Life in the Ville 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)

There were lots of visitors to the old neighborhoods of Somerville. Visiting vendors, that is.  We saw the trusty milkman delivering those thick glass bottles for years. Remember the sound of the bottles clinking together in the metal cases? We heard the fruit man singing out “strawberries…raspberries…CHE–EEEE-RIES!” The Dydee diaper truck, the knife sharpener and ice cream man were always dropping by also.

By Jim Clark

Police officers took custody of a suspected shoplifter as he attempted to flee from store personnel at the Market Basket last week.

The officers were reportedly told that a man, Michael England, 30, was observed stuffing a package of pork ribs into his pocket by the store manager.

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)

I’ve often heard that it’s unwise to discuss religion or politics in polite company. Having been raised by politically conservative fundamentalist Christians, I heard both topics discussed often and together from the time that I could understand words. And I will be discussing them both in this and the following column.

The athletic prowess of the members of the Somerville Boxing Club are set to have their abilities tested at the big fight night on August 23 at Dilboy Stadium. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The second annual boxing tournament at Dilboy Stadium is quickly approaching, and all the boxers at the Somerville Boxing Club are training for the big fight night on Aug. 23.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer working a security detail at Market Basket last Sunday afternoon was approached by a woman who said that her purse had been stolen while she was inside the store, according to reports.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Protecting the environment and making your daily life easier do not have to be in conflict. As more and more people realize the importance of being green, making environmentally friendly choices is becoming simpler and more accessible. It’s that last part, accessibility, where government can step in and make the green choice the easy choice. Take the zero-sort recycling program that Somerville fully adopted in October 2011. Within nine months of eliminating the need to separate cans and bottles from paper and cardboard when recycling at home, the city’s recycling totals increased by 51 percent.

The new development on Broadway has its supporters and detractors, each eager to have the Somerville Planning Board see it their way. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

A new residential and commercial project at the edge of Somerville has been stalled because of concerns that the property under development is too close to the neighboring house.

‘Odysseo’ opens to standing ovation; extended to Sept. 1
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Cavalia’s ‘Odysseo’ will continue its run at Assembly Row through September 1. – Photo by François Bergeron

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Cavalia’s Odysseo opened at Somerville’s Assembly Row on August 7 to a completely full house. Skeptics have said the production could not possibly live up to all the advance hype generated by the U.S. premiere of the largest touring show in the world. But nearly all of the 2,000 spectators in the opening night audience were on their feet with a standing ovation as soon as the curtain call began.

Have you heard about Spirit of Somerville? Well you’re about to. It’s the name of the book that has been written by one of Somerville outstanding good guys, former mayor and recently retired Middlesex County Registrar of Deeds, our own Eugene “Gene” Brune. He’s finally done it. Gene has penned his book that is being released soon, Spirit of Somerville. It’s all about his growing up here in the city he has loved, his family, his political carrier of over 40 years right up to his recent departure at the Registry of Deeds. Frankly, we don’t know how he found the time to do this with all the volunteer work he has done here in the city with many of the nonprofit organizations, helping to raise funds to support them and their causes, especially if it’s about Somerville and its residents. Gene has made a point to be present at several book signings this coming September, so get ready and get in line. It seems like everyone has been touched by Gene Brune in this city over the years, so now we all get to see if he’s mentioned you in his book. The first signing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, at the Arts at the Armory on Highland Avenue, from 7-9 p.m. If you miss that then be at the Mount Vernon Restaurant on lower Broadway on Tuesday, September 10, again 7-9 p.m. The third signing will be Wednesday, September 18, at The Book Shop, Ball Square. Gene is a great guy, and has given so much here in the city to a lot of people. His book covers decades of life here in Somerville. We’re going to be at one of the signings, are you?

There has been a lot of discussion lately regarding the highly debatable pros and cons of the many city sponsored outdoor events taking place lately.

Many argue that the profuse number of street closures occurring to facilitate the foot races, festivals, etc., place too much of a burden on a significant number of residents who would rather see these events moved to other locations.