From everyone at The Somerville News, Prospect Hill Publishing, Inc., The Norton Family, The Tauro Family  and Robert Publicover – we wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

By George P. Hassett

Two former Tufts University employees were indicted Tuesday for allegedly stealing almost $1 million from the school and using the money to treat themselves to trips to Paris and Las Vegas, a Madonna concert and steaks.

Prosecutors allege Josephine Neally and Raymond Rodriguez, in separate schemes, stole $977,449 from student activities accounts between 1996 and 2007. Neally was the director of the university’s Office of Student Activities and Rodriguez was its budget and fiscal coordinator.

By George P. Hassett

An early celebration of Independence Day ended in a stabbing Thursday night as two 18-year-old Somerville  men, one with a knife, walked to the Medford side of Broadway to fight.

David L. Martinez, of 551 Broadway, and the victim met on Alfred Street shortly after the fireworks display ended to “shoot the ones” or fistfight, according to witness statements in court documents.. But Martinez allegedly took out a knife and stabbed the victim in his head and back as the victim told him to “Put the knife down, fight like a man,” court records show.

Again Mayor Joe Curtatone and his busy staff should be congratulated Рthe fireworks show last Thursday was fantastic and everyone was pleased. This year’s crowd appeared to be bigger and the buzz in the audience was all about the new look for Trum Field Рeveryone liked it.

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We heard directly from a couple of Ward 7 residents that Carl himself (wow) is going door to door knocking and trying desperately to explain the whole ‚Äúmy dog ate it‚Äù routine regarding his nomination papers – we were surprised to hear that he himself was out there – we know for a fact he has out of district ‚Äúteams‚Äù going door to door as well. Meanwhile Alderman Trane (you know him, the only democrat on the ballot) had a stand out at Harvard & Main Streets the other day – they had 48 signs – and within minutes they ran out of signs to hold. Bob was personally taken around to all the small businesses and received a great reception. By the way, we were told that 100% percent of the people holding signs at the standout were from the district.    

By Melanie Cordova

They write about politics, humor, and tragedy. They write about their heroes, their dreams and their community. But most of all, they write about life.

For nine years, Books of Hope, a creative writing program of the Somerville Arts Council and the Mystic Learning Center, has helped young people put their thoughts into published paper. On Monday night, Books of Hope celebrated the release of seven authors’ work with a Barbecue and Book Party at the Mystic Activity Center.

Part 2: SomerStat and ResiStat

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.)

Mayor Joseph Curtatone flatly states that during his administration, “Somerville residents have seen their government become more open, more accountable and more participatory.” Implementation of the SomerStat and ResiStat programs are key elements that he cites to support this claim.

Based on all the evidence that I’ve seen, Somerville government has become less open, less accountable, and less participatory. If Mayor Curtatone sincerely believes his statement, and I think that he does, how can we explain this conflict in perceptions?

Somerville poets respond

Off The Shelf by Doug Holder

I posed this question to local poets of my acquaintance: "What is a failed poet?" I hear the term used all the time, but what does it mean? How do you define a failed poet? Is there such a thing? Below are some very thought provoking answers to this question I posed:

An artist who holds back, obeying current rules or trends whether or not they challenge or showcase individualized craft, generally frustrates readers as well as himself by writing safe for decades. An artist who lacks personal integrity is the worst poetic failure of all.
– Mignon Ariel King (Bagel Bards Poet )

By Matthew McLaughlin

East Somerville Community School students, parents and faculty came together June 14 to celebrate the first 8th grade graduation of the Unidos program.

Unidos is a bilingual program that brought English and Spanish speaking homes together. The goal is to produce bilingual and biliterate students who are respectful of their own cultures and the cultures of others, according to their website. Students are taught half in their native language and the other half in a foreign language.

By Jack Nicas

A fire destroyed the East Somerville Community School in December, displacing the school’s 585 students and 115 staff members. Now, over six months later, those students and staff wrap up their tumultuous semester with another year of new locations and makeshift classrooms in front of them.

Somerville Public School Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi addressed East Somerville parents Wednesday, June 11, at the Capuano Early Childhood Center, where ESCS kindergartners now attend.

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.)

As I was driving to Taco Bell on Saturday (because my son wanted a nutritious meal), I noticed the ‚Äú Welcome to East Somerville ‚Äù sign as we crossed McGrath Highway. It brought back a lot of my own East Somerville memories and gave me a chance to use some of The Somerville News weblog information – most are first hand experiences, but some details have been donated ‚Äúbloggily.‚Äù Let’s start by tossing back a couple.