Newstalk – October 17

On October 17, 2018, in Commentary, Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The views and opinions expressed in Newstalk do not necessarily reflect those of The Somerville Times, its publisher or staff. The column has many contributors.
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Today, a new look for The Somerville Times makes its appearance, full color. We hope you enjoy it. Let us know what you think.

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If you would like to subscribe to receive a digital edition of our paper, go directly online to our website – www.thesomervilletimes.com – over to the right side and fill out your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper. By the way, if you scroll further down, a link to former editions of the paper are online as well, and all recent legal ads have been online for anyone who needs the legal ad they just ran.

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Happy birthday greetings this week to several locals: Happy birthday to former Alderman Maryann Heuston, who is celebrating this week. We’re wishing her a very good birthday. Happy birthday as well former local Valerie Spinale, who grew up in East Somerville. Happy birthday to Steve Hardy, a great guy who works very hard here in the city and is President of the Somerville City Club. Happy birthday to Naomi Harrison, the great granddaughter of Don and Pat Norton. Happy birthday to everyone here and from the city who are celebrating this week, we wish every one of them a very happy birthday.

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Congratulations to the Little Sisters of the Poor on Highland who are celebrating 150-year Anniversary on Sunday, October 28.

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Masonic Open House is Saturday, October 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Masonic property located at 125 Highland Avenue (rear) building. Drive up the driveway to the open parking lot at the rear building. King Solomon’s Lodge AF & AM, chartered in 1783, is one of the oldest Masonic lodges, now celebrating 235 years. It’s a very active lodge and one of the oldest in North America. Some of its historical regalia will be on display, tours will be given, questions answered and light refreshments served. Come meet the officers of the lodge who will be present to answer any questions you might have.

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With some sadness, we have to report that Rite Aid is slowly being swallowed up by Walgreens here in the city. The one in Winter Hill in particular is a big time favorite. We hope that the pharmacy staff stays. They are certainly the best, always helpful and always a pleasant trip to the store. Best of luck to the pharmacists and all the others working behind the counter. Job well done!

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If you’re looking for a new or used car, local guy in Winter Hill Jonathan Buck is the manager up in Arlington at Mirak, with both Hyundai and Chevrolet. Mention you read it here and make sure you let him know you’re from Somerville. Great guy, great company and made buying a pleasant adventure.

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Local Attorney Phil Privitera is on local TV commercials for an insurance company he uses for all his properties. Phil is a good guy and is always smiling. Next he will be in movies.

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Our good friend David LaBahn, who was married to former publisher of our paper, Robert Publicover, has moved on to all points south, but will be back in the spring. We wish him the very best and he will be missed.

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Miss watching the Board of Aldermen meetings on TV? You can view them in their entirety on Comcast channel 22, as well as on YouTube. Watch your city at work and see how these dedicated members of our community are serving you, the public. We can’t say this enough, watch the meetings on either cable broadcast live, or go online to YouTube to watch them. You will find some pretty hysterical information there about what’s happening in the city. This should be required viewing for everyone who cares about what is happening here. Even the committee meetings are online. After all, the Board of Aldermen is voting to spend your money. Wow, the raises some department heads are getting. Ask yourself, if you own property has your taxes gone down or stayed the same over the past 14 years? And do you remember what they kept telling us what the benefit of Assembly Square would be to our tax base? Watch and remember. Don’t let a small minority of a certain group run our city, be aware of what is going on, and VOTE.

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The Somerville City Club is looking to increase its membership. For the time being membership is open to any resident here in the city It’s a great organization that has been around a long time, with lots of activities that support local charitable groups here. Contact the club on Innerbelt Road across from Holiday Inn for more details.

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We’re still reading the lease on the Winter Hill Yacht Club, which has about two years left. We found something about there is not supposed to be a fence. We’ll get back to you on this. We’re reading it and we think if the city presses hard enough, along with the state delegation, the city can turn this is into a community place for the citizens of Somerville. Someone sent us some documents – about 40 pages or so – about the club, their lease and membership list. We’re going over it and will update next few weeks. But again, we think it’s a shame all that beautiful land and docks, and most especially the clubhouse, is being used by those that don’t even live here in the city. A vast majority – we hear 80%. maybe more – live outside of the city. It’s state own land (belongs to the people) and they pay rent, but are they current? What is the amount they pay to the state? What benefit does Somerville get from it now? We know that some former criminals are members there. Actually we heard someone say the other day, “If you’re indicted, your invited.” Go by and check it out.

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Are you retired and looking for part time work, and you’re experienced in sales? Give us a call here at The Somerville Times at 617-666-4010. We are looking for advertising telemarketers.

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The Tufts University Department of Music presents Liberian Women’s Chorus for Change Workshop in the Fisher Performance Room at the Perry and Marty Granoff Music Center on Thursday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m. Facilitators Fatu Gayflor and Toni Shapiro-Phim will discuss and demonstrate the use of traditional songs and dances (here from Liberia, West Africa) to foster dialogue and address social justice concerns. As part of the workshop, participants will be invited to experience the performance of collective songs and dances under the guidance of Gayflor. For more information, please visit as.tufts.edu/music/musiccenter or call the Granoff Music Center Box Office at 617-627-3679.

 

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