After
introductions from Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and former mayor
and current U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, Kerry made an opening statement
making the case for changing the industry. He noted that a typical
family could be paying $24,000 a year for health insurance by 2016, and
that the U.S. ranked 37th in healthcare among industrialized countries.

"We cannot continue to be the only developed country in the world that does not cover everybody,' Kerry said.

As
his first public appearance since Sen. Edward Kennedy's funeral on
August 29, Kerry invoked his colleague's push for health care reform
during his 47 years in the Senate and said he would continue the work.

"The
greatest honor of (Kennedy's) life was representing you, the people of
Massachusetts," Kerry said, adding that follow his example would mean,
"taking on these battles in the same way that Teddy would have, and I
pledge to you I will."

The overwhelming majority of the audience
in the school's auditorium, most of whom arrived hours before the doors
opened, appeared in favor of health care reform. The 2,000 who arrived
too late to get in watched the proceedings on a screen in the gym.

Ron
Rego, a 62-year-old cancer survivor from Somerville, was the first
person in line at 3:30 p.m. – four hours before Kerry was scheduled to
arrive.

"I have an oar in the water," Rego said as he waited.
"When I was diagnosed they gave me two months (to live). By the grace
of God, and cutting edge medicine, I'm still kicking."

After
reading the health care overhaul legislation, Rego said he worries a
government-run health insurance program would write him off.

"Under the new plan, the likelihood is I wouldn't get those kinds of drugs," Rego said. "I wouldn't be worth the money."

Fears
about economic feasibility were aired during the forum, alongside
concerns about increasing government bureaucracy, but many more
questioners seemed worried Kerry and other Democrats weren't fighting
hard enough for reform.

Among those was Sara Lennox, a
Somerville resident who has practiced medicine in Cambridge for 25
years, who expressed frustration with insurance companies passing
administrative costs onto patients.

"How will your plan control these rapacious, disgraceful practices?" Lennox asked.

Kerry
responded by saying the insurance reforms would work to lower costs by,
among other ways, banning pre-existing conditions as a reason to deny
coverage and making it easier for doctors to go on home visits.

Maureen
Barillaro, a member of Somerville Climate Action, asked Kerry to
examine how environmental policy could be a part of the discussion as a
form of preventative health care.

Her question referenced the
recent discovery of contaminated soil in areas throughout the city,
including a former industrial site in Union Square that is now a
residential neighborhood.

"We are not healthy because our planet
is not healthy," Barillaro said. "The people in Somerville cannot have
our own gardens, because every inch of the soil is contaminated."

"What
she said is absolutely true," Kerry replied. "If you want to reduce the
cost of health care … we've got to start paying attention to the
quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat."

As
Kerry wrapped up the two-hour question and answer session, he stressed
that people could keep insurance plans they are happy with and that the
government would not interfere with the relationship between patients
and doctors.

"I will not vote for a plan in Washington that does not leave you with a choice," Kerry said.

Grossman is a businessman by heart and
by trade. He is currently President of Grossman Marketing Group on
Cobble Hill Road in Somerville, a business his grandfather started many
years ago. Because of his belief in American capitalism as a way to
benefit all, he is considering (but has not made a clear declaration)
of bringing casino gambling to Massachusetts. He recounts a visit to a
casino in Connecticut in his past, saying that 27 of 100 license plates
he saw were from Massachusetts. Admitting this was an unscientific
poll, which he did on his own time, Grossman still states "That's
hundreds of millions of dollars going to Connecticut [from
Massachusetts residents]." Grossman's unwillingness to legalize casinos
comes from the fact that, as he says, "We have the most successful
lottery in the United States."

Grossman started his political
career helping Michael Dukakis in his 1988 Presidential bid. Since
then, Grossman has been involved with appointed positions in government
and philanthropic endeavors. He is the founder of Massachusetts
Institute for a New Commonwealth, which caters to the needs of the
middle-class in Somerville and towns and cities all over Massachusetts.
He is active in Project Bread, and considers Jewish charities of great
importance, saying, "I've been involved with Jewish communal
activities; helped raise money for the U.S. Holocaust Museum."

President
Clinton appointed Grossman Chair of Democratic National Convention in
1997, a position he held for approximately two years, leaving due to
his father having died suddenly of Parkinson's disease. "My father was
my business partner and one of my heroes," Grossman tells The
Somerville News.

Grossman declares he is pro-union and
pro-worker rights, and says that he is fit for the State's top treasury
seat because of his experience in the business-world, namely at
Somerville's Grossman Marketing Group. Grossman states that "…for
almost thirty years [he has] run a business, met payrolls, created
jobs, negotiated contracts, managed money and hopefully treated people
with a certain amount of dignity."

The statutory
responsibilities of the State Treasurer are funding for schools,
retirement, lottery, pension and general state assets. While the
Treasurer will not have a direct say – since this position is not in
the legislature – in how these funds are manipulated and handled,
Grossman states he will use his influence to instill "financial
literacy" among the public. "You may not have a vote, but I think you
have a voice," he says.

Many targets
of bullying once felt when they left school the bullying stopped, but
now with technology, the bullying continues even after they arrive home
via cell phone and popular social media, like Facebook and MySpace.
This type of bullying is more commonly referred to as "cyber-bullying"
which include threatening emails, anonymous messages, and posting
insults on websites.

Bulling is often glorified in the media
with shows like "Gossip Girl" and the popular movie "Mean Girls." What
is not depicted are the lifelong emotional and social scars that are
endured by the targets of bullies. The constant stress and fear can
even cause physical conditions and can impact schoolwork. More
frightening, the constant onslaught of verbal or physical attacks can
cause the target to consider suicide as an option to escape the pain
and one to many students have taken that course.

The state of
Massachusetts defines bullying as occurring when a student is exposed,
repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or
more students. The difference between teasing and bullying is that
bullying is relentless. Targets are bullied for various reasons
including sexual orientation, race, social status, or physical
appearance.

The Somerville Cares About Prevention, S.C.A.P.,
held a community conversation about bullying last Thursday. Filling the
room were teachers, parents, and students all looking for advice, help
and some comfort knowing they weren't alone.

"As a parent, its
frightening to think that my daughters face this every day and I feel
helpless. It kills me to see my child in pain," said one mother. "I
just try to tell them to ignore it. I just don't understand the need of
bullies to put others down or the need for violence."

The
eclectic group discussed the positive and negative impacts of turning
to adults for help. For example, if a student turns to teachers or a
principal for help, bullying may increase as a form of revenge if the
bully is reprimanded. The Somerville public schools have programs
available including peer mediators that are available for youth. One
student encouraged the program, "I like it because it's confidential. I
don't have to worry about everyone finding out about my problems."

A
popular question parents had for the students was what they do if a
friend is being bullied and if they try to stop it. The students all
voiced the same feedback in which they would not intervene because they
did not want the attention placed on them. They would however say
something if they were friends with the bully in a non-confrontational
way.

One student explained her fear further, "When someone is
being bullied, its not just the target and bully involved, it's the
whole community. It impacts other students because we're afraid that
they'll turn on us. Also, no one wants to listen to someone being
picked on, and it hurts you too, to be to afraid to do anything. Your
fear makes you helpless."

Advice for targets included
avoidance, counseling and help from school administration. Working with
the school you can switch classes and lunches so that there is minimal
opportunity for confrontation. Targets of bullies should always travel
in a group and try joining a club or sports team that interests them.
This can help to increase the positive influences in their life.

Bullies
also face a series of challenges as they are often suffering from
depression and low self esteem. Many bully to focus the attention off
of themselves and their weaknesses onto another person. If your child
is a bully it is important to have a conversation with them about the
reason they are intentionally hurting someone else and how they would
like the same treatment directed towards them. It is also suggested
that the conversation be geared toward identifying why they bully, and
how to get them help. This may include seeking the help of a
professional psychiatrist or psychologist.

With much to talk
about and not enough time the meeting ended with parents, students and
teachers wanting more information and advice. Additional discussions
are being planned for the upcoming weeks. To join a discussion or for
more information, contact Cory Mashburn, Acting Director of SCAP at
cmashburn@somervillema.gov

The vaccine, which is currently in its inaugural
phase of testing, is expected to be available in mid-October, but
initially only to those considered at risk. Unlike seasonal flu, H1N1
targets young age groups with greater frequency than the elderly. Given
this tendency, Somerville will provide vaccines, on a voluntary basis,
to all of its school-age residents at no cost. "On the federal level,
it's been determined that it doesn't make sense to disperse the vaccine
here and there throughout the population," Paulette Renault Caragianes,
Director of the Somerville Department of Health, said. "Instead, it's
more functional to target a 'critical mass' of people, like the
students within a school."

While the at-risk groups will be
guaranteed protection, it remains unclear what the impending dangers
might be to those who lie outside of these categories. Last week, a
White House advisory panel released a report that allowed for the
possibility of a catastrophic pandemic leading to 90,000 deaths and
nearly 2 million hospitalized. Days later, the Centers for Disease
Control tempered the alarm raised by the predictions and labeled them
very unlikely. The conflicting reports, both within the media and
within the government, seemingly reflect the ambivalence of the general
population. Ron Villareale, an Easton resident, was perplexed by what
he saw as widespread "fear and paranoia". "People are ready to rush out
full throttle when it seems to me that it's only been a mild strain of
the flu," he said. On the other hand, Kathy Dervin, a Boston resident
seated opposite from Villareale, expressed her concerns, saying "it's a
novel flu, meaning it is, by its nature, unpredictable." In the coming
months, as flu season begins and children return to school, the various
predictions will undergo the scrutiny of time. One thing is guaranteed,
regardless of the virus' severity: Somerville's most susceptible
populations will indeed have the ability to protect themselves.

***************

The
Governor is submitting legislation to change the rule and to appoint
temporarily an interim Senator until election time, if you are for it
or against it, make sure you let either our State Representatives
Denise Provost or Carl Sciortino know how you feel.

***************

Congratulations
to the Tauro family, owners of Pat's Tow, they have officially merged
with United Road Towing – making Pat's Tow, who service Cambridge and
Somerville and the surrounding area – part of the largest Tow company
in the country. More will follow in the weeks ahead, but we certainly
wish the Tauro's much success in their new venture. Look for major
changes down there in their tow yard over the next few weeks –
including a newly paved yard and new trucks.

***************

A
very good friend and life long resident of East Somerville passed away
last week, our deepest sympathy to Emille Parson and family on the
passing of her husband Barry. Barry was diagnosed a couple of months
ago with cancer, he came home last week to pass on and did later that
night. He was a good man, very well liked by many people and we will,
along with the others that he has touched, miss him. His wish was to
have no wake or funeral, just to be cremated.

***************

Well
it looks like someone affiliated with the movie production company that
is scheduled to film with Ben Affleck in the Twin City Mall parking lot
apparently read our last weeks mention about it in Newstalk and replied
with this email "Hello guys, hope all is well in Somerville News land.
FYI – that date for filming Ben's movie "The Town" was switched to
September 29th." It's nice to be the most widely read newspaper in
print and online in Somerville.

***************

If you
saw the School Committee meeting this past Monday, you saw an
uneventful meeting, until it came time for items from the board members
– and Mark the PDSer from Ward 5 started talking about running for
re-election and having an opponent. He was quickly gaveled out of
order, as it is was highly improper to speak about that subject in that
venue, and quite frankly he should have known better. Our jaw dropped
at home, we can only imagine the shock that swept through the chambers
that night. Doesn't surprise us – this is the same guy who thought the
Memorial Day Parade would be a good opportunity to get signatures for
re-election. The same one who wants to get rid of Good Friday and
called Bunker Hill Day an "annoying" holiday.

***************

Update
on Bob Publicover, he's doing good, treatment is good – must be
extremely good, because he took off for San Francisco this past week.
We hear he's back now at his favorite coffee shop on Highland Avenue.

***************

Good
news is we will be announcing shortly a new Asst. Editor here at The
Somerville News who will be on board in a couple of weeks in this
capacity. He's a local Somerville resident, again proving we are really
the only local paper with local news. An announcement will be made in
the next couple of weeks.

***************

Omar the
chef/co-owner with Mike at the Ball Square Café are celebrating their
2nd Anniversary of being partners. Two years fly by quickly when you're
busy and your business in this economy is booming. They're having a
party to celebrate on September 17th from 3pm to 6pm – stop by and say
hello and wish them many more years. Actually how anyone can resist
Omar's cooking we don't know, we're huge fans of Ball Square Café.

***************

The
Somerville Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly Business After
Hours this Thursday the 3rd. Host is Redbones on Chester Street – the
time is from 5pm to 7pm. It is open to all businesses – both chamber
members and non-members alike and it is great for networking and
meeting your fellow businesses here in Somerville. This month's sponsor
is East Cambridge Saving Bank, hosted by Business After Hours Chair
Michelle Mulvena of Moschella & Winston.

***************

The
Somerville Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Fall Golf Classic on
Monday, September 21st starting at 11am at The Georgetown Club.
Registration goes from 11am to Noon, then Shotgun Start. Lunch, 18
holes of golf, golf cart, bag drop, contests/prizes, professional
scoring. Dinner & Awards Ceremony immediately following.

Given
the scale and complexity of the ongoing construction across the city,
that makes it even more difficult for everyday drivers to focus on
their surroundings. Crossing guards help, police details help, but, we
need to be more aware of our surroundings.

Kids don't know any
different – they're just trying to get to school to learn, see their
friends, be social, whatever their specific motivation – they don't
drive, so they typically have little concept of what kind of damage can
be done by just one vehicle, even traveling at the posted speed limit,
when a child darts out from between two cars.

We at The
Somerville News have had other jobs in our past (and present) that have
required us to drive a considerable amount of miles over the years, in
fact, more than most people. One of us averaged well over 40k miles per
year for a number of years, actually. This kind of excessive driving
allows for someone to make observations about traffic patterns and how
different cities and towns handle construction projects and other
situations that require re-routing of traffic.

That's what makes
living in one of the most densely populated cities in the country even
more amazing. The complexity of dealing with traffic issues because of
the sheer number of vehicles that travel our roads is staggering. Then
toss in a sewer/water line break, a gas line replacement, the
reconstruction of a street after utility work, anything remotely
dangerous in the mix, and still traffic moves along.

These are
some of the things we take for granted – an why sometimes we are
regular every day traveling folk need to take it upon ourselves to keep
an eye out when driving – that means no texting, no applying make-up,
no reading the paper. Pay attention and watch out for children crossing
the street, playing near traffic, riding their bikes – do your part to
make sure we live in the safest environment possible for our children,
even if you don't have any.

After
slashing state aid earlier this year, the State House gave
municipalities the ability to raise taxes on meals and hotel stays. The
aldermen increased the meals tax from 6.25 to 7 percent and the hotel
tax from 4 to 6 percent, following recommendations made by Mayor Joseph
Curtatone during the June FY2010 budget proceedings.

According
to the mayor's office, the meals tax increase would give the city an
additional $480,311 in FY 2010, while the new hotel tax rate would give
the city an additional $140,404. The new rates will take effect Oct. 1.

Though the board largely supported the measures, Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche spoke out against raising the meals tax.

"It's a small amount of money. I'm just saying, when is enough enough?" Roche said. "I think it's a perception thing."

Roche
also balked when Alderman-at-Large Bill White pointed out the meals tax
increase would mean a 75-cent increase on a $100 tab.

"Every
time we're looking for money, I don't think we should go to the
residents of this city and increase taxes on them," Roche said before
the vote. "75 cents on a $100 bill? I wouldn't mind having that in my
pocket."

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan joined Roche in voting against the new meals tax.

The
new hotel tax rate passed unanimously, with the board agreeing that
given the prices in Cambridge and Boston visitors would likely not
notice the increase.

"Nobody chooses a hotel on the basis of
what the tax is, and I'll stake my house on this," Ward 2 Alderman
Maryann Heuston said.