December 16th 2014 Somerville News Weekly
VOL.1 NO.61 SOMERVILLE MASS. Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Inside: UNION SQUARE PLANNING PROCESS, TIMELINE GOALS SET IN MASTER DEVELOPER AGREEMENT Formal agreement requires funding of communitydriven planning process, creation of community benefits agreements, SOMERVILLE –A communitydriven master planning process for Union Square and Boynton Yards and the creation of a community benefits agreement that will result from new development The Somerville COA Page 13 TheSomervilleNewsWeekly.com Favorite Photos Pages 20 & 21 Continued to page 38 Somerville Police Arrests Page 4 ,Real Life Somerville Police Stories Somerville COA Annual Christmas Party at WHYC When will the curtains close on the Patrick farce? By Neil W. McCabe Page 5 By William Tauro Over one hundred Somerville seniors enjoyed a fun filled afternoon at the Annual Somerville Councle on Aging Christmas Party that was hosted by the members of the Winter Hill Yacht Club this past Wednesday. Jamie Norton Reality Bites Page 38 More event photos Continued to pages 15 & 39 HOLIDAY NEWS: Reserve Your Holiday Greeting Personalized or Business Ad Spots Today in The Somerville News Weekly!(617)293-2016 Page 24 Best WISHES for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year from all of us at Winter Hill Bank 617-666-8600 | 800-444-4300 | winterhillbank.com A Mutual Bank Serving the Community Since 1906 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender 2Tuesday December 16th, 2014The Somerville News Newstalk Shout Out Weekly Check Out Two New Exclusive Police & Fire Departments Series The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Winter Hill Bank Tuesday December 16th, 2014 3 Somerville Kiwanis Club Annual Head Start Christmas Party Only on Bostonnewsgroup.com & Thesomervillenewsweekly.com Here’s Your Locations Where You Can Pick Up Your Copy of The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Print edition that comes out every Tuesday and can be found weekly in the bright red Somerville News boxes located at the following locations across the Ville: Union Sq. Post Office, Dunkin Donuts Magoun Sq/Dunkin Donuts Somerville Ave (across rink)/Dunkin Donuts Broadway at McGrath Hwy/ Dunkin Donuts Middlesex Ave, Dunkin Donuts Twin City Plaza, Clairton Hill Bus stop, In the red news box across from Victor’s Deli & Ball Square Cafe in Ball Square, Winter Hill Post Office and Davis Square in front of Mike’s Restaurant. The paper can also be found at all municipal buildings including Somerville City Hall, Traffic & Parking and all Council of Ageing Buildings, All Winter Hill Banks, Pats Auto Body Linwood Street, Nissenbaum’s Auto Parts, Cambridge Portugese Credit Union, Century Bank, Lotus Express, Brady Towers, Claidon Hill Apartments, Cobble Hill Apparetments, Murphy Florist Highland Ave, The Armory, Quick Mart Highland Ave, Somerville High, & Eleven next to Trum Field, 350 Foodmart, Jerrys Liquors, The Book Shop Broadway, West 7 Bistro Broadway, Somerville Credit Union, The Arts at the Armory Highland Ave, Most Senior Apartment Buildings, Somerville Police Station, Wedgewood Crane & Connolly Ins Agency Davis Square, Leone’s Pizza on Broadway, Angelina’s Sub Shop on Holland Street, Vinnie’s Superette on Broadway ,Cambridge Mobile Sound 234 Monsignor O’Brien Highway, Somerville Computers, Vinnie’s Superette, Broadway Sunoco, MT Pleasant Apts 70 Perkins St,Sovereign Bank Broadway, Properzi Manor 13-25 Warren Avenue. Properzi Manor, Winter Hill Bakery, 240 Pearl Street Apartments, Mount Pleasant Apartments 70 Perkins Street, Joe’s Liquor Store on Broadway, Patsy’s Pastry on Broadway ,Dunkin Donuts Powderhouse and in just about every little store in and around the Ville! If you want your store location to be listed here as well on where to find The Somerville News Weekly, simply just call Billy Tauro at 1(888)625-2706 or email him at Wmtauro@Bostonnewsgroup.com and we will add you to our ever growing popular list of pick-up-locations across the Ville. ____________________________________________________ Here’s Your Weekly Dosage of Newstalk Shout Out Loud Continued to page 9 __________________________________ Thank You Somerville for Making The Somerville News Weekly Your #1 Local News Source! The Somerville Kiwanis Club held its annual Head Start Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 9th at the Holiday Inn. Santa Claus greeted and met with seventy Head Start children and their families. All children were presented a gift sponsored by individual Kiwanis Club members. Pizza was provided and a good time was held by all. Advertise Your “LEGAL NOTICES” With Us by calling (617)293-2016 Congratulations to Somerville High School Golf Team and Coach Hart! “2014 GBL Champs” Advertise With Us Today with Full Color Ads for Pennies-a-Day! Be Billed & Pay Later! Stop in at any one of four Winter Hill Bank locations in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! And while you’re there, don’t forget to ask about the bank’s easy online mortgage and pre-approval process. Winter Hill Bank* Winter Hill Loan Center *Davis Square * Remembering Joe Cremens We’re working very hard around the clock to keep you up to date with Local Somerville News! The Somerville News Weekly “PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY” Mailing: PO Box 117, Somerville MA 02143 Physical Walk-in Address by appointment only: 86 Joy Street, Somerville MA 02143 Email: Somervillenewsco@aol.com www.Thesomervillenewsweekly.com Toll Free:1(888)625-2706 Local: (617)293-2016 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Publisher- William B. Tauro Co-Publisher- Marisa Tauro Advertising Director- Lisamarie Tauro Distribution Manager- Patrick Tauro Our condolences go out to the Cremens Family for the loss of Joe Cremens who sadly passed away this past weekend. Joe was a fantastic guy who was always there for everybody when they needed him. Joe had many friends here in Somerville and he will never be forgotten. Memorial services for Joe Cremens to be announced. Photos by Rich Foscarota Our Somerville High School Golf Team Champions photoed with Mayor Joseph Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Alderman up at city hall this past Thursday evening . 4 The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly SOMERVILLE NEWS WEEKLY’S SOMERVILLE POLICE ARRESTS/CRIMES OF THE WEEK Tuesday December 16th, 2014 5 When will the curtains close on the Patrick farce? By Neil W. McCabe Somerville Police Arrest Log / REAL LIFE POLICE STORIES! REAL LIFE SOMERVILLE POLICE STORIES 12/08/2014 14:30:13 DERBY ST JUVENILE 7 SEWALL STREET SOMERVILLE MA LARCENY FROM BUILDING C266 S20 12/11/2014 14:20:50 50 COLLEGE AVE WHITLOCK , SARAH 50 COLLEGE AVE SOMERVILLE MA A&B WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON c26 A&B c265 S13A 12/11/2014 20:49:41 16 INDIANA AVE SILVA , TANIA 41 MICHIGAN AVE SOMERVILLE MA ABUSE PREVENTION ORDER, VIOLAT 12/11/2014 21:17:55 DARTMOUTH ST PEREIRA , ROBERTO 31 DEXTER ST MEDFORD MA OUI LIQUOR c90 S24 UNLICENSED OPERATION OF MV c90 12/12/2014 13:42:40 622 SOMERVILLE AVE SHEAD , JERRY 156 BOW ST EVERETT MA LICENSE SUSPENDED, OP MV WITH REGISTRATION SUSPENDED, OP MV 12/12/2014 15:00:04 84 CROSS ST DOS SANTOS , JOSE 154 GROVE STREET ORLANDO FL UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE (CRIMI LICENSE SUSPENDED, OP MV WITH 12/12/2014 17:11:18 14 MCGRATH HWY KILLACKEY , JAMES 66 FIFTH STREET CAMBRIDGE MA DISORDERLY CONDUCT c272 S53 TRESPASS c266 S120 12/13/2014 02:14:54 MEDFORD ST MCCUTCHEON , JOSHUA 447 CARTIER ST MANCHESTER NH UNINSURED MV/ TRAILER c90 S34J DISORDERLY CONDUCT c272 S53 12/13/2014 03:38:44 338 SOMERVILLE AVE CALLAHAN , BRITTANY 20 WOODBURY ST ARLINGTON MA NUMBER PLATE VIOLATION TO CONC UNINSURED MV/ TRAILER c90 S34J 12/13/2014 18:06:48 BOND ST RHODE , COREY 186 ELLIOT STREET BROCKTON MA SHOPLIFTING BY CONCEALING MDSE 12/13/2014 19:31:29 3 DANTE TERR GRASSO , ROBERT 54 ADAMS STREET SOMERVILLE MA A&B WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON c26 12/13/2014 19:30:07 180 SOMERVILLE AVE JOSEPH , ASHLEY 101 VERNON STREET SPD Arrest Log Dec 8 thru 15 SOMERVILLE MA LARCENY OVER $250 c266 S30 12/13/2014 19:30:07 180 SOMERVILLE AVE JACKSON , XHANE 16 ROWENA STREET DORCHESTER MA LARCENY OVER $250 c266 S30 12/14/2014 11:51:28 BRISTOL RD MURPHY , STEPHEN 108 JOSEPHINE AVE. SOMERVILLE MA NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF MOTOR V OUI DRUGS c90 S24 12/14/2014 17:46:30 77 MIDDLESEX AVE WOODS , RICHARD 49 CHAPEE STREET CHARLESTOWN MA SHOPLIFTING BY ASPORTATION c26 12/14/2014 18:00:46 499 FOLEY ST BELTRAN , JUSTIN 805 HUNTINGTON AVE BOSTON MA FIREARM, CARRY WITH AMMUNITION 12/14/2014 20:21:04 220 WASHINGTON ST IMAD , BENABED 88 MORRIS ST EVERETT MA A&B c265 S13A ________________ Killackey arrest age 31 On December 12, 2014, at approximately 5:51 P.M., while working a paid detail at Twin City Plaza in full uniform, I was dispatched along with marked unit East Two (Officer Manzelli) to McDonalds for a report of an unwanted, possible drunk. McDonalds is located at 14 McGrath OBrien Highway and is part of Twin City Plaza, shopping center. When I saw that Gov. Deval Patrick was on “Meet the Press,” it was a surprise. Afterall, Patrick was never a real governor or even a real candidate. Of all the cons pulled on the people of Massachusetts, few were as bold as scheme to make Deval Patrick the governor of the commonwealth. Bay State liberals sprung him on the Democratic Party as their revenge for the party rejecting Robert Reich. For liberals the best part of the deal was that Patrick came fully assembled with batteries included, because David Axelrod, the political consultant from his hometown of Chicago, had already worked it all out. Axelrod had it all readyto-go: Hope, hope and hope. If anyone challenged Patrick for being a little light on the substance part, he would reply: “What? You are against hope?” What I did not appreciate at the time was that in 2006 Axelrod was using Patrick as the field test for the 2008 White House run for President Barack Obama. Certainly, W. Mitt Romney did not recognize that in 2010, Team Obama came to Massachusetts to field test how to reelect a weak and overwhelmed Patrick as a rehearsal of concept for Obama’s 2012 campaign. Of course, part of the blame for Patrick goes to Romney. Romney did nothing to build the Republican Party and when it came time to line up a successor, he pretended that he was running for another term. That deke froze rivals to his lieutenant governor Kerry M. Healy. Healy, the pro-abortion wife of one of Romney’s pals, was not ready for prime-time. As the governor, Patrick did his best to stay out of the way as the Democrats and all their friends kept the money flowing. It was as if he only function was to be elected and then hang out. When the proto-Biden, Timothy P. Murray, was pushed out the door as lieutenant governor, my guess was that Patrick got the call to come south to Washington to replace Attorney General Eric. H. Holder Jr. The call never came. In all those close calls, Holder was saved by Iranian-born White House advisor Valerie Jarrett, the president’s Brown School Winter Concert Rescheduled most trusted courtier. Sadly, when Holder decided to hang up the spikes, he chose his own replacement Loretta Lynch, the federal prosecutor, who leads the U.S. Attorney’s Office forLong Island, including Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Lynch is beloved by Washington Democrats as the woman going after Staten Island’s GOP congressman, Rep. Michael Grimm. And yet, Patrick appears on “Meet the Press.” What gives? Well, never one to question a script, the governor had two points to make. First, Obama is a great man and a great president and if you do not see it, then the president has done a bad job communicating with you. Obama is no good a theatrics, so you have to wake up. Second, former first lady Hillary R. Clinton is not the choice of the White House. Boom goes the dynamite. Patrick does not freelance or wander off the reservation. Every word he spoke on MTP was written out for him and approved by the White House. Seems the governor may be coming to Washington afterall—probably given a no-show job that allows him to perform his actual function as a surrogate for the president. As the adminstration winds down, Patrick may end up on the cabinet as stooge they need to sign off on whatever new regulations the adminstration is looking to dump on Americans on their way out the door. In any case, when Obama leaves us Jan. 20, 2017, Patrick’s public career will be over—now, that is really the power of Hope. Kiwanis Toys for Tots Tri-Club Meeting Continued to page 7 Tree Falls on Truck During Nor’easter The Brown School Winter Concert that was scheduled for Tuesday evening was rescheduled due to the heavy rain and flooding last Tuesday. The details are: Brown School Winter Concert Monday, December 22, 2014 6:30-8:00pm A private tree fell on a truck on Gilman Street during Tuesday’s torrential rain storm. at the Somerville High School Auditorium, 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville The Brown School Winter Concert will feature performances by the Kindergarten-grade 3 general music classes, grade 3-6 string students, grade 5-6 band students, Junior Chorus, and Senior Chorus. Students will share what they have learned so far this year in their music classes. Thank you very much, Cathy Ward Music Teacher, Benjamin Brown School and Capuano Early Childhood Center Somerville Public Schools The Somerville Kiwanis Club is holding its annual Tri-Club Toys for Tots Luncheon on Thursday, December 18th, 12:00 P.M. at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. The Kiwanis invite members of the Somerville Lions Club and the Somerville Rotary Club to join them. We appreciate your efforts to get the word out to your members. The US Marines will be in attendance and we ask all attendees to bring a toy. Best regards, Tony Ciccariello President Somerville Kiwanis Club Tuesday December 16th, 2014 6 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly’s Special Person Of The Week Tuesday December 16th, 2014 7 Real Life Somerville Police Stories Mary Dober, Joann Gallo, Hazel Evans and Teresa Connolly Read Us Online at: www.Thesomervillenewsweekly.com SPD Arrest continued from page 4 By William Tauro Mary Dober, Joann Gallo, Hazel Evans and Teresa Connolly, four lovely ladies dedicated to this city and help make it the fine city that it is! Pictured here with TV Reality Star Arthur Wahlberg from the hit A&E Series “Wahlburgers”at a recent “Toys for Local Children” charity event, these four ladies continuously support just about every good cause that’s out there. They participate in all activities with our Council on Aging Community and they are always there for their fellow neighbors! We here at the Somerville News Weekly salute you for everything that you do to make Somerville a better place. Congratulations! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm Tel (617)666-5692 Tel (617)666-0448 Email: Somercom@hotmail.com Somerville Computers 238 Somerville Ave Somerville MA 02143 Sales & Service New and Used Computers Repaired PC’s and Mac’s ________________________________________________ Mount Vernon Restaurant & Pub 14 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 (617) 666-3830 Hours: Monday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Consertos Upgrades Network Computadores Sob Medida Para Voce On scene, the restaurant manager, pointed to the back of the store indicating where the unwanted person was located. Officer Manzelli and I made our way towards the unwanted person. Officer Manzelli recognized the unwanted person as Jimmy Killackey. The moment Jimmy saw Officer Manzelli and I approaching him he quickly got up on his feet and took a confrontational stand. Officer Manzelli asked Jimmy what he was doing, if he had been drinking and that he had to leave. Jimmy responded that no one had asked him to leave. We conveyed to Jimmy that management wanted him out and that he needed to leave. Jimmy got defiant by putting his hands inside of his coat pocket as if to insinuate that he wasn’t moving. Due to officer safety, Officer Manzelli asked Jimmy to take his hands out of his coat pocket, but Jimmy refused to do so and ignore the command. Officer Manzelli and I attempted to escort Jimmy out of McDonalds; Jimmy started to resist becoming forcefully defiant. I decided to place Jimmy on the floor as to avoid either running into or falling over one of the tables occupied by kids and adults. Once on the floor we had to struggle with Jimmy to place the handcuffs on him as he was refusing to give us access to his right arm by placing it underneath him. Jimmy had been loud this whole time, but got even louder once the handcuffs were placed on him. Everyone sitting in the area where Jimmy was located had now stopped eating and stared at us. We escorted Jimmy outside of the establishment and he continued to be loud to the point that one of the drivers waiting in line at the drive through had to yell at him to shut up. I was also able to see a female inside of her parked car just staring at us. Jimmy was also carrying in each back pocket of his pants a can of beer(2 cans total). Jimmy was transported to Police Headquarters via the prisoner transport vehicle (200) operated by Officer Soares. __________________ McCutcheon arrest age 24 On the above time and date I was assigned to marked unit East 3. While traveling north bound on Walnut Street, a public way in the city of Somerville, I queried MA registration 459 XA2 From the MDT located in my cruiser. The status of the registration was revoked, due to an insurance cancellation. I activated my emergency lights and sirens to stop the vehicle in the area of Medford and Walnut Street. I approached the MV, which was occupied by 4 males, and spoke to the operator, Identified as Joshua Mccutcheon the registered owner, Who from now on will be known as the defendant and explained the reason for the stop. East 2 (Officer Ramirez) then arrived on scene as back up. I then advised the defendant that I would be towing his car due to the fact that it was uninsured. The defendant then became agitated and stated to me that he is from New Hampshire and he does not need insurance to drive his car there. I then advised the defendant and his three male friends to exit the vehicle as I would be towing it. At this point as the defendant was exiting his vehicle, he began to become more agitated as he was using profane language in a boisterous manner. I then advised the defendant to calm down as he was making a scene, but the defendant continued with his profane laced tirade in a boisterous manner. I would like to note that several attempts were made to calm the defendant down but the defendant continued with his tirade. Based on the defendants lack of cooperation with our requests to calm down he was then placed under arrest for the above referenced charges. I would note also that, throughout this entire incident numerous vehicles slowed down to see what was happening. Marked transport unit #200 was requested to transport the defendant back to the Somerville Police Station. The defendant was issued citation # R5390075, and his vehicle was towed via Pats Tow. __________________ ous Weapon c265 S15A. He was transported to Somerville Police headquarters. Grasso arrest age 29 On Saturday, December 13, 2014 I Officer Samir Messaoudi was assigned to marked unit East-2. At approximately 7:30 P.M., I was dispatched to Dante Club located at 3 Dante Terrace, Somerville for an assault. The following units also responded; Officer Capasso (East-4) Officer Cicerone (West-5), Officer McCarey (West6), and Sergeant Isidoro (S-8). Upon arrival I spoke with the victim who informed me that he came in to Dante Club for a holiday party. He stated that he was having a conversation with Mr. Grasso and other co-workers. He and Mr. Grasso engaged in a verbal argument and Grasso asked him to go out to the parking lot stating “let’s go out to the parking lot and take care of this”. The victim ignored Grasso and walked away; Grasso grabbed a beer bottle and threw it at him striking him in the head. Grasso stated he was having an argument with the victim and threw a beer bottle at him. I interviewed a witness who was seated at the same table. The witness stated that he saw Grasso throw a bottle at the victim however; he did not know what the argument was about. The victim suffered a minor cut above his left eye. He was treated at the scene by EMTs and refused to be transported. I placed Grasso under arrest for A&B with Danger- ___________________ Joseph Arrest age 19 and Jackson arrest age 18 On December 13, 2014 at approx. 7:30 PM I was dispatched, along with Officer Capasso, to Target at 180 Somerville Ave for a reported shoplifting. Upon arrival I was met by Loss Prevention Officer. He stated he had 2 female parties detained for shoplifting charges and we entered the loss prevention office where 2 females were sitting. The 2 female parties detained were identified as Ashley Joseph and Xhane Jackson. Loss prevention stated he watched them on video placing items into bags and then stopped then when they exited the store passing all registers and failing to pay for anything. Loss Prevention provided me with itemized receipts for both parties. Property in Jackson’s possession was valued at $317.56 and for Joseph it was valued at $429.71. At this time both parties were arrested. I asked either if they had identification as it would be needed and Xhane Jackson asked if Officer Capasso could go to her car and inside the 2 bags were ID Continued to page 14 8 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Business Directory CARROLL SONS INC Instant Shoe Repair (617)628-7065 Marco’s Towing 22 Broadway Somerville MA Shoe & Handbag Repair The Somerville News Weekly (617)417-2846 Serving The Greater Boston Area New Accounts Always Welcome Complete Service Calls Jump Starts *Lock Outs*Flat Tires* We Buy Unwanted Cars ROOF & GUTTER 1(800)734-8334 (617)625-8334 (617)868-2673 fax(617)868-4102 *Rubber/ Shingle / Slate * * Seamless Gutters * * Replacement Windows * * Siding / Trim Coverage * * Decks & Porches * Carpentry * * Painting * Chimneys * 60-64 MEDFORD STREET, SOMERVILLE MA 02143 631 Somerville Avenue Somerville * FINANCING AVAILABLE * * LICENSED * FULLY INSURED * * ESTABLISHED 1962 * MA 02143 Superior Air Coditioning Richard G. Di Girolamo Office (617)625-0386 Cell (617)257-6394 Dave Sidoti Anne M. Vigorito ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW Somerville Auto Service 57 Warren Street Somerville (617)492-9028 The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 9 The Somerville News Weekly Newstalk Shout Out continued from page 2 More Newstalk Shout Out continued from page 2 Here is your weekly dosage of News Talk Shout Out! _________________________ Happy Birthday greetings going out to many Villens in the Ville this week! Happy Birthday to Kaleigh Rose Roche, Vanessa Leigh Oppedisano, Mary Byrne Snow, Bailey Burlamachi, Carol Siciliano Bailey, Lea Bowler Hardy, CRL Lacey, Cheryl Callahan, Joe Nargi, Kathy Barrett-Pitcher, Brooke Scannen, Joe Pereira, Debbie Rushing, Maria Curtatone, Claudette Moussa, Bruna Araujo M, Adam Roselando, Leo Bracken and Kim Brown! __________________________ We’ve sent you our “Favorite Photos!” We’ve delivered you our “Special Persons of the Week!” We’ve raised your eyebrows with our popular “Neil McCabe Editorials!” and We’ve bombarded you with some of Jamie’s hair raising “Reality Bites!” And now The Somerville News Weekly introduces it’s new column, “The Village Idiot!” Every week, with your help, we will elect a person who will be worthy enough to hold the weekly title of “The Village Idiot” with some everyday idiotic things that people just do in and around the Ville and beyond! Send your weekly choices to: Bostonnewsgroup@aol.com or call (617)293-2016 “All communications and contacts are kept strictly confidential and discrete!” So let us know why you chose that certain idiot to be “The Village Idiot of the Week!” ____________________________ Fund Raiser For Alderman Matt Criminal Defense Civil Litigation Personal Injury Family Law Real Estate Law Zoning McLaughlin Wednesday, December 10th at 6:00pm at Casey’s Bar 173 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02145. Matt has been fighting hard for the people of East Somerville. So much so that he has’ not had a fund raiser. Please attend and donate so that he can continue to represent the people who need it most. __________________________ Community Note: Union Square Streetscape Meeting Thursday, Jan. 8 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston, Ward 3 Alderman Robert McWatters, and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) invite all interested community members to the latest in a series of meetings and public forums to discuss future roadway and utility improvements for Union Sq. on Thurs., Jan. 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Argenziano School cafeteria at 290 Washington St., and will focus on the draft interim design for Webster St. and Prospect St. Traffic and utility plans for the Early Action Plan will also be presented. For more information, contact Hayes Morrison at 617-625-6600 ext. 2522, or HMorrison@somervillema.gov. The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. Spanish and Portuguese interpretation will be provided. _____________________ Somerville Menorah Lighting Dec. 16 at City Hall Concourse Please join Mayor Joseph Curtatone for the annual ceremonial lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah on the City Hall Concourse on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. The Menorah will be lit on the first night of Hanukkah, and will remain lit until Dec. 24. All are welcome for the brief ceremonial lighting. There will be a brief photo op, but no formal agenda. If you have any questions, please call Jackie Rossetti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2614. ________________________ 239th GRAND UNION FLAG RAISING ON PROSPECT HILL, JAN. 1st Annual celebration of America’s first flag raising to be celebrated by City officials, residents, and “George Washington” on horseback. SOMERVILLE – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Historic Preservation Commission Director Brandon Wilson announced that the 239th annual “Grand Union” flag-raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park will be held on Thurs., Jan. 1, 2015 at 12 p.m. A processional led by a reenactor portraying General George Washington on horseback will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m. As always, members of the public are invited to participate, and are encouraged to wear traditional colonial clothing. The annual ceremony commemorates the raising of the nation’s first official flag, featuring thirteen red and white horizontal stripes, atop Prospect Hill on New Year’s Day, 1776. At the time, Prospect Hill was a key site in a string of fortifications created by Washington and the Continental Army in their siege of British troops in Boston during the first year of the American Revolution. The afternoon’s program will include songs, readings, and participants from the Ancient and Honorable Company (first chartered in 1638), as well as the Charlestown militia. The American Legion Post 19 Honor Guard will lead a military salute as a commemorative flag is raised atop the Prospect Hill Tower. Light refreshments will be served, and miniature replicas of the Grand Union Flag, both as a flag and a lapel pin, as well as colonial-era tri corner hats and historic Somerville books commemorating the event will be available for purchase. ________________________ Alderman Matt McLaughlin Packs The Room at Fundraising Event Be a Part of Something Big, Join the Somerville Lions Club . Bring a Friend and Join! and Learn more about the world’s largest service organization. When it comes to meeting challenges, our response is simple: We serve. Our volunteer projects unite Lions around the community. And our pride is unconditional. We aren’t limited by continents or restricted to certain causes. Lions help wherever, whenever and however we can. For more infomation email President Billy Tauro at: Wmtauro@aol.com We meet every 1st & 3rd Tuesdasy of each month at the Mount Vernon Restaurant in Somerville at 6:15pm Dinner Members $5.00/ Non Members $15.00 ___________________________ Two Concert Dates Coming Up at Somerville Kennedy School The first is the “K-3 Winter Music Concert” taking place on Wednesday December 17th, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the school cafeteria on the second floor of the JFK school building. The second date is the “4-8 Winter Music Concert” taking place on Tuesday January 13, 2015 also in the school cafeteria on the second floor. ________________________ .Place Your Ad Here for Only $25 per week Call Billy Tauro 1(888)625-2706 or Email: Wmtauro@bostonnewgroup.com Advertise in the Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Congratulations Photo of the Week TELEPHONE: (617)666-8200 Fax: (617)776-5435 EMAIL: digirolamolegal@verizon.net 424 BROADWAY SOMERVILLE, MA 02145 By William Tauro This past Wednesday night, Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin hosted a fundraising event at Casey’s Bar on Broadway in Somerville. It was a standing room only crowd of Matts supporters at the event who showed the new alderman how much they really appreciate him. Since Matt took office less than one year ago, he has done an excellent job in ward 1! Congratulations to our grandson Matthew Kreimeyer who is a star in school! He was chosen by the Boys & Girls Club of Woburn to represent the town at the Mark Wahlberg Foundation this past Sunday. We are very proud of you Matthew, Nana & Gramps Kreimeyer of Somerville 10 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly Beacon Hill Roll Call Denice Provost Rep D Somerville State House Room 473B Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2263 Christine Barber Rep D Medford-Somerville State House Room 472 Timoty Toomey Rep D Cambridge-Somerville State House Room 238 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2380 Fax: 617-626-0668 Email:Timothy.Toomey@ mahouse.gov Patricia D. Jehlen Senator D Somerville State House Room 513 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1578 Fax: 617-722-1117 Volume 39 – Report No. 50 December 12, 2014 By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, with the end of the 2013-2014 session only weeks away, Beacon Hill Roll Call, in the first of a series of special reports, takes a look at some of the bills that were approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick in the 2013-2014 session. CHANGES IN ELECTION LAWS (H 4072) House 147-4, Senate 38-0, approved a law making changes in the state’s election laws. Key provisions allow online voter registration; 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote and automatically be qualified to vote upon turning 18; and early voting beginning 10 business days before any primary or general election and ending two days before the election. Supporters said it was time for Massachusetts to join the 19 states that allow online registration and the 32 that permit early voting. They argued both changes will increase voter turnout. Some opponents said the preregistration of 16- and 17-year-olds is an unnecessary and unworkable idea that is opposed by many understaffed city and town clerks. They said many teenagers who preregister will go away to college and find out they can’t vote in their college town because they are already registered in their hometown. Others argued the proposal does not include a key safeguard requiring voters to show a picture ID in order to vote. (A “Yes” vote is for the law. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes $177 MILLION FOR MILITARY INSTALLATIONS (H 3930) House 151-0, Senate 35-2, approved a law to provide $177 million over the next five years to make improvements at and expand the state’s six military installations. Supporters said this ensures that Massachusetts provides funding for all its major federal military bases and may help persuade the federal government not to close the state’s military bases if and when another round of closings occurs. They argued these military installations contribute more than $14.2 billion to the state’s economy and support more than 46,000 jobs. Opponents said it is questionable whether state dollars should be used for a national purpose. They argued the money would be better spent on state problems like education, construction, health care and clean energy, all of which will also help create jobs. (A “Yes” vote is for the law. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen No GAS LEAKS (H 4164) House 147-0, Senate 38-0, approved a law to require gas leaks to be re- paired by the gas company in a time frame based on a three-tier classification system of dangerousness. Grade One leaks are most likely to cause an explosion and would have to be repaired immediately. Grade Two leaks are expected to create a hazard in the future and would have to be fixed within 15 months, while Grade Three leaks are nonhazardous and would have to be reevaluated every six months. Other provisions align civil penalties for pipeline facility and gas transportation safety violations with federal law and require gas leaks that are identified within a school zone to be prioritized. Supporters said the state’s gas delivery system is the second oldest in the nation and has 5,700 miles of leak-prone distribution pipe and 20,000 known leaks. They noted the bill will help prevent gas leak tragedies, save lives and have a positive impact on the environment by reducing methane gas. (A “Yes” vote is for the law.) Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes ANTI-BULLYING (H 3909) House 145-4, Senate 37-1, approved a law adding some provisions to the 2010 anti-bullying law that requires all public and private schools to develop and implement a plan to prevent bullying from occurring and to discipline bullies. The new law requires that each plan recognize that some students may be more vulnerable to become targets of bullying based on “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting status, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability.” Other provisions include requiring schools to annually report bullying data to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the attorney general and the Legislature and inform the parents of the victim about the department’s problem resolution system and the process for seeking assistance or filing a claim. Supporters said these changes will enhance the law and save countless children from a lifetime of physical and emotional scars and worse. Opponents agree that bullying must be stopped but said the bill is another unfunded state mandate that stretches administrative staff with additional unnecessary paperwork. Some said it is divisive to enumerate categories of students and said all students deserve a safe learning environment. (A “Yes” vote is for the law. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes BABY HEART SCREENINGS (S 1919) House 147-0, Senate 37-0, approved a law to require all newborns to have a test that will determine whether he or she has a congenital heart defect. The test would be required to be performed prior to the infant being discharged from the hospital. Supporters said 27 other states have this mandate and noted the requirement will save lives. (A “Yes” vote is for the law.) Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes WATER INFRASTRUCTURE (S 2021) House 152-0, Senate 40-0, approved a law to address the water and wastewater infrastructure challenges facing the state. The measure expands the spending capacity of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust from $88 million to $138 million; creates and allocates $3 million for a technical assistance program to be used for the development of asset management plans and to identify green infrastructure opportunities; simplifies the regulatory burden of complying with Title 5; and encourages regional projects by allowing public entities to jointly apply for planning grants to develop water pollution abatement plans. Supporters said the law would help keep the state’s waters clean in a responsible, efficient manner. They noted it creates jobs, puts resources into water technology innovation and will put Massachusetts at the cutting edge of this technology. (A “Yes” vote is for the law.) Rep. Denise Provost Yes Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL FRESHMEN HOUSE MEMBERS’ BOOT CAMP – More than 20 freshman representatives who will take the oath of office in January spent three days last week at the Academy for New Legislators’ “boot camp” orientation event hosted by House Speaker Robert DeLeo at the Amherst campus of UMass. The bipartisan semi-annual event offers advice and training on many subjects for this group of newly elected legislators including the rules of the House, how a bill becomes law, how the House works, ethics and campaign finance. SIX-YEAR CAREER PLANNING FOR SIXTH GRADERS YEARS (H 4527) – The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a committee to investigate and study the possible development and implementation of a six-year career planning project for each sixth grader. The implementation would begin in the 2016-2017 school year for all sixth graders and would be coordinated by licensed school guidance counselors. The committee would present the report to the Legislature with recommendations for any action it feels should be taken. Supporters said the bill will help students receive the necessary education and develop the skills required to succeed in a career. They argued that it is important to empower students early in their academic careers so they can set clear goals. TASK FORCE ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION (H 4305) – The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill creating a task force on child sexual abuse prevention. The task force would develop strategies for incentivizing organizations The Somerville News Weekly Continued to page 32 11 SHS Track Chelsea Results SHS Indoor Track & Field News serving children to develop and implement sexual abuse prevention and intervention plans. It would also develop a five-year plan for using community education and other strategies to increase public awareness about child sexual abuse including how to recognize signs, minimize risk and act on suspicions or disclosures. The task force would make recommendations to the Legislature. DECAL FOR DRIVERS ON LEARNER’S PERMIT (H 3681) – The House gave initial approval to a bill that would require a learner’s permit decal to be clearly visible to law enforcement officers on the window of any vehicle being driven by a driver with a learner’s permit. The size, cost and other details would be determined by the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and a violation of the requirement would result in a $50 fine. Supporters said this would warn other drivers that the novice driver is inexperienced and encourage them to take extra caution. They said the requirement would reduce the frustration of and honking by other motorists. Opponents said the bill is a solution in search of a problem that doesn’t exist. They noted that families with more than one car would have to get one decal for each car. They argued that experienced drivers would often be driving the car with the decal and mistaken for a novice. HOMELESS YOUTH UNDER AGE 24 (H 4517) – The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation creating a commission to study and make recommendations to provide adequate resources for unaccompanied homeless youth under the age of 24. The state would then enter into contracts with organizations and agencies to provide housing and support services to these youths. Supporters said there are thousands of youths who are living on their own without adequate food and shelter. They argued there is desperate need for increased housing and shelter options and noted homelessness often leads to poor health, exposure to violence, susceptibility to exploitation, high-risk behaviors and a dependence on public systems and benefits. SELL LIQUOR AT CONTINUING CARE COMMUNITIES (S 2407) – The Senate approved a bill allowing the sale of alcohol at continuing care communities, retirement communities and assisted living facilities. Supporters said many of these communities already offer top notch in-house restaurants but noted that the facility is not allowed to serve liquor. They argued that allowing alcohol is simply an extension that will benefit residents and make profits for the homes. HAZARDOUS WASTE (S 2105) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Patrick legislation that amends the current law that requires companies responsible for hazardous materials spills to reimburse the city or town for the cost of its emergency response. The measure would expand current law and require reimbursement even for the “threat” of Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Publisher/Coach DFDickersonVolume No. /26 Indoor Issue No. /2Date 12/12/2014 Coach D’s Comments Somer- ville 58Chelsea 28 We welcomed a new season with a new opponent at Medford- late into the night. It is great knowing that we can expect to compete well in many events but it is thrilling to see the personal triumphs as a meet unfolds. Jason Barrientos never gave in after an early fall in his heat of the 300m, roaring back to just miss overtaking his opponent at the finish line. That was fun to watch! Spencer Pitkin kept up a smart pace and would not be denied in his pursuit of blocking a Chelsea sweep with an awesome sprint to the line taking 2nd by a lean at the finish. Wilbens Vincent ran his best ever 55mHH race from start to finish! Our future meets will move faster! There is much to accomplish in the next 2 weeks. The Shot Put needs to improve but I have high hopes with this group and the distance group just needs to keep up the effort that we witness each day in practice. SHS alum- and still Massachusetts State 600 meter record holder (1:19) won his 1st Indoor 800 meter race last weekend at BU for American International College MAX EFFORT(Impossible is NOTHING!) Jason Barrientos & Spencer Pitkin Points through 1 meet-, Odmark Ozit7.25, Josh Gauyo6.25 Travis Dolcine6.25, Malcolm Ducasse6.25, CJ Felix6, Hervin Benevides5, Ben Pierre5, Joao Baptista5, Wilbens Vincent3, Spencer Pitkin3, Carlo Gerton3, Phillips Magre1, Manny Santiago1, Saturday: GBL Invitational- meet at SHS by 8:30amtravel by bus to Tufts- meet starts at 10am Also on Saturday from 12-4pm, we need you to volunteer time (2 hours/ 12-2pm or 2-4pm) at Olde Magoun Saloon (next to CVS) near the corner of Broadway & Medford Street)- go in front door to rear of restaurant Sunday- Jingle Bell Race- 10:15am to 11:30am Water Stop near Ball Square at corner of Boston Ave & Broadway (7,400 runners entered) Coming Events- next Wed. at 3:15pm Medford @ Somerville Last year’s MIAA standards for all divisions at State Meet – We are D2 Here are the results from the Chelsea meet which was run at Medford HS on Thursday Dec 11. Chelsea and Greater Lawrence Vocational Tech are in the GBL for track during the Indoor season. There are 6 schools-SHS, Medford, Malden, Everett, Chelsea and GLVT. Chelsea was in the GBL up until the 90’s , so this is first time that we have competed against them in years. We have a large Girls team(70) with a lot of young athletes so it should be an interesting season. Captains this year are Saragrace Magre and Catherine Nakato. It was good to get a Victory to start out the season. Chelsea is new to the GBL this year and we didn’t know what to expect. We have a nice mix of experience and youth and I look forward to seeing the new Girls improve. Sophomore Alice Egar set the tone for the meet against Chelsea when she won the two mile which was the opening event. Newcomers who won their events for us were Frosh Youdine Felix in the 55m Dash, Sophmore Priscilla Jovel in the 600m and sophmore Xiomara Iraheta. This along with wins by Captains Saragrace Magre and Catherine Nakato helped the Highlanders to a 58-28 win. At the non scoring GBL Open held at Tufts on Saturday Dec 13, we had several girls win their events. Brenda Nguyen in the 55m Hurdles and Youdine Felix-55m dash. Other strong performances for us were; Frosh Jackie Eloi in the Hurdles, Isabella Ferrari and Fiona Borondy-Jenkins in the 600m, Xiomara Iraheta in the 1000m, Melissa Sanon in the High Jump, Gabrielle Etienne in the Shot Put. We face Medford on Wed Dec 17th at 3:30 in our Fieldhouse. Community Note: City to Host Jan. 7 Forum on Recreation Task Force Recommendations The City of Somerville invites all interested community members to join in a discussion and submit feedback on the Recreation Department’s programming and activities. The City will host a public forum on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Argenziano School cafeteria (290 Washington St.). Last spring, Mayor Curtatone convened a Recreation Task Force to develop recommendations on ways to expand and strengthen existing programming. At the upcoming Forum, Task Force members will present their findings, and new Recreation Director Jill Lathan will share her feedback and her goals for the department in the coming year. Community members are invited to provide feedback and to meet the City’s newest Recreation Director. For more information about the Task Force and its recommendations, visit somervilleresistat.blogspot.com/p/rectaskforce. html, or contact Stephanie Hirsch at SHirsch@somervillema.gov. The Somerville News Weekly Now has a “Drive-thru” on the Run at Union Square Gulf Service Station When you’re on the run and need a Somerville News Weekly simply drive into the heart of Union Square at Union Square Gulf Service Station thats located next to the old Union Square Post Office and simply ask for your “Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Newspaper” with a friendly smile! And don’t forget to get you vehicle “Inspection Sticker!” While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Union Square Gulf Service Station will inspect your vehicle and have you on your way within minutes! Next to the Old Union Square Post Office 12 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly Check Out Real Life Somerville Police Stories www.TheSomervilleNewsweekly.com Gold’s Gym Somerville OPEN 24/7 (617) 625-9566 14 McGrath Hwy, Twin City Plaza, Somerville, MA 02143, Email: goldsgymcentral@gmail.com Gym Hours Mon – Sun: 24 hours, Kids Club Hours Mon – Fri: 4:00pm – 8:30pm Sat – Sun: Closed Richard G. Di Girolamo Anne M. Vigorito The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Angelina’s Authentic Italian Pizzeria ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW Criminal Defense Civil Litigation Personal Injury Family Law Real Estate Law Zoning TELEPHONE: (617)666-8200 Fax: (617)776-5435 EMAIL: digirolamolegal@verizon.net 424 BROADWAY SOMERVILLE, MA 02145 Stop in at Angelina’s in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! And while you’re there try some of the Somerville’s best Subs and pizzas! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Angelina’s will prepare a nice fresh sub to satisfy your cravings within minutes! “Eat in or Take Out” (617)776-1240 Check them out at 230 Holland Street, Somerville and tell them we sent you! The Somerville News Weekly Somerville Council on Aging Calendar of Events SAVE THE DATE Some exciting events in the coming weeks: Multicultural Day – Wednesday, December 17th – At our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway – from 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Learn more about different languages, music, foods and cultures. One day of international adventure begins with a music selections from the East Somerville Community School chorus, delicious food samplings, various exhibitors will be on hand to promote multiculturalism. For more information or to reserve a space please call Janine Lotti at 617-625-6600, Ext. 2300 before Wednesday, December 11th. Free Holiday Concert – Thursday, December 18th – At our Holland Street Center, 167 Holland Street – 10:00 A.M. Come and join the talented faculty members of the Powers Music School as they celebrate the season with old favorites from popular literature, and enjoy trying to “stump the band” by requesting a song the musicians may not know. The SCOA’s own senior choir, The Moonlighters, will be joining in on the fun as well. RSVP at 617-625-6600, Ext. 2300. Back by popular demand are the Holiday Inn Dances. Lunch and dance to music provided by Hank our resident DJ. All dances are on Mondays and from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. December 15th January 26th February 23rd March 23rd April 13th May 18th June 29th A $15.00 fee is required along with a RSVP, please contact Connie at 617-625-6600, Ext. 2300 to make your reservation or if you have any questions. ____________________________ PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION The SCOA is NO LONGER excepting applications for free smoke alarms / carbon monoxide detectors It is the hope of both the Somerville Fire Department and the Somerville Council on Aging that we will receive the grant again in the future. If you would like your name put on a waiting list should this grant be received again, please contact Maureen Bastardi at the Somerville Council on Aging at 617-625-6600, extension 2316. All Centers are closed on Thursday, December 25th. Please note in the “Upcoming Schedule” section several changes in the times that our Cross Street Center and our Ralph & Jenny Center are open over the next couple of weeks. Huke Lau trip scheduled for December 16th is SOLD OUT. The trip scheduled to Atlantic City on January 11th is SOLD OUT The trip scheduled to Wildwood, NJ on May 11th – 15th is SOLD OUT Our Holland Street Center will be serving lunch on Monday, Thursday & Fridays only until further notice. LGBT EVENTS LGBT Monthly Lunch – Monday, January 12th, 11:30 A.M., Somerville Cambridge Elder Services will provide a hot or cold lunch – suggested contribution of $2.00 – RSVP required no later than 2:30 P.M. Thursday, January 8th. This event happens the 2nd Monday of every month excluding City Holidays and snow emergencies. LGBT Advisory Group – Our next Advisory Group meeting will be on Monday, December 8th at 4:30 P.M. We are looking for new members and would love to have you as part of our group. This group meets the 2nd Monday of every month excluding City Holidays and snow emergencies. LGBT Dinner & Movie – Monday, December 15th – 5:30 P.M. meal time – This month we will be showing the movie The Family Stone and there will be a pizza & salad dinner served for a $5.00 fee. Must RSVP by 10:00 AM on Monday, December 15th. This event happens the 3rd Monday of every month excluding City Holidays and snow emergencies. *If you require additional information or have any questions regarding the LGBT Lunch, Dinner & Movie or the Advisory Group please contact Maureen Bastardi at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2316 or email her at MBastardi@Somervillema. gov LBT Women Fit-4-Life – Fitness and Nutrition Classes. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6:00 P.M. $10 a month fee – scholarships available & it just might be covered under your insurance. We have available slots and would love to have you. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact our Health & Wellness Coordinator, Chris Kowaleski at 617-6256600 Ext. 2300. GROUP INFORMATION* All clubs and groups welcome new members. Men’s Group – Meets the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. This group is facilitated by our volunteer, Norbert DeAmato. Are you recently retired? Looking to connect with other men in the community? Join our men’s group where you can connect with old friends and make new ones. All men 55 and over are welcome. Come chat about what is on your mind! If you have any questions or require additional information, please give us a call at 617-6256600 Ext. 2300. Caregiver Support Group – Meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Our Social Worker, Natasha Naim, facilitates this group. Are you caring for a parent, relative, spouse or close friend? Feeling isolated or overwhelmed? You are not alone! Come share your experience and practical support. Open to all and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, have any questions or require additional information please call 617-6256600 Ext. 2300 and ask to speak to Suzanne. Veterans Group – Meets the third Monday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Our Social Worker, Suzanne Norton, facilitates this group. Are you a veteran? The Veterans Group is the perfect opportunity to socialize, have solidarity, to reminisce and to meet other veterans. If you are interested or require additional information, please call 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 and ask for Suzanne. Low Vision Support Group – Meets the second (2nd) Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Our Social Worker, Suzanne Norton, facilitates this group. Do you know someone who has trouble seeing? Do you have low vision? Join our Low Vision Support Group for educational and informative information and peer support in a confidential environment. Lunch and transportation may be available on request. Please call Suzanne at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 if you are interested in attending, have any questions or require additional information. Current Events Group – Meets every Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Our Social Worker intern, Natasha Naim, facilitates this group. Join a group of your peers to discuss current events. Please call us at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 for additional information or if you have any questions. Book Club – Meets the first Friday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. Senior Project Manager, Janine Lotti, facilitates this group. Join this group to read and discuss a different book each month. In most cases, copies of the book are available in the COA office. Contact Janine at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2321 or JLotti@Somervillema.gov if you require additional information. Gardening Club – Meets the second Monday of each month starting at 9:00 A.M. and running for an hour most times. Our volunteer, Vilma Sullivan, facilitates this group. A different topic each month ranging from gardening tips & secrets to inexpensive “greenhouses.” Please contact Senior Project Manager, Janine Lotti at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2321 or JLotti@ Somervillema.gov if you have any questions or require additional information. The Moonlighters – Meets every Monday at 10:30 A.M. and runs September through June. Led by Somerville Youth Arts Coordinator, Jimmy DelPonte, the Moonlighters are an older version of the SunSetters. If you like to sing then this group is for you. Sometimes taking their skills on the road and this year The Moonlighters will be performing with the Powers School of Music for a Holiday Concert in December. Contact our main office at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 if you should require additional information. Brain Games – Meets the first Tuesday of each month starting at 10:00 A.M. This group is facilitated by our volunteers Eileen Jones & Jan Ciganelli. Engaging as a group in brain healthy activities. Proven that keeping the mind active can actually reverse the signs of aging and improve memory and cognitive functioning. Contact the main office at 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 to sign up! *All these groups meet at our Holland Street Center located at 167 Holland Street GROUP INFORMATION English Conversations – Meets every Tuesday & Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at our Cross Street Center located at 165 Broadway. Sandy Francis, our Cross Street Center Volunteer, facilitates this group. No books, no tests, no stress – just a great group of older adults from all over the world who help each other to listen, speak and learn English. CENTER LOCATIONS, TIMES & SCHEDULES Welcome to our centers! Everyone 55+ is encouraged to join us for fitness, culture, films, lunch and Bingo. Our centers are open to everyone from Somerville and surrounding communities. Check out our calendar and give us a call with any questions or to make a reservation! 617-625-6600 ext. 2300. Stay for lunch and receive free transportation. Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Holland Street: located at 167 Holland Street (between Davis Square and Teele Square) *Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. 617-625-6600 Ext. 2300 *Our Holland Street Center will be serving lunch on Monday, Thursday & Fridays only until further notice. Cross Street Center: located at 165 Broadway (East Somerville) Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (617) 625-6600 Ext. 2335 ____________________________ Ralph and Jenny Center: located at 9 New Washington Street, (behind the Holiday Inn) **Monday through Thursday 8:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. (617) 666-5223 ** The Ralph & Jenny Center will remain closed on Mondays and will resume Mondays after the first of the New Year. STAY ACTIVE Weekly Exercise Class Schedule Holland = (H) Ralph & Jenny = (RJ) Cross Street = (C) Mondays: Wii Bowling, noon, Free. (H) Fit 4 Life* Group C, 1:00 P.M. (H) Tuesdays: Strengthening, 9:15 A.M., $3 per class (H) Dalcroze Eurhythmics, $2.00, 1:00 P.M., (H) LBT Fit 4 Life*, 6:00 P.M., (H) Wednesdays: Fit 4 Life* Group A, 8:45 A.M (H) Fit 4 Life* Group B, 9:00 A.M. (H) Fit 4 Life* Group C, Noon (H) Bowling @ Flatbreads, 1:00 P.M., $10/week for shoes and dues Zumba for All, 5:15 P.M., $3 per class (H) Thursdays: Strengthening, 9:30 A.M., $3 per class (RJ) LBT Fit 4 Life*, 6:00 P.M. Fridays: Fit 4 Life* Group A, 8:45 A.M. Fit 4 Life* Group B, 9:00 A.M. Fit 4 Life* Group C 12:00 P.M. *All Fit 4 Life classes are $10/ month and require pre-registration. UPCOMING SCHEDULE Holland = (H) Ralph & Jenny = (RJ) Cross Street = (C) Monday, December 15th 9:30 Veterans Group (H) 11:30 Lunch (H) 5:30 LGBT Dinner & Movie Night (H) Dance Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Tuesday, December 16th 10:00 English Conversation (C) 10:00 Cards (RJ) 10:00 Knitting Scarves for Soldiers (RJ) 11:30 Lunch (RJ, C) 12:45 Bingo (RJ) 6:00 Caregivers Support Group (H) Huke Lau Wednesday, December 17th 10:00 Multicultural Day at Cross Street Center (C) 10:00 Cards (RJ) 11:30 Lunch (Cross Street Center ONLY) 12:45 Bingo (RJ) 1:00 Whist (H) 1:00 Bowling at Flatbreads Hanscom Air Force Base Thursday, December 18th 10:00 Free Holiday Concert with the Powers School of Music (H) 10:00 Blood Pressure Screening (H, RJ) 10:00 Cards (RJ) 10:00 Knitting Scarves for Soldiers (RJ) 10:00 Current Events (H) 11:00 Computer tutorial with Barbara (by appointment only) (H) 11:30 Lunch (H, RJ) 12:45 Bingo (RJ, H) Friday, December 19th 13 10:30 Brain Games (H) 11:30 Lunch (H) 12:45 Bingo (H) Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Monday, December 22nd 11:30 Lunch (H) Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Tuesday, December 23rd 11:30 Lunch (H) Cross Street Center Closed Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Wednesday, December 24th Cross Street Center Closed Ralph & Jenny Center Closed All Centers close at Noon – No Bowling Thursday, December 25th All Centers Closed Christmas Friday, December 26th 11:30 Lunch (H) No Programming No Fit 4 Life Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Monday, December 29th 11:30 Lunch (H) No Programming No Fit 4 Life Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Tuesday, December 30th 11:30 Lunch (H) No Programming No Fit 4 Life Cross Street Center Closed Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Wednesday, December 31st 11:30 Lunch (H) No Programming No Fit 4 Life Cross Street Center Closed Ralph & Jenny Center Closed Thursday, January 1st All Centers Closed Happy New Year Friday, January 2nd 11:30 Lunch (H) 12:45 Bingo (H) Monday, January 5th 9:30 Monthly Breakfast (H) 10:30 Moonlighters (H) 11:30 Lunch (H, RJ) Tuesday, January 6th 10:00 English Conversation (C) 10:00 Cards (RJ) 10:00 Scarves for Soldiers (RJ) 10:45 Culinary Arts Lunch 11:30 Lunch (RJ, C) 12:45 Bingo (RJ) Wednesday, January 7th 10:00 English Conversation (C) 11:30 Lunch (RJ, C) 12:45 Bingo (RJ) 1:00 Whist (H) 1:00 Bowling at Flatbread Thursday, January 8th 10:00 Current Events Group (H) 10:00 Cards (RJ) 10:00 Blood Pressure Screening (H, RJ) 10:00 Scarves for Soldiers (RJ) 11:00 Computer tutorial with Barbara (by appointment only) (H) 11:30 Lunch (H, RJ) 12:45 Bingo (H, RJ) Friday, January 9th 10:00 Book Club (H) 11:30 Lunch (H) 12:45 Bingo (H) DID YOU KNOW? We have a Facebook page? Check us out at http://www.facebook. com/somervilleCOA You can receive our monthly newsletter that is always filled with useful and important information? For a $5.00 yearly fee, you can receive it via the U.S. Postal service or a free version can be sent electronically. Please contact Connie at 617-6256600 Ext. 2300 to sign up. 14 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Somerville COA Annual Christmas Party at WHYC Continued from pages 1 & 39 Real Life Somerville Police Stories Continued from page 7 and Debit card and handed Officer Capasso the vehicle key and pointed out where it was located in the lot. While retrieving her ID inside the 2 black bags inside vehicle were numerous item with tags still attached from Marshall Department Store. ID, Debit card and bags were brought to station by me and ID, debit card given to Xhane at booking. Both parties were transported to the station via 200. After booking and on video and audio recording in booking room I read Xhane her Miranda Warnings, which she stated she understood and wished to speak with me, I then asked if she gave permission for Officers to retrieve the 2 bags in her car and she answered ” Yeah I guess so”. I then presented her with the 2 bags which she identified as being hers and I showed her numerous items with tags from Marshall Department Store. I asked if she could provide receipts for the merchandise and she stated yes. I then told her I would place property into evidence lock-up for safekeeping and when she brought receipts in I would give it back but if she could not show proof of purchase I would file a Criminal Complaint for Receiving Stolen Property. ____________________ Woods arrest age 54 On Sunday, December 14, 2014, I was on duty and assigned to the Assembly Row area as A-2. At approximately 5:46PM, Officer Capasso, Officer Cicerone and I were dispatched to the Kmart store located at 77 Middlesex Avenue on a reported shoplifting. When we arrived on scene, Mr. Richard Woods was being detained in the loss prevention office. I asked loss prevention to explain what had happened in detail. He stated that Mr. Woods had entered the store and selected three sets of 800 thread count sheets from the shelf. These sheets were valued at $39.99 each. He said that Mr. Woods appeared suspicious so he stood by the door to prevent him from leaving without paying. The other loss prevention personnel said that she monitored Mr. Woods on the store’s surveillance system, and saw him take the three packages of sheets to the customer service desk. She then said that she saw Mr. Woods return the items (that were never purchased) for store credit. At the end of his transaction, loss prevention confronted Mr. Woods and escorted him to the loss prevention office. I turned my attention to Mr. Woods. I asked him why he had taken the items and returned them. He said that it was because he was “broke”. and After listening to all of the involved parties statements, I placed Mr. Woods under arrest for one count of Shoplifting by Asportation (MGL: c266 s30A). He was transported to Somerville Police Headquarters in marked unit-200. Loss prevention provided me with a receipt detailing the stolen items and will be providing me with a DVD copy of Mr. Woods’s actions inside of the store. I will be submitting the receipt into evidence and will also submit the DVD at a later date. __________________ Pereira arrest age 37 On Thursday, December 11th, 2014 I was assigned to marked unit E-4. At approximately, 9:21 P.M. I was dispatched to the corner of Dartmouth Street and Medford Street (both public ways in the City of Somerville) for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Somerville Dispatch reported that Continued to page 22 “The Village Idiot!” We’ve sent you our “Favorite Photos!” We’ve delivered you our “Special Persons of the Week!” We’ve raised your eyebrows with our popular “Neil McCabe Editorials!”and We’ve bombarded you with some of Jamie’s hair raising “Reality Bites!”And now The Somerville News Weekly introduces it’s new column, “The Village Idiot!” Every week, with your help, we will elect a person who will be worthy enough to hold the weekly title of “The Village Idiot” with some everyday idiotic things that people just do in and around the Ville and beyond! Send your weekly choices to:Bostonnewsgroup@aol.com or call (617)293-2016 “All communications and contacts are kept strictly confidential and discrete!” So let us know why you chose that certain idiot to be “The Village Idiot of the Week!” (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News Weekly and Boston News Group belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News Weekly or Boston News Group, its staff or publishers) By William Tauro Festive music, dancing and Christmas carols filled with holiday cheer followed a scrumptious dinner and holiday settings. Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Chief of Police David Fallon lead the chorus of Christmas caroling throughout the afternoon. Several Somerville Police officers also made a special guest appearance to meet and greet with the seniors that were in attendance. A wide array of Christmas carols really put the crowd in holiday high gear mode. More photos Continued to page 39 15 16Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 17 1(866)5-HOT-TOP Asphalt Services, Inc. is the best choice for commercial & residential paving. We are family owned and operated, having faithfully served businesses & residents in Massachusetts for more than three decades. We recognize that you can take your business anywhere. Beginning with the first contact, we will work to earn your trust and give you a fair price, a project timeline, and supervise the work on your paving project so that it is done right the first time. No job to big or to small! Our Clients Just a few of our clients include: Stop and Shop * Keypoint Partners * The Beal Companies * Alexandria Real Estate * Boston College* Beacon Management * Meredith & Grew And many more! Asphaltservicesinc.com Alex Capobianco of Benoit Real Estate 39 Davis Square, Somerville MA Real Estate Sales Agent / Consultant capobianco@comcast.net Cell Phone: (617) 201-9229 Somerville Retirement Board Seeking Applications Vacant Retirement Board Member Position Somerville – The Somerville Retirement Board is seeking applicants to fill the 5th Board Member position, which is currently vacant. The Somerville Retirement Board is responsible for providing retirement allowance benefits for retirees while guiding, protecting, and serving the interests of all members, retirees and their beneficiaries. The Retirement Board performs all duties and functions in a fiduciary manner using the skill, diligence and prudence that a prudent expert would exercise solely in the interest of all of the members, retirees and their beneficiaries. The 5th Board Member position shall not be an employee, a retiree or official of the City of Somerville. The term is 3 years. Interested applicants should submit a statement of interest and resume to retirement@ somervillema.gov or to the Somerville Retirement Board, City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02145-2819, Attention Executive Director, prior to December 16, 2014. WEST 7 BISTRO CITY SEEKS TO GRANT $2.2 MILLION IN CPA FUNDS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND TO SUPPORT HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IN SOMERVILLE Trust now accepting applications for CPA-eligible affordable housing projects and programs, contingent on Board of Aldermen approval SOMERVILLE – Supporting the City’s efforts to expand housing affordability in Somerville, the Community Preservation Committee has recommended and Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has requested that the Board of Aldermen appropriate over $2.2 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund to acquire, create, preserve, support, and rehabilitate affordable housing in Somerville. The Trust is now accepting applications for affordable housing projects and programs that could be funded with CPA revenue. The Community Preservation Committee voted in August to empower the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which has 25 years of experience preserving, creating, and supporting affordable housing in Somerville, to serve as the housing arm of the Committee. The Committee will recommend granting the Trust CPA funding annually, which the Trust will allocate to CPA-eligible affordable housing projects and programs. In August, the Committee voted to recommend granting the Trust 45% of FY14 and FY15 CPA revenue of $4.9 million and gave the Trust the option to apply for additional funding if needed. Appropriations of CPA funding to the Trust must be approved by the Board of Aldermen. In anticipation of receiving CPA funding, the Affordable Housing Trust released a request for information (RFI) in November alerting the affordable housing community of the potential for a new funding source for the Trust and soliciting information on upcoming funding requests. The Trust is now officially accepting applications for CPA funds, contingent upon Board of Aldermen approval of the appropriation request. Applications are due no later than 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16. Failure to submit a response to the RFI does not preclude an organization from submitting a funding request application. The Trust will continue accepting applications for development projects requesting non-CPA Trust funds on a rolling basis and will hold its annual competitive process for housing programs and the Tenancy Stabilization Program in the spring of 2015. “When the voters of Somerville passed the Community Preservation Act by a nearly unprecedented 76% in 2012, they sent a strong message of supporting investment in our community,” said Mayor Curtatone. “With unprecedented regional housing market pressures, an increased investment in housing affordability is vital. The Community Preservation Committee’s recommended appropriation of over $2.2 million to the Trust to support affordable housing is a key step to ensuring our community remains vibrant and accessible to all.” “The Community Preservation Committee’s recommendation to the Board of Aldermen demonstrates our deep commitment to supporting housing affordability in Somerville,” said Michael A. Capuano, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee. “Our City is fortunate to have an Affordable Housing Trust Fund with such a breadth and depth of expertise and experience, and we look forward to collaborating with the Trust as they take on the role of the housing arm of the Committee.” “The Trust is very grateful for the Community Preservation Committee’s strong support for meeting the affordable housing need in the City and for its recognition of the work of the Trust,” said Mary Cassesso, Managing Trustee of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. “We are eager to work with the Community Preservation Committee to further the mission of creating, expanding, preserving and rehabilitating the stock of affordable housing in the City.” In November 2012, Somerville voters overwhelmingly approved a 1.5% CPA surcharge on net property taxes. In FY2014, the City collected $1.3 million in CPA revenue and appropriated an additional $1.35 million in free cash to the City’s CPA Fund. The City received over $900,000 in matching funds from the state in November and anticipates collecting an additional $1.3 million in surcharge revenue in FY2015, resulting in $4.9 million being available for open space, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing projects. The Community Preservation Committee opened a competitive application process for the distribution of CPA funds for open space, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation projects in August. On Dec. 1, the Committee received 15 applications totaling $8.8 million in requests. The Committee anticipates making recommendations to the Board of Aldermen regarding which projects to fund in early March. The Committee is seeking community input on which projects should receive CPA funding by holding two public meetings in the new year, one on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Board of Aldermen Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., and one on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in the community room at the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell St., during which applicants will give a brief presentation on their project proposals and residents will have the opportunity to offer comments. Residents may also submit written comments on the proposals, all of which are available on the CPA website, through Jan. 31, 2015 by email to emonea@somervillema.gov or by mail to Emily Monea, SomerStat, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. For more information on the CPA, sign up for the CPA Email Newsletter by visiting the City’s website at http://www. somervillema.gov/CPA and clicking “Sign Up Now for CPA News.” Please contact Emily Monea at 617-625-6600 x2118 or emonea@somervillema.gov with comments or questions. To access the Trust application, please visit http://www.somervillema.gov/departments/affordable-housing-trust-fund and click on CPA/Trust Application or contact Kelly Donato at 617-625-6600 x2560 or kdonato@somervillema.gov. 18 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly Here’s this Week’s Village Idiot of The Week” Choice and You Decide! The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 19 Mayor Brune Holds Book Signing at Somerville Culinary Arts Breakfast Sent in by our readers: Fugitive Calls In Threat, Forgets to Turn Off Caller ID WHICH MADE IT PRETTY EASY FOR COPS TO TRACK HIM DOWN By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff (NEWSER) – If your plan for evading the police involves phoning in a bomb threat, you might want to make sure you turn off caller ID before making said threat. Jacob R. Moore of Idaho apparently forgot that little detail Friday before allegedly calling in a threat about Atlas Elementary School in Hayden, making the fugitive pretty easy for cops to pick up, KXLY reports. The North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force was staking out Moore’s house, preparing to arrest him on unrelated felony charges, when the threat was called in to the school, KREM 2 reports. As the school was evacuated and law enforcement did a sweep—and found nothing dangerous—authorities traced the caller ID to the very home the task force was observing. Authorities think Moore called in the threat to take attention away from the home, allowing him an escape route; instead, when they traced the number to the house, officers arrested him as planned. Along with the unrelated charge for which he was initially wanted, Moore, 25, faces charges of making a false bomb report at a school, obstructing an officer, and drug paraphernalia possession. Now if this genius doesn’t deserve to be the “Village idiot of the Week”, we don’t know who does so you decide! This news tip was sent in by our readers! Photo: Somerville COA Director Cindy Hickey with Mayor Brune at book signing By William Tauro Former Somerville Mayor Eugene Brune held a book signing at the Culinary Arts Senior Breakfast on Highland Avenue this past Tuesday morning. A crowd lined up to purchase an autographed copy of the “Spirit of Somerville” by the author, Gene Brune. About the book, Gene Brune writes, “As you read my book you will learn more about Somerville. Like any city it has it’s good, the bad, and the ugly. But at the end I hope that you will love Somerville as much as I do.” The “Spirit of Somerville” by Somerville Mayor Gene Brune can be purchased at the “Book Shop” Book Store 694 Broadway, Somerville, MA (617) 764-1624 Having a Wonderful Christmas Time at Cobble Hill By Martin Polignone Send Us Your Choice for This Week’s Somerville News Weekly “Village Idiot of the Week!” Who is the most deserving of that title for the world to see for any recent idiotic thing that they may have recently accomplished! Send all your “Village Idiot” candidate choices to:Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com or call: (617)293-2016. All calls and contacts are kept strictly confidential! 2014 Marathon Sports Somerville Jingle Bell Run Photo top left:Cobble Hill residents Henry Ferreria and Rita Beaudette with Alderman Dennis “Santa “Sullivan. Photo bottom left: Cobble Hill residents Photo top right: Ward One Alderman Matt McLaughlin. A group of youths from Teen Empowerment students, Aldermen Bill White, Jack Connolly, Mary Jo Rossetti and Dennis “Santa “Sullivan Photos by Rosalee Zammuto By William Tauro This past Sunday morning, hundreds of runners starting out in Davis Square took part in the 5K run/walk Marathon Sports Somerville Jingle Bell Run through streets & squares of Somerville, ending back in Davis Square. The run was followed by a post-race party in eighteen local bars, sponsored by Harpoon Brewery. Somerville Jingle Bell Run has met it’s 2014 registration limit again this year and thanks to the great support of the runners and local businesses that made it all possible. This past Saturday, Cobble Hill elders were treated to Christmas carols and cupcakes sponsored by Ward One Alderman Matt McLaughlin. A group of youths from Teen Empowerment sang traditional songs, recited a Christmas poem, and gave a spectacular trumpet performance. Also in attendance were Aldermen Bill White, Jack Connolly, Mary Jo Rossetti and Dennis “Santa “Sullivan to help spread the cheer. “It is great to see young people coming out on a Saturday morning to visit elders and to brighten our day and holiday spirit,” remarked several seniors in attendance. Longtime Cobble Hill residents Henry Ferreria and Rita Beaudette (pictured top) told some newer neighbors that “these people (aldermen) don’t just come here when there is an election. They are always available for us and never further than a phone call away. We look at them more as friends than politicians.” As the group was leaving, Cobble Hill residents extended a return invitation to their annual Christmas banquet to be held at the Holiday Inn later this week. 20 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photo Series The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 21 The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Photo Series Send Us Your Favorite Somerville News Weekly Birthday Photos of the Day Happy Birthday greetings going out to many Villens in the Ville this week! Happy Birthday to Kaleigh Rose Roche, Vanessa Leigh Oppedisano, Mary Byrne Snow, Bailey Burlamachi, Carol Siciliano Bailey, Lea Bowler Hardy, CRL Lacey, Cheryl Callahan, Joe Nargi, Kathy Barrett-Pitcher, Brooke Scannen, Joe Pereira, Debbie Rushing, Maria Curtatone, Claudette Moussa, Bruna Araujo M, Adam Roselando, Leo Bracken and Kim Brown! Send us Your Somerville News Weekly Favorite Christmas Tree Photos! Photos to share with the world on our news sites and well as in our print editions! Send all photos to : Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com Pictures of The Week Series by Skip Murray Somerville Photos of the Week Series by Skip Murray Somerville Museum Annual Holiday Party pictures Top: Somerville Museum Dressed up for its annual Holiday Party. Middle: Somerville High School Student 17th and 18th Century Reenactors ready for fashion show. Bottom: Many of the guests in attendance RIP Joe Cremins Best WISHES for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year from all of us at Winter Hill Bank Check Out NewExclusive 617-666-8600 | 800-444-4300 | winterhillbank.com A Mutual Bank Serving the Community Since 1906 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Police & Fire Department Series only on Bostonnewsgroup.com & Thesomervillenewsweekly.com 22 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 ________Visit Our New Location ______ PAT’S AUTO BODY/TECH AUTO BODY 9 Union Square, Somerville MA 02143 (617)628-7500 Jerry’s Liquor Mart Come In For A Free Repair Estimate We Accept All Major Credit Cards 329 Somerville Ave, Somerville (617) 666-5410 Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Real Life Police Stories Continued from page 14 witnesses on scene stated that the operator of the crashing vehicle was trying to leave the scene. Upon arrival, I observed a small construction dump truck, a green Dodge Ram with a Mass. commercial tag R38130, right at the corner of Dartmouth Street and Medford Street, in an approximate perpendicular position to the aforementioned corner. Moreover, the small truck had a heavy dent to its front bumper, apparently, caused by striking the face of the house right at this corner. I then made contact with witnesses on scene, who when asked what had occurred, immediately alleged that a male that was leaning against a fence was the operator and that he was intoxicated. I then directed my attention to the male leaning against the fence. As I got closer, he appeared impaired and from him emanated a strong odor of alcohol beverage. I then made contact with him, and identified him as Mr. Roberto Pereira. Furthermore, I asked Mr. Pereira to explain what happened, and with a slurred speech, he stated that he did not know which car he had hit. I immediately observed that his eyes were glossy, and unable to maintain his balance. I asked Mr. Pereira if he was diabetic, to which he responded “no”. I then asked Mr. Pereira if he had been drinking, to which he also responded “no”. At this point I requested to Mr. Perreira his driver’s license, to which he indicated that he had a Brazilian drivers license. I asked Mr. Perreira if he had a Massachusetts drivers license, and he stated no. I asked Mr. Perreira how long he has been living in the United States and he indicated that he has been living in U.S. for over a year. I then requested Mr. Pereira to perform some field sobriety tests, to which he agreed to do. The area where the tests were performed was a paved level surface, free from defects. It was lit by over head street lights The first test that I administered was a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. The first step of this test is to check the lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, (which is an involuntarily jerking of both eyes while the individual follows my pen side to side). I explained to Mr. Pereira the instructions for the test, and then asked Mr. Pereira to follow the tip of my pen with his eyes only and not with his head. I asked if he understood and he stated yes. I then began the test. As I moved the pen he began to follow it using his head. I then advised Mr. Pereira the instructions of the test, however Mr. Pereira again was following the pen by moving his head side to side. I stopped this test due to the fact that Mr. Pereira could not follow instructions. The second test that I administered was the walk and turn test . In this test, the individual needs to walk a series of nine steps with his arms out to his side, and to walk heel to toe back and forth, pivoting with the front foot to make the turn and then walk nine steps back. I explained to Mr. Pereira the instructions for the test and physically demonstrated the instruction and asked if he understood, to which he indicated that he understood. Mr. Pereira then began the test. Soon after he began the test he failed, as he could not complete one heel to toe step due to the fact that he was stumbling to his right. I stopped the test for his safety, as he was walking off balance. The third test I administered was a one leg stand. I asked Mr. Pereira if he had any physical defects that would prevent him from doing the test, he stated that he had surgery on of his left leg. I then instructed and demonstrated to Mr. Pereira with my feet together and my arms by my side raising one leg in a stiff manner, holding my foot about six inches off the ground with my toe pointed forward and my arms on my sides counting out loud 1001, 1002, 1003. I explained to Mr. Pereira to use the leg he felt more comfortable with and that when he started to count not to stop counting until I instructed him to stop. I asked Mr. Pereira If he under stood the instructions to the test. He stated yes. As soon as Mr. Pereira raised his leg, he began to stumble to his side putting his left foot down immediately. He attempted the test again but as soon as he raised his left foot he began to stumble side. I stopped this test for Mr. Pereira’s safety as he could not maintain his balance. At this point I placed Mr. Pereira under arrest for the charges of Not Duly Licensed Ch. 90 Sec. 10, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, Ch. 90 Sec. 24. Marked unit 200 was requested to transport Mr. Pereira back to the Somerville Police Station to be processed according to department procedure. continued to page 26 Bicyclist Hit By Motor Vehicle in Somerville By William Tauro A Somerville bicyclist was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Holland street this past Sunday. The vehicle allegedly hit the female bicyclist sending her into a tree then later falling back onto vehicle. The driver fled the scene leaving his DNA blood on the windshield and front seat of the vehicle. In the photo above you can notice the bicycle is lodged into and in between the hood and windshield of the motor vehicle. The driver is believed to be a male that lives in 2015 Somerville Flag Raising Event 9:00 am – 10:00 pm 9:00 am – 10:00 pm 9:00 am – 10:00 pm 9:00 am – 11:00 pm 9:00 am – 11:00 pm 9:00 am – 11:00 pm 23 24 The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Cooking with Jonathan By Jonathan Jolicoeur Reserve Your Holiday Greeting Personalized or Business Ad Spots Today in The Somerville News Weekly! For only $19.95 order your “Holiday Greeting!” Your ad will run in our Somerville News Weekly print edition on Christmas week thru New Years viewed by thousands of our weekly readers! Order early because space is limited! Last year we sold out completely! So don’t miss out, order your holiday ads today and be billed later! To order your ad please email us your Christmas Holiday Greeting Message. Send to: Somervillenewsweekly@ yahoo.com with your billing address and be billed later! Thank You Somerville for making us your “ #1 Somerville News Source!” With over 7,500 Facebook Likes you will definitely get noticed! Email us at: Somervillenewsweekly@ yahoo.com or Call us:(617)293-2016 to order today! Seasons Greetings From Veneziano Properties Seasons Greetings From The Tauro Family Merry Christmas From Pat’s/ Tech Auto Body Seasons Greetings From The Wahlberg Family Seasons Greetings From Valdo Meneses Future Candidate for Alderman Somerville Seasons Greetings From Elio LoRusso and Family & Somerville Ornamental Iron Works INC Merry Christmas From VENTCLEANERS.com Happy Holidays From Top Gear Used Auto Sales Happy Holidays From Gene Brune 25 In this weekly culinary column, I will be focusing on one dish – giving the reader a quick history of the dish, the classical preparation of it, and of course, my own spin on the classic This week I have chosen to cover the classic Southern sauce: red-eye gravy. This sauce owes the name of its origin to its appearance – where, if it’s left to sit in a bowl, the gravy will separate and resemble the human eye. This sauce is usually associated country ham, something that is popular throughout the region. Traditional red-eye gravy 1 lbCountry ham, sliced 1 cupCoffee, black 2 tbspButter to tasteSalt, pepper Allow a medium-sized cast iron pan to get warm over medium-high heat. Remove some fat from the ham and allow this fat to render in pan. Once fat has rendered, sear your ham – allowing it to get golden-brown on both sides. Once all the ham is seared, remove from the pan and de-glaze the pan with coffee. Add butter and season to taste. Serve over ham, biscuits or grits. Jonathan’s red-eye gravy 1 lbLinguica, halved, sliced 2 inches long 2 ozPancetta fat ½ cupEspresso ½ cupChicken stock 4 tbspButter to tasteSea salt, fresh cracked pepper. Allow a medium-sized cast iron pan to get warm over medium-high heat. Place pancetta fat into pan and allow to render. Once fat has rendered, sear your linguica – allowing it to get dark brown on the cut side. Once all the linguica is seared, remove from the pan and de-glaze the pan with chicken stock. Reduce by half, then add your coffee. Reduce by half again. Add butter and season to taste. Serve over linguica, rice or grits. Whether you choose to prepare the classic, my twist or your own interpretation, remember that food is about bringing people together and that the act of cooking is about caring and as long as your heart is in the dish you prepare, the people you are cooking for will appreciate it (and you). If you have any questions for me or would like to see me cover any particular dish in this column, feel free to write me, care of this publication. From my kitchen to yours, it is my pleasure to give you a peek into the mind of a chef. Thank You Jonathan Jolicoeur is a chef at A Tavola – an Italian restaurant on Church Street in Winchester – which focuses on “farm to table” style of cooking. Jonathan was born in Somerville, lives in Woburn and has a degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Town & Country Over 30 Years Experience Ask About Our Guaranteed Your Name Here One Week Installations Bathrooms FirstLic# 075263 * Insured (781)789-7346 Reserve Your Holiday Greeting Personalized or Business Ad Spots Today in The Somerville News Weekly! (617)293-2016 GE AUTO REPAIR MECANICA EM GERAL O Ge e Joia! 781.831.1034 631 Somerville Avenue Somerville MA 02143 GREEN CAB & YELLOW CAB OF SOMERVILLE Serving Somerville , Arlington, Cambridge, Charlestown, Medford, Malden and Everett We are fully licensed and regulated by the City of Somerville. Family owned and operated for over 35 years. All our drivers are licensed by the Somerville Police Department where CORI and driving records are strictly monitored. 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Keywords: Green Cab and Yellow Cab Call: (617)625-5000 or (617)628-0600 26 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Read Real Life Somerville Police Stories Continued from page 22 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Gene Brune’s Book “ The Spirit of Somerville” and The Somerville News Weekly print edition can both be found at The Book Shop 694 BroadwaySomerville, Somerville Police Department’s Weekly Most Wanted : P: (857) 264-1247 F: (857) 574-5721 E: john@tay-law.com This week marks the beginning of the annual holiday gift buying season. Each year, more and more shoppers are using o line or catalog services to order gifts to be delivered at their homes. Unfortunately, this is also the season when the theft of delivered packages increases across the nation and Somerville is no exception. In 2013, there were 75 reported thefts of… packages from the porches or doorsteps of Somerville residents. Some arrests were made and some items were recovered. But our goal this year is to reduce this type of theft from happening at all. There any many steps that home shoppers can take to reduce the chance that their deliveries will be stolen. Here are some helpful tips to prevent the theft of your package. 1. Have your package delivered to a location where someone can receive it in person. A neighbor or relative who is usually home, or if you have an understanding boss, to your workplace, are good alternatives. 2. Encourage you neighbors to watch for deliveries and agree to secure each other’s packages. This includes being watchful for any stranger who is going onto porches for no apparent reason or following delivery trucks. 3. Request the shipper to hold your package at their facility. Most offer this service. 4. Track deliveries on line. Many companies officer a text notification to your cell phone when a package has been delivered. 5. Request a signature confirmation of delivery. 6. Insure valuable items 7. Provide delivery instructions. If packages will be left while you are not home, try to have them left out of sight from the street. 8. If you see anyone acting suspicious, call 911. Enjoy your holidays and be safe. Call Billy Tauro Advertise Here for Low as $25 per wk (617)623-1602 The SPD is looking to identify the pictured individual in reference to a B&E of a Motor Vehicle that occurred on 10/26/14 at Assembly Row. It is believed he may be a resident of Boston and frequent businesses on Shawmut Avenue. If you have any information about his identity please contact Detective Faria at mfaria@police.somerville.ma.us or at 617-625-1600 x7232 Somerville Police:Tips to Prevent Package Thefts 27 Somerville Community Note: Public Safety Information On Monday evening, Dec. 1, at approximately 6 p.m., two men claiming to be representing the Somerville Water Department gained access to a private residence and committed a larceny. While this appears to be an isolated incident, the City of Somerville and Somerville Police Department remind residents that any employee of the Water Department requiring access to any property will always show identification. If someone claiming to be from the Water Department attempts to gain access to your home and cannot provide identification, do not let them in, and call 911 immediately. Somerville:Circle Of Hope If you are a family member or loved one affected by addiction by offering Hope and support Our support group is anonymous we meet Sunday 6-7 221 Washington Street at The Somerville Police Station Parking is free on Sundays. Community Note: Flu Clinic Schedule Changed for Week of Dec. 15 Legal Ad Notice Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Middlesex Probate and Family Court 208 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA. 02141 (617)768-5800 Due to pre-scheduled meetings, there will be no walk-in flu vaccination clinic at the City Hall Annex on Thursday, Dec. 18. A clinic will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Winter Hill Community School cafeteria (please use the Medford St. entrance) from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Clinics are open for residents and non-residents ages five years and older. While there is no charge for vaccinations, attendees are asked to bring an insurance card if available. Attendees requiring additional assistance or other accommodations should contact the Somerville Health Department at 617-625-6600 ext. 4300. You are invited to: Somerville High School’s Winter Concert!!!! MIDDLESEX, SS Division Docket No. MI14P6385EA CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Estate of: Antonio Vaccaro Date of Death: 12/11/2014 To All interested persons: A Petition has been filed by: Elaine Stiehl of Somerville MA Requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order of Testacy and for such other relief as requested in the petition. And also requesting that: Elaine Stiehl of Somerville MA be appointed as Personal Representative (s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond. You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court before: 10:00a.m. on 01/08/2015 This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30)days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. The estate is being administered under formal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but the recipients are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration, Find The Somerville News Weekly at Patsy’s Pastry! December 18th, 2014 at 7pm SHS Auditorium, 81 Highland Avenue World Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble Drumline, Chorus, Band, Jazz Band, Hand Bell Choir and Orchestra! WITNESS, Hon. Edward F. Donnelly, Jr., First Justice of this Court Date:December 11, 2014 _____________ Tara E. DeCristofaro Register of the Probate Court The Somerville News Weekly 12/16/14 28 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Place Your Legal Ad Notices Here Place Your Ad Here for Only Call Billy Tauro (617)293-2016 $25 per week Legal Ad Notices 1(888)625-2706 or THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION BY THE POWER VESTED IN IT THROUGH A SPECIAL ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE, CHAPTER 397 OF THE ACTS OF 1978, HEREBY AMENDS THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCES WITH THE ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS: Email: Wmtauro@bostonnewgroup.com Advertise in the Somerville News Weekly with display ads at low price specials! 2014-49 Article V Section 5-15 “Handicapped Parking” is amended with the addition of the following locations: 10 James St, 98 Kidder Av And get posted on Bostonnewsgroup. com for FREE! 2014-50 Article V Section 5-10 “Parking Prohibited at Safety Zones” is amended with the addition of the following locations: Lowell St, at the intersection of Highland Av, east side, extending 30ft southerly: Lowell St, at the intersection of Highland Av, west side, extending 30ft southerly: Palmer Av, north side, entire length from Franklin St to the dead end (93ft): Palmer Av, south side, from Franklin St for a distance of 20ft westerly Check out our low print edition specials with prices at 50% off! A bargain and be seen by thousands daily! (Deadlines Monday for Tuesday print) $25 Per Wk Contact Bill Tauro Wmtauro@Bostonnewsgroup.com or call(617)293-2016 Place Your Ads Today for Pennies a Day! Be Billed Later! Be seen by thousands of our readers and get noticed! 2014-51 rescinds a portion of 2014-38 with the removal of the trial period for the Handicapped Parking Space at 43 Madison St. You can find The Somerville News Weekly almost everywhere in the Ville PROMULGATED: NOVEMBER 20, 2014 ADVERTISED: DECEMBER 9, 2014 DECEMBER 16, 2014 DECEMBER 23, 2014 EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 31, 2014 and beyond! You Find Us In The Strangest Places! Look for us in a location near you! _______________________________ Suzanne Rinfret, Director More Reasons To Advertise With Us! Call (617)293-2016 The Somerville News Weekly Advertise With Us and Be Seen By Thousands Daily 29 CITY OF SOMERVILLE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT RFQF 15-59 The City of Somerville, through the Purchasing Department, invites sealed bids for: Energy Management Partner for Residential Program A request for qualifications and fee (RFQF) may be obtained online at http://www.somervillema.gov/departments/finance/purchasing/bids or from the Purchasing Department, Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA, 02143 on or after December 17th, 2014. Sealed bids will be received at the above office until: January 28th, 2015 at 11:00am ET. The Purchasing Director reserves the right to reject any or all proposals if, in her sole judgment, the best interest of the City of Somerville would be served by so doing. The City is seeking to establish a relationship with an Energy Management Partner (EMP) to coordinate energy efficiency retrofits in 1-4 family buildings in Somerville. The EMP will have the opportunity to develop implement, on a large scale, a package of comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits, including but not limited to insulation and heating systems, in existing 1-4 family homes in Somerville. Please contact Michael Richards at mrichards@somervillema.gov for more information. Angela Allen Purchasing Director 617-625-6600, x3400 Somerville News WeeklyDecember 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE The Commonwealth of Massachusetts City of Somerville Office of the Acting Treasurer/Collector LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 103 LIBERTY AVE 1 CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: ROBERT FRANKENHEIM DEMAND: 05/05/2014 PARCEL ID: 020-C.00019000001 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 20082700 SQUARE FEET: 0 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 46436, Page: 512 and Book: 47975, Page: 150. NOTICE OF TAKING TO THE OWNERS OF THE HEREUNDER DESCRIBED LAND AND TO ALL OTHERS CONCERNED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on January 9th, 2015 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning at the Collector’s Office/Treasury, Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 60, Section 53, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Acting Collector of Taxes, the following described parcels of land will BE TAKEN FOR THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE for nonpayment of the taxes due thereon, with interest and incidental expenses and costs to the date of taking, unless the same shall have been paid in full before that date. Peter K. Forcellese, Jr., Treasurer/Collector. The Somerville News Weekly 12/2/14, 12/9/14, 12/16/14 LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 103 LIBERTY AVE 3 CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: ROBERT FRANKENHEIM DEMAND: 05/05/2014 PARCEL ID: 020-C.00019000003 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 20082720SQUARE FEET: 0 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 46436, Page: 512 and Book: 47975, Page: 150. Fiscal Year 2014 Taxes Remaining Unpaid $ 1,808.65 Interest to Date of Taking $ 187.88 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking $ 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 2,365.53 The Somerville News Weekly 12/2/14, 12/9/14, 12/16/14 Fiscal Year 2014 Taxes Remaining Unpaid 2015.3 Interest to Date of Taking 178.59 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 2,562.89 The Somerville News Weekly 12/2/14, 12/9/14, 12/16/14 LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 103 LIBERTY AVE 4 CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: ROBERT FRANKENHEIM DEMAND: 05/05/2014 PARCEL ID: 020-C.00019-000004 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 20082730SQUARE FEET: 0 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 46436, Page: 512 and Book: 47975, Page: 150. Fiscal Year 2014 Taxes Remaining Unpaid $ 1,723.97 Interest to Date of Taking $ 183.74 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking $ 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 2,276.71 The Somerville News Weekly 12/2/14, 12/9/14, 12/16/14 $ $ $ LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 103 LIBERTY AVE 2 CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: ROBERT FRANKENHEIM DEMAND: 05/06/2013 PARCEL ID: 020C.00019-000002 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 20082710 SQUARE FEET: 0 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 46436, Page: 512 and Book: 47975, Page: 150. Fiscal Year 2013 Taxes Remaining Unpaid $ 1,006.15 Interest to Date of Taking $ 231.39 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking $ 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 1,606.54 LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 103 LIBERTY AVE 2 CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: ROBERT FRANKENHEIM DEMAND: 05/05/2014 PARCEL ID: 020C.00019-000002 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 20082710 SQUARE FEET: 0 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 46436, Page: 512 and Book: 47975, Page: 150. Fiscal Year 2014 Taxes Remaining Unpaid $ 3,579.43 Interest to Date of Taking $ 540.06 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking $ 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 4,488.49 The Somerville News Weekly 12/2/14, 12/9/14, 12/16/14 LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 256 POWDER HOUSE BLVD CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: LISA MONTEIRO DEMAND:05/06/2013 PARCEL ID: 008-J.00001-000000 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 01001075 SQUARE FEET: 3,896 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 36793, Page: 610. Fiscal Year 2013 Taxes Remaining Unpaid $ 4,863.54 Interest to Date of Taking $ 1,225.58 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking $ 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 6,458.12 LOCATION OF PROPERTY: 256 POWDER HOUSE BLVD CURRENT & ASSESSED OWNER: LISA MONTEIRO DEMAND:05/05/2014 PARCEL ID: 008-J.00001-000000 ALT. PARCELS/TAX ACCOUNT: 01001075 SQUARE FEET: 3,896 TITLE REFERENCE: Middlesex South Registry of Deeds Book: 36793, Page: 610. Fiscal Year 2014 Taxes Remaining Unpaid $ 1,409.40 Interest to Date of Taking $ 134.07 Incidental Expenses and Costs to Date of Taking $ 369.00 Total for which Land will be Taken $ 1,778.40 The Somerville News Weekly 12/2/14, 12/9/14, 12/16/14 30 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News- Pat’s Towing Service 160 McGrath Highway Somerville 2001 Honda Accord #1HGCG66531A060222 Silver……we have key 2001 Honda Accord #1HGCG22561A031053 White…..no keys 2002 GMC Envoy #1GKET16S726116845 Gold ….we have keys 1996 Volvo 850 #YV1LS5728T1327900 Grey….no keys 1998 BMW 528i #WBADD6324WGT91379 Green …..no keys 2002 Lincoln Continental #1LNHM97V82Y672434 Silver …. No keys 1990 Buick LeSabre #1G4HP54C3LH425942 Black …..we have keys 1984 Chevrolet Chevette #1G1AB68C1EY197276 Red…..no keys 2002 Mazda Protégé #JM1BJ225420504869 Silver….no keys 2001 Ford Crown Victoria #2FAFP73W11X114905 Black….we have keys 1999 Mitsubishi Diamante #6MMAP47P3XT006402 Green…..no keys 2000 Honda Accord #1HGCG3250YA003118 Green….no keys Y7408 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 #2GTEC19X431310910 Green….we have keys 2004 Chevrolet Malibu #1G1ZT528X4F237816 Gold….we have keys 1999 Pontiac Grand Am #1G2NE52T7XC533617 Blue …no keys 2000 Toyota Corolla #2T1BR12EXYC323244 Blue….we have keys 1996 Chevrolet K1500 #1GCEK14M7TZ141571 Black….no keys Thank you. Pat’s Towing’s auction will be on 1/16/2015 at 12:00pm located at 160 McGrath Highway Somerville Please advise if you have any questions. Suzzie Villar Export Enterprises/Pat’s Towing Medford, MA/Somerville, MA Dispatch 781-395-0808/617-354-4000 Fax: 781-623-4287 www.exporttowing.com, www.patstow.com The Somerville News Weekly 12/9/14, 12/16/14, 12/23/14 The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Somerville Computers Stop in at Somerville Computers in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Somerville Computers will repair your PC or Laptop or even sell you a pre-owed unit at reasonable prices! Check them out at 238 Somerville Ave in Somerville and tell them we sent you! (617)666-5692 The Somerville News Weekly Quality used cars for sale in Somerville Boston Framingham Worcester, MA | Top Gear Motor Group | (617) 625-1122 The first is the “K-3 Winter Music Concert” taking place on Wednesday December 17th, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the school cafeteria on the second floor of the JFK school building. The second date is the “4-8 Winter Music Concert” taking place on Tuesday January 13, 2015 also in the school cafeteria on the second floor. Even if you’re not a vodka drinker you’ll like this! Visit our new larger location located at 24 Joy Street in Somerville Beginning October 1st! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We specialize in auto finance. Our multiple finance sources and experience in financing is unparalleled With an excellent credit history you can be “Assured of the best rates in the market” NO CREDIT? BAD CREDIT??? NO PROBLEM!!! Call (617) 625-1122 and tell them The Somerville News Weekly Sent You! Bad things happen to good people and we understand that. Our special finance officers are well-equipped to make sure you drive away in a choice car. Call (617) 625-1122 or complete the form below and one of our expert finance managers will contact you right away! Somerville High School’s Culinary students are standing by to help you through the holidays Krazy Kats Embroidery Call today: (617)884- 1105 31 Two Concert Dates Coming Up at Somerville Kennedy School Smoky Quartz the smoothest vodka I ever had! http://www.Smokyquartzdistillery.com Hats * TShirts * & More http://www.krazykatsembroidery.com Tuesday December 16th, 2014 For $20 you can get four dozen cookies (a mix of chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, and macaroons) ready for pickup on Dec. 23 – just in time for Santa. The Culinary Department is also selling fresh dinner rolls for $2 per dozen. Fill out this form (http://bit.ly/1qAhKT4) and drop it off at the Highlander Cafe, inside the High School, by Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. to place your order. All orders must be accompanied by a check for the full amount made out to “SHS Culinary Arts.” We might be a little biased, but the Culinary students make some of the best food around! 32 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Vinny’s Superette The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 33 Becon Hill Roll Call Continued from page 10 Stop in at Vinny’s Superette in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! And while you’re there try some of the world’s best Italian food! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Vinny’s Superette will prepare a nice fresh homemade Italian meal to satisfy your cravings within minutes! Check them out at 76 Broadway, Somerville and tell them we sent you! Visit: Skipmurrayphotography.com http://www.skipmurrayphotography.com/2013/12/veterans-day2014-milk-row-cemetery.html?utm_source=BP_recent f release of the materials. Another provision releases private homeowners and renters from reimbursing the community for the cost of any cleanup of oil or hazardous material on their property if they notify the local fire department of the incident immediately, the home was only used as a residence, and the owner or renter was not grossly negligent and did not illegally possess oil or hazardous materials. Supporters said currently communities use lots of resources and dollars to respond to these calls but are not reimbursed unless there is an actual spill. They noted that noncommercial private homeowners and tenants should not be liable for cleanup costs if they meet certain conditions. ENERGY EFFICIENT TRAINING FOR BUILDING MANAGERS (H 4020) – The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill requiring the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council and the Greater Boston Real Estate Board to develop recommendations for in-depth energy efficiency education and training programs to be offered to commercial building managers and operators. Supporters said these programs would be invaluable to these managers and would result in more energy efficiency and a cleaner environment. QUOTABLE QUOTES – “By the Numbers” Edition 1795 The year a time capsule, removed last week, was placed in the granite cornerstone of the Massachusetts Statehouse. $475 The estimated cost for each incoming freshman legislator to attend last week’s semi-annual orientation class held by House Speaker Robert DeLeo at UMass Amherst’s Marriott Center. $35 million The amount of money that MassHealth paid in “questionable and unallowable medical claims” according to an audit by Auditor Suzanne Bump. MassHealth provides access to healthcare services for an estimated 1.4 million eligible low- and moderate-income individuals. 50,000 The number of people former gubernatorial candidate Evan Falchuk is seeking to enroll in his newly formed United Independent Party by the end of 2015. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of December 8-12, the House met for a total of 52 minutes while the Senate met for a total of three hours and eight minutes. Mon. December 8 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:28 a.m. Senate 11:03 a.m. to 11:26 a.m. Tues. December 9 No House session No Senate session Wed. December 10 No House session No Senate session Thurs. December 11 House 11:04 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Senate 2:16 p.m. to 5:01 p.m. Fri. December 12 No House session No Senate session The Somerville News Weekly Congratulates Hannah Johnson Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Two Upcoming Concerts at the Capuano School Somerville Brown School Winter Concert Tuesday, December 9, 2014 6:30-8:00pm at the Capuano School, 150 Glen Street, Somerville The Brown School Winter Concert will feature performances by the Kindergarten-grade 3 general music classes, grade 3-6 string students, grade 5-6 band students, Junior Chorus, and Senior Chorus. Students will share what they have learned so far this year in their music classes. Capuano Kindergarten Winter Concert Friday, January 23, 2015 9:15-10:00am at the Capuano School, 150 Glen Street, Somerville The Capuano Kindergarten Winter Concert will celebrate the musical growth of students at the Capuano Early Childhood Center and will feature performances by all eight of the kindergarten classes. We Want Your Business! Advertise in the Somerville News Weekly with display ads at low price specials! Check out our low print edition specials with prices at 50% off! And Get Posted in TheSomervilleNewsWeekly.com and BostonNewsGroup. com News sites and their Facebook pages for FREE! A bargain and be seen by thousands daily! Only $25 Per Week Congratulations to Hannah Johnson of Somerville/Burlington, a volunteer at the Somerville Boxing Club for becoming a national champion cheerleader with the Elite Burlington Cheerleading Team for taking first place at the National Cheerleading Competition at the ESPN Center in Florida! Somerville:Former Wall Street banker leads a quiet revolution in life choices for developmentally disabled adults SOMERVILLE, Ma. – This is a story about a smart and committed local Mom, who has worked five years to create an innovative program to help launch young adults with developmental disabilities after high school. The program, the result of a collaboration with universities, agencies and educators from across the Greater Boston area, just opened a unique residential “Life College” in Somerville. Deborah Flaschen, of Brookline, created 3LPlace Inc. in 2009 after a year-long quest for a transition learning program for her son, D.J., who has autism. She found that most of the transition programs in the Boston area were remedial in nature, teaching basic life skills such as tying shoe laces or crossing the street, rather than identifying an individual’s aspirations and interests. There were some better programs elsewhere, but Flaschen couldn’t find anyone willing to share a comprehensive curriculum. With a group of other local parents, Flaschen raised close to a half a million dollars to develop a collaborative curriculum project. The goal was, and still is, to create research-based best practices in transition learning that would provide a path to a meaningful life for individuals and a replicable framework for other communities. The Transition Curriculum collaboration has relied on experts at Tufts, Lesley, Harvard and Boston universities, as well as clinicians, educators and agency staff. The 3LPlace Transition Curriculum was published online last year. This month, after raising close to a million dollars more and gaining needed state approvals, 3LPlace opened its 3LPlace Life College in a diverse residential neighborhood near Davis Square in Somerville, using the Transition Curriculum as the structure. It’s a radically different sort of 24/7 experiential learning: presuming competence, emphasizing self-determination, and based on the idea that the motivation to learn comes through tapping into an individual’s interests and passions. Flaschen’s ground-breaking work to develop opportunities for developmentally disabled adults across the lifespan has been tapped as a finalist in the 2014 Root Cause Social Innovation Forum. Her son, D.J., is one of the first members of the Life College. “I think there is real possibilities,” D.J. typed recently to his mother. “Everywhere I see unique people in the street who just don’t feel I am weird and they greet me respectfully…. how far i did come to have courage to move from protection of my family to a new city and all new friends.” Photos, fact sheet, additional information available at http://www.3LPlace.org Deborah Flaschen and other contacts available for interview upon request. Contact June Mallon at 617-990-4003 or by email jmallon@3LPlace.org. It’s also a story about social stratification: While disabled students are guaranteed access to education and services while they are in school, after age 22, the picture is bleak. Nationwide, only 14 percent of working age adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities have jobs outside of a care facility. And in Massachusetts, a leader in other human services and rights, developmentally disabled adults are less than half as likely as their peers to be employed at all, earn less than half as much when they are employed, and the majority work at jobs paying less than minimum wage with no hope of health insurance, vacation or sick leave benefits. 34 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly West 7 Bistro 1137 Broadway Somerville Ma. 617-776-2800 Stop in at Cambridge Mobile Sound & Security in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Cambridge Mobile Sound & Security will give you the very best low price on Automatic Car Starters, Alarms, Sterio and Speakers for your vehicle with a free price quote within minutes! Check them out at 234 Monsignor O’Brien Hwy on the Cambridge/Somerville line and tell them we sent you! (617)876-3200 Find The Somerville News Weekly at Patsy’s Pastry! Tuesday December 16th, 2014 35 BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIG! ASK US HOW TO JOIN “The Somerville Lions Club” Please come join us as we cruise through communities to make a difference! We are on a mission and our goals are Eye research, finding a cure to Blindness, Diabetes and educate people to prevent overdose addiction! Contact:The Somerville Lions Club, Billy Tauro, President PO Box 117, Somerville MA 02143| Phone: (617)293-2016| Fax: (978)851-8809| Email: Somervillelionsclub@yahoo.com Please visit our web site: Somervillelionsclub.com We meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:15pm at the Mount Vernon Restaurant located at 14 Broadway in Somerville. Lions Clubs – Ready to Help, Worldwide Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That’s because we help where help is needed – in our own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and energy. Please come to join us! Somerville News Weekly Strongly Supports Somerville Pop Warner The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Cambridge Mobile Sound & Security The Somerville News Weekly Now has a “Drive-thru” on the Run at Winter Hill Bakery The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Mt Vernon Restaurant Stop in at the Mt Vernon Restaurant in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of the Mt Vernon Restaurant will give you the very best meal at reasonable prices! Also try out one their roast beef sandwiches at the bar you’ll love it! Check them out at 14 Broadway in Somerville and tell them we sent you! Check out more Somerville News Weekly locations on page 2 Pearl And Medford Streets Somerville Under Water Rescue Legal Ad Notice When you’re on the run and need a Somerville News Weekly simply drive into the heart of Broadway at Winter Hill Bakery thats located next to the Winter Hill Post Office at 318 Broadway, Somerville and simply ask for your “Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Newspaper” with a friendly smile! And don’t forget to pick up some fresh baked Italian Bread while you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes! Check out more Somerville News Weekly locations on page 2 Photos by Mark Lawhorne By William Tauro As Pearl Street flooded during Tuesday’s nor’easter rainstorm, the road lifted and sunk! Under the Medford Street Bridge next to the Target Store vehicles stalled in large puddles then became submerged during Tuesday’s flooding. The occupants had to be rescued after being trapped in the vehicles. The Somerville News Weekly 12/16/14 36 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly The Somerville News Weekly on the Run Locations Around The City To Pickup Your Somerville News Weekly When You Want One! The Somerville News Weekly Now on the Run The Somerville News Weekly Now has a “Drive-thru” on the Run Somerville News Weekly can be found at Somerville City Hall, Library and Traffic & Parking The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Patsy’s Pastry The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly Shopping List 37 Let Us Get The Message Out For You With The Somerville News Weekly The Power of News! We Want Your Business! When you’re on the run and need a Somerville News Weekly simply drive down to Jerry’s Liquor thats located at 329 Somerville Ave and simply ask for your “Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Newspaper” with a friendly smile! And don’t forget to check out The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at John’s Auto Sales Stop in at John’s Auto Sales in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! And while you’re there check out their wide selection of preowned vehicles! Financing available and PreApproval” often only in 15 minutes and as always it’s free! Check them out at 181 Somerville Ave in Somerville! Call John’s at (617)628-5511 When you’re on the run and need a Somerville News Weekly simply drive down to the Broadway Sunoco Auto Service Center thats located at 258 Broadway in Somerville across the street from Foss Park and simply ask for your “Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Newspaper” with a friendly smile! And don’t forget to get you vehicle “Inspection Sticker!” While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Broadway Sunoco will inspect your vehicle and have you on your way within minutes! “We Have an App for that!” The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Wedgewood, Crane & Connolly Insurance Stop in at Wedgewood, Crane & Connolly Ins in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Wedgewood, Crane & Connolly Ins will give you the very best rate on your insurance with a free price quote within minutes! The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Pat’s Auto Body/Tech Auto Body Stop in at Pat’s Auto Body/Tech Auto Body in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! And while you’re there have them check your brakes and entire vehicle! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Pat’s Auto Body and Mechanical will check your vehicle out and give you a free price quote within minutes! Check them out at their new location 9 Union Square in Somerville! Call at (617)628-7500 and tell them we sent you! New Address-9 Union SQ Somerville More locations where you can pick up The Somerville News Weekly around the city on page 2 Stop in at Patsy’s Pastry in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! And while you’re there try some of the world’s best Italian pastry! While you’re sitting back reading your Somerville News Weekly for a few relaxing minutes the good people of Patsy’s Pastry will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings within minutes! Check them out at 182 Broadway in Somerville and tell them we sent you The Somerville News Weekly on the Run at Nissenbaums Used Auto Parts Recyclers Advertise in the Somerville News Weekly with display ads at low price specials! Check out our low print edition specials with prices at 50% off! And Get Posted in TheSomervilleNewsWeekly. com and BostonNewsGroup. com News sites and their Facebook pages for FREE! A bargain and be seen by thousands daily! Only $25 Per Week Now get 50% off these low prices with this coupon Contact Bill Tauro Somervillenewsweekly@yahoo.com or call (617)293-2016 239th GRAND UNION FLAG RAISING ON PROSPECT HILL, JAN. 1 Annual celebration of America’s first flag raising to be celebrated by City officials, residents, and “George Washington” on horseback. SOMERVILLE – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Historic Preservation Commission Director Brandon Wilson announced that the 239th annual “Grand Union” flag-raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park will be held on Thurs., Jan. 1, 2015 at 12 p.m. A processional led by a re-enactor portraying General George Washington on horseback will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m. As always, members of the public are invited to participate, and are encouraged to wear traditional colonial clothing. The annual ceremony commemorates the raising of the nation’s first official flag, featuring thirteen red and white horizontal stripes, atop Prospect Hill on New Year’s Day, 1776. At the time, Prospect Hill was a key site in a string of fortifications created by Washington and the Continental Army in their siege of British troops in Boston during the first year of the American Revolution. The afternoon’s program will include songs, readings, and participants from the Ancient and Honorable Company (first chartered in 1638), as well as the Charlestown militia. The American Legion Post 19 Honor Guard will lead a military salute as a commemorative flag is raised atop the Prospect Hill Tower. Stop in at Nissenbaums Used Auto Parts Recyclers in Somerville and pick up your free copy of the Somerville News Weekly! While you’re there the good people of Nissenbaums Used Auto Parts Recyclers will give you the very best low price on any parts that you may need for your vehicle with a free price quote within Amelia it’s been ten years now we still miss you so much...D Somerville Menorah Lighting Dec. 16th at City Hall Concourse Please join Mayor Joseph Curtatone for the annual ceremonial lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah on the City Hall Concourse on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. The Menorah will be lit on the first night of Hanukkah, and will remain lit until Dec. 24. All are welcome for the brief ceremonial lighting. There will be a brief photo op, but no formal agenda. If you have any questions, please call Jackie Rossetti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2614. 38 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Reality Bites a ‘Villen by Since when did the concept of peaceful protest turn into a free for all? As far as I can tell, from my opinionated perch, the premise and promise of protest has always been one where we try to effect change in a peaceful, meaningful and purposeful manner. That’s a lot of “fuls” jammed into one action. Depending on the topic, over the years, one of the great excuses for protest has always been pulling a page out of history in this country and referencing The Revolution and the Boston Tea Party – shades of “no taxation without representation” come into focus then and everything is alright. Honestly, that’s a bunch of bullshit to me. That was December 16, 1773 – not December 5, 2014. Different world, different circumstances. Well, it’s the same thing when it comes to racism, sexism, war, peace, Darfur and of course – oil – amongst anything else that comes to mind that we aren’t in the mood for. All in the name of something more righteous and just for the world. For our children. For our own sake. Well guess what, that’s a bunch of bullshit too. This isn’t Area 51 and the year isn’t 1955. You can’t sneeze in public without someone posting a frigging YouTube video about it. Technology is awesome and access to information is at its highest point in history – so why are people acting and reacting in such an archaic manner lately? Injustice is part and parcel with every day life. Sometimes life is unfair. Welcome to the real world. Take for instance the most recent protests locally, regionally and nationally that were centered on the The Somerville News Weekly James A. Norton lack of grand jury indictments against police officers involved with two deaths that were, quite frankly, neither ordinary or even extraordinary to be honest. The incidents happened, investigations commenced, grand jury convened and evidence presented – and no indictments on criminal charges. It happens, we need to move on. We don’t need ridiculously racist and singular-minded people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson telling us this is all about race and class and we need to protest the powers that be in order for justice. That’s not the message we should be sending to the young people of today. Maybe we should be teaching less about how this country was founded on social and economic unrest 241 years ago in civics classes and maybe more focus should be placed on how the process of change is supposed to come about – through intelligent and less-fanatical debate – maybe more focus should be placed on people going out to vote, maybe putting their names on a ballot and taking a leap of faith into a system that really does work. If you let it, though. This isn’t a police state and this certainly isn’t the wild west. In order to strike that balance, there needs to be some kind of social order. Not every perp is a sweet and innocent person who was struck down for no reason and not every cop is a race hating inbred sociopath. Seriously. Not every issue is about race or the one percenters or middle to lower class injustices. If you want to make systemic change, then causing traffic jams and preventing vital public services is definitely not the way to go. Listening to former hippies who now collect $250,000 salaries and live quite comfortably in the suburbs dictate how students should or shouldn’t “fight the man” is about as sane as the notion that there is a vast conspiracy to keep the lower and middle class in line socially and economically. There are plenty of old school, racist, elitist assholes who hold office and make The Somerville News Weekly Tuesday December 16th, 2014 Somerville COA Annual Christmas Party at WHYC By William Tauro policy. Vote them out, but don’t vote for candidates who will end up being even worse in office. Strike a balance – vote beyond party lines and vote for the person/ candidate who has at least a chance to make some real change. And please, get it out of your head that anything that is established now needs to change. Not everything does. Be smart, use your brains instead of only your heart, and make rational and more globally-driven decisions to bring about change. Don’t lay down in the street because some cop didn’t get indicted and create more chaos – that’s just stupid. And dangerous. And how about not breaking the law to begin with? There’s a whole different conversation, for another time. #GMK Continued from pages 1 & 15 UNION SQUARE PLANNING PROCESS, TIMELINE GOALS SET IN MASTER DEVELOPER AGREEMENT Continued from front page are among the requirements of a signed formal agreement between the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) and Union Square Station Associates (US2). Additional items in the agreement include coordination with the MBTA on new private development alongside the Green Line Station and valuation and disposition terms for all seven development blocks. The Master Development Designation Agreement formalizes the June 2014 vote by the SRA to select US2 as the Union Square master developer partner. This Agreement creates the framework that will be used to pursue the vision for Union Square set forth in the state-approved Union Square Revitalization Plan and SomerVision, the City’s 20-year comprehensive plan. “If we are going to achieve the community’s goals and vision for Union Square, and manage the change that is coming to Union Square with the opening of the Green Line station our community pursued for decades, the community must continue to be a part of the planning for the square’s future,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “I am glad that the SRA and US2 have come to an agreement that requires a commu- nity-driven planning process, the negotiation of community benefit agreements, and keeps us on schedule to coordinate development with the opening of the Green Line station.” “We are thrilled to finalize our Master Development Agreement with the City,” said US2 Development Director Greg Karczweski. “This agreement is reflective of our shared commitment to develop Union Square in a manner that promotes the community values and goals outlined in SomerVision. Having met this important and necessary milestone, we can now look forward to participating in an inclusive community planning process that will help design the future of Union Square.” Information gathered by US2 during its 100 days of community engagement that followed the Union Square kickoff event in August will be used by City staff, US2 and City consultants to shape a community planning process based on the City’s Somerville by Design process. That process, scheduled to commence on Dec. 17, will include public workshops, public design charrettes and community review in multiple languages, and will ultimately create a neighborhood plan for the square’s seven redevelopment blocks. US2 will fully fund the cost of that neighborhood planning process, with the goal of completing that process by June 30, 2015. In addition, the agreement requires US2 to pay for any outside legal services required by the SRA in advancing and implementing this neighborhood plan. All planning events will be held at the historic Union Square Post Office at 237 Washington Street. Detailed information is available at http://www. somervillebydesign.com. Dates include: • Dec. 17, 2014 (Crowdsourcing Workshop) • Jan. 7 and 31, 2015 (Visioning Workshops) • Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2015 (Technical Workshops) • March 9, 10, 11, 2015 (3-Day Design Charrette) • May 13, 2015 (Plan Open House Event) Building upon the neighborhood plan, the SRA and US2, with input from the Union Square Civic Advisory Committee (CAC), will develop the terms of a master land disposition agreement that will reflect the vision that emerges from the community planning process. The disposition agreement will provide a general outline of what will be built on each development block—office, retail and other commercial uses, along with residential—based on the goals in the community-developed Union Square Revitalization Plan. Individual land agreements that detail the timing and nature of development on specific parcels would follow, also with input from the CAC, and require approval by both the Somerville Planning Board and the state Department of Housing and Community Development. The goal is for US2 to work with each individual parcel owner, whether the SRA or private owners, to either acquire or partner with the owner of each parcel within the development blocks. Because the MBTA Union Square Green Line Station is scheduled to open in December 2017, the neighborhood plan process will begin with the D-2 and D-3 blocks around the existing tracks and where the new Green Line station will be built. That will allow the SRA, City, MBTA and US2 to work on an expedited plan for redevelopment of those blocks. The D-2 and D-3 plan will be submitted before completion of the entire neighborhood plan on June 30, 2015, in order to coordinate with the construction and opening of the Green Line Station. Once either a master land disposition agreement or land agreements for the D-2 and D-3 blocks are finalized, the formal agreement will require US2 to negotiate with the City, with input from the CAC, on a community benefits agreement that is expected to address: affordable housing; workforce development; local hiring; supporting independent local businesses; sustainability in building design and site developments; public space improvements; and other community goals and values set forth in SomerVision. In December 2013, the SRA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a master developer partner that will work with the City, SRA, CAC, current property owners and community members to design and implement the redevelopment of the seven development blocks identified in the state-approved Union Square Revitalization Plan. The SRA unanimously voted to select US2 as the master developer partner at the SRA’s meeting on Thursday, June 26. US2 is a partnership between Magellan Development and Mesirow Financial. Festive music, dancing and Christmas carols filled with holiday cheer followed a scrumptious dinner and holiday settings. Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Chief of Police David Fallon lead the chorus of Christmas caroling throughout the afternoon. Several Somerville Police officers also made a special guest appearance to meet and greet with the seniors that were in attendance. A wide array of Christmas carols really put the crowd in holiday high gear mode. 39 40 Tuesday December 16th, 2014 The Somerville News Weekly Given the choice, choose SIMPLE Because simple is always the smart choice! 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