The Somerville News Blog

J-2 Loop project to begin next week

By Ben Johnson The Algonquin Gas Transmission J-2 Loop project is set to begin in Ward Four of Somerville next Monday. This project will add an additional 2.3 miles of subterranean piping for natural gas distribution throughout the city of Somerville. In anticipation of the onset of construction, the City of Somerville and representatives from Algonquin Gas Transmissions LLC hosted a community meeting on Monday night. The purpose of the meeting was to explain in detail where and when construction will be occurring, and why this project is necessary for Somerville. Taking place at the Elizabeth Peabody House, located at 277 Broadway, the meeting space was filled with explanatory pamphlets and alignment sheets conveying the street plans for the construction. Ward Four Alderman Walter Pero opened the meeting by stressing how important this project is for Somerville. "It is a very big project that is coming right through Ward Four," Pero explained, "but it is going to be a major upgrade for the city." A representative from Algonquin Gas Transmissions LLC, John Bonsol, explained the development and the nature of the project itself. Waltham based Algonquin Gas Transmissions LLC, a subsidiary of Spectra Energy, filed an application for this project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in April of 2008. FERC is an independent agency employed by the US Congress to regulate the interstate transmission of natural gas. Throughout the United States, every project of this nature must go through FERC before going ahead. On April 14th 2008, the first community meeting to discuss the project was hosted by Algonquin. "We've tried to be very proactive in communicating with the public throughout every step of this project," Bonsol said. Since last April there have been numerous meetings for community members to voice their concerns. The J-2 pipeline will connect with existing natural gas lines at two points, creating a loop of natural gas pipes throughout Somerville. The benefits of such a loop are many. "This will be a more reliable supply of natural gas," explained David Neal, the project manager for the J-2 Loop. "It will become a redundant pipeline which will increase capacity. We'll also be able to do some integrity work on the existing line." Currently there is no simple way to perform integrity work on existing pipelines without shutting off gas temporarily. With the J-2 Loop in place, the older parts of the pipeline could be shut down for repairs while the newer pipeline would continue the regular supply of gas to the community. The new pipeline will start in Medford and continue down parts of Mystic Avenue, Temple Street, Broadway, School Street, Medford Street and eventually end at the McGrath Bridge. Construction will take place along sections of all these streets. But residents should not worry - the entire construction process will be in the streets and shoulders. "There will be no construction on anybody's property," Neal reassured concerned citizens. Construction of the pipeline will follow "The Stovepipe Construction Technique," which involves excavating 40 ft long trenches, lowering the pipe into the trench, soldering the pipes, and then backfilling the trench. Neal expects they will be able to install 40 ft of piping per day. When asked about the hours of construction, Neal explained that construction will take place from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 8am to 7pm on Saturdays. "If you hear noise before 7 o clock, call your Alderman or call City Hall," added Alderman Pero. If any resident has a question or complaint about construction, they can call the IRC Landowner Hotline at 1-800-470-9333. In addition to the new piping, streets that are subject to construction will be receiving new pavement, curbs and sidewalks. Construction on the J-2 Loop will begin next Monday, May 4th, and is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

Newstalk for April 29

The 25th Annual Eugene Brune breakfast will be held this coming Sunday, May 3rd at Anthony's Restaurant - 105 Canal Street, Malden from 9 am to 11 am. Register of Deeds and Former Mayor Gene Brune is hosting it and donations go to his scholarship that he awards every year. Cost is $20.00 pp, kids under 8 free, it's a great time - come say hi. *************** The Lions Breakfast last Sunday was a success with a large crowd turning out as usual, the Lions members want to thank everyone for coming out. *************** Welcome home to Marisa Tauro, wife of our own Billy Tauro, who spent some 45 days back home in Brazil visiting with her family while Billy was here in the 'Ville going to all the political parties to eat - by the way, they just celebrated their wedding anniversary quietly here in the 'Ville as well this past week, here's to many more years! *************** The Somerville High School Art Fair - with musical performances by the Somerville High Music Dept. - opening ceremony will be tonight, Wednesday, April 29th from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Somerville High Atrium. Other dates and times for the exhibit are: Thursday, April 30th from 8am to 2pm and Friday, May 1st from 8:30 am to Noon. *************** A Happy Birthday to Ed Ciampa, former City Assessor and City Treasurer, and all around popular man about town, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, he still looks 39, best wishes to Eddie from us here at the News! *************** Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, and GoGreen Somerville will host a "B2Green" Exhibition and Networking event on Thursday, May 7th at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the event features a 90-minute exhibition-style presentation from over 25 local businesses, followed by a networking event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. All interested community members are invited to attend, and to learn about ways the Somerville business community uses green practices in their businesses, in addition to energy-saving opportunities for residents and businesses. *************** Condolences to Helen Connolly's family and friends on her recent passing, she was the mother of Alderman Jack Connolly and was 86 years old, we send our sympathies to her family. Also passing recently was Celia Femino who is the mother of SPD Capt Charlie Femino, our condolences to both families for their loss. *************** Sparks flew last Thursday night at the Board of Aldermen meeting between Princess Rebekah (with her version of transparency) and Alderman Bill Roche, who was livid over the recent emails that Princess Rebekah released to her special haters list of PDSers recently. She seemed very upset and flustered to say the least when confronted on her version of transparency compared to everyone else. Again, the PDSers want transparency but only their version - never mind that Princess Rebekah has called secret meetings herself and even the boss of the PDSers has called secret meetings. Remember the old saying..."Don't throw rocks at glass houses." *************** Speaking of PDSers...the news received a mysterious hand written letter that was slid under the door of the office one night last week from one of their spokesmen, which appears to be a threatening type of letter. We handed it over to our attorneys for further action, and to the person who sent it, thank you for signing it, but you might want to seek council. Talk about a group of haters, it's amazing how negative they can be. *************** A community meeting on the Green Line extensions is being held on Wednesday, April 29th at the Argenziano School from 6-8:30 PM. The meeting is jointly sponsored by Groundwork Somerville GWS), the Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP), Somerville Community Corporation SCC) and the Somerville Health Agenda (SHA) who are partners in the Community Corridor Planning (CCP). The meeting is being held to provide an opportunity for Somerville residents and business owners to share their ideas about how the Green Line will affect their neighborhood, local businesses, transportation decisions, rent and property taxes. *************** Som' Girls Move - FREE health promotion afterschool program for 6th-8th grade girls starts May 1st for 8 weeks - Fridays from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Family Center in Union Square at 366 Somerville Avenue. Sponsored by Community Affairs of Cambridge Health Alliance. There will be dance activity (Hip-hop, Soca, Zumba, Latin) and Nutrition (cooking and healthy eating). Registration is required, so contact Lisa at 617-591-6940, or lbrukilacchio@challiance.org. *************** Last week we told you about that Sovereign Bank employee that allegedly threatened to release personal information on a bank customer and well-known businessman here in Somerville? Well in court today there was sufficient evidence to grant a trial, a date to be set up soon. The bank employee allegedly threatened this customer with bodily harm and to expose personal bank information if the customer didn't give him tickets for the U2 concert last month. We'll keep an eye on this one. *************** We heard through the grapevine that a certain elected official had his utilities shut off for lack of payment recently. Now we could name the person, but in these economic times everyone is having problems and so aren't certain elected officials. We can only let you know that he's a PDSer! *************** Happy Birthday to Mayor Joe and Nancy Curtatone's son, Joe Jr., who turned 4 years old Saturday! We hear Nana Mama Curtatone cooked up a huge feast to go along with the birthday cake. *************** On Saturday, May 2nd from 9 am to Noon, the Somerville Community Growing Center - at 22 Vinal Avenue - is having their Spring Garden Day. Free seeds, pots, plant exchange - get your family growing healthy food! Get moving with hula hooping for adults and kids till 11am, when the Morris Dancers and Maypole Dance start. Contact, Lisa at 617-666-2969 or info@thegrowingcenter.org or visit www.thegrowingcenter.org and click on "calendar" for all their events. *************** Congratulations to Ward 1 School Committee member (and Chairwoman) Maureen Bastardi - whose daughter just completed her first parachute jump out of an airplane. As a few of you may recall when Maureen made her first jump a just a few years back on camera. ***************

Substance-abuse services leaving Somerville Hospital

A public hearing was held last Thursday to address the issue of closing two psychiatric units as well as the detox unit at Somerville Hospital. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner By Martin Levenson Somerville residents requiring psychiatric services, especially detox substance-abuse services, will soon have to go elsewhere in the surrounding areas of Metro Boston to receive treatment. Two psychiatric units containing the adolescent and geriatric populations, as well as the detox unit at Somerville Hospital, are slated to be closed on June 30. A public hearing held to address this issue, officiated by a special subcommittee of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health - the Division of Health Care Quality - was held at Cambridge Hospital's Macht Auditorium, Thursday April 23. The Cambridge Health Alliance's Somerville Hospital, in particular, cares for many needy people, the homeless or about to become homeless. Since many of these needy patients use Medicaid, the hospital has been steadily losing money, asserting they are not getting accurate reimbursement for their services from the federal government. So Somerville Hospital, along with the rest of the CHA hospitals, will together cut their use of Medicaid by $94 million in the coming fiscal year. "Even with these changes, CHA is one of the largest psychiatric services providers," says Allison Bayer, Chief Operating Officer of CHA, at the start of the public hearing. Faulkner Hospital and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, according to Dennis D. Keefe, the CEO of Cambridge Health Alliance, are able to provide detox services for Somerville residents requiring it. These hospitals, however, do not accept MassHealth, which many Somerville Detox inpatients use. In all, 26 detox beds and 35 psychiatric beds are planned to be eliminated. "Reducing services is clearly the wrong way to go," says John Sharp of the regional Cambridge/Middlesex National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter. Sharp has personal experience with the effects of psychiatric disease, his son is suffering from schizoaffective disorder. He holds up a print-out of Governor Patrick's press release detailing the administration's economic recovery plan for health care and safety net services, allocating $14 million for mental health care in the Commonwealth. "I thought we'd be okay," he says. Other speakers from social action organizations came to testify. Maryanne Frangules, of Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery, pressed the Mass DPH to hold off on closing the detox unit in Somerville. "Physical recovery is the first recovery - before psychological and spiritual - and that needs to happen in a detox." Frangules also mentions that eliminating and reducing services might save money now, but the cost, she argues, will be duplicated or made greater by the added use of emergency services, and will crowd emergency rooms, putting unnecessary pressure on doctors and nurses. "We should be looking to make things easier; not harder," says Lee Polk, a recovering alcoholic. The hearing became heated when Lawrence Paolella, a Somerville resident and recovering addict, talked directly to the three person panel from the Mass DPH, instead of, like others, who addressed the crowd in the auditorium. He hotly asked the panel, "Are we just whistling in the wind?" inquiring if all the testimonies the committee heard that day would matter in the ultimate decision to reduce and/or eliminate care. Paolella was able to get the committee's Chair, Paul Dryer, to respond. "Our purpose here is to listen to you folks," Dryer commented, also adding that neither he nor his committee has the authority to stop the reconfiguration plans already put in process by CHA. That would take persons above Dryer in the Mass DPH and ultimately the Governor himself. Dryer did say, however, that Paolella was on a good start. Many people from Somerville will be without their supports. Stephanie Grace, a young Somervillian with addiction problems, testified about her positive experience with Somerville Detox. She comments that the detox got her off the streets and cleaned up and helped her to get a steady full time job where she proudly states, she does pays taxes. "And the only reason I can do this today is because I got my start at Somerville Detox. Please don't close it."

Transparency fight dominates BOA meeting as police chief defends department

By Tom Nash A dispute over government transparency stemming from accusations of police misconduct turned hostile at the Board of Aldermen's April 23 meeting, with Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz accusing Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche of making it personal. The issue began in March when Roche proposed a resolution commending the Somerville Police Department in response to accusations of police brutality that appeared in the Somerville Journal. Gewirtz, concerned about language in the resolution that appeared to exclude non-citizens from police protection, distributed it on her e-mail list. The strong reaction that followed upset Roche, who earlier in April asked the city solicitor to find out if resolutions and citations could be kept from public view until they appear on the agenda. Meanwhile, Police Chief Anthony Holloway investigated the incident reported in the Journal in March that alleged Officer Michael Silva used excessive force when he stopped six teenagers after a fistfight and accused them of being gang members. Holloway, presenting his findings at the April 23 meeting, said Silva used appropriate force with the teens because he was alone and "had knowledge of three subjects" related to the Latin Kings gang. All denied having gang activity or criminal pasts to the Journal, while Holloway countered that one later admitted he had once been a member. Given the nature of the department's gang intelligence file, Holloway said Silva did not know of the status change. Holloway said he found allegations of inappropriate language sustained, and that he had "verbally counseled" Silva. Department policy has also been changed so that officers cannot refer to suspects as gang members without verification. Holloway stressed that in situations like the one Silva faced, he considered officers' safety a priority. "I want these officers to go home every night safe," Holloway said. Returning to the resolution commending the police, Roche dismissed the situation as having been provoked unnecessarily by the Journal. "They were more interested in a fast story than a factual story," Roche said, "and I think they should be ashamed of themselves. "It's OK if a newspaper sensationalizes a story and spins it for conflict, because that's how they sell papers," he added. "You don't expect it from your colleagues on this board." Thursday's exchange became so heated that Alderman at Large Jack Connolly declared a recess, although the fight loudly continued. "You're trying to make it about me," Gewirtz told Roche. Roche later circulated a spreadsheet of legislative activity since 2008, noting Gewirtz had submitted 19 resolutions as the sole sponsor in the last 12 months - without sharing them before the meeting. "The numbers speak for themselves," Roche said. "People should practice what they preach." "If ever I have passed out or sent out a resolution to other members of the board or put it on the agenda, I would have every expectation that that would be public," Gewirtz responded. Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan later joined the fray, sharply criticizing Gewirtz and suggesting she should be left out of the loop on resolutions. "The collegiality that I experienced on this board as of late is now gone," O'Donovan said. "I think a new day is upon us, where we have to be careful discussing issues that maybe haven't been finalized in a member's mind." "What you're going to have to do now is exclude certain members when you do that," he added. Following the fighting, the resolution wound up being sent to the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety after Alderman at Large Bill White expressed concern that it could open the city to civil rights lawsuits if it were implied that complaints against the police would not be investigated thoroughly. The issue of whether e-mail communications among board members can be kept secret will be addressed at the May 18 Rules Committee meeting.

TheSomervilleNews.com poll of the week

In addition to breaking news, sports and opinion, TheSomervilleNews.com also features a daily poll in which you, the reader, tell us where you come down on local issues. This week's poll concerned your views on whether or not you thought holding special events in the city brought in extra revenue and if you were in favor of a sales tax increase. If you don't agree with the results, simply log onto TheSomervilleNews.com.

The View From Prospect Hill

Ask anyone around the city, and those that are actually paying attention to the budget process have to concede that this year, under the most extreme of circumstances, our city is producing the most open, transparent and communicative discussion of the next year's fiscal budget than anyone can remember. Watching the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools address the Board of Aldermen and the School Committee in their first joint public forum was a terrific outreach to the residents of this city and we hope this will continue in the future. This year the situation is very fluid, as the Mayor has stated, and the circumstances change on a daily basis. Monday it looked like a 12+ million dollar budget gap, Tuesday it looked like a 6.5 million dollar budget gap. Next week it could look completely different. Even with these variables, the message has remained the same from the Mayor, the Board of Aldermen and the School Committee - although there will be some pain, by managing the fiscal situation using past practical practices and a vision for the future, along with a firm commitment to keeping our core resources strong and not moving backward, Somerville will get through this and be even stronger as a community.

Union Square rezoning plan approved

By Tom Nash A set of zoning laws aimed at reshaping Union Square passed the Board of Aldermen unanimously last Thursday after Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor made a final attempt at scaling back the project's scope. City officials said the rezoning, in the works for three years and often marked by disagreements between neighbors and the city, would restore the square's place as a commercial center and better position it to capitalize on a proposed Green Line station. "Union Square is a hidden gem and we need to pay attention to it," Mayor Joseph Curtatone said at the meeting. "Union Square is going to change." The new zoning would create three new areas: a commercial district that would span Washington Street and Somerville Avenue, a transit district around the proposed T stop and an arts overlay district that would encourage artists to take up residence. Taylor, who stressed he is not against the rezoning as a whole, proposed an amendment that would keep building height limits in an area between Warren Avenue and Stone Avenue at 44 feet instead of the proposed 55 feet, roughly six stories. He also asked that below-ground development be reserved for parking and storage. In explaining the requests, Taylor, whose ward includes Union Square, expressed concern that laws allowing taller buildings would leave the square's "quaint charm" endangered. "I don't want Manhattan," he said. "I want a Greenwich Village." "My fear is, decades to come our children's children will say, 'Who made this decision?'" Taylor added. Monica Lamboy, executive director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, countered that buildings in Union Square were once taller than they stand now, and that reducing the height limit wasn't possible. "I think we wouldn't agree to (the amendment) because it wouldn't be consistent with what was there before," Lamboy said. She also rebuffed Taylor's underground use amendment by saying it would be a mistake to restrict possible uses that could develop in the future. Both amendments were rejected. Aside from concerns about the changing density, an ongoing criticism of the proposal was that the property value increase could price many residents out of the neighborhood. Save Our Somerville, a community organization that promotes affordable housing, has lobbied the city to make the rezoning more inclusive. After the April 23 hearing, Save Our Somerville member Adam Rich said city officials should make more of an effort to keep Union Square and the city at-large affordable. The rezoning proposal approved by the Aldermen would increase the affordable housing percentage from 12.5 percent to between 15 and 17 percent depending on the area. "Most people are resigned to the fact that Somerville is going to be more expensive, and there's going to be a lot of displacement," Rich said. "As a city, we have to take on these issues in a comprehensive and serious way."

Community walks in name of homelessness prevention

Led by the brass band Second Line, a little over 100 people walked throughout Somerville neighborhoods for the 6th annual Save Our Homes walk to prevent Homelessness Sunday afternoon. ~Photo courtesy of Somerville Community Development Corporation Elizabeth Sayer A crowd of a little more than 110 Somerville residents enjoyed stunning spring weather while participating in the 6th annual Save Our Homes walk to prevent Homelessness. Led by the brass band Second Line, which contributed to the buoyant grassroots atmosphere, participants walked 3.1 miles throughout Somerville neighborhoods to raise money for the Affordable Housing Organizing Committee (AHOC). AHOC is an advocacy coalition comprised of Somerville residents and community organizations including Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services (CSLS), and Somerville Homeless Coalition(SHC). The walk began and finished at Somerville High School, meandering through Somerville's Prospect Hill neighborhoods, passing several low-income housing developments and areas that are affected by the money raised through the Save Our Homes walk. The Funds that are raised through the walk are given as emergency grants to Somerville residents who are facing housing crisis, whether it is for rent, utility bills, security deposits, moving expenses, or other various housing costs. The individuals that receive the grants have often fallen behind on rent because of unemployment, domestic violence or disability and would face eviction without immediate financial assistance. In 2008, 68 Somerville families and individuals received assistance from AHOC. Mayor Curtatone and Danny Leblanc, the CEO of SCC, each spoke briefly at the beginning of the walk, touching on the generosity of the Somerville community and the importance of grassroots community action. Mayor Curtatone and Mr. Leblanc also touched on the particular importance of collective action and support while we are facing strenuous economic times and elevated utility costs. State Representative Denise Provost, Alderman Bill White, and several school committee members were present to participate in the walk. Many of the participants in Sunday's were walking because they had a family member or a friend that had been a recipient of the emergency grants, worked for an agency that provided homelessness prevention assistance or had been a previous recipient of the emergency funds and wanted to give back. With donations still coming in, AHOC reports raising $22,000, however they expect that number to continue to grow exponentially and are still accepting donations. The Save Our Homes walk raised $41,000 dollars in homeless prevention money last year, and according to Mary Ann Sclafani, SCC organizer, AHOC hoped to surpass that number this year. Awards were given to Dennis Fischman and to the Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services for being the individual and team that raised the most money for the walk.

Harry Goldenberg, MD

Jimmy Del Ponte On The Silly Side (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.) In one of my first articles, Somerville 101 - a primer, I mentioned our beloved family doctor, Harry Goldenberg, MD. A lot of my childhood friends were also patients of Dr Goldenberg. Thanks to the world wide web, my article was recently read by the doctor's son, Ralph, who sent me a very warm e-mail. Soon after that, his brother Jon also e-mailed me a nice message. The following are the recollections of Ralph and Jon Goldenberg and myself. Grandson Michael also chimed in with emotional memories of Harry, as he called him. The story you are about to read is a collaboration of sorts dedicated to Doctor Harry Goldenberg. I basically re-printed the touching e-mails I received from the doctor's family members. I remember the Doctor as a gentle smiling man who spoke in an even, pleasant tone. He always made us feel comfortable and he had a very calming effect on us. He used to show up at our house at all hours, no matter what the weather was. He would often give my family free samples of vitamins and other medicines. I recall an old photo of a younger Dr Goldenberg that hung in his office. He was dressed in white along with some of his colleagues. I always got a kick out of that photograph. When I was in St Clements, a couple of times I went directly to his office at 771 Broadway because I felt sick and didn't want to go to school (read-sick of school). He always talked to me for a while and I would end up going to school anyways. Doctor Goldenberg was an important part of my family and a role model that I still hold dear to this day. Ralph gave me the following short biography: "Harry was born on October 31, 1907. He was the first-born of three children and the only son of Eastern European immigrant parents. As you might imagine, he was the favored child, and he did not disappoint. He was an exceptionally bright student, graduating Somerville High at the age of 16. He went on to Boston University for his undergraduate degree, and then Tufts University School of Medicine where he got his MD in 1931. During his years at these universities he made a number of life-long friends. Because his parents, Samuel and Esther, were not well off, he worked his way through college and medical school. One of the jobs he liked to tell us about was his work for Bushway Ice Cream as a bookkeeper and ice cream taster! And ice cream always remained one of his favorite foods. Harry spent a lot of time helping run Samuel's Cigar Store during these years. Harry loved children and wound up specializing in pediatrics, as you must know. When World War II broke out, Harry decided to suspend his medical practice and enlist in the Army as a Captain (doctors could do that rather than wait to be drafted at a lesser rank). He spent about three years overseas, ran a field hospital, and participated in the D-Day Invasion, as a Major. When the war was over, Harry quickly restarted his medical practice, renting space at 257 Broadway in Somerville and then 771 Broadway, which my parents bought in 1947. In the ensuing years he devoted himself to his patients, his family, and his friends." Ralph's brother Jon adds this: "My father was among the last of a vanishing breed of doctors who truly cared for their patients. He was a pediatrician, but he had many patients who came to him as adults because they valued his advice, both medical and practical. The setting may have been Somerville, but he was a country doctor. The day before he died he was seeing patients until the sun had gone down." Harry's grandson Michael donates some of his beloved memories: "It is amazing how just the thought of 'Harry' can bring tears to my eyes. To this day I miss him and feel cheated that he left us too soon. I have always told those in my life who were not fortunate enough to know him what a great man I believed him to have been. Having spent 16 years of my adult life living in the Boston area, I constantly came into contact with people who knew or were treated by Dr Harry Goldenberg. Others told of one of the last doctors to make house calls. The most common story would be of stopping by his office to say hello and spending an hour or two chatting. In particular I would like to share the story of my father's cousin (by marriage) - Richard Mingolelli, who owned Dick's Auto Body in Somerville. I used to go by his shop to talk and he told me of being an Italian marrying into a Jewish family during less tolerant times. He also told me of the hours spent at my grandfather's office and of how my grandfather was the first to accept him and make him feel welcome. Harry just had a way with people that made them feel good. Perhaps that is why he became a physician. As a young boy, I used to look forward to our visits to Massachusetts to see my grandparents - even though I knew that meant I was likely getting a shot in the arm! Harry was the only doctor I have ever had who made me look forward to getting a needle in my arm. Somehow it just didn't hurt when he did it. Other fond memories I have are of the man who always brought a fresh loaf of bread home from Lyndell's Bakery after work or of the man who would get down on the floor to wrestle with his grandchildren even though the very act was incredibly painful due to his arthritis. My grandfather - Doctor, Soldier, Gentleman, Friend, Boxer, Husband, Father and Grandfather - it is amazing how much respect he earned, deserved and could command. And yet he still insisted that his grandchildren call him "Harry" rather than sir or granddad." I would like to thank Ralph, Jon and Michael Goldenberg for adding some wonderful facts and details to my memory of one of the first positive influences in my life. The family doctor is a breed that has just about vanished. Thankfully the loving memories I have of Doctor Harry Goldenberg will stay with me forever. You can email Jimmy directly at jimmydel@rcn.com.

Arbor Day Event Set for May 1st

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Robert C. Trane invite all interested individuals to attend Somerville's Arbor Day celebration on Friday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m., at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Boulevard. The event will include two tree plantings in front of the school grounds, as well as a brief ceremony acknowledging the renewal of Somerville's "Tree City USA" status for the 14th consecutive year. The Arbor Day tree plantings are part of the City's ongoing efforts to increase overall tree cover and improve the health of the urban forest. For more information, please contact the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development at 617-625-6600 ext 2500.

Another take on where Somerville's name originated

In the summer of 1804, Somers commanded a division of gunboats during five attacks on Tripoli. Melissa Woods A report commissioned by the Somerville Historical Society has declared Somerville to have a "purely fanciful name," not of any particular origin. Somerville fire inspector Bob Doherty has ideas of his own, however-and even better, they have to do with pirates. The Blessing of the Bay, the first seaworthy ship built in Massachusetts, was armed in response to piracy and became, essentially, the first Coast Guard. Aggressive action needed to be taken against the Barbary pirates, however, if American ships were to sail in safety. This is where a young Naval officer named Richard Somers enters the picture. "Pirating in Somerville goes way back," muses Doherty. After the Revolutionary War, American trading ships could no longer fly under the British flag, nor claim backing by the impressive British navy. The Barbary pirates, just off the coast of Tripoli (in present-day Libya), then became a threat. Born on Somer's Point at Great Egg Harbor, New Jersey, Richard Somers was one of the first Naval Lieutenants in the then-new American Navy. Together with his two childhood friends Stephen Decatur and Charles Stewart, they fought together "like the three musketeers," says Doherty, against the Barbary pirates in the summer of 1804. Their exploits at Tripoli are famously sung in the first line of the Marines' Hymn: "from the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli." These three friends protected the U.S.S. Constitution in equal parts, commanding six small gunships apiece around the heavy frigate as if it were "a modern aircraft carrier." Somers' performance as captain of the schooner Nautilus after he arrived in the Mediterranean earned him promotion to master commandant on May18, 1804. He afterward sailed alongside Commodore Edward Preble -then of the Constitution-to Tangier, and then in five attacks on Tripoli, once fighting five Tripolian vessels at once at close quarters. "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute," said Thomas Jefferson when he entered office, in reference to the pirate threat. As that summer of successful campaigns drew to a close, Somers realized that the Americans had a chance to squelch the pirates once and for all. Calling for volunteers, Somers spearheaded a plan to load the fire ship the Intrepid up with about 15,000 lbs of gunpowder and 200 loaded shells, and sail it into the pirates' midst under the cover of night. The ship was to be set off by remote detonation, but because this was so risky a venture, Somers insisted that none of his volunteers be family men. This proved a wise decision. The Intrepid sailed, as planned, into Tripoli harbor, but was discovered before Somers and his men had time to escape. The ship was detonated as was, killing all aboard, including Somers himself. "A fanciful name," exclaims Doherty, "Not on your life!" Richard Somers was a nationally-known Naval hero whom has spent time on the United States, the Boston, and had spent the last day of his life on the Constitution, out of Charlestown harbor. Six ships in the U.S. Navy have been named the U.S.S. Somers, since. Somerville, New Jersey, is known to be named after Somers, as wells as Somers, New York and his birthplace, Somers Point, but there is no hard proof that Somerville, Massachusetts is the same case. It is unlikely, however, that an area so dense with history as Greater Boston should have names of no historical importance in its midst. Bob Doherty, with his argument for Richard Somers, provides a defiant yet plausible alternate explanation in the face of what the history books say.

Free helmets given away at the Mystic Activity Center

By Cathleen Twardzik At the Mystic Activity Center in Somerville (MAC), over 20 children were given free helmets on April 13. The event was run by the Mystic Learning Center's after school program, at which Chief Holloway and Deputy Chief Cabral of Somerville Police Department distributed the protective gear to the youngsters. Recently, the Mystic Learning Center, which is an after school program, started a bicycle club, which has a ratio of 2 adult supervisors to 15 children. "They [the children] were riding and came across a community police officer, and he thought that some of them didn't have helmets, and they had a talk about helmet safety. Then, later that day, the Chief from the Somerville Police showed up, Mr. Holloway, and two of his other officers. They gave the children helmets," said Florence Bergmann, Executive Director of The Mystic Learning Center. The Somerville Housing Authority serves as the umbrella organization, under which the MAC is included. The Mystic Learning Center (MAC) in Somerville the Mystic Learning Center, the Welcome Project, the Computer Education Center, the Community Activity Room, The Mystic Tenants Association, and Tenant Selection Department, and the Bunker Hill Community College Somerville Satellite campus. The center's idea concerning why children should sport helmets is "to prevent any head injuries," said Bergmann. "We certainly can't have children hurting their heads, especially not while their in our care in our after school program --- and it's the law." This year marks the first annual helmet distribution event at the Center. "I would certainly like to see it be an annual event," she said. Children, ranging from 5 and 13 participated. What prompted the Center to hand out helmets to children, at this time? "It seemed appropriate since we were starting a [bicycle] club, to start on a good note, with everybody having helmets," said Bergmann. Participants enjoy a ride on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, "Parents need to know that when they buy their children a bike, they should also be buying a helmet. I don't think all parents think about that, or maybe they've scrounged the money to get the bike, and don't have the money for the helmet." Bergmann is unsure, whether the distribution will become a city-wide project. Although there was no monetary requirement for children to get a free helmet, most of the children who are served by program are low-income, according to her. She thinks that children should "definitely" wear helmets for activities, other than bike riding, such as ice skating, skateboarding, and sledding. The reason is that, "It's just so easy for them to hurt their heads." Because this is the week of April vacation for students, field trips will be plentiful. "At the end of the week [on Friday night], we have a roller skating trip from 6 to midnight," said Bergmann. Participants of all ages are welcome to attend because it will be a family event, according to Bergmann. The bus, the final destination of which will be Rollerworld in Saugus, will depart from the Activity Center. "And I'll be nervous because people won't have helmets there," she said.

Senator Galluccio predicts gloomy economic forecast

State Senator Anthony Galluccio feels the Assembly Square Project will benefit Somerville and the surrounding area for years to come. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner By Elizabeth Sayer Like most governing bodies across the U.S, the current economic crisis has sucked the legislative air out of Beacon Hill, according to Senator Galluccio. The recent budget for the 2010 fiscal year shows that the commonwealth is facing a 2 billion dollar deficit, to which Senator Galluccio asserts that state employees and the general public are out of touch with and unaware of the implications of such a large number. "This is the most serious economic situation in my lifetime," says the Senator. "People have no idea. There are still state funded programs that are asking for money. They don't realize that there is absolutely no money to get out there." Galluccio predicts that truly difficult times are still ahead of us, and that the general public will begin to feel the ramifications of the current state of the economy over the next year as the middle class is more harshly affected. "Poor people know how to be poor. The working class that is suffering is doing what they've always done. It's the middle class families that will be affected over the next year that have the most to lose," says the Senator. Galluccio expresses very little patience for exhaustive discussion about the current economic crisis. He aims to effectively problem-solve and takes issue with legislators and pundits that focus on the severity of the situation. "I can't sit around and talk about the problems we're facing for hours. I want to talk about what we are going to do about them and how we're going to make the programs work with less money." The Senator believes that these are the times in which legislators and activists have to get creative in order to keep our communities moving. Galluccio, a first term State Senator, former mayor of Cambridge and long-time City Councilor in Cambridge, is now the Chair of the Joint Committee for Higher Education. This is an appropriate appointment for Galluccio after chairing the Cambridge School Committee from 2000 to 2002. Galluccio's sincere affection for and dedication to the school systems of Massachusetts and the children within it is evident. Massachusetts has made education funding the top priority in discussions over the budget and state funded programs so that education and the public school system will remain level, while most other programs will suffer. Galluccio anticipates that many social services and community programs will lose all funding due to the deficit, and there will be cutbacks in the fire and police departments all over the state. The state is also receiving a significant amount of money from the Stimulus package, however Galluccio says that the stimulus money will be used primarily to back up programs that are already struggling severely. "The [stimulus] money will help. Don't get me wrong. But it won't dig us out. It will backfill," Galluccio says, and hopes that it will potentially provide the Massachusetts government with a little breathing room. The Senator supports the proposed sales tax increase as well as increases in meal, gas and hotel taxes. "We should have raised the gas tax six months ago," Galluccio says, "back when gas prices were so low that I was walking away from the station wondering what to do with all the money in my pocket." Galluccio realizes that Somerville residents have much different needs than those of Western Massachusetts. "If you so much as breathe 'gas tax' in Springfield, people will go crazy." Learning to legislate alongside senators from all corners of the state has been a learning experience for the Senator and it is something he has tenaciously and enthusiastically applied himself to. Galluccio is no stranger to tenacity. Much of his political and professional careers result from his willingness to apply himself whole-heartedly to a task, communication with those around him, and little fear of rejection. Galluccio conducted his first political campaign for city councilor while in his first year at Suffolk Law School, which he lost. He has lost several campaigns throughout his career, which have only propelled him to try harder. Galluccio was encouraged by a guidance counselor to apply to college and for financial aid when he was accepted to Providence College. This encouragement, which Galluccio admits changed his life, is the origin of his affection and appreciation for teachers, guidance counselors and those that shape the lives of students and kids. While focusing on his job as an elected official and governing throughout the current economic crisis, Galluccio still finds time to coach youth football and to spend time with kids. "There is no bull with kids. It's refreshing."

Former Middlesex Register of Probate Arraigned in Connection with Allegedly Stealing over $100,000 from Campaign Committee

Owner of Printing Company Also Charged for Alleged Role in Scheme WOBURN - Today, John Buonomo, the former Middlesex Register of Probate, was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court in connection with allegedly stealing funds from his campaign committee and using those funds for his own personal use. Buonomo, age 57, of Newton, is charged with Larceny Over $250 (2 counts), Personal Use of Campaign Funds (2 counts), and Willfully Misleading Investigators. Buonomo pled not guilty at today's arraignment and was released on personal recognizance. Co-Defendant Marc Piro, age 46, of Wilmington, is charged with Larceny Over $250, Personal Use of Campaign Funds, and Willfully Misleading Investigators. Piro is expected to be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court at a later date. Piro is the owner of Guy T. Piro Printing ("Piro Printing"), located in Somerville. In April 2008, the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) began an initial investigation into suspected violations of campaign finance laws by Buonomo. In November 2008, OCPF referred the matter to the Attorney General's Office for further investigation. Authorities believe that on various dates between December 2004 and July 2008, Buonomo withdrew funds from the Committee to Elect John Buonomo for his personal use. Buonomo allegedly stole these funds using two methods. First, investigators discovered that Buonomo allegedly wrote checks to himself from the Committee's account, falsely stating on the checks that he was reimbursing himself for postage he had bought with cash. Second, investigators discovered that Buonomo also allegedly stole funds from his campaign account by writing checks from the Committee to Piro Printing for fictitious print jobs. Authorities believe that Buonomo wanted to make it appear as though the printing company was printing materials for the campaign, when in actuality these services were never rendered. Investigators discovered that after receiving the money from the Committee, Piro would allegedly refund the funds back to Buonomo immediately, minus approximately $500 for each transaction. Authorities believe that Piro also allegedly participated in the creation of fake invoices for these transactions, so that it would appear as if Buonomo had indeed used the company's printing services. All of these fake invoices were created on the same day, and were entered into Piro's accounting system in an effort to make the transactions appear legitimate. During the course of their initial investigation, OCPF found that Buonomo allegedly submitted to OCPF forged and altered bank records, forged and altered printing invoices, as well as false written statements he had obtained from postal employees. Investigators believe this was an effort by Buonomo to mislead OCPF and to justify the taking of funds from his Committee. Investigators from OCPF and the Attorney General's Office believe that Buonomo stole approximately $100,000 from the Committee. A Middlesex Grand Jury returned indictments against Buonomo and Piro on March 31, 2009. Buonomo was arraigned today in Middlesex Superior Court where he entered a plea of not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. He is due back in court on June 18, 2009, for a pre-trial conference. Piro is expected to be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court at a later date.

Police raid auto dealership

~Photo by William Tauro By William Tauro State and local police in a joint effort using an undercover sting operation, arrested a female manager of Auto Brokers on Washington Street early this morning. The dealership's management is allegedly accused of submitting fraudulent loans on used autos to banks and altering customer's identification using a Photoshop computer program within its office. According to sources, the investigation is ongoing with more possible arrests on the way.

It's a start of something good!

Railroad crews begin to lay new track. ~Photo by William Tauro By William Tauro Green Line expansion construction appears to be going on in Ball Square, the site of a proposed train station for that area.

Newstalk for April 22

Say it isn't so, but we hear through the grapevine that one of the local Sovereign Bank Officers was making phone calls repeatedly to a customer and when this certain Bank Officer didn't get what he wanted from the customer he threatened to do bodily harm plus reveal personal information. There is a court hearing on the matter sometime next week to determine if there is sufficient evidence to move forward - we can't believe this is true, but then again you never know what people will do now days. ***************** Lots of stuff and functions coming up this week including tonight - Wednesday, April 22nd at the Olde Magoun Saloon from 6pm to 8pm for Alderman At Large Dennis Sullivan, should be packed and lots of gossip going on. *************** Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Robert C. Trane invite all interested individuals to attend Somerville's Arbor Day celebration on Friday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m., at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Boulevard. The event will include two tree plantings in front of the school grounds, as well as a brief ceremony acknowledging the renewal of Somerville's "Tree City USA" status for the 14th consecutive year. The Arbor Day tree plantings are part of the City's ongoing efforts to increase overall tree cover and improve the health of the urban forest. For more information, please contact the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development at 617-625-6600 ext 2500. *************** This Sunday morning on the 26th, The Somerville Lions Breakfast from 8 to 1130 at the their Club house located at 9 Washington Street (behind the Holiday Inn), The Lions is one of the three Services clubs that are active here in the City, all proceeds from this breakfast go to local charities. *************** We want to say a big hello and a Happy Birthday to Marc Tulio Braga Mariano, Marc is studying abroad in Brazil and reads "The Somerville News" all the time, he is a big fan of the news...Happy Birthday Marc - may you have many more... *************** The 7th annual Independent Film Festival of Boston will be the biggest one yet and it starts Wednesday, April 22nd at 7pm and goes through Tuesday, April 28th at 12am. This year, the venues will be the Institute of Contemporary Art, Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brattle Theatre and of course our very own Somerville Theatre. Over 90 films will be shown over the week - tickets and passes are on sale: http://www.iffboston.org. *************** Also Happy Birthday to our own "Secret Squirrel" Herb Vargas, we don't know how old he is, but we have a pretty good idea by the name and undercover outfits he has, straight out of the 60's? *************** Condolences to the family of Virgil Iannacone who recently passed away, he was a nice guy and will be missed by many here in Somerville. Virgil was the owner of Highland Avenue's "Virgies" until he retired a few years back. *************** Again as we have said for the past few weeks...The Somerville High Scholarship Foundation tickets are available for sale; the cost is $100.00 with many prizes...drawing to be the evening of May 8th at the High School Restaurant. *************** Kudos to Somerville Police Sergeant Billy Rymill who returned back to work just three days after that motor vehicle accident that totaled his car a couple of weeks back. It's nice to see him back on the Job! *************** Somerville Community Access Television's (SCAT) youth media program, Next Generation Producers, in collaboration with Somerville Cares About Prevention and Somerville High School, will hold the Third Annual Somerville Youth Film Festival on May 6 at 7:00pm at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. The Somerville Youth Film Festival is free and open to the public. *************** The SHC (Somerville Homeless Coalition) honors Mark Winkeller. Ph.D., for his outstanding contributions to affordable housing development at its annual fundraiser, Under the Roof. Under the Roof will be held on April 25th at the newly refurbished Center for Arts at the Armory at 191 Highland Avenue in Somerville. The event will include dinner from Redbones and music by acclaimed rhythm and blues band, Barrence Whitfield & The Savages. Our esteemed Gold Sponsors for the event are Brookline Bank, Caritas Communities, Cornu Management, and East Cambridge Savings Bank. Tickets are $75.00 each - for more information contact Jennifer Bonardi at the SHC at (617) 623-6111 x234, jbonardi@shcinc.org or go to their website - www.shcinc.org. *************** Janeane Garofalo is coming to the Somerville Theatre on Friday, May 8th as part of this year's AltCom Festival. The outspoken co-star of "24" recently appeared on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and had some choice words for the right wing Tea Party movement, calling Tea Party-goers a bunch of "racists" and "tea-bagging rednecks." Her live appearance in Somerville is sure to garner attention from fans and foes alike! Show time is 7PM at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square (Red Line: Davis). Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster.com, the Somerville Theatre box office (617-625-4088), and the AltCom Festival website. *************** "Shape Up the Old Somerville Road Race" is planned for Sunday, May 3, the race will kick off City Hall beginning at 10:00 a.m. The day's events will include a kids' Fun Run beginning at 10am, for children ages 12 and under, a 2.7-mile adult road race beginning at 11 a.m., and a Health & Wellness Fair at the finish line. Registration fee for the kids' race is $5, and adult fee is $20. To register, please visit http://www.baevents.com/somervilleroadrace/, or contact the Somerville Recreation Department at 617-625-6600 x2980. *************** Somerville Little League will hold there opening day parade Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. starting at the High School. The opening day ceremonies will be held at Conway Park immediately following the parade. Mayor Curtatone will be the MC. Immediately following the ceremonies there will be a featured preseason game between teams sponsored by the Somerville Police and Somerville Firefighters.

The View From Prospect Hill

It was a pleasant surprise to see the good turnout this past Monday morning on Patriots' Day at Foss Park. There were plenty of things for the kids to do, there were people dressed in colonial-era garb, plenty of elected officials and lots of spectators. Even the Mayor, who is typically preparing to run the Boston Marathon (but couldn't because of a minor foot injury) on that day, was in attendance for the festivities. Flags were flown at both the corner of McGrath Highway and Broadway and at the top of Winter Hill - on brand new flagpoles donated by the local Kiwanis Club - with the help of students from the East Somerville Community School and the Healey School. There were some of us there who live in that immediate area who have been going to the annual reenactment at Foss Park for over 40 years straight and have seen the attendance by the public ebb and flow over the years. So we stood there, enjoying the morning and the festivities and it occurred to us that the annoying politicians and their hangers-on (aka Pod People) weren't there. In fact, neither were the "haters" - you know, the ones who start their own little groups because they claim there's too much "old school" shenanigans going on. According to them, there's not enough transparency in local government, there's too many "back room deals" happening and there's too much one-sidedness in the news. But they have their own "secret meetings" and they call themselves journalists, having email interactions with elected officials and then calling them "interviews." They are even now trying to pass themselves off as historians because someone is stupid enough to give them some space in a print medium. You have to love this stuff - you can't even make it up, it's that comical. So while this city keeps on getting better, and stronger, and smarter, and more community-orientated than it has been in 30 or more years, the "haters" will still hate, and people will still look at them and wonder what planet they are from. We encourage them to keep on keeping on as well - it gives us some great material for our commentary and our cartoons - and for that, we thank them.

Memory Lane, my favorite street

Walk with Alderman Heuston around Union Square

Pictured left to right: Ward 2 School Committee member Teresa Cardoso, Coordinator for Shape-Up-Somerville Nicole Rioles, Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston and Office James McNally. ~Photo by Vladimir Lewis By Vladimir Lewis Somerville police Officer James McNally and a group of concerned citizens explored Union Square in a morning walk looking for potential problems. The hour long stroll happened Saturday morning, April 18th and was led by Somerville Alderman Maryann Heuston. Officer McNally told the group about the GPS theft problem in Somerville and in many neighboring cities. "We've got a couple people running around, probably substance abusers, checking out cars. They don't even look at the cars, they just look through the front window for lap tops or GPS's. If they see one they can break the window and grab the devices and be gone in, say 45 seconds." The city distributes notices that look like parking tickets, but are warnings to owners of parked cars with potential theft items visible to officers checking as they walk by the cars. The group searched for problems on the street involving public safety and basic street aesthetics. Things such as potholes, untrimmed tree limbs, stubs from utility polls, un-kept storefronts and the like. "We look at what I call 'quality of life issues'...This is really what an alderman's work is," said Alderman Heuston. "The more sets of eyes, the better." In just a short time the group discovered dangerous holes in the sidewalk, downed signs and potential trash problems in the yards of industrial businesses. If a problem seems urgent enough, the group notifies the NIT (Neighborhood Inspection Team), and a whole group of departments (fire, police, DPW, and more) will visit the business to check on the problem. These different groups often visit the business all at the same time, Officer McNally said. Nicole Rioles, Shape-Up-Somerville Coordinator, walked with the group. Her group with the Somerville Health Department targets obesity in the community and helps people get and stay physically active. "Shape-Up-Somerville tries to make the streets safer for walking and biking. We're looking at ways that people feel safer and to make walking more desirable. Stuff like trash, glass, holes. Also we're rezoning and you don't see it yet because of the ongoing construction, but we're going to have more bike locks and bike paths. We strive for less car supremacy and more equity for biking and walking transit." Business signs were also looked at. "All we're trying to do with the zoning (on signs) is for people to be more thoughtful with their signs," Heuston said. "We're constantly calling inspectional services to get them to get people to take down tattered banners that have been up for too long." Heuston praised "Mike's Automotive," saying if she could have a "poster child" for signs/storefronts that "Mike's" would be it. Another member, Theresa Cardoso, Ward 2 School Representative, admired the "Hope and Glory" shop sign visible on the other side of the Square. Cardoso observed keenly throughout the walk pointing out potential problems. A group member mentioned that when the green line extension comes through Union Square things will really pick up. "It'll be hopping," said McNally. He watched over the outdoor dining in front of the Precinct restaurant Friday night and he said everything was nice and orderly. In the same area the group found bread fed to the pigeons that was still lying around. This left out bread can attract rodents. The forty-five minute stroll was relaxing and informative. The group talked about their favorite restaurants in the Square, praising the quality and quantity of cuisine. "You don't really have to leave Somerville," Cardoso said. "It's all right here." Heuston leads three to four walks per month in her district. The walks are open to everyone. Heuston can be reached at mheuston@hotmail.com and Rioles can be reached at nrioles@ci.somerville.ma.us.