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.)

Twinkies and Foodmaster, taken from us in the same month? I remember seeing the tall and very well dressed John De Jesus in the Ball Square (Johnnie’s) Foodmaster back in the 60’s. Popping in and out of the Clarendon Hill store (also known as the Alewife store) was easy for me when I needed a few groceries.

“Normal Red Line train service will operate between Alewife and Harvard Stations on Saturday, December 8, through Sunday, December 9, 2012. The scheduled weekend Red Line diversion has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for Spring 2013.”

Per the MBTA Web site…

Shortly before 9:15 p.m. on Saturday evening, December 1, Somerville Police received multiple reports of gunshots in the area of Evergreen Avenue and Marshall Street. Police Units responded and were directed to a nearby residence where they located a 24 year old male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Mass. General Hospital.

By Jim Clark

Police stopped a car last Friday because a Massachusetts license plate was improperly displayed in the rear window of the vehicle. Additionally, a Connecticut plate showed on the rear bumper of the car.

Part 1:  Good medicine
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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.)

Only 20.8% of ‘Villens who voted in last month’s election opposed Question 3, the ballot measure that legalizes and regulates the medical use of cannabis. But officials in nearby Wakefield and Reading have already banned treatment centers. Those in Melrose and Peabody are considering bans. And politicians in Boston, Framingham, and Quincy are discussing narrow restrictions.

Brownfield Renewal Magazine, a national publication featuring brownfields – contaminated properties poised for redevelopment – programs and projects, announced this week that its 2012 Person of the Year is Somerville Senior Planner, Steven Azar, who manages the City of Somerville’s Brownfields Program through the Economic Development Division of the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development.  Azar was selected from a pool of 23 nominees nationwide that included city mayors, chief executives and executive directors of brownfields programs across the country.  The magazine honors one individual each year from the brownfield industry who has demonstrated the ability to innovate, collaborate across multiple industry disciplines, and capture a unique vision of how to effect real change and generate positive results.

The good people of Properzi Manor, 13-25 Warren Avenue, Somerville, have been busy little elves working hard to make this area, both inside and outside, the Christmas fantasy patrons have enjoyed throughout the many years, passing on from generation to generation the Christmas holiday joy that goes on long after the holiday season and into the next coming year. Waving their wands of wonder so Santa can work his magic at the appropriate time are the master crafts of Wizard Elves Bob Donovan and Andy Levesque, whose tools bring excitement to all ages.

– William Tauro

By Jim Clark

A reported shoplifting incident brought police to the Sports Authority store on Middlesex Ave. last week.

Responding officers were told by the store’s loss prevention personnel that a woman, later identified as Jean Larosa, 56, had been spotted placing articles of clothing from the store into a bag and that she attempted to leave the store without paying. She was detained by security and held until police arrived.

Income-eligible households may apply for interest-free heating system replacement loan

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Housing Director Dana LeWinter announced today that the Housing Division of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development is currently accepting applications for the Heating System Replacement Program. The program supplies interest-free loans of up to $4,500 to replace a faulty or inefficient heating system for owner-occupant homeowners. Loan eligibility is based on total gross income for the household, as well as number of residents.  The loans are interest-free and may be forgivable after three years provided that the home remains the homeowner’s primary residence.

Meet Charlie Bubbles – the book, that is, as actor/author Paul Carafotes brings a fantasy world to life.

‘The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles’ hits the bookshelves
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By Jim Clark

Somerville born and raised actor Paul Carafotes is no stranger to the creative process. His highly successful career in film and television has led him down many paths in the entertainment industry. His latest endeavor, however, breaks new ground for him as he offers up a children’s book, The Adventures of Charlie Bubbles.