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“Reagan Esther Myer is a multimedia one-woman show that uses live music, video, and dialogue to tell the story of life in a patriarchal speculative future where ThotBot brain implants use algorithms to turn your thoughts in Value. Not your typical glitched-out one-woman dystopian extravaganza full of beautiful electro-pop music, VHS-fueled video spectacle, and terrors born of our social and political zeitgeist. ”

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. With the official start of summer just around the corner, here is a look at some stats related to summer in Somerville.

44 park features: There are more than 80 parks and open spaces in Somerville and each includes a variety of features and amenities. So how do you know which parks suit your needs? On the City’s website we have a list a list of all City-, private-, and State-owned open spaces and what is available at each. Our list includes 44 different amenities including water features, sports fields and courts, playgrounds, and great views. To see the full list and plan your park visits for the summer, visit bit.ly/SomervilleOpenSpace. 

Family Fun Day, Fireworks and more planned for Summer 2019

“Summertime in Somerville” officially kicks off with the annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday, June 22, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Trum Field (rain date June 23). Summertime in Somerville events run from June until September with a variety of free events open to people of all ages. Following Family Fun Day, the City will host its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Trum Field on Thursday, June 27 (rain date June 28), beginning with live entertainment at 6:30 p.m.

By Stephanie Hirsch

This month, I’m giving a shout-out to two chefs who spend their free time making delicious meals for people who need them. Rob Torino and Jerry Pierce, pictured here in the kitchen at Connexion, cook for the Come to the Table dinner that’s sponsored by the Somerville Food Security Coalition.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer assigned to conduct enforcement in the Assembly Row area last Friday afternoon was patrolling on Grand Union Blvd., at the intersection of Canal St., when he observed a pickup truck fail to stop for an elderly woman who was in the crosswalk.

Classic Movie Nights: The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)

Thursday, June 20, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

“The Little Shop of Horrors is a 1960 American comedy film directed by Roger Corman. Written by Charles B. Griffith, the film is a farce about an inadequate florist’s assistant who cultivates a plant that feeds on human blood.” The movie will be followed by a post-showing discussion led by film industry scholars, filmmakers and enthusiasts. The public is welcome to join any of the movie nights (the panel discussion will be recorded for TV).

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I realize that a lot of you read my stories because I often talk about the old days of Somerville. Remember the days when you could maneuver around the city without having to have a nervous breakdown?

— Photos by Donald Norton

The Somerville Arts Council’s Night Market took place on Saturday, June 15, in Ball Sq. Attendees enjoyed area restaurants and a nighttime artisan and vintage market accompanied by live music by local artists.

The SomerVision2040 Forum for Local Artists brought together the community’s artists and city planners to discuss strategies for improving and promoting the arts in Somerville.

Planning the future of arts in the city
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By Melissa Rosales

Local painters, choreographers and other artists gathered together last Thursday, June 13, at 259 Lowell St. for the SomerVision2040 Forum for Local Artists. The goal of the forum is for local artists to express their concerns and ideas about how the city can better support its arts and creative economy. Greg Jenkins, head of the local Arts Council, Tom Galligani, City Economic Development Director and, Victor Nascimento, Forum Coordinator, were present to answer questions.

Howe Gelb will be performing at ONCE Lounge in Somerville on Saturday, June 22.

By Blake Maddux

Tucson, AZ denizen Howe Gelb had released seven albums of what Stereogum writer Peter Helman called “dusty, folky desert-rock” with his band Giant Sand before recording his first solo album in 1993.