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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.

A walk-in clinic for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be held Wednesday, June 9, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Clarendon Hill Towers at 1372 Broadway (the Administration Building). No appointment 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).

Somerville landlords and realtors are invited to join the city’s Office of Housing Stability for a virtual workshop about the benefits of renting to Section 8 tenants. Learn how Section 8 ensures stable rental income, how higher payment standards can lead to higher rent receipts, and how landlords and realtors can qualify for additional incentive payments and technical support through the city’s SomerVIP program.  

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville High School Class of 2021 graduation took place tonight at Dilboy Stadium.

Del Ponte Square on Elmwood St, across from the family home.

This summer, the Somerville Veteran’s Commission on Monuments, Memorials, and Dedications will begin accepting applications to honor living Veterans by dedicating a street corner in their name.

Historically, only deceased Veterans have been honored this way. Somerville will be the first community in Massachusetts to extend this honor to living Veterans. The announcement was made during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans’ Cemetery.