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Recently, I caught up with Somerville poet and novelist Ilan Mochari to talk to him about his new book of poetry Playthings.

Poet Richard Hoffman writes of the collection:

“Ilan Mochari’s voice in Playthings is exquisite in its range, its responsiveness, its singing. These are poems to be savored and read many times. Whether he is writing about trees native to Mexico, spiders native to his bathroom, or memories native to boyhood, his engagement with the world delivers poems that praise and lament, remember and contemplate. Several are small masterpieces: Playthings, Fiancé, Fiancée, and Weekday, City are jewels. What a treasure. What a pleasure.”

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Poet Jason Youngclaus writes: “When I returned to the Boston area after living in NYC for 15 years, I moved into the heart of East Somerville. As you do when you move into an area, you look for ‘spots’ that become routine. One morning, I was walking along Washington Street, hungry, and I spied this tiny lunch-car diner. I went in and immediately felt at home.  I ended up frequenting the joint and getting to know the regulars, the people that worked there, and as a result, started learning about the history of the diner as an establishment once named Buddy’s Truck Stop. But then, suddenly, Buddy’s had to close because of dire plumbing issues.

They’re investing in their space with sustainability in mind. Plus updates about winter and spring popups at Bow.

Trang Trinh and the crew at Green Tiger & Co. have been operating successfully at Bow Market since August 2024 and they are ready to expand their footprint! They’ll be combining their existing store with the neighboring space to offer a better selection of bulk and refillable items. Construction has begun to combine their current store with the neighboring space and the goal is to be open in the new space in the next few months.

Dozens of community members and supporters gathered at the Medford/Tufts Green Line MBTA Station Monday morning as State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven announced her run for State Senate.

State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven announced her candidacy for State Senate in the Second Middlesex District, pledging to be an unabashed progressive voice in the Senate, one who leads with conviction, delivers results, and is committed to fighting for you, even when it’s tough.

The Empty Bowls Project is a simple community meal of soup and bread to help remind people of the members of our community who are facing food-insecurity. Sponsored by the Clay Club and Advanced Ceramic Students Supervised by Ms. Byrne at Somerville High School.

Program offerings encourage movement for preventative social, mental, and physical health

A January dance party was in full swing at the Holland Street Senior Center when the Somerville Council on Aging announced it is officially joining the Massachusetts Councils on Aging’s (MCOA) Active Agers Program. The new initiative aims to promote physical activity to enhance mental and physical health as well as quality of life for seniors across Massachusetts. Possible participation prizes and rewards for participating COAs and individuals are also included.

To the women who serve and have served our country with courage and strength, we honor you. As a sincere thank you from the Somerville community and in celebration of Women’s History Month, the City’s Department of Veterans’ Services invites women veterans to a Wellness and Appreciation Day on Thursday, March 5. Attendees are invited to select from an array of free spa services including manicures, facials, haircuts, and wash and styles.