The Somerville News Blog

Sheriff DiPaola running to keep his star

by Naveen Anwer

The Middlesex County Sheriff, who is up for re-election this year, attended Aug. 20 contributors meeting of The Somerville News.

James V. DiPaola said before entering politics, he was a police officer in Malden for 18 years, first as a patrolman, then a detective and finally an undercover narcotics agent.

Poetry reading @ Toast

by Naveen Anwer

Poets Linda Haviland Conte and Mary Buchinger-Bodwell were featured at the Poetry reading June 13 sponsored by The Somerville News at the Toast Lounge in Union Square as part of the paper’s Friday Nights series.

“When I start to write I just want peace and quiet around me,” said Conte. A long time resident of Somerville, Conte has been writing poetry for over 20 years. She was inspired to write from a young age and admires poetry written by Mary Oliver.

Toomey files bill to dedicate memorial at Vietnam vet's fishing hole

by Naveen Anwer

A Somerville legislator has filed a bill in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to dedicate a fishing hole on the Mystic River to a recently deceased Vietnam veteran.

“I think it is appropriate to recognize someone who paid the price for serving his country,” said State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey Jr., D-Somerville, whose legislation now stands before committee on Beacon Hill.

The proposed placque is to be dedicated to Patrick L. Sullivan of Somerville, who passed away April 21, 2002, at age 54. Sullivan served in the Army during Vietnam. After returning from the war, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, lost sight in one eye and had triple-bypass surgery. Sullivan, who was in a wheelchair, also had dialysis three times a week. Eventually, he lost both of his legs two weeks before he passed away, said Joan M. Guarino, Sullivan’s sister.

Mayor, officials, host DNC traffic hearing

by Naveen Anwer

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Board of Aldermen held a meeting July 8 at City Hall regarding traffic and public transportation during the Democratic National Convention, taking place July 26-29.

“ We are doing everything we can by working with the traffic department. This convention is costing the city a lot of money—don’t ask me how much. We don’t like the situation, but we are dealing with the hand we have been dealt with,” said Curtatone.

“We have the most densely populated city in the country with very dense neighborhoods, we just hope everyone cooperates so we can get through this weekend without any complications,” he said.