By Bob “Monty” Doherty

In my job with the Somerville Fire Department I often find myself in the streets of Somerville in the early morning hours. Sometimes I feel like all the city’s stories and spirits are talking to me. If the snow is falling, the sky is dark and all I can see are the outlines of the buildings, I start to think about all the history that is here. And there’s a lot: from before the Revolutionary War until today, Somerville has had a role in everything from government (Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s secretary lived on Orchard Street) to literature (Walt Whitman was a frequent visitor to Prospect Hill) to facial hair (Willie Nickerson, a Magoun Square resident, teamed up with a man named Gillette to create some of the first safety razor blades used in shaving. The blades, an improvement over dangerous straight edged razors led to more men shaving their beards).

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

(I do not condone or approve any of the craziness and poor judgment described in this column)

Did you see the opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics? Man, talk about going all out. My son and I were watching the swimming competition Saturday night and I got to thinking about just how “non-athletic” I am. Although I have been pretty faithful at the gym lately, I never really excelled in a sport.

So, Howie Carr, when was the last time you came to Somerville? We know you lived here for a couple months many years ago. That was before you left town after getting mugged by a gang of junior high kids one night. But have you been here recently?

Probably not, since judging by your columns, you seem stuck in the Slumerville of yesteryear. Today, Somerville is a dynamic city with one of the brightest futures around. Assembly Square is one of the biggest developments on the east coast and the Kraft family is looking at developing the Inner Belt. We have fun and innovative festivals that draw thousands to our city. Ever been to ‚ÄúWhat the Fluff‚Äù Howie? You’d love it. So even though one Somerville guy got caught stealing last week, we are still a city on the upswing.

Hamilton ‘will be a hard act to follow’

By Melanie Cordova

Described as a tall, courtly man with a big smile by co-workers, Jack Hamilton, Executive Director of the Community Action Agency of Somerville, has been a staple of the Somerville and Cambridge community for 27 years.

‚ÄúThere have been people who have worked here for 27 years and Jack has been the only Executive Director they have ever known,‚Äù CAAS’s Director of Planning, Dennis Fischman said.

Yet, next January, there will be a major change at the Union Square agency: Hamilton will not be returning. After more than a quarter century working at CAAS, Hamilton has decided to retire.

A bill to allow a waterfront park in Assembly Square has been signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick.

The legislation allows for a land swap between the Department of Conservation and Recreation and developers Federal Realty Investment Trust that is necessary for the creation of the open space. DCR will give Federal Realty a piece of land currently being used for winter boat storage in exchange for a larger parcel on the Mystic River.

The land swap will ensure increased access to Draw 7 Park and will allow for easements onto DCR property necessary for the planned construction of storm water improvements and other environmental infrastructure improvements that will benefit both Assembly Square and the Ten Hills neighborhood, according to city officials. 

By Tom Nash

The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Somerville last week revealed gaps in communication between the immigrant community and city government, according to local immigrant rights advocates.

On Aug. 5, ICE agents were seen stopping people at the Sullivan Square MBTA station and a Dunkin’ Donuts on Broadway, feeding fears of a large-scale immigration raid.

ICE agents were in Somerville as a part of Operation Community Shield, which targets illegal immigrants who are gang members. The four-day operation took in 80 people with criminal records and open warrants throughout the greater Boston area, according to ICE. Among the arrested were 52 gang members, according to an ICE press release.

By Matthew McLaughlin

Throughout the nation, growing gas prices are forcing people to make serious changes to everyday life. One local non-profit organization that helps elderly residents in need of a ride is trying to overcome the crisis creatively.

SCM Community Transportation, an organization that has helped people throughout Greater Boston for 25 years, is trying to find a formula to keep afloat.  Reed Cochran, executive director for SCM, said harsh economic times have forced the organization to be creative. 

By George P. Hassett

Two former Tufts University employees accused of stealing almost $1 million in separate schemes and spending the money on lavish trips and fashion accessories were arraigned Tuesday in Woburn Superior Court.

Josephine Neally and Raymond Rodriguez, were released on personal recognizance under the conditions that they stay away from the college and all witnesses. Neally and Rodriguez both worked in the school’s Office of Student Activities until 2007.

By Mia Lamar

For many Somerville residents, the diverse array of ethnic food shops in Union Square are a treasured city destination.. The face behind the counter is a familiar one, and the special foods still a bargain. Yet, as commodity prices continue to rise, and incremental costs chip at the bottom line, many of the area’s beloved shop owners admit they are having a tough time maintaining business as usual.

Nice little crowd on Mayor Joe‚Äôs annual Boston Harbor cruise last week, a well rounded group from Somerville was on board and from what we saw, everyone had a good time.  Lips were sealed, and no one wanted to be quoted, but the arrest of John Buonomo that evening caused quite a mixed bag of emotions from everyone on board.

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Speaking of John Buonomo, we hear that the Queen of the Progressives already asked the Governor to appoint her as the Register should the position be opened up unexpectedly. We were in disbelief over hearing that, we thought her and John were extremely close, as John referred to himself as a Progressive. He’s not even tried yet, and already his so-called friends want a piece of the action.