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.)

Two recent events have gotten me thinking a lot about Somerville’s recent past, and how it still shapes our present and future.

The first event was a November 18 retirement party at the Somerville Holiday Inn for former Mayor (and soon-to-be-former Middlesex Register of Deeds) Gene Brune.   Gene’s party not only drew his proud family and countless friends, but also attracted many notable figures from state and local government, past and present; They lined up to celebrate with Gene and his family, and to offer Gene some well-earned praise for his enduring contributions to Somerville and the Commonwealth. (More about that later.)

“Early Morning, Pt. Pleasant” by Jane Sherrill. 2′ X 6′, acrylic on wood panels. August 2012.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Does the ocean intrigue you? If it does, or if you simply enjoy viewing art, then an upcoming Somerville-based exhibit will prove of interest to you.

By Jim Clark

Patrolling officers spotted an erratically operating vehicle on the road in the early hours of last Sunday, and suspected that the operator might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to reports.

Police said that the vehicle was swerving left and right and traveling at about 5 mph as it proceeded eastbound along Broadway.

Join the City of Somerville, WalkBoston, and author Jeff Speck for a book discussion of Speck’s latest work, “Walkable City:  How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time” on Thursday, November 29 at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square beginning at 6:30pm.  The event is free and open to the public.

Shoppers enjoyed a beautiful day in Davis Square on Black Friday.

Merchants launch Shift Your Shopping campaign
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By Elizabeth Sheeran

If malls and big box stores were the front lines on Black Friday, Somerville’s commercial districts were a welcome respite away from the battlefield.

Evora signed a Letter of Intent last week, pledging to play at St. Michael’s College.Indira Evora (center) and her parents, Ed and Isabel Bean.

GBL MVP to play basketball for St. Michael’s College
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Somerville High School senior Indira Evora took the next step in her illustrious basketball career at a signing ceremony on November 19 at Somerville High School, inking a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period to play for the St. Michael’s College Purple Knights next year.

A Holiday Toy Drive at the Big Kmart located in the Assembly Square Mall in Somerville occurred on Saturday during Black Friday Weekend. Santa, along with his elves, asked shoppers to kindly drop off their unwrapped toys into the rear of the ambulance. The good people at Cataldo Ambulance, Kmart, the Somerville Housing Authority and, of course, Santa sponsored the drive this year, hoping that shoppers would fill that ambulance up to the top for the kids.

Arrests:
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Kelvin Lewis, 22, of 105 Draper, Dorchester, November 21, 7:36 p.m., arrested at 388 Somerville Ave. on charges of assault and battery and disorderly conduct.

Howard John, 29, of 21 Carlton St., November 22, 2:02 a.m., arrested at 21 Sewall St. on a charge of disorderly conduct.

MBTA bus shelters like this one must follow court ordered guidelines when it comes to the types of advertising they display. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

When Somerville resident Renée Scott spotted an over sized poster advertising the video game Assassin’s Creed III prominently displayed at an MBTA bus shelter in Union Square she was more than a bit taken aback by the graphic imagery utilized in the ad.

Nine artists from Vernon Street Studios have created new mural panels recently installed on the Central Street-facing side of the Rogers Foam building in Somerville.