By William Tauro

Thousands flocked to Somerville wearing their ugly, very ugly and ugliest sweaters to the East End Grill on Broadway to enter Glen Street for the “Ugly Sweater Run” this past Saturday morning!

Continue reading Ugly Sweater Run Sweeps Through Somerville →

Sex Offender Registry Board Welcome Message

The Sex Offender Registry Board is the state agency responsible for keeping a database of convicted sex offenders and classifying each offender so that the public may receive information Continue reading Does a Sex Offender Live Near Your Family Putting Your Kids In Danger? →

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“Thanksgiving Week in The Ville!”

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Volume 38 -Report No. 47 November 29, 2013 Copyright
© 2013 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen
THE HOUSE AND SENATE. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call records
local senators’ votes on three roll calls from prior legislative
sessions. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last
week. RAISE MINIMUM WAGE TO $9 (S 1925) Senate 6-32, rejected an
amendment that would raise the minimum wage from $8 to $9 over one
year instead of from $8 to $11 over three years. The

Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call →

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

November 25, 2013
Change is coming to Union Square. The opening of the Green Line Extension station by 2017 that our community has pursued for decades carries with it transformative potential. However, we do not want to transform Union Square into something else. We want to preserve what we love about Union Square, Continue reading Letter on Union Square Redevelopment from Mayor Curtatone →

What will the Green Line Extension stops look like? It could be up to you. MassDOT and the MBTA are looking for residents in neighborhoods that will be getting a new stop to join the Construction Working Group. For more on the working group and to see the application, visit this link: http://bit.ly/1bnMhed. All applications are due by Friday, December 13. photo by wallyg

Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition “Now 28 Pages” Online Tuesday Nov 26, 2023 →

By Neil W. McCabe

Why wouldn’t Charles D. “Charlie” Baker run for governor again in 2012?
After all, an arsonist always returns to the site of his crime—if only to enjoy the flames lapping over what was once the Massachusetts Republican Party.
Baker was not the first Republican leader to damage Continue reading Baker run for governor helps not GOP →

Juvenile arrest

Date/Time Reported Date/Time Occurred
11/19/2013 11:48:10 On or about 11/19/2013 11:48
Incident Type(s)/Offense(s)
(265/15A/A)A&B WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON c265 S15A
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

‘Tis the season…to give thanks, seriously….

You have probably noticed that in the short time that I have been “back” at writing, there hasn’t been much blood spilled in this column. I haven’t actually said much, about much. Oh sure, there’s been a little reference here and there to people, places and things – all pretty innocuous in nature.

I like it this way – why on Earth would I want to put myself back into the “dramafest” again? I really don’t have the urge or the desire to directly or indirectly insult, inflame or ridicule anyone these days. It’s just not worth it.

Would it be fun to pull the pin on a few grenades and run? Yes… Would it help expose some people for who they really are? Maybe… Would it help remove the stigma by association some douche with the same last name has caused? Continue reading Reality Bites a ‘Villen by James A. Norton →

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville—the ‘Innovation City’—is supporting the growth of next-generation industries that will fuel the 21st century economy with the creation of the Somerville Innovation Fund (the I-Fund), a $1 million loan program to support the growth of innovative businesses in the city. Continue reading INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES LOAN PROGRAM LAUNCHED BY THE INNOVATION CITY The City of Somerville makes $1 million available to support next-generation industries →

Join Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston for the second in a series of community meetings to discuss your ideas for the renovation of Lincoln Park on Monday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Argenziano School at 290 Washington Street, and will build on the discussion held on Oct. 30. The City plans to renovate Lincoln Park to provide necessary upgrades to the ball fields and playgrounds, and community input and feedback will be used to determine optimal design plans before implementation. Spanish and Portuguese translators will be available for the meeting upon request. For more information, visit http://www.somervillema.gov or call Arn Franzen in the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development at 617-625-6600 ext. 2500.

Center for the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue
5-7PM, Thursday, December 5, 2013
Free appetizers; excellent networking; free business card drawing; and cash bar.
Guests are welcome to bring unwrapped Toys for Local Children
Sponsored by Bonney Automotive and the Law Offices of Isaac M. Machado
Hosted by Dana Iacopucci of Cubby Oil and Energy
RSVP with name(s) and affiliation(s) of guest(s) to smackey@somervillechamber.org

Stephen V. Mackey, President/CEO
Somerville Chamber of Commerce
2 Alpine Street, P.O. Box 440343
Somerville, MA 02144
617-776-4100
smackey@somervillechamber.org
http://www.somervillechamber.org

(Somerville, MA) CPCU Credit Union employees dressed up in Halloween costumes on Thursday, October 31 to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of the Costumes for a Cure fundraiser. In a week, CPCU raised nearly $500 between both branches and online; CPCU matched the donation for a total of $1,000. Continue reading CPCU Credit Union raises $1,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through their Halloween fundraiser. →

THANKS TO UNPRECEDENTED GAINS IN NEW COMMERCIAL GROWTH—MAINLY IN ASSEMBLY SQUARE
Residential and commercial tax rates to be lower in FY14; Significant shift in tax burden from residents to commercial properties keeps taxes low despite rising property values

SOMERVILLE – Somerville property owners are in for some good news regarding their tax bills. Real estate Continue reading SOMERVILLE TAX RATE LOWERED →

More shocking and disturbing news with more new alleged incriminating discoveries surfacing and dropped off at our front doorsteps again regarding the Somerville Department of Public Works Garage and yet with another alleged scandal this time involving scrap metal on city time with city vehicles using city monies to get the task done.
This particular scandal allegedly occurred from 2006 -2010 and yes, you got it right, nobody saw anything, ya right! Continue reading Here’s Your Weekly Dosage of Newstalk Shout Out Loud for Nov 26th, 2013 →

Ritchie arrest

Date/Time Reported Date/Time Occurred
11/21/2013 12:24:30 On or about 11/21/2013 12:24
Incident Type(s)/Offense(s)
(90/13A)SEAT BELT, FAIL WEAR c90 S13A
(94C/32C/C)DRUG, POSSESS TO DISTRIB CLASS D c94C S32C
(94C/32J)DRUG VIOLATION NEAR SCHOOL c94C S32J

Persons
Role Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
VEHICLE OWNER (HOME)
ADDRESS: , MA (CELL)

OWNER/OPERATOR (HOME)
ADDRESS: (CELL)

Offenders
Status Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
DEFENDANT RITCHIE, JOHN ANDREW MALE WHITE 23 11/15/1990 (HOME)
ADDRESS: 20 OAK ST. WESTWOOD, MA (CELL)

Vehicles
Role Type Year Make Model Color Reg # State
INVOLVED VEHICLE 2004 FORD TAURUS BROWN MA
Stolen $ Rec Code Date Rec Rec $ Rec By

Property
Class Description Make Model Serial # Value
DRUG 124.5 GRAMS MARIJUANA Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Carpinto arrest

105 MIDDLESEX AVE
Date/Time Reported Date/Time Occurred
11/23/2013 18:34:14 On or about 11/23/2013 18:34
Incident Type(s)/Offense(s)
(266/30/A)LARCENY OVER $250 c266 S30

Persons
Role Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
VICTIM TJ MAXX, (HOME)
ADDRESS: 105 MIDDLESEX AVE SOMERVILLE, MA (CELL)

WITNESS (HOME)
ADDRESS: 105 MIDDLESEX AVE SOMERVILLE, MA (CELL)

Offenders
Status Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
DEFENDANT CARPINITO, JOHN MALE WHITE 39 07/26/1974 (HOME)
ADDRESS: 18 GROVE STREET 2 CHELSEA, MA (CELL)
[ NO VEHICLES ]

Property
Class Description Make Model Serial # Value
EVIDENCE VARIOUS ITEMS (RECEIPT ATTACHED) 399

Officer Report: 13043716 – 1 / FARIA, M (273)
Date/Time of Report Type of Report Review Status
11/23/2013 20:09:11 INCIDENT APPROVED

Narrative
This is a summary of events that occurred on 11/23/2013 at approximately 6:34PM, I Officer Faria, along with Officer Diaz were dispatched to TJ Maxx, located at 105 Middlesex Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Brown arrest

Date/Time Reported Date/Time Occurred
11/20/2013 14:46:06 On or about 11/20/2013 14:46
Incident Type(s)/Offense(s)
(94C/32A/H)DRUG, POSSESS TO DISTRIB CLASS B, SUBSQ. c94C S32A
[ NO PERSONS ]

Offenders
Status Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
DEFENDANT BROWN, CRAIG MALE BLACK 43 01/19/1970 (HOME)
ADDRESS: 30 BAILEY DORCHESTER, MA (CELL

Vehicles
Role Type Year Make Model Color Reg # State
INVOLVED VEHICLE 2013 CHEVY EQUINOX BLACK NJ
Stolen $ Rec Code Date Rec Rec $ Rec By

Property
Class Description Make Model Serial # Value
CRACK COCAINE 1
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Dos Santos arrest 11/23/13

The following is a brief summary of facts on the above date and time. The summary does not contain all minute details and is based on Victim statement.

While assigned to uniform patrol 664, I was dispatched to School Street, for a report of a Breaking and Entering, in progress. Uniform patrol 662 (Ofc. Soares), 663 (Ofc. Carr), 665 (Ofc. Perrone), S8 (Sgt. Macarelli) and S9 (Sgt. Marino), responded as back up. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Fabian arrest

Date/Time Reported Date/Time Occurred
11/24/2013 01:19:50 11/24/2013 01:15 to 11/24/2013 01:19
Incident Type(s)/Offense(s)
(265/13H)INDECENT A&B ON PERSON 14 OR OVER c265 S13H
(272/53/H)INDECENT EXPOSURE c272 S53

Persons
Role Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
(HOME)
(CELL)

Offenders
Status Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
DEFENDANT FABIAN, EVER IVAN DUBON MALE WHITE 25 08/12/1988 (HOME)
ADDRESS: 5 EVERETT AVE 2 SOMERVILLE, MA (CELL)
[ NO VEHICLES ]

[ NO PROPERTY ]

Officer Report: 13043766 – 1 / GUILLEN, G (304)
Date/Time of Report Type of Report Review Status
11/24/2013 01:44:14 INCIDENT APPROVED

Narrative
The following is a summary,

On November 24, 2013, I officer Gravin Guillen, along with OFC Jason Costa, were both in full uniform assigned to marked unit E-1. At Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Incident Type(s)/Offense(s)
(272/53/F)DISORDERLY CONDUCT c272 S53
[ NO PERSONS ]

Offenders
Status Name Sex Race Age DOB Phone
DEFENDANT CALIXTE, KIRBY MALE BLACK 20 12/04/1992 (HOME)
ADDRESS: 66 VERNON ST SOMERVILLE, MA (CELL)
[ NO VEHICLES ]

[ NO PROPERTY ]

Officer Report: 13043775 – 1 / GUILLEN, G (304)
Date/Time of Report Type of Report Review Status
11/24/2013 04:10:17 INCIDENT COMPLETED

Narrative
The following is a summary,

On November, 24, 2013, I, Officer Gravin Guillen, along with Ofc. Jason Costa, were in full uniform assigned to marked unit E-1. At approximately 03:38, we were dispatched to the La Quinta Inn #530 Cummings St. for a noisy and unwanted group in hotel room 530. E-4 operated by Ofc. Christopher Collete also responded.

Upon arrival, we spoke with the staff. They informed us that several Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

City of Somerville, Massachusetts
Joseph A. Curtatone
Mayor

November 25, 2013
Change is coming to Union Square. The opening of the Green Line Extension station by 2017 that our community has pursued for decades carries with it transformative potential. However, we do not want to transform Union Square into something else. We want to Continue reading Letter from Mayor Curtatone on Union Square Redevelopment →

Send us Your Best Version of Your Best “Somerville Christmas Poem” and we will post it live here for the world to see along with your photo and you also will win a $100 gift certificate to the new “West 7 Bistro” in Somerville!

Send all Christmas poems to: Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com
All poems must be in by Friday December 20th!

“The Somerville News Weekly has an app for that!”

Somerville Pop Warner Last Game of 2013 Season with a final score of 32-6, Ladies & Gentlemen I present to you, your 2013 NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS ~ SOMERVILLE POP WARNER A-TEAM!

By William Tauro

The City of Somerville is very blessed in many different ways.

Here in the city we have a wealth of many different active service clubs and organizations such as the Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, the Masons and Eastern Star just to name a few.

Most of these clubs and organizations consist of many local residents as members all teaming up and doing the thing that they do best and that is helping people in need.

Another organization that hits close to home here in the Ville is The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, Charted in 1638 by then Governor Winthrop.

Many Somerville. residents are and have been members of the Ancient Honorables for many years.

On occasion, they also serve as the governor’s honor. guard for visiting dignitaries.

There are over nine hundred members of the Ancient & Honorable Artillery. Company of Massachusetts, the. oldest charted. military unit in the. United. States.

It is the third oldest in the world.

Recently one hundred twenty eight members of the Ancients visited Moscow and St. Petersburg.

They were the first to carry the American flag to the Kremlin in ninty five years.

Their mission is to be good ambassadors.

They travel around the world honoring brave men and women who gave their lives for our country during time of war.

Photo below: Was taken in Russia this past year and all three gentlemen are Somerville Residents.

L to right: LT Jim Veneziano, LTC Larry Willwerth and CPT Joe Benoit in St. Petersburg, Russia

By William Tauro

Nine new Somerville Police Officers joined the ranks of the S.P.D after graduating from the M.P.T.C. LOWELL police academy on November 15, 2013 after completing 22 weeks of training.

A message from your vice president:

Sunday Nov 24th, was the last game of the 2013 season.The New England Championship…win or lose..We had a great season…it was our 50th Anniversary…had a record breaking 250+ kids…Welcomed lots of new people to our football family…We are still playing at the end of November….for some of the kids on the A-Team, this will be their last game….sad to see them go… 🙁 …but I see Great things for them in the future…But most of all…I hope every kid in the program has made friends and memories! ♥ #makingmemoriesthatlastalifetime!
Go VILLENS

Team A Somerville – New England Championship game was on Sunday at Lampson Field in Billerica, Massachusetts.

with a final score of 32-6, Ladies & Gentlemen I present to you, your 2013 NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS ~ SOMERVILLE POP WARNER A-TEAM !

Save the date!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

2:00pm until 6:00pm

American Legion Post 388
163 Glen St, Somerville, MA, 02145

The Book Shop on Broadway thats located in Ball Square in Somerville hosted “The Carter Alan Event” the other night at the shop.

Carter Alan, an amazing gentleman gave a very informative talk about his book “Radio Free Boston: The Rise and Fall of WBCN.

He shared his memories about his 19 years at WBCN as well as great stories about legendary rockers like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Peter Frampton, U2 and even Bob Marley’s early years playing around Boston and many others local venues.

Below is a link to a story about Carter and the book that one of our Somerville neighbors, Ethan Gilsdorf wrote for the Boston Globe.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2013/11/06/carter-alan-wbcn-and-making-rock-radio/axyAT4JCeILrje2ZILF0JM/story.html

You can also pick up your copy of the Somerville News Weekly as well as a copy of Mayor Gene Brune’s new book “The Spirit of Somerville” everyday at the bookshop located in Ball Square!

Christina Vitale Nardella was born in 1920 in Gaeta Italy and married to the late Pietro Nardella passed away peacefully on November 23rd 2013 after a short illness.
In November of 1956 Pietro and Christina came to America where they took up residence in Cambridge Massachusetts. Christina is survived by her four children, Cosmo, Nancy, Joe and Sal married to Jenny with two grandson’s Peter and Jonathan.
Christina was an active member of her community and involved in different societies including the Saint Cosmas and Damian Society. She was also a member of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi.

We Proudly Support Toys for Local Children!

Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 38 – Report No. 47
November 18-22, 2013
Copyright © 2013 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.
By Bob Katzen

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records the votes of local representatives and senators on five roll calls from the week of November 18-22.

ALLOW EARLY VOTING (H 3772)
House 142-10, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that allows Bay State voters to vote up to two weeks before a presidential primary or election. Another key provision allows people to register to vote online.

Supporters said it is time for Massachusetts to join the 19 states that allow online registration and the 32 that allow early voting. They argued both changes will increase voter turnout.

Some opponents said they are Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call – Regular weekly report – Nov. 22, 2013 →

May is Preservation Month in Somerville each year and an opportunity to publicize, and celebrate all of the historic features in our community. One significant part of this month is the Preservation Awards Program which is uniquely different from other communities’ award program because it involves

Continue reading 2014 Nominations for Director’s Awards Extended and Interviews with 2013 Winners →

Better than black Friday: The Somerville High Holiday Craft Fair on Sat., Nov. 30. Stop by the high school field house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to check out unique items. Admission is free and proceeds from the day will benefit the Somerville High School track team. http://bit.ly/18WALAJ

State Representative Denise Provost talks about Tufts University’s “PILOT” or “Payment In Lieu Of Taxes” to the City of Somerville on the next episode of Somerville Neighborhood News on 11/26 @7pm! Watch on Ch.3 or online at http://www.scatvsomerville.org/snn

Sent in by our readers!

Send us your children and pet favorite photos to Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com to be posted here live on Thesomervillenewsweekly.com for the world to see!

It all kicks off Thurs., Dec. 5 with the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the City Hall concourse. Along with musical e…ntertainment, special guest Santa Clause will be stopping by to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Later in the month you can join a trolley tour of spectacularly decorated houses in East or West Somerville during the Illuminations Tours. Tickets for the popular tours go on sale Mon., Dec. 2.

New this year is the Holiday Arts and Eats Festival on Dec. 6, 7, and 8. The festival will feature food trucks, a large holiday market including 60 artists, a 21+ event on Friday night and family-friendly activities and live music all weekend long.

For more information on any of these events: http://bit.ly/1e3OYiQ

SOMERVILLE – Help the Somerville Arts Council better understand the economic assets of the creative community in Somerville by participating in a quick community survey, launched with the UMass Center for Policy Analysis. .

The survey can be found at http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/creativesurvey, is open to all residents and will be available through December 6. It takes only 12 questions and five minutes to complete.

“Much of our success at the Somerville Arts Council relies on us listening to the creative community in Somerville,” said Mayor Joe Curtatone. “This survey, the data we will gain and the completed report will help the Council and the City understand how much the creative community contributes to Somerville’s economic vitality. We’ve always known we have a wealth of creative people in our City and now we will be able to quantify that information.”

“Our programming seeks to reflect the rich cultural diversity of the City and the artists, designers, and performers who have made it home. Similarly the policies we push at the City level attempt to be responsive to the needs of local artists,” said Gregory Jenkins, Director of the Somerville Arts Council.

As Somerville approaches a crossroads regarding the type of change and development it expects, surveys and reports will help City officials and directors understand the needs of the creative community and identify points of leverage for policy intervention. Toward that goal, the City is launching this asset survey and analysis with the UMass Center for Policy Analysis.

Although there is no rigid definition of the creative economy, it essentially encompasses those businesses, organizations and individuals who produce and distribute cultural goods, services and intellectual property—from art, film, photography and music to architecture, advertising and jewelry design.

“Somerville is well-known for attracting and supporting artists, but we are always looking for new and innovative ways to expand our programs and policies,” Jenkins said. “While economic impacts are an inherently crude measure of artistic expression, they are an important part of the larger narrative of how creative activity increases cultural and economic well-being. This report will provide more clarity about the depth and breadth of the cultural communities economic assets, which can be leveraged to support not only their community but also the City at-large.”

The survey is available at http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org

Be sure to pick up this coming Tuesday, November 26th print edition of The Somerville News Weekly because you won’t want to miss “Newstalk Shout OutLoud” at all!

Many questions to be asked, even many more questions need to be answered!

We will also be bringing you very shortly in an upcoming issue a very disturbing, sensitive and some long-awaited “tell all stories of what happened, how and why as it unfolds!” One can only imagine!

Happy 75th Birthday to my wonderful Dad. Your a wonderful father, friend, grandfather,and so much more to so many, Thomas Lydon. Enjoy the day

Debi Lydon Mitrano

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By William Tauro

On Wednesday evening, workers in darkness racing to decorate a first ever 20′ foot high Christmas tree at the Federal Realty Trust site of the new development mall at assembly Square in Somerville.

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Senator Patricia Jehlen
Second Middlesex District
State House of Massachusetts
Room 513
Boston, MA 02133

BOSTON – The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that will restore the value of the minimum wage in Massachusetts by increasing the minimum wage to $11 by 2016 and tying future increases to the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region. The bill also increases wages for tipped workers to 50 percent of the minimum wage. Continue reading Senate Passes Bill to Restore Minimum Wage →

The Somerville News Weekly com is only 633 Facebook Likes away from hitting the 4,000 Facebook Like mark!

Who will be lucky 4,000th Facebook Like winner of a $50 West 7 Bistro gift certificate!

Congratulation to Somerville Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz who has been selected to be honoree at the Greater Boston Labor Council annual dinner on Friday night, 11/22. Here are two links with more information about the event:

Click to access Municipal%20Dinner%20Ads%20and%20Tickets%20Flier%202013.pdf

http://gbclc.com/gblc-annual-salute-municipal-officeholders-dinner

Libby arrest
On November 12, 2013, I was in full uniform and assigned along with Ofc Monaco in Somerville marked unit 199 (Special Operations). While traveling East on Broadway, a public way within the city of Somerville, I randomly queried the status of MA reg 581NJ2, a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle came back active, however, the owners license status came back SUSPENDED for OUI. Ofc Monaco activated the emergency lights and siren stopping the vehicle on Blakeley Ave at Mcgrath Hwy, both Public Ways within the City of Somerville. I identified the operator as the owner, Ms. Jennifer Libby DOB 12/29/1986 (OLN#S79682827). I placed Libby under arrest for the above listed offense. She was transported to the station in Somerville marked unit 200, operated by Officer Teves. She was booked in the usual manner by Lt. A. Rymill. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Pats tow. I issued Libby MA criminal Citation R3373336 for Operating after Suspension for OUI (90/23).

By William Tauro

Some sad news to report that Somerville Lions Club Past President, Robert Hayden has sadly passed away this past week.

Robert Joined the Somerville Lions Club in 1984 and later served as president of the club in 1998 and 1999.

Robert served his county during WWII in Tokyo Japan while in the United States Navy aboard the USS Cunningham.

Then after the war had ended, he became the Register of Voters for the town Arlington as well as the chairman for the Arlington Republican Committee for the past twenty years in that town.

Somerville Lions Club President-Formor Somerville Mayor Gene Brune along with other Somerville and Arlington Lions Clubs members paid their final respects at a graveside memorial service on Wednesday.

The U.S. Navel Honor Guard were also present as Robert Hayden was lay to rest at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington MA.

Using Kickstarter-like crowdfunding service designed for governments, City Holiday Fundraiser seeks to help low-income residents access healthy foods

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville’s Mobile Farmers Market program needs your help—and a nifty online crowdfunding campaign makes it easy to give once during the holidays to provide meaningful help to low-income families all year.

Each week a truck carrying affordable fresh fruits and vegetables rolls up to Somerville’s two housing developments and a senior activity center and transforms parking lots into instant farmers markets with low prices that most struggling families can afford—but some still need more support. That’s why the Mobile Market, a program of Shape Up Somerville, offers matching funds for persons with demonstrated need, thereby doubling the purchasing power of low-income residents including those receiving SNAP and WIC support. But growing demand has already depleted the $5,000 in 2013 grant funding for the $10-$20 matching grants—just as federal cuts to food stamps programs are forcing families to make hard choices at the supermarket. By law, City funds cannot be used for the matching funds. So residents are being called on to donate to help fund the program through winter and next summer. Continue reading CITY, SHAPE UP SOMERVILLE KICK OFF “Citizinvestor” CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT MOBILE FARMERS MARKET SUBSIDY PROGRAM →

Annual Holiday Celebrations Kick off Thursday, Dec. 5 with Tree Lighting; Illuminations Tour to be Held Saturday, Dec. 14

SOMERVILLE – The holidays will come a little early to Somerville once again this year, with several celebrations planned throughout the month of December including the annual tree and Menorah lighting at City Hall, the Arts Council’s Illuminations Tour, and a first-ever “Holiday Arts and Eats” Festival at Assembly Row, sponsored by Federal Realty Investment Trust.

The City’s annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place Thursday, Dec. 5 on the City Hall Concourse, followed by a meet and greet with Santa Claus in the Somerville High School Highlander Café (atrium entrance). On Saturday, Dec. 14, residents and visitors are invited to the Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations beginning at 4:30pm. The popular tour takes attendees aboard trolleys across the City to discover some of the most brightly decorated homes throughout the City for the holiday season. Residents interested in having their homes featured on the tour should contact the Somerville Arts Council at 617-625-6600 ext 2985 by Friday, Dec. 6.

The tree lighting ceremony will feature musical entertainment by: the Somerville High School Band and Orchestra; the Somerville Community Chorus; El Sistema Somerville; and grade four students from the Arthur D. Healey Elementary School. Special guest Santa Claus will be escorted by the Somerville Fire Department for the ceremony and will be available for photos following the tree lighting. All children attending the ceremony will also receive a gift from Santa.
The annual Illuminations Trolley Tour of East and Central Somerville is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, with tours departing from the City Hall Concourse beginning at 4:30 p.m. The 45-minute tours will showcase holiday light displays in our own Somerville. Tours leave from (and return to) Somerville City Hall where coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are served. Entertainment at City Hall includes choral music and craft activities for children.

Trolley Tour tickets will be available at the Blue Cloud Gallery, 713 Broadway, beginning Monday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children and seniors. For more information, visit http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org.

Adding to the holiday fun in Somerville this year, the City of Somerville will join Federal Realty Investment Trust for its first annual Holiday Arts and Eats Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6, 7, and 8. The festival will feature food trucks, a large holiday market including 60 artists, a 21+ event on Friday night and family-friendly activities and live music all weekend long. It will be hosted under a large heated tent at Assembly Row. For more information and schedules, visit http://www.assemblyrow.com/events .

For more information on the City’s holiday events, please contact Nancy Aylward at 617-625-6600 ext 2100.

Janeiro arrest

On November 12, 2013 at around 1pm, I was in full uniform on a paid detail assignment at the intersection of School and Medford Street ,Somerville. At that time, I observed an individual identified as Patrick Janeiro, near a white Chevy Traverse with Ma registration , parked at the intersection of School and Montrose Street, one block away from where I was positioned.Mr. Janeiro was riding a bycicle and pulled right next to the Traverse (Ma ). He later leaned the bycicle on a nearby fence and attempted to view the contents inside the motor vehicle. I placed myself out of Mr. Janeiro’s view, and observed him pull the rear passenger door of the Traverse open, and rifled through the contents on the back seat. He later opened the front passenger door and repeated the same behavior.
Mr. Janeiro appeared to have placed something in his jacket pocket and walked away from the vehicle. I made my way to Mr. Janeiro’s location and placed him in custody. The owner of the Traverse was identified as a . v did not immediately notice anything missing from her vehicle. Nothing was found in Mr. Janeiro’s jacket pockets

I later observed a Staples Reward’s card ( on the ground right next to where Defendant Janeiro was standing. v said the card was her property and she left it in the middle console of the vehicle. She also said she left the Traverse unlocked. It appeared that Defendant Janeiro removed the card from the vehicle.

Mr. Janeiro was transported to Somerville Police Headquarters where he was booked by Sergeant John Marino. He was charged with the crime of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle in The Daytime to Commit a Felony (MGL Ch 266 s18).

Angulo arrest

The members of the Somerville Police Department Drug/ Vice Control Unit have been conducting an ongoing investigation regarding the criminal offense of sexual conduct for a fee. As an investigative tool the monitoring of various classified advertisements utilized to solicit sexual services is routinely conducted, in an attempt to curb the illegal sex trade in our city.

On November 14th the aforementioned advertisements were again monitored by members of the Somerville Police Department Drug / Vice Control Unit. While perusing through the assorted advertisements, an advertisement offering transsexual sexual services for a fee was observed. Insp. James Hyde responded to the advertisement via cellular telephone number (AKA Claudia). A female/male later identified as Mr. William Angulo quoted Insp. Hyde a fee of $200.00 per hour for sexual services. Ms/Mr. William Angulo also instructed Insp. Hyde to call him/her when he arrived at the hotel located at 30 Washington St. Somerville. Insp. Hyde called Ms/Mr. Angulo once he arrived at the hotel and she instructed him to go to room #500. Detectives Ariel Collazo, Detective James McNallly and I, Detective Shackelford set up surveillance within the hotel.

Upon his arrival to room #500, Ms/Mr. Angulo opened door #500. Ms/Mr. Angulo invited Insp. Hyde to enter the room. It was noted at this time Ms/Mr. Angulo was dressed in provocative attire. Once inside the room, Ms/Mr. Angulo displayed his/her breasts and encouraged Insp. Hyde to disrobe. At this time Ms/Mr Angulo attempted to submerge Insp. Hyde face between her exposed breasts. Ms/Mr Angulo proceeded to digitally grope Insp. James Hyde genitalia region. Ms/Mr Angulo conversed regarding anticipated sexual tryst and told Insp. Hyde he/she was equipped to do so having sexual protection ( condom ) available. Insp. Hyde as instructed by Ms/Mr Angulo placed a payment of $200.00 on a table currency which was monies drawn from the Somerville Police Investigative fund for one hour of sexual service. Ms/Mr Angulo proceeded to digitally display his/her anus and penal area.

Insp. James Hyde via a pre-arranged signal notified members of the entry team to enter the room and place the defendant Ms/Mr. Angulo under arrest.

Detective Hyde turned into evidence seven Condoms (various styles).

Ms/Mr. Angulo was transported to the Somerville Police Station via Somerville Marked Unit 200, Officer DeOliveira to be booked by, Sgt. DeGregorio.

Daniel Arrest

I was working in uniformed patrol in car East Two.I responded to a call for a man flipping out in the CPCU Credit Union.Upon my arrival the suspect had all ready left. I spoke with witness1witness 2and witness 3about the incident. I also have video and pictures from the video of the incident.
w1 stated that Mr. Daniel who regularly comes into the Credit Union,
as he was entering the Credit Union kicked in the bottom glass to the foyer door.
The Credit Union was open for business at this time. He then walked up to w2 and yelled that she had hung up on him. He had called earlier asking about his parents accounts,she had to put him on hold to answer another call,when she was able to get back to him he was no longer on the line.
w3 who is the Branch Manager heard the commotion and came out of her office.She saw that he was in an agitated state and that he was frightening her employees.Tiago Daniel told her that he could pay for the damage and that he could buy the bank and he could fight a hundred guys,he then turned and punched a framed picture breaking the glass and damaging the frame.
The panic alarm had been activated ,and also w1 who was upstairs was called and he came downstairs and stood between Tiago Daniel and the Credit Union employees. w1 heard Tiago Daniel say he could kick ass,fight one hundred guys . w1 said no one is going to fight we have called the police
Mr. Daniel then started emptying his pockets saying I have a lawyer and I can pay,he then handed w1 is business card and left the Credit union.
Mr. Daniel turned himself into the Police department where I placed him under arrest for Malicious Destruction of Property over 250> and for disturbing the peace.

The Somerville Mobile Farmers’ Market has been providing matching funds to low income customers to help boost their spending power. This matching progr…am has helped many residents provide fresh produce to their families, but its popularity has depleted the grant funding that was used for the match. This holiday season, we’ve teamed up with Citizinvestor to help crowdfund the Mobile Market matching program.

Over the next 60 days, we hope to raise $3,000. Those funds will be used at the market throughout the year to help keep nutritious food on plates around the city. If you are interested in making a donation, or would like to learn more about the Mobile Market please visit: http://www.citizinvestor.com/project/somerville-mobile-farmers-market.

We also need your help spreading the word about this campaign, so please share widely. Even a small donation can make a big difference in what foods a family can afford.

Rodrigues Arrest

On November 14, 2003 at approx. 9:20 PM while in marked unit Special Operations 199. Officer Tim Sullivan queried MA Reg travelling east on Broadway at School Street, both streets are public ways within the City of Somerville. The listing came back active but the registered owner, Julien Restrepo had an active default warrant for his arrest and the inspection sticker on the vehicle was expired. We activated our blue lights and stopped the vehicle at Broadway and Walnut St. I approached the vehicle and asked the driver, Julien Restrepo for his license and registration and explained why I had stopped him. At this time Detectives Jim Hyde and Ariel Collazo acting as back-up approached the vehicle. Could smell a strong odor of FRESH UNBURNT marijuana emitting from this vehicle. Officer Sullivan and both Detectives concurred with this finding when I asked them if they also smelled the unburnt marijuana odor. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Mendes arrest

The following is a brief summary pertaining to Incident #13042654:
On Thursday, November 14, 2013, I was working in marked unit East-1. At approximately 12:50 P.M. I was traveling east on Mystic Avenue towards Temple Street. As I turned right onto Temple Street I noticed a dark colored Volkswagon bearing Massachusetts registration . As I drove past this vehicle I randomly queried this registration via my cruiser laptop. I looked into the window of the vehicle and saw three males inside. The operator was known to me as Mr. Robert Lara. I had just encountered Mr. Lara less than a month ago in the passenger side of a red Ford Explorer. As I continued driving up Temple Street the results of my registration query returned and revealed that the plates belonged to a red Ford Explorer. The vehicle was registered to a . I remembered that it was who I had previously stopped on October 22, 2013 with Mr. Lara sitting in the passenger side of the Explorer and two other people seated in the back. I turned my cruiser around in an attempt to stop the Volkswagon. As I could now see the Volkswagon traveling along Mystic Avenue, I turned on my emergency blue lights and siren and subsequently stopped the Volkswagon on Mystic Avenue near Shore Drive, all public ways in the city of Somerville. I would note it took several seconds for the vehicle to pull over after my initial attempt to stop the Volkswagon.

As I walked up to the Volkswagon I could smell an intense smell of fresh marijuana. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Santana arrest

On November 12th, 2013, I Detective Kevin Shackelford along with Detectives Sgt. David Monte, James Hyde, Ariel Collazo and Detective McNally were working plain clothes in an undercover capacity as, Narcotics Detectives.
At approximately 1:15pm, I had initiated surveillance in the Home Depot parking located at 75 Mystic Ave. Somerville. This area has been a known narcotics “hot spot” and has been the focus of prior narcotics related investigations (surveillance) which have resulted in numerous arrests. There has also been several Heroin related overdoses in parked motor vehicles in the past. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Our condolences to the Campo family on the loss of their dad, Robert Campo. Many of us here in the Ville knew him as Bobby, who was a good man, a good fathers and good friends to many of us here in and around Somerville. Robert was a former elected city tax assessors for the City of Somerville and he will be sadly missed.
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Jim Legee celebrated his eighty eighth birthday with a birthday bash thrown in his honor at the LaHasenda Restaurant in Somerville with dozens of family, friends and former co-workers in attendance this past Sunday. Jim also worked as a building inspector for the City of Somerville back in the late 70s during the Brune administration. Jim is also a war veteran who fought in the Battle of the bulge and who was recently decorated for his military service for his country by the Somerville Veteran’s Services Department. We here at the Somerville News Weekly wish Jim all the best on his birthday with many more happy birthdays to come!
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More birthday parties and greetings out there hovering around the Ville are Al Baldasaro, Gabriella Correia, Kimmie Moss, Sara Steel, Jimmy Veneziano, Judy Meredith, Carlos Moreno and Happy 14th birthday to Janelle Hamel, Joe Hamel’s beautiful daughter.
If there are any Villen Birthdays out there are that we missed, well it’s your own fault for not letting us know. But just in case, Happy Birthday to all across-the-board from The Somerville News Weekly!
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We would like to take this opportunity again to thank all of our devoted readers out there for putting us on top again! As many of you know that we have received our 3000th Facebook like this past week on Facebook and we are well on our way to 4000th Facebook like by next weekend. So thank you so much for your support, its much appreciated! Continue reading Here’s Your Weekly Dose of The Somerville News Weekly Newstalk Shout Out for November 19th, 2013 →

Pierre arrest

On November 13, 2013, I received an incident report from A victim, a teacher at Somerville High School.

Her report states, (On November 12, 2013) “At approximately 2:45, Lorreno Pierre came into my office (259). I was sitting in my chair working/typing at my computer. Lorreno asked me if I had any Halloween candy. The question stemmed from a discussion that we had the previous week about Halloween. I mentioned that I was bringing in the extra candy for the teachers.

I answered Lorreno’s question that I did have a bag of candy on the table and that he could grab a couple of pieces. Lorreno said, ‘thanks.’ Our conversation ended and I turned away from him. I proceeded to work and type on my computer. A second later I noticed Lorreno approach me from behind. I was sitting facing my computer, in my chair. Lorreno came behind my chair and wrapped his arms around my chair and touched the side of my arms. I began to curl down when I felt his arms. His hands lightly grabbed my chest and I tightened up. He released his grip and I stared at him awkwardly. I couldn’t speak. Lorreno walked to the other side of the office and said to my student teacher, that he ‘wanted to marry me.’

After Lorreno left, I called at 3:00 P.M. to report the incident. I thought was Lorreno’s Housemaster, but he referred me to who is Lorreno’s Housemaster. I reported the incident to at 3:17 pm.”

I spoke to on 11/13/13 in the Head Master’s office. was present for the meeting. recounted the events she detailed in her incident report. She made it clear that Lorreno’s action of touching her was inappropriate and unwelcome.

After speaking to , I contacted Lorreno’s House Master, . went to classroom #336 and brought Lorreno Pierre to the Head Master’s conference room.

In the conference room, I told Mr. Pierre what he was accused of. I gave him his Miranda Rights. He acknowledged he understood his rights. He then exercised his right to remain silent. I asked no questions of Mr. Pierre.

I placed Lorreno Pierre into custody and called for car 200, officer T. Gardner, to transport him to the police station. While waiting for car 200, Lorreno stated, “I gave her a hug, that’s all I did.”

Officer T. Gardner arrived shortly thereafter. Officer Gardner patted down Mr. Pierre before seating him car 200. Officer Gardner recovered a folding knife from his coat pocket and handed it to me. The knife had a black handle and a four inch blade. Lorreno Pierre was transported to the station and booked by Lt. C. Vivolo.

On 11/18/2013, at approximately 11:35 PM, a female victim reported that while walking home alone in the Porter Square area, she was grabbed from behind by an unknown male. The male assailant was described as 5″ 9″ with short straight hair . Male had on a black jacket with collar, baggy pants and nice shoes. The attacker attempted to sexually assault her. The victim screamed; at which point her attacker fled north on Porter Street towards Summer Street. The victim was not injured.

We are asking anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or anyone who has information about this incident, to please contact Somerville Police Detectives at 617 625-1600, extension 7224.

We all need to remain vigilant and take personal safety measures, especially when walking alone.

As a reminder, if you see a crime in progress, or see anything or anyone acting suspicious, please call 911 immediately.

– If possible, never walk alone, particularly after dark.
– Avoid distractions like air buds or headphones.
– Walk in well-lit areas.
– Avoid short cuts that take you into dark areas.
– Keep your cell phone handy at all times.
– Download a location app on your phone so that it may be traceable if stolen.

By William Tauro

This past Tuesday the Somerville Lions Club President Gene Brune presented Melissa McGovern, a Somerville High School graduate and now a freshman at UMass Lowell, a check for one thousand dollars from the James Goddard Scholarship Foundation.

Melissa was a member of the National Honor Society, she was in the top 10% of her class excellent academic record at Somerville High School (SHS).

Also at SHS she was involved with athletics in volleyball as captain for 4 years, basketball for 4 years and softball for 4 years as captain.

Melissa was also involved in community service with the Somerville Pride Basketball Leaque, KiwanisThanksgiving Program for 4 years, Brian Higgins Tricia Night for 6 years and the Somerville Recreation Road Race for 4 years.

While she is attending UMass at Lowell she is currently studying Exercise Physiology in goal of receiving a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

The Lions Club Scholarship Fund is in memory of James Goddard, a former secretary of the Somerville Lions Club.

Melissa also received Thanksgiving turkey from the Somerville Lions Club and a scholarship from the Kiwanis Club as well.

Photo L to R::
Lion’s Paul Calnan District Governor, Somerville Lions President Gene Brune, SHS Scholarship Foundation David O’Brian, Melissa McGovern, Melissa’s mom Cheryl McGovern, Melissa’s dad Michael McGovern and Lion’s Louise Kirkpatrick Cabinet Secretary Treasurer

The Lady Highlanders challenged the Faculty on Monday November 18th at the Somerville High School. The faculty included SHS teachers, coaches and staff.
The faculty beat the Varsity players 2-1 in a great game. The faculty took the first set. The Highlanders took the second set. The faculty had a comeback in the third set to take the match. The faculty team was headed by Varisty Coach Walker and JV Coach Kanemura.

The JV and freshman team combined to play a team of faculty dropping the match to the faculty 3-0. The game was loud and competitive.

The contest was also a senior class fundraiser. The seniors raised over $50 with the sale of t-shirts to promote the contest.

By William Tauro

The holiday tree at the Powderhouse Rotary in Somerville has been delivered as seen in this photo on Tuesday afternoon being hoisted from it’s trailer.

the gigantic tree will soon be decorated with glowing multicolor lights for the holiday season.

The following is a brief summary pertaining to Incident #13043137:

At approximately 6:49 P.M. I was dispatched to Gilman Street for a reported groups call. The reporting party, , called the police and stated three males went running through her backyard towards the railroad tracks. RP stated that one of the males was suspect . Marked unit East-4, Officer Van Nostrand and Sector-East, Officer Capasso, were sent as my backup. I would like to add that I know this address to be the home of involved party . RP is involved party mother and they reside in the same apartment. involved party was involved in prior incidents with witness , involved party2, and suspect in the past. It is believed that involved party2 and suspect both have an issue with involved party and have robbed him with a firearm in the past. I have personally responded to calls to the residence and have found victim to have many altercations with involved party2 and suspect . While speaking to rp she stated that she received a phone call from involved party victim. While on the phone with victim , he stated that four kids had surrounded his car and for rp to come outside to make sure the kids have left the area. victim had his vehicle parked outside Gilman Street until it was surrounded by the four males, two of the males being Cody Domings and suspect. rp stated all she heard victim say was that suspect had a gun. As rp went outside she saw suspect run in the back of her yard along with two or three other males. One of the other males being Cody Domings. rp was not sure if the males went onto the train tracks or if they went to Mr. Doming’s home which is only two houses away.

At this point, Officer Capasso and I were asked to check rp backyard for the males. As we entered the backyard we did not find any of the males. However, we did find that a piece of broken fence leading to the train tracks that run in back of rp home. As Officer Capasso and I looked down the tracks, we could see three to four males running from the area of Gilman Street towards Washington Street. I radioed that I could see males running on the tracks and that one of the males may be in possession of a firearm. I would like to note that these tracks are private property of the MBTA and have no trespassing signs posted throughout the tracks. While units responded to the area of the tracks, I called and spoke with victim to find out exactly what had occurred in front of Gilman Street.

While speaking to victim , he stated that he had parked directly across the street from Gilman Street as he had plans to have dinner with his girlfriend, his witness2 , and new girlfriend. . victim was seated in the driver’s side of the vehicle with his girlfriend on the passenger side, and son in the rear of the vehicle, waiting for suspect to arrive. As witness arrived, she sat in the rear of the vehicle next to wintess2 and victim had introduced himself as this was the first time meeting his son’s girlfriend. As the four were ready to leave the parking spot, victim saw suspect in front of his car yelling for his sister to get out of the vehicle. v , who knows suspect , asked him what the issue was. suspect yelled at v that he could leave to go to dinner once his sister left the car. At this time, three other males, one of whom was identified as Mr. Cody Domings surrounded the vehicle and started to kick and punch the car causing damage all around. According to v, Cody Domings, took off his shirt and screamed, “Let’s go.” This was an attempt to join suspect in trying to get wintess2 out of the car. v looked over at suspect who now had his hand inside his left jacket pocket pointing what he believed to be a gun into the vehicle. v was positive that suspect was holding a firearm as he saw the butt-end of the gun coming out of his left hand. suspect looked over at Mr. Domings and stated, “Let’s just end them now.” He then pointed the gun at v. v stated he was in fear of his life and the lives of his passengers at this time. While all four males continued kicking the car, suspect walked over to the passenger side of the vehicle with his hand still holding the gun and v saw an opportunity to flee and pressed the accelerator and quickly left the parking spot. v took a right hand turn onto Walnut Street followed by another right turn onto Pearl Street. While travelling, suspect stated she could see all four males running down Jasper Street going towards Pearl Street in an attempt to cut v off. As he was quickly passing Jasper Street, suspect ran at the car striking it once again on the passenger side. This was when v called witness to check outside for the four males.

I explained the finding of my conversation to the other units as a perimeter was set up around the area of the train tracks from Cross Street to Washington Street. Numerous officers set up the perimeter as Officer Ward set up near the Washington Street end of the tracks. Officer Ward knows this to be an area where people had been able to hop the fence and get onto the tracks. This entire area in not open to the general public and is an area where only MBTA personal should have access to. While looking down at the tracks, Officer Ward stated he could see three males approaching him. While they were in an area of overgrown, thick, bushes the three males waited a few seconds and continued down the tracks toward Officer Ward’s location. This area is an area that is unattainable to most people and that a reasonable person would not be in this area. Officer Ward stated the three males could not see him while standing at the overgrown, thick, bushes. The males were only twenty feet away from Officer Ward’s location. Officer Ward was not certain but believed this to be an ample place for a suspect to discard a weapon or drugs if they wanted due to the overgrowth and openness of that particular spot. As they came closer to him, Officer Ward shined his flashlight, pronounced himself as a police officer and asked the three males to stop. As he did this, he was able to detain one of the males, later identified as Mr. James Flint. The other two males ran in the opposite direction towards Cross Street where officers have been posted.

While at his post, Officer Van Nostrand stated he could hear several of the males running around his location talking. As they saw Officer Van Nostrand, he was able to see two males. The two males quickly ran across the tracks to the Alston Street side and hopped multiple fences and ended up on Alston Street. A radio transmission of the males locations were being announced as they were now running down Alston Street towards McGrath Highway. As I was running down Alston Street, Officer Capasso, Legros, St. Hilaire, and a detail officer were in a foot pursuit right behind one male. This male, later identified as Mr. Keith Francey, refused to stop for the police after being asked multiple times. Mr. Francey ran down Alston Street, took a right onto McGrath Highway, right onto Cross Street and was eventually caught on the corner of Alston Street and Cross Street. While attempting to be placed in custody, Mr. Francey fell to the ground in a manner to try and evade being handcuffed. While on the ground, Mr. Francey refused to be handcuffed, flailing his arms under his body and moving his legs. After several attempts, I issued Mr. Francey a one second burst of my departmental pepper spray in an attempt to control Mr. Francey and place him under arrest. I would note that this area is both a residential and business area and there now were multiple families outside of their homes and vehicular traffic stopped on McGrath Highway because of Mr. Francey’s actions. After being placed under arrest, Mr. Francey stated he had several pills inside of his pocket. Officer Perrone, driving the mobile detention unit, took out a clear plastic bag containing 7 whole and one half of a yellow round pill believed to be Clonazepam. Also inside of the clear bag is half of a blue round pill which can not be determined. While speaking with Mr. Francey he stated that he was with suspect and Mr. Domings but did not know their whereabouts at the moment and that everyone ran in separate directions.

At this time, I went to Gilman Street, the Domings residence, as marked unit West-5, Officer W. Collette, was on scene there with the Domings family. While speaking to involved party, he stated that nobody else was inside of the house. He stated as Officer Collette arrived, everyone who was inside the home exited and have been outside ever since. As I looked at the house, I saw someone on the second floor open the blinds quickly and look outside. I shined my flashlight on the window and the person quickly walked away from the area. I asked who else was inside the home. The replied by saying nobody was inside the house. I informed them that I believed to have seen a person open the blinds and shut them. involved party stated that it must have been the dog. At this time, involved party mother went into the home. I explained to her if Cody was inside the home to have him come out. After approximately ten minutes Cody Domings came out of the house. Officer Van Nostrand, who was now on scene, looked at Cody Domings and explained to me that he matched the description of one of the males he saw running away from him on the tracks. Mr. Domings was placed under arrest at this time.

While at the Domings residence, Officer Capasso and Ward were now on the tracks with Everett Police Officer Chris Hannon with K9 “Hart.” K9 Hart is a certified ATF bomb and gun dog. Officer Ward explained to Officer Hannon where he saw the three males standing around and that it was not an area where a reasonable person would be none the less congregate for several seconds. Officer Hannon started a search with K9 Hart and immediately hit on the area of overgrown, thick, bushes where Officer Ward had seen the males. Officer Hannon looked in the area where K9 Hart hit on and found a .22 caliber firearm. The firearm was loaded with one bullet in the chamber. While trying to find the serial number of the firearm, it was found that the serial number had been obliterated and defaced. The firearm was properly stored and will be further examined by detectives for fingerprints and possibly DNA. Post arrest, a search for firearm licenses was completed for all four males and found that none of them currently had a license to carry a firearm or FID card.

The three males were transported to Somerville Police Headquarters via marked unit 200,

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Send us your favorite photos to Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com to be posted here live on Thesomervillenewsweekly.com for the world to see!

Ward 3 includes the northern side of Union Square along with Central, Prospect, and Spring hills. Join Mayor Curtatone, Al…derman Taylor, City and elected officials, and your neighbors, at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave., from 7-8:30 p.m., to share data and talk about what’s going on in Somerville and your neighborhood. A social half-hour (with free pizza!) will run from 6:30-7. And, if you haven’t already, help shape the agenda for Thursday by taking this survey: http://bit.ly/tUWAOe

Send us Your Best Version of Your Best “Somerville Christmas Poem” and we will post it live here for the world to see along with your photo and you also will win a $100 gift certificate to the new “West 7 Bistro” in Somerville!

Send all Christmas poems to: Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com

All poems must be in by Friday December 20th!

“The Somerville News Weekly has an app for that!”

By Neil W. McCabe

The Bay State’s senior senator pulled off the ultimate liberal maneuver: accumulating great wealth by remarrying well and representing corporate interests against the disadvantaged—then, successfully presenting herself as both a feminist and exemplar of the everyday American.
Perhaps the only thing keeping her out of the Liberal Hall of Fame is the speed bump over her claim to have been a Cherokee Indian. Her fib was characteristic of the 1980s steroid-era of liberal guilt, when progressives went out of their way to reconcile their persecution envy. We are all glad that is no longer necessary.
Still the taint of the faux-Cherokee claims could soon all be forgotten as Warren prepares to rob Hillary R. Clinton of White House.
I am old enough to remember when Clinton was a lock for the presidency in 2008. Her campaign was stocked up so many high-priced consultant, statesmen Democrats and celebrities, it did not seem a campaign as much as an impatient administration in-waiting.
No one saw Barack Obama coming, least of all Clinton, who woke up one morning to realize that not only had Obama out-flanked her in the caucuses, but he swiped her husband’s “Hope” franchise.
Imagine what that was like, the wife of the Man from Hope, Ark., having to listen to “Hope, hope and hope” from some guy she vaguely remembered from the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Obama having secured the support of the Chicago machine, not only took her husband’s hometown, but also hers.
Thus it came to pass that Clinton would serve loyally in the Obama administration as secretary of state—and when the chips were down in 2012, the big dog William J. Clinton carried Obama over the finish line to reelection.
It follows that Obama owes Clinton double. Once for his 2008 larceny and twice for the vital support given him in 2012 by Clinton Industries.
Too easy, right?
Not quite. There is the matter of the sinking of S.S. Obamacare to consider.
As Obama rallied the crew to man the pumps, he looked over his shoulder to see the Clintons swiftly rowing for shore.
This could be a small thing. Or, it could be a deal-breaker. If it is a deal-breaker, it will play out in two major ways.
The first way is that White House staff will be free to ramp up the Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s campaign for president. Whatever people outside the Beltway think, there is great affection for Biden in Washington, especially on Capitol Hill. There is also an appreciation among administration staff that the best way to keep their jobs and exploit influence after they leave their jobs is for a Biden White House to take the baton from the Obama White House. Biden wants to run and run hard, but Obama is reining him in because of his treaty obligations with the House of Clinton.
With Biden and a sprinkling of governors in the race with Clinton, all of the tussle will be within the Democratic establishment, which means if the progressives unite behind one candidate, it could run the table.
(Enter Warren from stage left.)
Beginning in 1960, for Bay Staters have been nominated for president, John F. Kennedy, 1960; Michael S. Dukakis, 1988; John F. Kerry, 2004 and W. Mitt Romney, 2012, and so far we are batting .250.
It may seem far-fetched, but every time I get an email from Warren asking for money for her 2018 reelection, I cannot help but think she is spending some extra time in the batting cage.

Local author Becky Sarah shared with us her new book, “Grandmothering:
Real Life in Real Families”. This intergenerational event was presented
by the Somerville Council on Aging, the LGBT Liaison of the Office of
Somerville Commissions, the Somerville Public Library and the LGBT Aging
Project. “Grandmothering: Real Life in Real Families” takes a look at
the experiences of over 80 grandmothers today. It’s about all kinds of
families, including adoptive families, gay and lesbian families,
stepfamilies, and multiracial families.

Next event is November 25th for “Movies To Come Out To” showing “The
Love Part of This” at Holland Street Center 167 Holland Street. Dinner
from the “Greek Corner” Restaurant. $6. RSVP 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

In photo: Julie Katz, LGBT Liaison Elizabeth Field and author Becky
Sarah

Never take your own advice, trust me…

In my column last week, I suggested that the readers use Google to catch up some of my “early” rants from the 2000’s and have a laugh. Well I heard from a few people who did this, and they laughed and shared their favorites with me. It was nice to catch up with a them in person, over the phone and through Facebook.

I figured that since I suggested it to others, that I would throw caution to the wind and Google myself – that almost sounds dirty, doesn’t it? Don’t let your imagination run too wild – I’m not that Norton.

So rather than open a file folder on my computer and scroll through text files and PDFs, I pulled up a browser and set the search engine to all manner of James Norton. Oh the things I found. Some of the things I wrote surprised me, others definitely didn’t. Then I found some of the things that were written about me – again, some surprised me, others definitely didn’t.

I was looking for columns, articles and stories I have written for print and online publications over the years, and I actually found a lot of them, thankfully, because I definitely didn’t get to keep the originals when I was unceremoniously shown the door of one in particular. I didn’t even get a thank you, but that’s okay – I am currently writing a book that is going to cover that. #FOH

I used to write about things that bothered me, events that shaped my life, and every once in a while, something specific that happened to me and those around me. My family used to get SO pissed at me. At the time, I would shrug it off and explain that if I was going to take pot shots at anyone else, I needed to make fun of myself first. It was a valid excuse, I mean, explanation – but looking back now, I understand how they must have cringed every week, wondering what was next.

I haven’t quite figured out how I am going to shape this column each week. I should have it figured out in a week or two – just in time for the Christmas Season. I will admit that where I am in life will play a huge part in what I will and won’t say here, so I wouldn’t expect too many bombshells and grenades. I’ve never been happier in my life, nor have I been as successful in business – and it shows when people who haven’t seen me for a while get a glimpse of me on the move.

Couple all that with the simple fact that I don’t have nearly the amount of stress, nor douche-canoes, in my life that I once had, and that should tell you a lot. And yet, still leave enough to the imagination.

The Somerville Public Library invites all residents to a book discussion of Strong Boy: The Life and Times of John L. Sullivan, America’s First Sports Hero with author Christopher Klein, to be held Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Central Library, 79 Highland Ave. Strong Boy tells the story of America’s first sports superstar, Sullivan, the first athlete to earn more than a million dollars. Rising from Boston’s Irish working class to become the most recognizable man in the nation in the late nineteenth century, he is said to have transformed the sport of boxing.
Christopher Klein is a writer specializing in history, travel, and sports. His books include Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City’s Hidden Shores and The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston. Klein is a frequent contributor to the Boston Globe and History.com, and has also written for The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Harvard Magazine, Red Sox Magazine, ESPN.com, Smithsonian.com, and AmericanHeritage.com.
This free author discussion is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Somerville Public Library and the Harvard Coop Bookstore. Harvard Coop will be selling books, and refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

An unattended chiminea in the rear yard of 17-19 Westminster
Street appears to have resulted in a fire which spread to a
neighboring yard and rear deck before being extinguished by
Somerville firefighters early Sunday morning, November 17th.
Firefighters responding to a reported fire at 5:03 a.m. on Lovell
Street arrived to find leaves, a tree, a fence and a rear deck
burning in two yards. A wood burning chiminea (a clay outdoor
fireplace) had apparently been left burning overnight in the rear
yard on Westminster Street following a party. A fire broke out at
some point during the early morning hours spreading to dry leaves,
a wooden fence, a tree and to the rear deck of 20 Lovell Street
resulting in several thousand dollars damage. Firefighters were on
scene for approximately one hour. Residents are reminded that the
use of chimineas and firepits are prohibited in the City of
Somerville. Firefighters also responded to several other small
fires in the past several days. On Thursday, November 14th at 1:04
a.m. firefighters responded to a small fire inside 57 Oak Street. A
candle atop a bureau in a bedroom ignited a lampshade and scorched
the bedroom door. The fire was extinguished by the occupant and
firefighters checked for any further fire spread. Later the same
day, at 8:56 a.m. firefighters responded to a fire at 204 Summer
Street. Firefighters extinguished a fire in a compost bin which had
scorched the exterior of the building and damaged exterior PVC
vents for the heating system. Photos courtesy of Somerville F.D.
The rear deck of 20 Lovell Street showing damage resulting from a
fire spreading from an adjacent yard. An unattended chiminea on
Westminster Street is believed to be the cause of a fire which
resulted in fire damage to a home on Lovell Street.
 

Local author Becky Sarah shared with us her new book, “Grandmothering:
Real Life in Real Families”. This intergenerational event was presented
by the Somerville Council on Aging, the LGBT Liaison of the Office of
Somerville Commissions, the Somerville Public Library and the LGBT Aging
Project. “Grandmothering: Real Life in Real Families” takes a look at
the experiences of over 80 grandmothers today. It’s about all kinds of
families, including adoptive families, gay and lesbian families,
stepfamilies, and multiracial families.

Next event is November 25th for “Movies To Come Out To” showing “The
Love Part of This” at Holland Street Center 167 Holland Street. Dinner
from the “Greek Corner” Restaurant. $6. RSVP 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

In photo: Julie Katz, LGBT Liaison Elizabeth Field and author Becky
Sarah

By Jonathan Jolicoeur

In this weekly culinary column, I will be focusing on one dish – giving the reader a quick history of the dish, the classical preparation of it, and of course, my own spin on the classic.

This week I feature Pasta Carbonara, which is of my personal favorites to cook, as well as eat.

Pasta Carbonara is an Italian dish that originated in the Latium Region of Italy, more specifically, the City of Rome. The name Carbonara is derived from “carbonaro,” which means “charcoal burner.” It is believed that this dish was the “coal miners pasta” due to the heartiness of the meal, the quick cooking time and the fact that its simple ingredients would most likely be on hand in any Italian kitchen, at any given moment.

Classic Pasta Carbonara Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly is Excited to Announce Our New Weekly Recipe Column, Cooking with Jonathan! →

By Dina Caloggero

The St Clement High School captured the Division 6 North Title beating Latin Academy 21-14 in a stunning victory at Dilboy Stadium Saturday, November 16. With the victory the Anchormen will take on the Cohasset Skippers next Saturday at 6:30 pm in Brockton which brings them one victory away from the playing in Super Bowl at Gillette for the Division 6 Title.

The Anchormen lead by QB Michael Sullivan (Everett) had two touchdown passes and ran 24 yard for a TD with just over 3 minutes left to secure the win for St Clement. The team rallied together after senior lineman Connor Sullivan (Charlestown) was carted off of the field with a leg injury. Senior Khaneil Bruce (Everett) and Junior Oyaronbi (Malden) both caught TD passes from Sullivan in the first half to make the score 13-0. The Latin Academy Dragons answered with TD after QB Kyle Danced threw a 39 yard pass to DeVaughn Riley to make the score 13to 6 at the half.

Both teams showed solid defense and remained scoreless third. In the 4th quarter, Brandon Williams (Boston) blocked a punt that landed in the end zone for a safety to give the Anchormen a 15- 6 lead. Latin forced a fumble in the middle of the 4th quarter and returned it for a 57 yards TD and converted for 2 points to cut the St Clement lead to 15 – 14. Senior Deron Hines (Chelsea) who rushed for 134 yards on 25 carries ran the ball down field which setup a 24 yard TD run by Sullivan to make the score 21 to 14 to secure the win for the Anchormen. Hines was named the game MVP for his outstanding performance.

Ward 5 includes Magoun Square, northeast Ball Square, Cedar and Lowell street areas, and northwest Porter Square. Join Mayor Curtatone, Alderman O’Keefe, City and elected officials, and your neighbors, at the Kennedy School, 5 Cherry St., from 7-8:30 p.m., to share data and talk about what’s going on in Somerville and your neighborhood. A social half-hour (with free pizza!) will run from 6:30-7. And, if you haven’t already, help shape the agenda for Wednesday by taking this survey: http://bit.ly/tUWAOe.

By William Tauro

Jim Legee celebrated his eighty eighth birthday with a birthday bash thrown in his honor at the LaHasenda Restaurant in Somerville with dozens of family, friends and former co-workers in attendance this past Sunday.

Jim also worked as a building inspector for the City of Somerville back in the late 70s during the Brune administration.

Jim is also a war veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and who was recently decorated for his military service for his country by the Somerville Veteran’s Services Department.

We here at the Somerville News Weekly wish Jim all the best on his birthday with many more happy birthdays to come!

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Or call 1(888)625-2706 Continue reading “The 2013 Best of the Best of Somerville” →

Support Small Business Saturday November 30th

City jumps from 10th to 7th most walkable city in nation; Also lands rank of 9th for most transit-friendly city

SOMERVILLE – According to 2014 national Walk Score ratings, Somerville is now the 7th most walkable city and the 9th most transit-friendly city in the nation, regardless of population size.

The new scores released in November reflect Somerville’s continued climb up the walkability charts, with the city rising three spots from number 10 last year to number 7 in the latest rankings—and with new Orange and Green Line MBTA stops on the horizon, the outlook is good for an ever higher transit-friendly score in the future as well.

Walkscore’s city page features scores for cities with populations above 250,000, but when all of the 2,978 cities ranked are considered, Somerville comes in as the 7th most walkable city in the nation just behind New York City (5th) and Cambridge, MA, (6th) (instructions for viewing scores below). Meanwhile, an analysis of the most recent Census data reveals that 12.5 percent of Somerville residents walk to work, the 11th highest percentage in the U.S. For transit, Somerville is ranked 9th in the nation according to Walk Score, and the latest Census data shows that 30.4 percent of residents take transit to work, the 7th highest percentage in the U.S. Continue reading SOMERVILLE NAMED TOP 10 CITY FOR WALKING AND TRANSIT →

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Join Mayor Curtatone, Alderman Gewirtz, City and elected officials, and your neighbors, at the Davis Square Theatre, 255 Elm St., from 7-8:30 pm., to share data and talk about what’s going on in Somerville and your neighborhood. A social half-hour (with free pizza!) will run from 6:30-7. And, if you haven’t already, help shape the agenda for Wednesday by taking this survey: http://bit.ly/tUWAOe. Please note, the Davis Square Theatre is below Foundry.

City of Somerville DPW crews are out working in the frigid cold temperatures decorating the city streets with lights and getting ready for the holidays.

Photo by Frank Santangelo

We’re walking on sunshine (and lots more, apparently): Walk Score’s 2014 ratings put Somerville as the 7th most walkable city and the 9th most transit-friendly city in the nation. We don’t want to keep bragging, but analysis of the most re…cent Census data shows that 12.5% of Somerville residents walk to work, the 11th highest percentage in the U.S. Census data also shows that 30.4% of residents take transit to work, the 7th highest percentage in the U.S. For more on our Walk Score and infrastructure improvements that have made walking around Somerville easier: http://bit.ly/1aukZ2W

By William Tauro

Our condolences to the Campo family on the loss of their dad, Robert Campo.

Many of us here in the Ville knew him as Bobby, who was a good man, a good father and a good friend who we will miss him dearly here in and around Somerville.

Robert was a former elected city tax assessors for the City of Somerville during the early 80’s during the Lester Ralph, Tom August and Gene Brune Administrations.

Robert Campo will be sadly missed.

BOSTON — Representative Carl Sciortino will be available to meet with his constituents in the portions of Somerville he represents, Wards 4 and 7, by holding “district coffee hours.” These informal coffee hours give constituents an opportunity to speak one-on-one with Representative Sciortino about any issues or concerns they may have regarding local and state matters. Representative Sciortino is pleased to announce that interpreters will be available to assist constituents who speak Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole at his Ward 4 coffee hour on Saturday November 23rd.

The location of his district coffee hours are as follows:

WARD 7: Friday, November 22nd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Somerville Council on the Aging
Tufts Administration Building
169 Holland St. Somerville, MA 02144

WARD 4: Saturday, November 23rd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Mystic Activity Center at the Mystic River Development
530 Mystic Ave, Somerville, MA 02145

If there is a need for an ASL interpreter or another accommodation, please contact Representative Sciortino’s office at 617-722-2013 or email Raffi.Freedman-Gurspan@mahouse.gov

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 18, City of Somerville contractors will be working on traffic mitigation efforts on School Street, which includes the installation of a traffic calming table, or raised crosswalk, at the intersection of School St. and Evergreen Ave.
Work in this area will be conducted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and may have some traffic impacts.
Future work may require the complete shutdown of a portion of School St. to through traffic to allow the structure to set.
Residents in affected areas will receive robo calls and other necessary information prior to any road shutdown.

If you have questions, please call the Engineering Department at 617-625-6600 ext. 5400.

Comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Plan to include:

· Financial assistance for residential rodent control;

· Proposed new uniform residential trash barrel program;

· Comprehensive dumpster inspection and enforcement;

· Establishment of the Rodent Action Team (RAT); and Continue reading SOMERVILLE ANNOUNCES AGGRESSIVE NEW RODENT CONTROL INITIATIVES →

“Commuter Celebration” planned to honor City’s achievements in active transportation

SOMERVILLE – Join Mayor Joseph Curtatone, the Somerville Board of Aldermen and School Committee, Somerville Bicycle Committee City, Shape Up Somerville, and many others to celebrate walking, biking, and transit-riding into the fall, as well as two important milestones for Somerville. On Friday, Nov. 22 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the East Somerville Community School (Cross Street side), all residents and commuters are invited to join us for hot coffee or hot cider, and students who take part in the “active transportation” day may enter to win a free bike helmet.

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) recently welcomed Somerville as an affiliate member, including us in a prestigious group of the 30 most progressive cities in the country enhancing quality of life through sustainable, active transportation. Earlier this month, Somerville was also recognized by the League of American Cyclists with a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognizing a significant step up from Bronze in only two years. As we continue to improve walking, biking, transit, safe routes to schools, bike sharing, and much more – let’s enjoy a hot breakfast beverage together and toast to Somerville’s progress thus far! Continue reading CELEBRATE WALKING, BIKING AND TRANSIT-RIDING WITH CITY, BIKE COMMITTEE NOV. 22 →

Vacancies to be filled on Design Review, Historic Preservation, Affordable Housing and Fair Housing Commissions

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville is seeking to fill vacancies on four essential Boards that are appointed by the Mayor and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. The Mayor’s office will be accepting applications for positions on these boards through November 25, 2013.

Each of these opportunities will allow for a Somerville resident to provide voluntary service to improve the city and guide policies, programs and the design of the Somerville community in forthcoming years.

There are four opportunities, as follows:

1. Design Review Committee Continue reading RESIDENTS SOUGHT FOR CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS →

Find out this Saturday at the Somerville Early Childhood Literacy Fair (10 a.m. to noon at the Arthur D. Healey School). Along with information for parents and guardians, there will be plenty of children’s activities, including a visit from Curious George and some critters from Zoo New England and the New England Aquarium. http://bo.st/1fElBop

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) added us to its affiliate member list last week. Somerville is just one of 18 member cities and 12 affiliate members nationwide (other members include Boston, Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.). In a press release, NACTO officials lauded Somerville for its “[commitment] to sustainable transportation initiatives, aiming to strengthen cities and improve quality of life through better street design and transportation policy.” No word, yet, on how to do the secret handshake. http://bit.ly/1gJQqLH

For general calendar:

11/20 Zumba with Cathy. 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm. All levels. Holland Street Center 167 Holland Street. $3. Just drop in.
LGBT “Movies To Come Out To” – “The Love Part of This”
In the early 1970’s, Grace Schrafft and Grace Moceri of Gloucester, MA. left their husbands to be together. It is a heartbreaking, funny and extremely moving document of life and love. Meal from the Greek Corner. Price: $6. RSVP by November 20th. Holland Street Center 167 Holland Street

11/26th – Art Classes begin again with Kathy – Multi-cultural art – Peruvian Molas, Navaho Sand Painting, Moroccan Beaded Necklaces. $15 for all three classes. 11/26, 12/3 and 12/10. 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Cross Street Center 165 Broadway. 617-625-6600 ext. 2300 RSVP is a must. Limited space.
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Welcome to our centers! Everyone 55+ are encouraged to join us for
fitness, culture, films, lunch and Bingo. Our centers are open to everyone from Somerville and surrounding communities. Check out our calendar and give a call with any questions or to make a reservation! 617-625-6600 ext. 2300. Stay for lunch and receive free transportation.

All clubs and groups welcome new members.

Holland Street Center – 167 Holland Street Ralph & Jenny Center – 9 New
Washington Street Cross Street Center – 165 Broadway

Some Council on Aging highlights in the coming weeks:
11/14 – Health Aging: You and your money – Join us for a special coffee hour for a non-judgmental conversation about managing your finances as you age. Program is at the Holland Street Center, 10:45 – 11:15 am. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. RSVP is appreciated. FREE.

Art with Katherine Continues as we travel around the world and make some wonderful holiday gifts for the holiday. Join us for three weeks starting November 26th, December 3rd and 10th. Cost is just for supplies $15. RSVP early! Cross Street 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

Zumba for All with Cheryl. Come at the end of the day, after work – open to all. Wednesdays 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm. Holland Street Center. $3 for a class or $15 for 6 classes! Get in shape this summer!

Wii Bowling League is here at Holland Street Center Mondays at noon Free. – If you haven’t tried this -come as you will love it! No bowling ball but you still swing and hope for the best!

LGBT Events (Open to all ages)

“MOVIES TO COME OUT TO”
All Dinners at 5:30 pm. November 26th – Chicken or Spinach pie. $6. RSVP a must. “The Love Part of This”
In the early 1970’s, Grace Schrafft and Grace Moceri of Gloucester, MA. left their husbands to be together. It is a heartbreaking, funny and extremely moving document of life and love.

“Positive Thinking” with Roberta Robinson of Cambridge Health Alliance will be talking on how Positive Thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind, thoughts, words and images that are conducive to growth, expansion and success. Come learn new tricks to keep you on a positive path. FREE. Stay for our Monthly lunch!

Holland Street Café – December 9th from Vinny’s Ristorante. Fabulous lunch of either meatballs and pasta or eggplant parm. Salad and dessert. $^ RSVP! Stay for Roberta Robinson’s lecture at 10:30 on “Positive Thinking”.

LBT Women Fit-4-Life Fitness and Nutrition Classes. Tuesday and Thursday evenings. $10 a month with scholarships available.

Ralph & Jenny Center Weekly Events
Cards and Games hour at Ralph & Jenny at 10:00 am every day the center
is open. Come join your friends or make some new ones. Cards, Scrabble
and Cribbage.

Do you crochet or would you like to learn? Thursdays at 10:45 am. At
Ralph & Jenny Center. Join a great group in learning to crochet or
share your projects you are working on.

Trip Corner:
Penn Dutch – December 2-6
Culinary Arts – December 10th
Concord Museum – “Celebration of Trees” – December 20th
Atlantic City/Taj Mahal – January 12 – 14

STAY ACTIVE:
Wii Bowling League – at Holland Mondays at noon. Free
Zumba for All – at Holland – Wednesdays at 5:15 – 6:15 $3 or $15 for 6 classes
Flexibility & Balance – at Holland – Thursdays 10:00 am Free
Flexibility & Balance at Ralph & Jenny Wednesday 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
Strengthening Exercise with Geoff – Tuesdays at 9:15 Holland and 10:00 Thursdays at R&J $3
Walking Club (R&J) Tuesday 10:30
Fit-4-Life LBT Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
Fit-4-Life General Wednesday & Friday Mornings

11/20
Hanscom AFB
1:00 Bowling at Flatbreads

Holland Street Center
Fit-4-Life A, B & C
5:15 Zumba for All

Cross Street
10:30 English Conversation
12:45 Bingo

Ralph & Jenny
10:00 Cards & Cribbage
10:45 SHINE Info Session
12:45 Bingo

11/21
Holland Street
10:00 Current Events
6:00 LBT Fit-4-Life

Ralph & Jenny
10:00 Cards & Cribbage
10:00 Strengthening Exercises
10:45 Crochet and Knitting
12:45 Super Bingo
1:30 Bingo Break Exercises

11/22
Holland Street
Fit-4-Life B & C
12:45 Bingo

11/25
11:30 Lunch
5:30 LGBT Movie & Dinner

11/26
Holland Street
9:15 Strengthening Exercise

Ralph & Jenny Center
Closed

Cross Street
10:00 English Conversation
1:00 Art with Katherine
3:00 Bereavement Group

11/27
11:30 R&J Lunch

11/28 & 11/29
Centers closed for Thanksgiving

Check out our Facebook site for photos from our events and exercise and
tips for everyday healthy living at http://www.facebook.com/somervilleCOA

Dear LCIF Coordinators,

By now I am sure that you have heard much about the recent disaster in the Philippines. Many communities in the path of Super Typhoon Haiyan will have a long road to recovery. Initial estimates indicate that as many as 10,000 individuals lost their lives, and many thousands more have lost their homes. As LCIF Coordinators, it is important for you to know what LCIF is doing to support our fellow Lions and their communities. To date, LCIF has approved US$130,000 from the LCIF Disaster Relief fund. During their recent forum, the Lions of OSEAL (Orient and South East Asia Lions) also committed an additional US$370,000.

In addition to these funds, LCIF is encouraging Lions to donate to the general Disaster Relief fund at the Foundation. These donations will support disaster relief in the Philippines and be MJF eligible. Please encourage Lions in your districts and MDs to give to this area, which will give LCIF the flexibility and resources to best respond. Please see the link below to donate to the Disaster Relief fund.

As we receive more reports from the Philippines, we will continue to update you on any changes in the situation or additional disaster funding. In the meantime, I know you will work hard in your districts and MDs to ensure that we have the resources available to help our fellow Lions in the Philippines.

Yours truly,

Wayne A. Madden
Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

Online donations to LCIF’s Disaster Relief fund:
https://www.lcif.org/EN/ways-to-give/lion-disaster-donation.php

Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA

City jumps from 10th to 7th most walkable city in nation; Also lands rank of 9th for most transit-friendly city

SOMERVILLE – According to 2014 national Walk Score ratings, Somerville is now the 7th most walkable city and the 9th most transit-friendly city in the nation, regardless of population size.

The new scores released in November reflect Somerville’s continued climb up the walkability charts, with the city rising three spots from number 10 last year to number 7 in the latest rankings—and with new Orange and Green Line MBTA stops on the horizon, the outlook is good for an ever higher transit-friendly score in the future as well.

Walkscore’s city page features scores for cities with populations above 250,000, but when all of the 2,978 cities ranked are considered, Somerville comes in as the 7th most walkable city in the nation just behind New York City (5th) and Cambridge, MA, (6th) (instructions for viewing scores below).

Meanwhile, an analysis of the most recent Census data reveals that 12.5 percent of Somerville residents walk to work, the 11th highest percentage in the U.S. For transit, Somerville is ranked 9th in the nation according to Walk Score, and the latest Census data shows that 30.4 percent of residents take transit to work, the 7th highest percentage in the U.S.

Walk Score’s 2014 ranking marks the first time that the company used its new Street Smart Walk Score algorithm, calculating the Walk Score of every city block by analyzing walking routes, nearby amenities and pedestrian friendliness.

“It’s no surprise that Walk Score rates Somerville so highly under its improved methodology. As we’ve stated from day one—based on what the community has told us they value—we’re committed to making Somerville more walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “It’s all about supporting an active lifestyle, building community and creating a sense of place. When we build crosswalks, inviting streetscapes, and bike routes, we’re creating urban rooms—active streetscapes supported by an active daytime population that support a resilient, self-sufficient economic base for our city. A walkable city means that residents can get their daily needs in their neighborhood without ever getting in a car, that local businesses get the foot traffic that’s essential for them to thrive, and that outside businesses want to invest here when they see a vibrant, active city with bustling streets.”

During Mayor Curtatone’s administration, the City of Somerville has committed to creating the most walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented city in the country. In the last three years, the City has updated or added pedestrian safety infrastructure such as street trees, curb bump-outs and ADA-accessible ramps, and begun work on the extension of the Somerville Community Path from its current end at Cedar Street to Lowell Street, with the City strongly advocating for the Path’s future extension to Boston. Under the new Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program the City will use a data-driven methodology to improve street accessibility and safety for all users, balance transportation choices and foster a sense of community through smart design.

Somerville is also on the verge of a tremendous expansion of public transportation with the Assembly Square Orange Line stop scheduled to open in 2014 and the second phase of the Green Line Extension now funded, with the first two stops in Union Square and Brickbottom scheduled to open in 2017. The City continues to work collaboratively with residents, businesses and all stakeholders in achieving the goals outlined in the 20-year comprehensive SomerVision plan in building communities around these investments, through programs and initiatives such as the Somerville by Design series that create a consensus around the community’s vision.

The new Walk Score rankings come on the heels of The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NATCO) adding the City of Somerville to its prestigious affiliate member list, which includes just 18 member cities and 12 affiliate members nationwide. NACTO officials lauded Somerville for its commitment “to sustainable transportation initiatives, aiming to strengthen cities and improve quality of life through better street design and transportation policy.” Somerville was also recently recognized by the League of American Cyclists with a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognizing a significant step up from Bronze in only two years.

Jackie Rossetti
Deputy Director of Communications
City of Somerville
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
(tel): 617-625-6600 x2614
(cell): 857-636-2396
(fax): 617-625-3434
http://www.somervillema.gov

By William Tauro

Many have been complaining to us that crossing Bow Street in Somerville at Wesley Pk isnt easy nor a safe task.

So we’ve decided to go on out on location and check it out for ourselves.

After scoping out the area, we’ve noticed that the potential for something real bad to go wrong is definitely there mainly because traffic coming from Union Square towards Somerville Avenue on Bow Street can’t see a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

It’s a blind reverse left angle bend in the road that makes it very difficult for drivers to see pedestrians crossing the street in the crosswalk or even motorist trying to get in or out of their parked vehicles.

Many near misses have taken place there everyday when car meets driver almost happens very frequently.

One suggestion to fix the problem would be to eliminate the two parking meter spots that’s located directly in front of the Casa De Carnes Latino Brazilian Meat Market on Bow Street.

Two less parking spots is far much better than a potential fatal pedestrian accident.

If you see an unsafe situation or any potential saftey hazard that raises public safety concerns, please email us at Wmtauro@Bostonnewsgroup.com or call us at 1(888)625-2706 and we will scope it out and publicize it for you!

Somerville firefighters responded to a smoky but small fire inside a vacant building located at 94 Prospect Street on November 13, 2013. Careless use of a cutting torch being used to cut a large steel beam ignited combustible debris inside a large construction dumpster located inside the sprawling warehouse. The alarm was received at 2:51 p.m. when someone pulled the fire alarm box located at Prospect & Oak Street. Firefighters extinguished the fire and remained on scene for approximately thirty minutes ventilating smoke from inside the large warehouse. Earlier this morning, a small fire broke out in a second floor apartment at 407 Washington Street. Occupants of the apartment were awoken by the fire alarm system and discovered a rubbish barrel burning in their kitchen. They were able to extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived. Firefighters checked for fire spread and ventilated smoke from the apartment. The fire was the result of the plastic barrel being placed too close to a heater built into the gas stove.

Photos courtesy of Somerville F.D.

Mayor Curtatone, Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston and Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor invite all interested residents and stakeholders to a Union Square Infrastructure kickoff meeting Monday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Argenziano School (290 Washington St). This meeting will provide an overview of the project, introduce the project team, and discuss the overall process and schedule. The meeting will include a brief presentation by City staff and the PB design team followed by small group exercises. Spanish and Portuguese interpreters will be available.

Happy birthday to one of The Somerville News Weekly’s most avid reader, Jimmy Veneziano! Jimmy’s birthday is coming up and he will be 60 years old! We wish Jimmy all the best!

Sent in by our readers!

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The Somerville News Weekly Print edition can be found weekly in the bright red Somerville News boxes located at the following locations across the Ville: Union Sq. Post Office, Dunkin Donuts Magoon Sq/Dunkin Donuts Somerville Ave (across rink)/Dunkin Donuts Broadway at McGrath Hwy/ Dunkin Donuts Middlesex Ave, Dunkin Donuts Twin City Plaza, Clairton Hill Bus stop, In the red news box across from Victor’s Deli & Ball Square Cafe in Ball Square, Winter Hill Post Office and Davis Square in  front of Mike’s Restaurant. The paper can also be found at all municipal buildings including Somerville City Hall, Traffic & Parking and all Council of Ageing Buildings, All Winter Hill Banks, Pats Auto Body Linwood Street, The Book Shop Broadway, West 7 Bistro Broadway, Somerville Credit Union, The Arts at the Armory Highland Ave, Most Senior Apartment Buildings, Somerville Police Station, Wedgewood Crane & Connolly Ins Agency Davis Square, Vinnie’s Superette, Broadway Sunoco, Sovereign Bank Broadway, Dunkin Donuts Powderhouse and in just about every little store in and around the Ville! If you want your store location to be listed here as well on where to find The Somerville News Weekly, simply just call Billy Tauro at 1(888)625-2706 or email him at  Wmtauro@Bostonnewsgroup.com and we will  add you to our ever growing popular list of pick-up-locations across the Ville! Continue reading Here’s Your Weekly Dosage of The Somerville News Weekly Newstalk Shout Out for Nov. 12, 2013 →

By William Tauro

The first grade classes at the Argenziano School have been learning all about the community.

Last week they had a discussion about the people in our community that help keep us safe, and one of our students mentioned the military.

Since Veteran’s day was right around the corner, they thought it would be fitting to have a Veteran to come in and share their experience with the class.

Students made cards thanking Veteran’s for their services and had questions about what it meant to be a veteran.

Jill Toce, a first grade teacher at the Argenziano School reached out to The Somerville News Weekly and had asked if the News could bring in a veteran to speak to the first graders on “What it means to be a veteran!”

The newsroom got in touch with Somerville Ward 1 Alderman Elect Matthew McLaughlin and asked if he would be interested in volunteering to speak to the students, and he agreed without hesitating.

This past Wednesday,McLaughlin, an Army veteran who served a tour of duty in Iraq appeared at the school with his mother, Charlene McLaughlin and when the session began took multiple questions from the first graders ranging anywhere from “What branch of the military did you serve in?” to “Have you ever driven a tank?”

After the question and answer session, teachers Mrs. Sousa, Mrs. Campos, Mrs. Toce, Miss Abreu and Miss Amlrmstrong’s first grade students presented the new alderman elect/ military veteran with dozens of handwritten thank you cards and posters thanking him for his service in the military.

First grade teacher Mrs. Abreu said “It was great to see the pride students had when they gave their cards to Matthew. It was a very memorable experience!”

The Ward 7 (West Somerville and Teele Square areas) ResiStat community meeting is Wed., Nov. 13. Join Mayor Curtatone, Alderman Trane, City and elected officials, and your neighbors, at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Blvd., from 7-8:30 p.m., to share data and talk about what’s going on in Somerville and your neighborhood. A social half-hour (with free pizza!) will run from 6:30-7. And, if you haven’t already, help shape the agenda for Wednesday by taking this survey: http://bit.ly/tUWAOe.

As part of the City’s new LGBT Aging Project, the Somerville Council on Aging and City of Somerville LGBT Liaison of the Somerville Office of Commissions announce a discussion with local author Becky Sarah, for her new book, Grandmothering: Real Life in Real Families. The discussion will be held Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at 167 Holland Street, and is free of charge.
What do you like about being a grandparent? What do you wish your grandparents had done differently? Cambridge author Becky Sarah will introduce her new book, Grandmothering: Real Life in Real Families, and lead a discussion about grandparenting as it relates to the LGBT community. All ages are welcome! Grandmothering: Real Life in Real Families takes a look at the experiences of over 80 grandmothers today. It’s about all kinds of families, including adoptive families, gay and lesbian families, stepfamilies, and multiracial families. This event is presented by the LGBT Liaison of the Office of Somerville Commissions, the Somerville Council on Aging, the Somerville Public Library, and the LGBT Aging Project. Call 617-625-6600 x2400 for more info.

Somerville firefighter Christine Guelpa was presented the Thomas Chetham Firefighter of the Year Award by American Legion Post 19 during ceremonies held on November 9, 2013. Firefighter Guelpa received the award for her lifesaving actions at a medical emergency in which she stemmed a patient’s severe bleeding. The victim later notified the department of Firefighter Guelpa’s actions and credited her with saving his life.

(l-r) Firefighters Local 76 President Tom Ross, Firefighter Christine Guelpa & Chief Kevin Kelleher.

Photo courtesy of Somerville F.D.

Congratulations and thank you to Lyndell’s Bakery who donated over
six thousand dollars to the Sean Collier/Auxiliary Police Scholarship
Fund.

Special thanks to Karen Galatis for organizing
the fundraiser in memory of Officer Sean Collier.

Photo: Auxiliary Police Chief Jerry Carvalho, Lyndell employees, Deputy
Chief Michael Cabral.

Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly 11/12/13 Print Edition →