystal Turner and attended by three other commissioners. They discussed the prospects of the establishment of an Executive Director for the Commission.

We heard that an accident happened at Central St, and Highland Ave. around 12:15 a.m. early Monday morning that involved a Fire Rescue truck and another vehicle as they were responding to a call to West Somerville. There were reports of extension damage. We hope all involved are doing OK.

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Just recently I was introduced to garlic scapes. I had heard of them, but wasn’t quite sure what they were. I spoke with a farmer who told me they were the flower bud of the garlic plant. The scapes harvest in late June and early July. By harvesting the scapes it promotes the growth of the garlic bulbs.

You won’t get the day off from work or school or grocery shopping or … anything, really. There’ll be no three-day weekend or big picnic to mark the occasion. But for many, the significance of the day will ring loudly in their hearts and minds.

Flag Day is not an official federal or state holiday, but June 14 is the date designated by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson back in 1916 as a day to officially honor the stars and stripes that we solemnly revere today.

Arrests:
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Kevin McKenzie, June 1, 4:24 a.m., arrested at Medford St. on charges of home invasion and malicious wanton defacement of property.

Sherri Digaetano, of Revere, June 2, 8:15 a.m., arrested at Broadway on a charge of operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor.

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For some years I was advocating for a Somerville Poet Laureate. Finally, Harris Gardner, Greg Jenkins (Somerville Arts Council), and I came to an agreement at the Sherman Cafe in Union Square.  Soon, with the approval of Mayor Curtatone, a poet laureate committee was formed.

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Deborah Leipziger is a poet, author, and advisor on sustainability. Her chapbook, Flower Map, was published by Finishing Line Press. Born in Brazil, Ms. Leipziger is the author of several books on sustainability. Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize, her poems have been published in literary magazines in five countries.