On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article originally appeared in The Somerville News on October 28, 2009.

(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.)

The worst part about trick or treating was trying to fit that flimsy costume over your bulky winter coat if it was cold out – but it didn’t stop us from having a blast. I can’t begin to tell you how much my son’s mask and accessories set me back this year. It’s shameful. My justification was how excited he got when he put on the get-up and wore it to a classmates costume party.

On Tuesday morning, shortly after 11:00 a.m., the Citizens Bank at 40 Union Square was robbed.  The suspect passed a note demanding cash and threatened that she had a gun.  The suspect then fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a white female, 5’ 1” in height, medium build.  She was wearing a dark jacket and dark hooded sweat shirt and white pants.  She also had a scarf across her face.  The suspect fled the bank on foot.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

After weeks of study and discussion, the Somerville Board of Aldermen approved pay raises for non-union city employees at its regular meeting last Thursday.

Approximately 150 city workers’ pay rates will be increased after nearly six years with no raises. It was determined that Somerville offered much lower salaries than comparable cities elsewhere of comparable size.

An uprooted tree and split utility pole created a potentially dangerous situation on Browning Road. More than 10 homes were evacuated, and residents sheltered at Holiday Inn until Tuesday morning.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, City officials – DPW, Police, Fire, and school officials – continue the cleanup efforts throughout the City of Somerville.  The storm, which included winds in excess of 70 miles per hour over a twelve-hour period,  inflicted  uprooted and fallen trees, downed power lines and other reported electrical outages, and some significant damage to municipal, school, and residential buildings.  Roof damage was reported at several residences, as well as City Hall, and significant roof damage was discovered late Monday evening at Somerville High School, closing the auditorium until further notice.  Though no serious injuries were reported in Somerville, more than ten homes were evacuated Monday afternoon on Browning Road due to uprooted trees threatening gas lines.  No gas main was ruptured, and residents who had been displaced have since returned to their homes. 

We wish a Happy Halloween to all the kids tonight. Enjoy a safe and bountiful evening of candies and other treats.

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The Somerville Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting of the Membership and Board of Directors is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 31, at Winter Hill Bank, 5 Cutter Avenue, Davis Square. Elections of the Class of 2015 and Officers 2012-2013 will be held. Chamber Members RSVP “Annual Meeting” to smackey@somervillechamber.org

– Photos by Kathleen A. Houghton

The Annual Pumpkin Stroll took place this past Sunday. About 80 people braved the rain to stroll from Davis Square to Lexington Ave. Park for some fun and games.

Who can resist the challenge of presenting one’s best beard at Beardfest, Saturday, November 3, at the Arts at the Armory? – Photo courtesy of Somerville Arts Council

By Cathleen Twardzik

It’s time to get your beard in perfect shape because it’s beard contest time.

On November 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Beardfest, a Somerville Arts Council (SAC) event, will occur at the armory this year for the first time.  It has already taken place for two years elsewhere.

As we mop up after the passage of Hurricane Sandy, then do our best to give the little ones some semblance of normalcy as they look to celebrate Halloween, we are triply tasked with searching our souls for the right answers to questions posed at the ballot box next week.

Eagle Feathers #12 – A mascot

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Tufts University was founded in 1852, and its campus bridges the cities of both Medford and Somerville. Almost all of the original professors, as well as the university’s largest land donor and namesake, Mr. Charles Tufts, resided in Somerville.