*

Review by Off the Shelf correspondent Ed Meek

Have we been looking at animals the wrong way? Sy Montgomery thinks so.

For much of our history, animals have been thought of as sources of food or game or as pests. In recent years, science has “discovered” that many animals are sentient and even intelligent. This has led to a rethinking of the value of animals based on how close they are to being human.

*
Gary Margolis is Emeritus Executive Director of College Mental Health Services and Associate Professor of English and American Literatures (part-time) at Middlebury College. His third book, Fire in the Orchard, was nominated for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. His poem Winning the Lunar Eclipse, about the Red Sox World Series 2006 win, was featured on Boston’s ABC5. His memoir is titled Seeing the Songs: A Poet’s Journey to the Shamans in Ecuador, and recent books include Time Inside and Museum of Islands.

Arrests:
*

Cameron St. Laurent, March 8, 4:53 p.m., arrested at Assembly Row on a warrant charge of larceny under $1200.

Rachid Belhadj, March 10, 12:57 p.m., arrested at Artisan Way on warrant charges of larceny over $1200, furnishing a false ID, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property under $1200, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, and open and gross lewdness.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 2 City Councilor J.T. Scott, and city staff invite you to a virtual public meeting to discuss remediation at Conway Field. Representatives from the EPA and DEP will detail the site cleanup plans, safety precautions, and construction and address any questions or concerns. 

The City of Somerville is seeking to fill vacancies on essential boards and commissions appointed by the mayor and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for community members with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community.

Easing of outdoor performance restrictions expected

The City of Somerville is remaining in reopening Phase 3, Step 1 until at least March 30 and capacity limits in Somerville businesses will remain at 25% or the limit set in the business’s city-approved health and safety plan until further notice.

Host Sarah Fishman speaks with Somerville’s Ward 2 City Councilor JT Scott.

Starting Monday, March 15, Somerville residents can once again drop off select waste items at the DPW Yard at 1 Franey Road. Yard waste, electronic waste, and tires will be accepted. Note that yard waste cannot be in plastic bags. 

Residents may drop off eligible items weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. or between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, is required and must be presented at the guard shack. Drop-off will be open to residents only, not contractors. The city reserves the right to refuse drop-off for any reason.

MassDevelopment, MAPC award over $2.5 Million to help cities, towns and organizations expand transportation service capacity through contracts with taxi and livery companies

MassDevelopment, in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), has awarded $2,543,883 in funding to 47 cities and towns, municipal agencies, regional transit authorities, nonprofits, and health and human service providers through the Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program, an operational subsidy program aimed at expanding transportation service capacity through contracts with licensed taxi or livery businesses.