The
forum, hosted by Centro Presente on Oct. 7, offered direct translation
service not available at regular City Hall meetings. Officials and
challengers from the Board of Aldermen and School Committee used the
opportunity to introduce themselves as both members and advocates for
Somerville's immigrant community.

While School Committee member
Mark Niedergang and Aldermen John Connolly, Dennis Sullivan and Bill
Roche cited immigrant roots, Alderman-at-Large Bill White introduced
himself with an anecdote that spoke to the alienation some immigrants
feel in Somerville. Last year, Centro Presente organized a rally as
news of an immigration raid spread fear throughout the community.

White,
who has an Italian-Portuguese background, described an incident from
his days as a student at Somerville High School when a police sergeant
referred to him by a racial slur while visiting the station for a class
project.

"When I got elected, one of the things I dedicated myself to was not allowing that kind of attitude to continue on," White said.

Through
questions posed by Centro Presente Executive Director Patricia Montes,
Board President Gabriel Camacho and Maria Landaverde of the Welcome
Project, the panelists were asked how they have represented the needs
of the immigrant community.

Among a variety of issues relating
to immigrant involvement in the city's political process, all of the
panelists stressed the need for any member of the Somerville community,
here legally or not, to feel comfortable going to the authorities.

Ward
3 Alderman Tom Taylor recalled a 1987 fire that destroyed an apartment
building as the impetus for his support of Somerville becoming a
designated sanctuary city for immigrants.

The fire, Taylor said,
was likely caused by the poor living conditions that the mostly illegal
immigrant population in the building faced.

"People were afraid,
basically, to go to the authorities, whether it was the inspectional
services division or the police department," Taylor said. "Some of the
conditions these people were living in were atrocious."

"If you hear of any city officials treating you unjustly, please come forward," Taylor added.

Jesse
Kanson-Benanav, who stood in for alderman-at-large challenger Luis
Morales, said those issues require more diversity on the Board – which
he said Morales' background as an immigrant from El Salvador and
business owner would bring.

"In a city where 30 to 35 percent of
the residents were not born in the United States, the Board of Aldermen
should reflect that," Kanson-Benanav said. "(Morales is) not trying to
be the Latino alderman or the immigrant alderman, but it's a critical
community in Somerville that really needs strong representation."

Roche,
who as alderman for Ward 1 said he represents much of Somerville's
immigrant community, stressed the aldermen work hard to make sure
everyone's views are heard.

"We represent you," Roche said.
"We're your voice at city hall. If we don't know how you feel about an
issue, we can't represent you very well."

"Our Voices, Our
Vote" continues Oct. 15 on Beacon Hill, with a panel discussion titled
"A New Era of Women in Politics" at 11 a.m. More information can be
found at cpresente.org.

We
lost my friend Billy Dillon last Thursday. "BD" as he was known to many
of his friends. He was 53 and would have been 54 on Halloween. I have
known Billy since we were kids in Project STAR many years ago. If there
is a message in this week's piece, it is simply this: stop just
"making" plans to get together with your friends – and follow through
with them. Take a break from all the stuff that is still going to be
there when you get back. Spend some quality time with those quality
people, because you just never know. When these old friends are
suddenly gone, it will be too late and you could end up writing about
it in a newspaper column some day. The column is called On the Silly
Side, but the only thing silly this week is how silly, fleeting, and
fickle life can be. There are three "contacts" on my cell phone that
will now only serve as a reminder – a reminder that I should have hit
"send" and made plans to see an old friend.

Billy was married to
Deborah (O'Gorman) Dillon of Malden. He was the father of Brendan,
Patrick and Jacqueline Louise Dillon. He was the son of the late John
and Louise Dillon and brother of Katherine Ricketts of Malden, John
Dillon of New Haven, Conn, Janet Kirby of Quincy, Barbara Dillon of
Revere and the late Diane Martino. Billy graduated from Somerville High
School in 1973.

Billy had battled and beat cancer, but it was a
heart attack that took him from us. Here is part of an article I did a
while back that speaks of the musical group Billy was part of.

The
year was 1974 and the Fabulous Pharaohs were the big attraction at The
Embassy Lounge on Somerville Ave. Inspired by The Great Pretenders, The
Pharaohs were a pantomime act that did '50s and '60s music on Thursdays
and Sunday nights. The members were Mark, John, Mike, Billy and Brian.
Mike's brother, another John, ran the equipment (get well soon, John ).
Mark's brother George was part of the group for a short time and their
father, George Sr. – managed them for a while. Joe Ward and Dave Emery
were also on the tech crew at various times.

Complete with their
matching tuxedos, other flashy outfits and impressive light show, The
Fabulous Pharaohs packed the Embassy Lounge week after week. Loads of
enthusiastic girls showed up religiously to cheer on the entertaining
group. They had a dedicated following who knew every song and every
move – and believe me, these guys had their moves down to a "t" with
precision accuracy. When the strobe light kicked in during "Pretty
Little Angel Eyes" the crowd went wild. Brian, who was at least 6 foot
4 inches tall, danced into a frenzy – faster and faster with the beat –
when "Beep Beep" played night after night, the place went crazy. Billy
sang lead on "Good Lovin," "Chantilly Lace," and "Get Ready."

The
phenomenon went on and on, spreading to Studley's and eventually to
Johnny D's. The personnel of the Fabulous Pharaohs changed along with
the name – The Amazing Sensations and Solid Gold were offshoots and
reincarnations of the original. You can go to YouTube and search
Amazing Sensations to get an idea of what the group was all about.

Billy
Dillon added his boy next door good looks and killer smile complete
with blue eyes to that magical line-up. My band would be breaking down
our equipment and those guys were bringing theirs in, and we would just
laugh and goof around. Billy went nuts with laughter when I used my
"Yakky Doodle Duck" cartoon voice to say "Where's the Miller" referring
of course to Miller beer.

Billy was also a dispatcher for Green Cab for many years.

There
will be a memorial service on Saturday, October 17th at 10am at St.
Catherine's Church on Summer Street. We are all crazy busy with those
everyday chores like work, kids and bills. I know some of you have
dealt with the same regrets when someone passes and you meant to see
them, but were too late. We cannot beat ourselves up for being
legitimately trapped in the whirlwind of life. Every time a friend
passes away, I say the same thing: "I won't let it happen again." But
it does. Life doesn't stop or stand still so we can get together or pay
a visit to an old friend. We have to put the brakes on and make it
happen.

Every time I heard the Song "Angel Eyes" it always
brought me back to that wonderful time watching my friends perform. Now
when I hear "Angel Eyes" I will look up and know that Billy Dillon will
be keeping an eye on all of his loving friends and family members who
will miss him dearly. You can email Jimmy direct at jimmydel@rcn.com.

SOMERVILLE_
Somerville Police are seeking to identify the suspect in a brazen armed
robbery that occurred in a busy supermarket parking lot. Shortly before
11:30 Sunday morning, the Somerville Police responded to the parking
lot of the Market Basket located at 400 Somerville Avenue for a report
of an armed robbery. The victim, a 45 year old woman from Somerville,
stated that she pulled into the parking lot of Market Basket just
shortly before 11:30 a.m. As she placed her vehicle in park, the
suspect approached her drivers window and asked for a ride to the
hospital. She told him "no". The victim then observed that the suspect
was holding a large kitchen style knife in his hand.

The
suspect then ran over to the passenger side of her car and jumped into
the passenger seat, before the victim could reach over to lock the
door. Once inside the car, the suspect said "you're gonna give me a
ride", and he reached to grab the victim's pocketbook which was sitting
on the middle console. The victim grabbed her pocketbook and a struggle
ensued inside the car. The victim managed to get her pocketbook and
opened her door and falling onto the ground. The suspect then got out
of the passenger side of the car and ran around to the victim where he
began to punch her repeatedly on the head and back area. The victim was
also kicked in the back and stomach by the suspect as she screamed for
help.

At this point, the victim observed the suspect grab his
knife which had fallen to the ground during the beating. He then
grabbed the victim's pocketbook and fled on foot towards Union Square.
The suspect fled with a small amount of cash which was in her
pocketbook along with her bank ATM card. The victim was bruised and
sore from the attack but was not transported to a hospital

The
description of the suspect was as follows; white male, approximately
25-30 years old, 6'1, thin build, flat top hair cut neatly trimmed
wearing a grey long sleeved shirt with white lettering on the front,
blue jeans and white sneakers.

Anyone who was in the area of the
Market Basket lot shortly before 11:30 a.m. and saw this attack or has
any information about the identity of the suspect, is urged to contact
Somerville Police at 617 625-1212.

. .

Antonio Marcos Ferreira, 38, was arrested today in
Charlestown and charged with first degree murder. He will be arraigned
on Tuesday morning in Malden District Court.

According to
authorities, on Friday, October 2, Everett Police responded to a 911
call which had been made at 4:32 AM reporting a woman with multiple
stab wounds. Police went to 154 Main Street in response to the call and
discovered the victim, later identified as Sheila Dos Santos. She was
pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was transported to the
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and an autopsy was performed. The
ME ruled the victim's death a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds.

Everett
Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex
District Attorney's Office commenced an investigation into the
circumstances of the stabbing.

Based on that investigation, it
is alleged that the defendant stabbed the victim outside her apartment
multiple times earlier in the morning. The defendant and victim dated
off and on until nine months ago when the victim told him she no longer
wanted to date him. The defendant continued to pursue a dating
relationship with the victim, despite her rejection. It is alleged that
the defendant expressed extreme displeasure with her rejection of him,
ultimately stabbing and killing her when she returned home from work
early that morning.

Evidence has placed the defendant in the
vicinity of the murder at the time that it is alleged to have occurred.
DNA evidence has also further connected the defendant with the murder.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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

Our own Congressman Mike
Capuano, who is seeking the vacant Senate, seat is being seen all over
the state and being received very well…. But, if you would like to
help in any way, they can use volunteers down at headquarters on Third
Street in Cambridge. Would be nice to have the seat filled with Mike,
he will never disappoint you when he wants to get his point across to
you.

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

Happy Birthday this week Nurse Gay
Koty who works for the City Board of Health, many happy returns to her,
she's a very nice person and is a great nurse. Also a Happy Birthday
out to our own good friend Joe "aka Trooper Joe" Medeiros who will be
celebrating this Thursday. Joe's a great guy and we wish him many more
birthdays' celebrations to come.

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

We hear
that that property on Cross Street owned by the chairman of the Board
of Appeals is for sale, with the permits to build.Hopefully someone
will buy it and do something to add to that corner in East Somerville
and soon.

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

Alderman at Large Jack Connolly
recently received his third stripe brown belt in martial arts here in
Somerville; also he will be having fundraiser Oct. 15 at Orleans in
Davis Square 6-8 p.m. Another popular Alderman from Ward 4 also the
President of the Board of Alderman Walter Pero will be having a
fundraiser on Oct. 19 at the Bread & Company in Winter Hill. FYI if
you haven't been to the Bread & Co yet, you're in for a treat,
mention you saw it here when your ordering. They have the best breads
around.

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

Whose car was recently booted and
towed or unpaid parking tickets over in the Ten Hills on Shore Drive?
Seems like it could be a family member of a candidate for
alderman-at-large, or was it?

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

Get well to
Somerville Police Captain Mike Devereaux who was recently involved in a
crash while driving his Police bicycle, Captain Devereaux was
transported to and area hospital where he was treated for head and face
injuries for the crash. He is said to be doing better.

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

Join
the Teele Square restaurants celebrating their first annual "Teele
Square Fall Fest" that will be taking place on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 12
to 4p.m. Teele Square will be shut down for the day to traffic while
the restaurants take their menus to the streets, almost like and old
fashion block party.

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

Just a reminder:
Don't miss our own Jimmy DelPonte as he hits the keyboard at Amelia's
Kitchen in Teele Square on Thursday, Oct. 8 7-9p.m.

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

The
Somerville Lions Club will host at their headquarters (9 New Washington
St) a Somerville & Chinatown Lions Dinner Theater Show, starring
Joey Canzano, man of many voices. Also featured will be the hilarious
comedy of some of Boston's best stand up comics. The event happens
Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. Call King Lion,
our own Billy Tauro, at (617) 293-2016. All proceeds go to local
Somerville charities.

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

The Somerville News
will be hosting its third annual meet the public night at the Precinct
Bar in Union Square Wednesday Oct. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. All those
associated with the paper, including advertisers, people we did stories
on and anyone in the public come out and meet the publishers, editors,
and of course our own Cam, who writes Olio….

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

Condolences
this week to the family of retired Police Officer John Mahoney, aka to
all the other police as John Mahoney #1, who passed away last week. The
other retired Police officer, aka John Mahoney #2, passed away few
months back. The symbols #1 & #2 were the distinctions on how they
were called and answered to at roll call in the mornings down at the
station. They both were very nice guys and will surely be missed by all
that served with them and here in Somerville community.

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

Also
condolences to the family and friends of Dominic Ventreca, of Greater
Metropolitan Real Estate. Dominic was a great guy and will be missed by
many.

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

Don't forget about the Mason's open
house coming up on Saturday, Oct. 17 9a.m. to 3p.m. …. King Solomon's
Lodge which is going on 226 years will be giving a tour of the building
and all sorts of ancient items that the lodge has in its possession….
125 Highland Avenue rear building walk up the driveway or drive up to
the parking lot …rear building double doors and come in and ask all
your questions. Two lodges currently meet there…. King Solomon's
Lodge is the one that owns the building and is 226 years old;
Somerville Lodge is also located in the building and is almost 100
years old. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have
about Masonry and what it is.

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

Saint
Clements Parish is having its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Oct.
24 at the parish hall. Proceeds go to defray expenses at St. Clements
elementary and high school.

When times are tough and money is
tight, coming together to share this sense of community pride is an
important part of surviving mentally and emotionally and one of the key
benefits of living here. Of the different events and celebrations that
happen here, there are two that are considered more intimate than all
the rest.

The first one to come to mind is the wonderful July
4th celebration/fireworks we all enjoy on Broadway, courtesy of private
and business donations. For hours we gather together, eat some food,
enjoy some entertainment and then watch a spectacular fireworks display
in the middle of Broadway.

Sadly, July is long gone, and it has taken Summer with it.

Happily,
the other one will take place this coming Saturday – October 10th (if
there's rain, then it will be the following day, Sunday the 11th ) the
2nd Annual Riverfest will be along the bank of the Mystic River at
Assembly Square from 4pm to 8pm. Like the July 4th celebration, there
will be food, entertainment and of course capped off with a 30 minute
fireworks display.