As the Current climate of attacks on labor become more and more prevalent, it is even more important for organized labor to support political candidates who value principles of good government and the role of union workers in such a government. To that end, the Somerville Labor Coalition, a coalition of all City of Somerville public employee unions, announces its political endorsements after a thoughtful and fair process of vetting candidates.

Dear George Landers, Mayor Curtatone,

When we travel the streets of Somerville, take a stroll on the sidewalk, or play in the public parks we are benefiting from services provided by the City of Somerville’s Public Works Department.  On behalf of nearly 100 youth softball families, 10 organization board members and coaches, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the City employees who work tirelessly throughout the year to make playing softball in Somerville possible.  All of you help make the City of Somerville the best run city in Massachusetts and we thank you for all of your hard work. Our thanks is one that is well-deserved.

Arrests:
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Mario Correa, 60, of 30 Dewest, Dorchester, September 9, 2:39 p.m., arrested at 105 Puritan Rd. on a warrant charge of abuse prevention order violation.

Henry Flores-Chavez, 23, of 8 Chester Ave., Chelsea, September 10, 12:58 p.m., arrested at Cross St. on a warrant charge of miscellaneous statutory violation.

The Sherman Cafe in Union Square, Somerville was pulsing with energy one summer morning. In the corner of the cafe was a young woman who was pitching an idea for a non-profit to a graying man, with a black suit and shades.  In another corner a young couple was discussing an educational consulting project they were involved in.

Timothy Gager (the co-founder of The Somerville News Writers Festival) sent an essay to us about a new collection of poetry of his that has been released and the life experience that influenced it.

Please join Governor Deval Patrick, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Federal Realty Trust, and DCR to celebrate the official opening of Baxter State Park at Assembly Row on Wed., Sept. 18, 4 to 6 p.m.

A formal speaking program and ribbon cutting to celebrate the new 6.1-acre park on the banks of the Mystic River will be followed by a picnic with hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, music and fun for the whole family. Bring your picnic blankets and baskets.

For the eighth annual “What the Fluff?” festival we go super-sized, big as a giant gorilla conquering Prospect Hill.

What the Fluff?: A Tribute to Union Square Invention honors the illustrious Fluff creator, Archibald Query, who concocted the gooey sticky spread right here in Union Square in 1917.  On Saturday, September 28, 2013 local artists, musicians, theatrical performers, inventors, and humorists pay madcap tribute to the creation of this great American foodstuff on two stages.

Nicholas Gangi’s lifelong love of table tennis has earned him accolades and given him special satisfaction throughout the years. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

There’s a man in Somerville who has devoted his later life to the game of table tennis. His name is Nicholas Gangi. He’s 85 and still playing. Just recently he was awarded the gold medal in the 2013 National Senior Games of Table Tennis. But that wasn’t the first time Gangi has received medals for his skills.

As a boy, Gangi belonged to the YMCA on Huntington Avenue in Boston. He would play table tennis near the billiards room. “I used to try to get in there whenever I can, and whenever there was an opponent around,” he recalls. “It was difficult to find people that wanted to play.” Gangi frequented that YMCA for nearly 8 years.

The Somerville Foundation for Animals,  announces the 4th Annual Somerville Dog Festival.  The festival will be held at Trum Field on Broadway, Sunday September 15, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m..  Food for the event will be provided by RedBones BBQ.  Admission is free but donations accepted.

The 6th Annual Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day 4 Mile Road Race benefitting the Brian Higgins Foundation will be held on Sunday, September 15, hosted by the Pub. This year the race will be run in honor of Sean Collier, SPD #310. Walkers start at 10:00 a.m., runners at 10:30 a.m., 682 Broadway, Somerville. For more information on the foundation and race visit www.thebrianhigginsfoundation.org.