The Somerville News Blog

Newstalk for September 30

Rumor mill is going full force in the city, many sources including down at the Police Station. Seems that Chief Anthony Holloway's old boss down in Clearwater FL - Chief Sid Cline - is retiring and Chief Holloway might be interested in going back and applying for his job. We heard he's down in Clearwater on Vacation or maybe for...? Would be very interesting - he has 3 years to go in his contract here but we also understand he can get out of his contract if he wanted to! Check online with the Clearwater FL papers, maybe they have something on their Chief's retirement. *************** We reported that Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane was amongst the missing, well he's been found and is not doing well - he's been very ill these past few weeks and hasn't left the house except to go to the doctors for all sorts of tests...we wish him well, and a speedy recovery - if you want to wish him well, please email him at [email protected] or look for him on Facebook. *************** We hear that Alderman at Large Dennis Sullivan and his bride to be Melissa will be buying a home in the Ten Hills shortly after their Wedding this coming Sunday. We heard that Dennis received the endorsement of the PDSers - all 15 of them (or less) and that he was so excited about it. We also heard he was the only Alderman at Large to attend Rebekah's event last week. Does that mean that the PDSers and SCC members are targeting one of the other three Aldermen at Large for defeat with their own home-grown candidate Morales? *************** Recently a well-known member of our community, Kevin Fantasia, passed away after a long bout with MS. Kevin was the son of former State Rep. Mary Fantasia - also known as the "Lady of the House" back in the day. Kevin owned a well-known popular bar on Somerville Avenue - many people here in the city liked Kevin and will miss him. Kevin served on the SHA Board of Directors for many years - our sincerest condolences to his family for their loss, he was a good guy. *************** Congratulations to Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira, who organized and worked hard to get off the ground the 1st Annual Police Golf Tournament to raise funds and support Massachusetts C.O.P.S. kids program. Held last Friday on the 25th at the Hill View Country Club in North Reading - it was a huge success and raised several thousands of dollars in donations. Det. Mario is a very popular guy around Somerville, well known and very well respected; he's a good guy always doing good deeds, he deserves a huge "Thank You" for his hard work. ************** The Somerville Chamber of Commerce's monthly After Business Hours get together will be held on the 1st (Thursday) at Machu Picchu, 307 Somerville Ave, in Union Square. All businesses and co-workers are encouraged to attend; it's a great networking function so remember to bring your business cards. This months host is After Hours Chair Michelle Mulvena of Moschella & Winston. Members and non-members are welcomed to rsvp by Sept. 30th to [email protected] or call Steve Mackey of the Chamber at 617-776-4100. *************** Our own good long time friend and former Publisher Bob Publicover is doing well with his treatments over at Beth Israel hospital - he is remarkable having AIDS for over 30 years now and has managed to pull through all the ups and downs and comes back stronger each time...Bob is celebrating his 60th birthday (yesterday the 29th). Give him a shout out at his email [email protected] and say hi or he's on Facebook regularly with his own updates. Bob has been involved in a lot of charities here in Somerville, given his time and money over the years, a true Somervillian all these 60 years. He's very special friend to many here. *************** Our own Jamie Norton - Ward 4 School Committeeman - had his fundraiser this past Monday night at the popular "On The Hill Tavern" in Magoun Square, owned by Bob Antonelli. A huge crowd of over 100 supporters, friends and elected officials showed up to give their support. Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero and Mayor Joe Curtatone did the introductions and hosted the event for Jamie and a great time has had by all who came to show their support. *************** Our condolences to Gay Koty - and her family - who lost her sister Dottie Lou Burroso this past weekend. Dottie was one of the nicest people, always with a smile and always telling it like it is - she was a great friend and funny lady to all her friends and family. Her passing ends the long time suffering she endured and she will be missed - may she rest in peace. *************** Welcome aboard this week to Tom Nash - who comes to the paper full-time - taking on a lot of the responsibility as the Assistant Editor. Tom will work hard on the News portion of the paper and also collaborate with Editor Jamie Norton in developing the Cambridge edition of the newspaper. Tom has been writing for our paper over a year now and has been covering, amongst other topics, the Board of Alderman issues - he also lives here in the city, continuing the trend we have set in being the real community newspaper in the city. Anyone else notice no Farm Team papers at all in any of their boxes? Check out the stores on Wednesday and see how many of their papers aren't sold. *************** Speaking of The News, it is time for the third annual "Thank You" party where we thank all the advertisers, writers and contributors over the past year. The Precinct in Union Square will be hosting The Somerville News Thank You Party on Wednesday, October 14th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and meet the Publishers and the Editorial Staff of the paper and of course Cam will be there as well - she writes the Ms. Olio portion - and we already know ahead of time that people want to meet her. *************** Last Saturday at the College Avenue Congregational Church, the members of the Board of Aldermen all volunteered to display their cooking skills and help raise money for the church. We hear all the Aldermen were there at 3 pm prepping the food and cooking it - but late straggler Alderwoman Rebekah showed up after 5 pm with a pan of lasagna already made and cooked. Guess she didn't want to put her cooking skills on display in front of the other board members - more transparency at work. Well, over a 100 people showed up and everyone was pleased with the food we hear. *************** The Ward 5 School Committee race is heating up - Anna Lavanga, candidate for School Committee, has been out there nightly walking the ward very quietly, one resident of Ward 5 told Newstalk she was at their door twice in the past 4 weeks. *************** Alderman at Large Jack Connolly is having his fundraiser at Orleans on the 15th of October - Jack can draw a good crowd of supporters. Another popular Alderman, the current President of the Board, Walter Pero of Ward 4 - is having a fundraiser as well at Bread & Company on October 19th more information to follow on both.

The View From Prospect Hill for September 30

For the most part, we as a community take our local history quite seriously. Ask anyone who has lived here more than 30 years a question about something, and they will most likely come up with two or three supplemental stories of significant historical relevance. Some communities change and forget the past - that's a shame. Then again, most communities don't have history dating back 250 plus years either, so maybe we have it better than most - at least from a historic perspective. Traditions, unwritten rules and customs - those are the things that change with the times. We invite change into a community that is ever-evolving demographically - but there is a line you don't cross. Don't try to take away religious holidays just because you can - don't try to call an important local holiday "annoying" and think you can get away with it - don't step on the dyed-in-the-wool traditions that have a place in our hearts. We have a whole list of historical places, events and inventions that came from Somerville, so when one of those is elevated to a larger stage, it is with a great sense of pride that we all share in the moment. Such is the case with Fluff. As you probably know, it was invented here in this city many years ago. What you probably don't know is that the Fluffernutter sandwich has been proposed by a State Representative to be named the Official Sandwich of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That's a pretty big deal, so we all need to get behind this one and help make it happen. So take the time to send an email to your State Representative or State Senator and tell them you want to see the Fluffernutter named the Official Sandwich of the Commonwealth - and then go get some of the delicious white stuff and a jar of peanut butter and enjoy the flavor of the most perfect sandwich. Ever. And if you are somehow from here and have never had one - then you need to take care of that immediately. Enjoy.

Cartoon of the week for September 30

Parent program helps children say no

Kathleen Di Simone How do you help your child say no to illegal substances? According to the Guiding Good Choices Workshop Series, there are several answers. Parents can get those answers by attending the series hosted by Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP), a coalition under the Somerville Health Department. The five-week program, which begins on October 15, was started four years ago for parents of pre-teens and teens. It offers strategies for students to resist peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol. "What the program focuses on is helping parents to strengthen family bonds and help children develop healthy behavior and increase involvement in the family, which can sometimes break down in those adolescent years," said Lovelee Heller, SCAP Community Organizer. According to Heller, the series' past success has been substantial. "The children who have participated in the program, they've been really excited," said Heller. "They feel like they've been empowered...that they're not afraid." One significant focal point of the program discusses how to say no to peers without excluding oneself from social relationships. Heller explained that this has particularly impacted adolescents' response to the program. "[We're] trying to help [children] maintain their friendships. They feel proud that they could say no...and do it in a way that they're not pushing away their friends.," Heller said. But increasing enrollment in the program can be a challenge, explained Heller. She said that getting parents to commit to a five-week program is not easy. So as an incentive, $50 gift cards are now being offered to participating parents. According to Heller, this is not the only method the program organizers use to keep parents involved. "We really work to get what [parent's] schedules are like and tailor the program to fit the times they're available," Heller said. "We try to work with parents as much as we possibly can." Heller said that time is often a key issue throughout the program. After considering evaluation forms that are filled out after each course, it was decided that more time was needed in between sessions for parents to carry out certain tips, such as holding family meetings or engaging in family activities. As Heller sees it, paying such attention to interaction with participants is what makes the program so beneficial. "It's really an engaging program. It's not sort of just staring at a screen or talking at parents," Heller explained. "They engage the whole time with role play and discussion between parents and as a large group....It's lots of fun." The five-week course is available in both Spanish and English. It is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Systems Administration and through the City of Somerville. The program is free of charge to residents. Those interested in attending can contact Lovelee Heller by calling 625-6600, extension 4322, or emailing [email protected].

Aldermen decry federal speed bump regulations

By Tom Nash After being told speed bumps weren't allowed by federal regulations, the Board of Aldermen dared the U.S. government to stop them at its Sept. 24 meeting. Alderman-at-Large Bruce Desmond and Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor had originally submitted an order at the meeting calling for speed bumps to be included among improvements at Kelly and Dickerman parks. When told speed bumps could only be installed on federal projects, Desmond amended the order to call for calming tables -- raised areas that slow traffic and double as crosswalks. "Nobody will be there except us when one of our kids gets hit and killed," Desmond said. "If [a raised table] is not good enough let's have the federal government come and tell us they have to take it out, because it's a bunch of crap as far as I'm concerned." "This is our town; we want to protect our kids. This is how we start doing it," he added. "Let them come here and fight us, because they certainly don't come here when we want them to." "He's absolutely right," Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston said. "Who's going to tell us to take this out?" Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero pointed out the Board had minutes earlier approved an $85,000 grant from Spectra Energy to install a calming table on Fellsway West, which would be the first in the city. Pero also noted there are speed bumps in Somerville, on the roads built in the federally funded Mystic housing project. "The ironies here abound," Pero said. The order passed and will be discussed in the Public Health and Safety Committee.

Police chief plan gets BOA approval, again

By Tom Nash A plan to take two deputy police chief positions out of the civil service system received a second vote of approval by the Board of Aldermen last week in order to put the measure back before the state legislature. The measure first received Board approval in July 2008 but failed to get the required State House vote before the legislative session ended. Police Captains Michael Cabral and Paul Upton have served as acting deputy chiefs since last September. Cabral reviewed the reasoning for putting the positions in the hands of the police chief at the board's Sept. 24 meeting, noting it is an essential part of the department's reorganization. Under the plan, any senior officer at the police department would be eligible for Police Chief Anthony Holloway to recommend for the one-year position. After approval from the Board of Aldermen, the position would be up for renewal. The same arguments were lodged for and against the measure, with Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz expressing concern about politicizing the positions by taking them out of civil service. "I'm very concerned that as we move towards a trend of removing positions from civil service we open ourselves up to a situation where we might have people being put into positions in the future who might not be qualified for the job," Gewirtz said. Cabral countered that the civil service system, which relies on tests to determine whether an officer is qualified a position, the Board would have a voice in the process. "You evaluate us for our entire careers," Cabral said. "We didn't just come up here as deputy chiefs ... You know us." Also responding to Gewirtz, Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero said the Board should not tell the department how to manage itself. "For us to think that we can manage the police department with a plan that we would propose as opposed to the one they brought to us, I think it's just simply wrong," Pero said. The plan passed 9-1, with Gewirtz voting against the measure.

Leading Through Innovation

By Joseph A. Curtatone (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.) Last Thursday evening, I led a seminar at the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. I spoke about Somerville's growing reputation for innovation in municipal government, and about how mayors and other elected leaders can foster and drive innovations that improve services, save money and make the best use of new technologies. Somerville has developed a close relationship with the Kennedy School over the past several years. The City has benefited from what amounts to free labor and advice from Kennedy School students and faculty. K-School grads work in a number of city departments, including our Police Department and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. I've even been taking some courses there myself - and it's been a valuable experience. With all of that in mind, I was more than willing to develop a presentation that covered SomerStat, 311, ResiStat, Shape Up Somerville, the ACE (Accurate, Courteous, Easy) customer service initiative, our comprehensive police reorganization and all of the other programs and policies that have brought Somerville so much national and regional attention - and played a major role in winning us recognition by the National Civic League as a 2009 All America City. Even though I only had enough time to touch on the highlights, laying out our record for a Kennedy School audience was still a valuable experience: just like the inaugural and mid-term addresses I've given every January for the past five years, the evening provided an opportunity to reflect on how much we have accomplished - and how much more we need to do to fulfill this city's terrific promise and potential. As I talked about the ways we've adopted and adapted best practices from all over the country, I was reminded how quickly something that was once new and exciting becomes a matter of routine. 2004 isn't that long ago, but it's amazing how many changes we've been able to make in technical systems and procedures that make Somerville's government more accountable, transparent and cost-effective. It's also amazing how much you can get done just by paying attention to what's going on outside your own community. As I told my fellow students, you don't need to be an inventor to be an innovator - but you do need to be an adaptor. Somerville has often been the first community in Massachusetts or New England to adopt a new idea, but only because we were the first to figure out a way to do it gradually and inexpensively. We're willing to start out with a basic version of a program like SomerStat or 311, and then expand it gradually by adding new features, more departments or other enhancements until it compares very favorably to fancier and more elaborate versions that come with a much higher price tag. But as my good friend, Mike Shea, likes to say, "In politics, the question is never 'What have you done?' It's always, 'What are you doing now?' And that's just as it should be. As proud as I am of the way we have upgraded our city systems, I am committed to doing even better. We need to get even more data onto our website, and we will. We need to bring even more new technology into play to improve our response time on service and information requests - and we will. We need to do much more to reduce our carbon footprint through more efficient energy usage - and we will. We need to upgrade and rebuild even more of our aging infrastructure, and we will do that, too. Of course, "doing even better" was made much harder by the current state and national fiscal crisis. We've already absorbed the deepest cuts to local aid that anyone can remember, and we may well have to endure another round of cuts in the current fiscal year. It's not going to be pretty. On the other hand, the systems we have already put in place have created efficiencies and savings that have helped us expand services in the past, and will help us preserve services going forward. Combined with the growth in our commercial tax base that is coming with the continued development of Assembly Square, the enhancements to Union and Magoun Squares and to the East Somerville section of Broadway, and - at long last - the construction of the Green Line Extension, our best practices in governmental operations will help us weather these tough economic times and bounce back stronger and faster. Current trends suggest that the national recession is ending, and that Massachusetts will emerge more quickly than in most other parts of the nation. When that happens, look for Somerville to be one of the communities that leads the way - not because we have more wealth or a bigger industrial base than other Massachusetts cities and towns, but because we've been willing to embrace the new ideas and technologies that help us use our resources more efficiently. You can see it every day - in where we've been and in where we're going.

Somerville's History is in its Homes

Ed Gordon, president of the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society, led a tour of Somerville's historic buildings Sept. 27.~Photo by Chelsea Whyte By Chelsea Whyte Despite a wet Sunday afternoon, roughly 25 people assembled at Nathan Tufts Park for a walking tour of area homes led by an expert on Victorian architecture. The Sept. 27 tour, sponsored by the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, was led by Ed Gordon, president of the New England chapter of the Victorian Society of America. The two-hour program, titled "From Powder House Pickles to Ball Square Brickyards," covered Nathan Tufts Park and historic houses on Broadway, Powder House Terrace, Kidder Avenue, and Ball Square. Gordon began the tour at the park's Field House. Built in 1935, it was commissioned to give work to unemployed construction workers. Their design referenced the much older Powder House, sitting on the hill directly above. The Powder House was originally a windmill, later purchased by the colonial Massachusetts government to store gunpowder because its location was ideal for defending against an attack. British troops seized the munitions in 1774 - a dress rehearsal for the march to Lexington and Concord just seven months later. After leaving the Field House, tour goers braved the rain and the traffic to cross the rotary at Powder House Square. Looking down Bromfield and up Broadway, Ed Gordon tells them, "Somerville has what is probably the finest collection of two-family houses." Some of the grandest of these are located on Broadway, which was known as the Road to Mystic in the mid-1600s and served as a route out of town. With the expansion of the electric trolley at the turn of the 20th century, Somerville's population doubled and its landscape changed drastically as home were built to keep up. The next stop was 771 Broadway, which sits on the original Tufts family homestead. Built in 1899, the home is one of many built to meet the housing demand. Bill MacDonald, the owner and renovator of the property, greeted the tour goers. MacDonald and his wife purchased the house in 2003 and completely renovated it, currently using the home as a clinic for patients suffering from eating disorders. Inside, MacDonald's handiwork is visible at every turn. The exterior, including the front porch running the length of the house, was updated with granite and composite flooring that will help the renovation outlast the weather. The efforts have not gone unnoticed. The home received a preservation award from the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, which uses historic homes as learning tools for students. Among its current projects is a showcase of Somerville High School students' artwork featuring 11 historic homes at the Center for Arts at the Armory, itself among the city's most prominent historic structures.

Filming "The Town" in "The Ville"

~Photos by William Tauro By William Tauro Filming of the move "The Town" with Ben Affleck is underway at the Twin City Plaza today! Crowds of spectators watch as film crews from Film Fleet Motion Pictures from Austin Texas as well as film crews from Charlestown Production LLC have set up shop at the mall and filming away and hoping to get a glimpse of Ben at work. A large tent has also been erected overnight to screen and sign up local extras that want to be in the movie and put them up on the silver screen.

Newstalk for September 23

Our own Mike Capuano announced last Friday he's going to seek Ted Kennedy's seat in the Senate, already mailings are out and we hear rumblings around the city that's with him for this bid. Interesting enough we hear that Mayor Joe is backing him all the way, so Mike's backyard, so to speak, will be good to go with the Popular Mayor backing him. One good advantage Mike has over his major opponent is that we hear he has racked up a lot of money over the past several years that he can use in the Senate race but his opponents can't do the same. ********* We also hear that former Mayor Dot Gay, who was defeated this time 6 years ago, is backing Martha Coakley - at a recent event here in the city, her husband was heard telling people that the Gay's would be with Coakley. Apparently more then one person overheard that, but we were shocked when we were told. Wasn't it Mike Capuano who gave a picture of him standing with Dot supporting her for re-election, the year she lost to Joe? One thing everyone knows about Mike is that he's loyal, and if this rumor is true, he might not be happy. But then again, the Gay's know what the word "loyalty" means...or do they? *************** Alderwomen Rebekah Gewirtz is having her fundraiser tonight at Redbones in Davis Square - we hear the place is going to be packed and it starts at 5:30pm. *************** Now we hear that Alderman Bob Trane has been amongst the missing lately, nobody has seen him or heard from him, appears that Trane is off the track somewhere, so to speak. We're sending out a search party - hoping he's ok and everything is fine...he's properly working those streets up there in Ward 7. *************** Rumor has it that Marty Martinez, the man about town, which has lived in all parts of Somerville - is or will be moving to Ward 7 again. The gossip grape vine is abuzz that he has moved again back to Ward 7. What makes this more interesting was a little well placed rumor around that State Rep. Carl Sciortino is seeking an appointment from our Governor and if he gets it he will resign. Marty would be right in the district to run for his seat then...again, it's a rumor, but wouldn't it be funny if it was true? Those PDSers are so transparent, aren't they? *************** Our own Ward 4 School Committeeman Jamie Norton will host a fundraiser at the "On The Hill Tavern" (499 Broadway - Magoun Square) this coming Monday night, the 28th starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $50.00pp (suggested donation). Many of Jamie's friends and family will be there and it should be an interesting evening. *************** What the Fluff is this Saturday in Union Square, from 4 pm to 7 pm on the Union Square Plaza. Somerville, in particular Union Square, is the home of the invention of Fluff - by Archibald Query in 1917. Every year lately Union Square has been celebrated with games, musical and theatrical performers, inventors, culinary wizards and humorists - enough stuff to fluff out and for every one in the family to enjoy. *************** We mentioned a couple of weeks ago the passing of our friend Barry Parsons from East Somerville, a life long resident. His wife Emily and family are having a celebration of life and remembrance of Barry on Sunday September 27th at 2 pm at the Knights of Columbus hall at 570 North Avenue, Wakefield. For further information, contact [email protected] - Barry was a nice guy and is already missed. *************** Boring election year here, but in traveling around to the various other cities and towns nearby, you can see by the signs that some of their elections might be more interesting. We have no primary and only 3 ward elections in November and there will be an Alderman at Large race as well with 5 candidates and only 4 to be re-elected. So it might be interesting to see the various Alderman at Large candidates working wards 4, 5 & 6 - where the races are. Already one candidate, challenger Morales, sent out a large mailing. We're still trying to figure out who the PDSers and Somerville Community Corp are tying to vote out of office amongst the Aldermen at Large - it's very apparent that both groups support Morales. *************** Congratulations to Jose Jorge for being installed as the new Master of King Solomon's Masonic Lodge here in Somerville, he was installed by the Kilwinning Club of Boston in full Scottish regalia and bagpipes this past Saturday. King Solomon's Lodge, which is heading into its 226th year of existence, is having another Open House on Saturday October 17th, at 125 Highland Ave (rear building). The public is invited to come and ask questions and see what a Masonic Lodge looks like - check out all the history and maybe just come and talk about the latest by Dan Brown, who has been writing about the Mysteries that Masonry is all about. There are several hundred Masons here in Somerville, and tens of thousands statewide, which is a charitable organization. Come meet Wor. Jose, the first Portuguese-born Master of that lodge here and some of your neighbors who are from Somerville. A website is in progress and will be online with full pictures of all the Paul Revere jewels and ancient historic papers from the lodge here in Somerville. *************** Looking for Senior Housing? Know someone who is? The Somerville Home on Summer Street is having and informative meeting at the Somerville Public Library's main branch on Highland & Walnut, Thursday September 24th from 6:30-7:30p.m. ****************** We're just reminding you that the 2nd Annual Fireworks on the banks of the Mystic at Assembly Square will be on Saturday, October 3rd from 4 to 8 pm with the fireworks at 8 pm. It will be a great time - there was a large crowd last year and best of all brought to you by the folks at Federal Realty and Mayor Joe Curtatone. Mark it down in your calendars - there will be plenty of parking. *************** Community Baptist Church at 31 College Avenue is having a Rummage Sale - Flea Market this coming Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th from 10 am to 2 pm each day. Many tables with lots of stuff and best of all fresh baked homemade food. Sponsored by the Jolly Elders. *************** Somerville High School class of 1949 will be having their 60th Reunion coming up shortly; cost is $55.00pp, for info email [email protected] *************** Happy Birthdays go out to Emily (Mama) Tauro, Emily is the mother and matriarch of the Tauro Family and she's a great lady to boot. Happy Birthday also to Mary Murphy of the TF Murphy Florist family, and mother of popular Tom Murphy Jr. well known in the business community here in Somerville - Happy Birthday to both ladies and many more. *************** On the movie scene, we hear Ben Affleck will be filming a movie about a Wells Fargo Bank heist here on the Somerville / Cambridge line at the Twin Cities Mall sometime next week - stay tuned - we'll get the word what day...the movie name is supposed to be "The Town." Also don't forget this Monday with Cameron Diaz filming her movie 480 Columbia (Nissenbaum's Auto) Keep watching online for all your local movie film information here first and only in Newstalk. *************** In the works and coming shortly to all the Cambridge residents a new paper framed after our own News - by request throughout Cambridge and in the local neighborhoods another paper...We found out how popular The News is in Cambridge by attending a City Council meeting not to long ago and we spotted some our of papers over there. We're going to be looking for writers over in Cambridge and especially in the neighborhoods which have long been ignored by the Farm Team over there. *************** Appears the big boys in Boston are reading our column here and getting their ideas from us and putting them on their local sites - claiming to be the "local guys." We have news for them, you can't be local if you're not even living and/or working here and you just copy our stories and the Farm Team stories and then try and tell people you're more local. It doesn't work that way, we're more local because everyone here at The News lives/works here in Somerville and some for many, many years - What's local? We are. *************** The Somerville Lions Club and King Lion - our own Billy Tauro - again raised a lot of money this past Saturday night with the poker games and cigar night, only thing was smoking outside, not in...

Cartoon of the week for September 23

The View From Prospect Hill for September 23

Watch the evening news, any night. The "latest poll" will tell you that Attorney General Martha Coakley has the Senate race in the bag. But wait, all bets are off if Joe Kennedy decides to win - if that happens, the election is his hands down. How ridiculous. Do they think we are really that stupid. Okay, so we are a political city. Most of us, whether old-timers or new-comers, have some kind of political experience in our blood. So we know better. Or do we? The natural inclination is to think that since Mike Capuano is now in the race, it's a done deal. Well, that's awesome in theory, but it won't happen merely because we all "like Mike." Mike Capuano, albeit late the to table, will most likely win the race to fill Teddy's shoes in the Senate. If and when he does, it will be all because of him, not his name (he's not a Kennedy), not because he already holds statewide office (he doesn't) and certainly not because all the unions are running scared to support him (like they are running face first into Coakley's backside). Mike Capuano is a "what you see is what you get" kind of politician. Sure, he might not be as polished as other, seasoned, veteran Congressmen or Senators, but who cares? Ted Kennedy wasn't a saint, and he got the job done, for his state and for the ideals he stood for. Mike might have been caught up in the Pelosi tidalwave for a while there in the Congress - hey, it's not easy to be a standout kind of Representative when you are up against 434 other screaming voices every day - but that's okay, Mike. You run because you believe in what you stand for, you believe in the idea that you don't have to be popular, as long as you stand for the right reasons, you know what loyalty and constituent services mean. Those are the reasons why we like you Mike. Why we liked you when you were Mayor. And why you will be a great United States Senator. Now get out there - and raise more money, and show this state how real Somerville politician's campaign across this great Commonwealth of ours. Win the seat, and make us proud.

2007 murder case of a Somerville man gets another twist

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden Shawn Jones, 26, of Boston, pleaded guilty to perjury charges, as well as suborning to perjury charges in connection with his role as a witness in the 2007 murder case of Ferdinand Saintville. Saintville was shot and killed on April 21st , 2007, after leaving Good Times Emporium. His friends stated that they pulled up to a red light at around 1:28 a.m. on that Saturday morning, when a van with multiple men stopped in front of their car on the corner of Mystic Avenue and Alfred Lombardi Way. Eventually they opened fire and Saintville was tagged by one of the bullets. Saintville's friends rushed back to Good Times Emporium, where they knew a police officer would be present. He was rushed to and later pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital. After an autopsy, the State Medical Examiner ruled the death as a result of a homicide from one gunshot wound. According to the District Attorney Gerard Leone's office, the authorities were able to track the van back to a residence in Charlestown after an initial investigation. This led to the arrest of Marquis Williams, 20, of Randolph, later that same day. Randolph was arraigned on April 23rd in Somerville District Court as an accessory to murder. The ensuing investigation led to another arrest, this one of the believed shooter in the squabble, David Cole, who at the time was 19 and from Boston. He was later arraigned for first-degree murder on May 27th, 2007 in the Somerville District Court. Judge Maurice R. Flynn ordered Cole to be held without bail. District Attorney Gerard Leone's office cited that Jones was a key witness in the case. Jones not only refused to give information that he had to a Grand Jury, but also that he attempted to influence others to provide false information. Jones was originally arraigned on May 25th, 2007, on counts of perjury and suborning to perjury. Judge Dominic Paratore than ordered that Jones be held on $7,500 cash bail. In a press release on September 16th, 2009, District Attorney Leone stated that: "By pleading guilty today, the defendant admits his responsibility for purposefully seeking to frustrate the police investigation and, therefore, manipulate the process of investigating a homicide." Also, that "In order to protect our communities, we need the cooperation and accurate testimony of witnesses. If a witness is fearful of retribution, we will work with them, but if they purposefully choose to obstruct and impede an investigation by giving false testimony, we will prosecute them fully. This conviction should send that message very clearly." The District Attorney's office also cited that the investigation was a team effort by multiple law enforcement agencies. These included the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the District Attorney's office, State Police VFA's, STOP and Canine Units, Chelsea Police, Harbor Point Housing Police and the United States Marshall's Service. As District Attorney Leone stated, this guilty plea by Jones should make a statement to witnesses of murder cases that providing false information, or refusing to provide any information at all, is against the law and will put them at risk of a harsh sentencing. What was unclear, however, was if the case would be re-started, and what would happen to the men in custody. Furthermore, if this man did provide false witness, then would the case thus far be a mistrial, or was the evidence against them strong enough without Jones' testimony? Surely there will be some more answers in the coming months.

The redevelopment of Magoun Square

David Giagrande, president of Design Consultants, Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan and Mayor Curtatone met with residents to lay out the final redevelopment plans for Magoun Square. By Beecher Tuttle On Wednesday, September 26th, approximately 50 Somerville residents and several local officials attended a community meeting at the VNA Assisted Living Center to introduce the final redevelopment plans for Magoun Square. After brief words from Mayor Curtatone and Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan, the final plans and construction schedule for the 3 million dollar project was laid out by David Giagrande, president of Design Consultants. An original plan for Magoun Square was actually created a few years ago, but involved only aesthetic improvements and landscape beautification. The final plan introduced on Wednesday has been amended over the past 2 years and is much more grand in terms of scope and financing. The approved design now involves major safety and operational traffic improvements--changes that local residents and officials found to be necessary. Mayor Curtatone referred to the initial design as "window dressing that didn't address the problem" of safety concerns that currently exist at the massive intersection in Magoun Square. "We stayed committed to the best project," said Mayor Curtatone, "the top project that will improve safety, improve traffic flow, and will unlock some economic opportunity." The project is primarily state sponsored, but things have been able to move quickly due to the recent allocation of federal stimulus dollars that will help support the redevelopment. The current design will improve pedestrian safety by adding more crosswalks, refurbishing and shortening current crosswalks that will comply with the American Disabilities Act, and will add brick walkways similar to Davis Square. The plan also calls for major aesthetic upgrades that include landscaping, streetscaping, street lighting, and bicycle accommodation. The city will install 4 bike racks, add 8 additional trash bins, and will plant 16 new trees in the Magoun Square area. They will also purchase and install ornamental street lights, ornamental traffic signals, metal benches, and will create a brick façade around all landscaped features. The redevelopment will also take into account the issue of traffic in the Magoun Square area by synchronizing two sets of lights in an attempt to redesign the flow of traffic and ease congestion. The plans for construction have already gone out to bid and are due back from contractors on September 29th at 2 pm. The redevelopment has been scheduled as a 535 day contract and will begin in the Spring of 2010 with an option to do some potential layout work in the Fall of 2009. David Giagrande assured residents that all businesses and residences will remain accessible during the construction and doubted that there would be a need to temporary shut-down any major utilities in the neighborhood. With new mandated safety regulations, Giagrande did admit that there is a possibility of losing a few parking spaces in the Magoun Square area. Some residents took issue with the choice of brick walkways due to their propensity to shift over time, referencing the current problems at Davis Square. All designs were signed off on prior to this final community meeting and no fundamental changes are to be made. Another resident questioned the steep crossing ramp at the Medford/Broadway intersection, but Giagrande stated that, due to the natural grade of the street, few improvements can be made. Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan was grateful for the Mayor's support and feels that this project is a necessary improvement to the area. "Magoun Square is an area that is not at all pedestrian friendly and vehicular-wise has issues that need to be addressed," said O'Donovan. "The original plan was more of a beautification project that, in our view, did not address the public safety concerns that we as elected officials had discussed with our constituents." Updates on the upcoming construction schedule will be available on the city website or by calling 311.

Groundwork Somerville brings food and music together again

The Kane family enjoys an appropriate location for the festival. Members of Groundwork Somerville join together singing, "The Maple Syrup Song." ~Photos by Halani Moss Halani Moss On Saturday, September 19th, Groundwork Somerville hosted its Third Annual "Local Roots, Food, and Music Festival," at the Growing Center on Vinal Street. It was the quintessential community fundraiser, replete with comfort filled fixins' from Redbones, potent musical performances by White Shoe, Brown Shoe and Avi and Celia, further punctuated by the share of words and feelings among attendees throughout the night. For those who know little about Groundwork Somerville, read on carefully because this notable cause is truly worth supporting. Groundwork originated in the UK in the late 1970's as an effort to develop unused and far too often downright, neglected land on the urban outskirts -- the "no-man's land" if you will. By 1981, with the incoming British Environment Minister and first Groundwork Trust, the initial seeds of this organization displayed signs of germination. As it continued to grow throughout the UK, it was a matter of time before it reached this side of the Atlantic. Now tackling more than just derelict land, this effort takes on any location that can be reclaimed for the purpose of resourceful redevelopment. Groundwork Somerville is one of over 20 Groundwork organizations in the US. 2010 will mark Groundwork Somerville's 10th year in action. If you think this organization is simply involved in the sustainability and beautification of the land, think again. With partnerships including Somerville Community Corporation, Somerville Community Health Agenda, and Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Groundwork Somerville is making great strides toward the overall improvement in our quality of life. This point couldn't be emphasized enough throughout the evening: the collective and tireless effort of all involved. This was also found in the environmentally conscious and energetic presence of the "Green Team." Comprised of local high school students interested in contributing to the places and people around them, they represent the future. In preparation for that, they spent this summer tackling projects across New England, from two angles: landscape architecture and urban agriculture. When asked about a highlight from this experience, Green Team Co-Coordinator Sal Islam replied, "A third grader. See, sometimes when we build these gardens, kids come and ruin them after. But this one time, a third grader stood up for the garden and made them stop." This is the perfect metaphor for what Groundwork Somerville stands for: reclaiming and protecting the land. Why? Because how we interact with the land we live on has a direct influence on our lives; not just environmentally but as a collective, social whole. Simply think back on the classic American song written by Woody Guthrie, "This Land Is Your Land." Most importantly and aptly expressed by Jennifer Lawrence, the Executive Director of Groundwork Somerville, "If you're interested in a greener, sustainable future, then join us!" Groundwork Somerville can be found online at groundworksomerville.org and by phone at 617.628.9988. Groundwork Somerville is an affiliate of Groundwork USA, a network of organizations that fall under the umbrella of the National Park Service.

Successful Afternoon of Country Music in Union Square

Country music fans enjoyed dancing to their favorite songs in Union Square on Saturday at the Urban Country Fair 2009. Concert goers were able to shop local vendors who sold their unique and handmade crafts and art work during Urban Country Fair on Saturday as part of the Somerville Art’s Council ArtsUnion project series. ~Photos by Christina M. Acosta By Christina M. Acosta If you are any kind of country music fan than you were at Union Square for the Urban Country Fair 2009 this past Saturday. Folks enjoyed the afternoon sun and cool breeze while listening to live country music, learning new crafts by the Boston SkillShare, and shopping local vendors' creative and handmade art. Line dancing enthusiasts also turned out to learn a few new steps to add to their repertoire, taught by the volunteers from the Gays for Patsy organization. A Boston-based non-profit group, Gays for Patsy supports a variety of local groups by fundraising through dance and events. "I think they are wonderful", said country music fan Rebecca Haley. "They seem to really enjoy dancing and performing. It's nice to learn that they are supporting a larger cause and are doing it in a unique way by thinking outside of the box." As the afternoon progressed, various country music acts took the stage to serenade the crowd. Musical groups included DJ Brother Cleve, Lucky 57, and the Tin Panhandlers. A well known Boston based band, Three Day Threshold, was also in the lineup. They hyped the crowd up as they performed their popular songs that mix genres of Bluegrass, Country, Celtic and Punk into one unique sound. Currently promoting their latest album, "Lost in Belgium" this band has toured through Europe and their music has also been featured in music and television shows. Adding to the spirit of the afternoon were local vendors selling their unique handmade art and crafts. On hand was Amy The from Pinecone and Chickadee selling eco-friendly, artwork and apparel. The work of Closer to the Ocean was also a popular seller as they sold various image transferred pieces. Passing through the vendor tables, concert goers were able to relax and try something very unique and far different from the line dancing and country ballads in the background. They were allowed a free trial of old Chinese medicine, thanks to Union Square Acupuncture. If the sight of sterile needles caused some to tense up, they were in luck and received free 10 minute massages by Dell Fisher, an Asian bodywork therapist who specializes in Zen Shiatsu, Tui Na, and Thai Bodywork to name a few. This event was successful due to the hard work of the Somerville Arts Council and Aliza Shapiro of Truth Serum. The Somerville Arts Council works tirelessly in development of events promoting culture and art. Urban Country Fair 2009 is part of the ArtsUnion project series developed to promote community and art development in Union Square while boosting local businesses. Don't miss out on the next Somerville Arts Council event on September 26th in Union Square. Attend the annual, "What the Fluff" which celebrates the invention of Fluff by Archibald Query in 1917.

The redevelopment of Magoun Square

David Giagrande, president of Design Consultants, Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan and Mayor Curtatone met with residents to lay out the final redevelopment plans for Magoun Square. By Beecher Tuttle On Wednesday, September 26th, approximately 50 Somerville residents and several local officials attended a community meeting at the VNA Assisted Living Center to introduce the final redevelopment plans for Magoun Square. After brief words from Mayor Curtatone and Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan, the final plans and construction schedule for the 3 million dollar project was laid out by David Giagrande, president of Design Consultants. An original plan for Magoun Square was actually created a few years ago, but involved only aesthetic improvements and landscape beautification. The final plan introduced on Wednesday has been amended over the past 2 years and is much more grand in terms of scope and financing. The approved design now involves major safety and operational traffic improvements--changes that local residents and officials found to be necessary. Mayor Curtatone referred to the initial design as "window dressing that didn't address the problem" of safety concerns that currently exist at the massive intersection in Magoun Square. "We stayed committed to the best project," said Mayor Curtatone, "the top project that will improve safety, improve traffic flow, and will unlock some economic opportunity." The project is primarily state sponsored, but things have been able to move quickly due to the recent allocation of federal stimulus dollars that will help support the redevelopment. The current design will improve pedestrian safety by adding more crosswalks, refurbishing and shortening current crosswalks that will comply with the American Disabilities Act, and will add brick walkways similar to Davis Square. The plan also calls for major aesthetic upgrades that include landscaping, streetscaping, street lighting, and bicycle accommodation. The city will install 4 bike racks, add 8 additional trash bins, and will plant 16 new trees in the Magoun Square area. They will also purchase and install ornamental street lights, ornamental traffic signals, metal benches, and will create a brick façade around all landscaped features. The redevelopment will also take into account the issue of traffic in the Magoun Square area by synchronizing two sets of lights in an attempt to redesign the flow of traffic and ease congestion. The plans for construction have already gone out to bid and are due back from contractors on September 29th at 2 pm. The redevelopment has been scheduled as a 535 day contract and will begin in the Spring of 2010 with an option to do some potential layout work in the Fall of 2009. David Giagrande assured residents that all businesses and residences will remain accessible during the construction and doubted that there would be a need to temporary shut-down any major utilities in the neighborhood. With new mandated safety regulations, Giagrande did admit that there is a possibility of losing a few parking spaces in the Magoun Square area. Some residents took issue with the choice of brick walkways due to their propensity to shift over time, referencing the current problems at Davis Square. All designs were signed off on prior to this final community meeting and no fundamental changes are to be made. Another resident questioned the steep crossing ramp at the Medford/Broadway intersection, but Giagrande stated that, due to the natural grade of the street, few improvements can be made. Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan was grateful for the Mayor's support and feels that this project is a necessary improvement to the area. "Magoun Square is an area that is not at all pedestrian friendly and vehicular-wise has issues that need to be addressed," said O'Donovan. "The original plan was more of a beautification project that, in our view, did not address the public safety concerns that we as elected officials had discussed with our constituents." Updates on the upcoming construction schedule will be available on the city website or by calling 311.

West Somerville Walking Tour Sunday, 9/27

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, and Historic Somerville invite all interested community members to attend a walking tour of West Somerville, entitled "From Powder House Pickles to the Brick Yards of Ball Square - West Somerville's Explosive Growth at the Turn of the Century," on Sunday, September 27th at 2:00pm. Ed Gordon, President of the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society, will lead a tour exploring the architecturally rich and historic neighborhood between the Tufts campus/Powder House Square and Ball Square. The tour, beginning and ending at the Field House at the edge of Nathan Tufts Park, will include an interior viewing of the Old Powder House, and is offered at $10 per person ($8 for VSA/NE or Historic Somerville members, free for children 12 and under). Light refreshments will be served inside the historic Field House at the conclusion of the tour. In case of heavy rain or winds, the walk will be cancelled. For more information, please contact Executive Director of the Historic Preservation Commission, Brandon Wilson, at 617-625-6600 x2532.

Former Somerville mayor announces Senate run

U.S. House Rep. Michael Capuano just concluded a press conference in Boston where he officially announced his run for the Senate seat left vacant by the late Edward Kennedy. ~Photo by Tom Nash By Tom Nash U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano officially announced today his candidacy for the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Edward Kennedy, the liberal stalwart who held the position for 46 years. Capuano, a former Somerville mayor serving his sixth term in the House, positioned himself as the best candidate to continue Kennedy's legislative legacy, outlining issues on which he and Kennedy agreed, including his vote against the war in Iraq and healthcare reform. "Today I announce my candidacy for U.S. Senate," Capuano said to a crowd of supporters at Boston's Omni Parker House Hotel. "I do so extremely humbled by the achievements of the man in whose shadow we all stand, but also emboldened by the knowledge that I am the only candidate in this race who is ready to champion the same progressive ideals that Sen. Kennedy fought for." U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, who announced his endorsement of Capuano at the event, introduced his colleague as an experienced legislator who will hit the ground "running and kicking and screaming." "(Capuano) has a demonstrated record of challenging the established order," Frank said. "What Michael has is a sustained, principled irreverence. And I cannot think of anything the United States Senate needs more at this time." The list of Democratic candidates for the seat has grown steadily since former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II, Sen. Kennedy's nephew, said he would not run earlier this month. State Attorney General Martha Coakley and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca have both announced they would run. City Year Co-founder Alan Khazei has said he will announce his campaign next week. Frank said that Capuano's experience would win out over the rest of the field, which also includes Republican State Sen. Scott Brown. "There are obviously other people in the Commonwealth who would make perfectly good Senators," Frank said. "We have an opportunity to get someone who will be better than perfectly good and who will bring to this job of the United States Senate precisely what we need at this time." The Capuano campaign released the first ad in the race Thursday night, on Youtube. Among a list of progressive credentials, the 30-second ad credits Capuano for having "turned Somerville around" during his eight years as mayor in the 1990s. Capuano was elected to the House in 1998 to represent Massachusetts' Eighth District, which includes Somerville, Chelsea, Cambridge and a portion of Boston. Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, who attended the announcement, said he is not considering a run for the House seat should Capuano win the Senate race. "The only things I'm thinking about are being mayor off Somerville, campaigning for Mike Capuano and the [Somerville High School] football game on Saturday," Curtatone said. The Jan. 19 special election for the Senate seat will follow a Dec. 8 Democratic primary.

Brian Higgins Tot Lot unveiled

~Photo by Bobbie Toner By Elizabeth Sayer A large group of kids could hardly restrain themselves from climbing, sliding, bouncing and swinging all over the new Brian Higgins Tot Lot that was officially unveiled on Thursday at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School. "Brian would have loved this playground," remarked Roxane Scrima, a teacher at the school. "If there is one thing I will never forget about Brian, it's his smile, and he would have had so much fun here." The playground, which is fully accessible to children with disabilities and includes a wheelchair obstacle course, swings a see-saw and a vegetable garden, was donated to the school by the Higgins Foundation in Brian's memory. Brian Higgins became severely disabled at three weeks of age, losing his eyesight, ability to walk or eat independently. Having lived only nine short years, Brian's perseverance and spirit has had an overwhelming impact on community and those that surrounded him. Several of the speakers at the Tot Lot dedication became emotional discussing Brian and the multitude of challenges he faced, as well as the smile that shone through despite his adversities. Brian passed away in 2002 and the Higgins Foundation was created in his honor. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to aid families and children with disabilities. 100% of the proceeds received by the Higgins Foundation go to charities and individual aid. Mayor Curtatone, Superintendent Pierantozzi, Members of the School Committee and several Alderman gave remarks and thanked the extensive support the Higgins Foundation has dedicated to members of the community as well as to the city of Somerville. Maureen Bastardi, Chairperson of the Somerville School Committee and close friend of the Higgins family choked back tears while paying tribute to all that the Foundation has accomplished over the years, and all that the Higgins Family has been through. "I stand here today wearing two hats," Bastardi said through tears, "That of a good friend of the Higgins and that of the Chair of the School Committee." Once the remarks concluded, the bleary-eyed Higgin's family took the stage to unveil the plaque that will be affixed to the entrance of the playground, that officially designates the area as the Brian Higgin's Tot Lot that reads "A special boy whose smile was contagious." The Higgins Foundation, which hosts an annual Trivia Night Fundraiser, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to donate to various causes such as the Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics as well as more local organizations like the Somerville Recreation and Youth Foundation. The Higgins Foundation also helps aid individual families with their medical bills or equipment that their insurance may not cover. To learn more about the Higgins Foundation, visit www.brianhigginsfoundation.org