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.

O’Donovan to challenge Buonomo

By George P. Hassett

The elected official who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from government copy machines could face a challenge from a Somerville alderman in November.

Ward 5 Alderman Sean T. O’Donovan told the Somerville News on Tuesday that he will challenge John Buonomo for Middlesex County Register of Probate. Buonomo was arrested last week for allegedly stealing cash out of copy machines at the Registry of Deeds office. Video of Buonomo, a former Somerville alderman, crouching down and pocketing cash and change from the machines was played repeatedly on local news stations.

By Jack Nicas

The Green Line is coming to Somerville; that is definite. However, where it will stop is not. The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) is carrying out its Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which analyzes all proposed stations to determine where each will be definitively located.

“No location has been secured for any of the T stops,” said Ward 1 Alderman William M. Roche. “They are all basically placeholders.”

Heavy rains yesterday caused flooding throughout the city including the parking lot of the Somerville Police Department.

Photos by William Tauro

By William C. Shelton

(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.)

Visiting Somerville’s public libraries is one experience that always makes me consider the possibility that my tax dollars are being well spent, even though library expenditures are only 1 percent of the city budget. Paraphrasing Daniel Webster, it is a small government institution, but there are those of us who love it.

So I was alarmed to learn that Somerville’s libraries are at risk of being decertified; and perplexed to learn that the reason for this is a history of inadequate funding.

Off The Shelf by Doug Holder

The Ibbetson Street Press of Somerville has released a collection of remarks titled: “In Gratitude and Hope,” made to the Boston-area Jewish community by former German Consul to Boston Wolfgang K. Vorwerk. Vorwerk, who was Consul from 2004 to June 2008, was first asked to speak at the annual Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) services at Faneuil Hall in Boston in 2005. During his tenure Vorwerk has reached out to the Jewish community.

Vorwerk made presentations at Temple Israel in Boston, Temple Shalom in Newton, the House of Representatives, State House, Boston, and other forums. He facilitated German/Jewish dialogue and spoke to Holocaust survivors, Nazi resistors, and the general community-at-large. Vorwerk has also helped with the funding of several Holocaust-related initiatives.

Shape Up Somerville brings Singapore delegation to city

By George P. Hassett

Somerville’s campaign to combat obesity and promote healthy living has received a lot of attention throughout the United States, including national print and television spotlights. But this month, Shape Up Somerville may have received its first international acclaim when seven senior officials from the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, the Singapore Ministry of Health, and the Health Promotion Board of Singapore met with Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone to learn about the program.

By Matthew McLaughlin

“Inflicted with injuries, I was lost and forgotten/ trying to keep these kids from mimicking me. Have to work twice as hard/ can’t let up the guard/ had to turn it over to the hand of God.”

When Jonathan Mahoney rhymes about pain, redemption and overcoming adversity, he does not look to outside influences for inspiration. Everything he does, from performing as a hip hop artist, to helping local youth, to remembering his fallen friends, is influenced by real life tragedies and triumphs.

Mahoney, 22, was born and raised in Somerville.  An avid hockey player, he said he had nothing but fond memories growing up.

‚ÄúIt was great growing up here,‚Äù he said.  ‚ÄúI always had kids to hang out with and parents that cared for me. There were always bad things going on, but we didn‚Äôt notice it.‚Äù