And the brass will crash, and the trumpets bray, and they’ll cut a dash at HONK! Festival 2012. – Photo by Joseph Gresser

By Cathleen Twardzik

From October 4 to October 8, HONK! Festival 2012, which is the seventh annual festival of “socio-political activist street bands/variety of styles,” will take place in Somerville.

At least 34 activist street bands, all of whom hail from Somerville to Italy, will participate.

The Somerville High School Girls Freshman Volleyball team is off to a great start on the season. The girls are 5-1 with wins against Lawrence, Everett, Malden, Medford, and Methuen.

“They are a good, solid team of 16,” said coach Krista Invernizzi, who is in her third year as the freshman coach. “With 16 girls, there is plenty of opportunity to teach girls to specialize in bumping, setting, and hitting, but they all are learning to serve which is important for making the JV team next year.”

Panelists discuss Social Security and Medicare at Tufts Forum. Left to right: Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Massachusetts Secretary of Elder Affairs, Ann Hartstein, Congressman Michael Capuano, Christie Hager, Director of Health and Human Services for the New England Region, Associate Professor Raymond R. Hyatt PhD., Director of Government Relations and Policy for the National Committee for the Preservation of Social Security and Medicare, Dan Adcock.~Photo by Terence Clarey

By Terence Clarey

Education was the goal of a forum presented by Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare last Friday at the Cohen Auditorium in the Aidekman Center for the Arts on the campus of Tufts University. The discussion, which was moderated by Mayor Curtatone, consisted of a panel of speakers answering questions about Social Security and Medicare, discussing possible changes in the programs, and highlighting the urgency of maintaining these programs.

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce monthly “Business After Hours” meeting is Thursday, October 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This month it’s at the Foundry at 255 Elm Street, Davis Square. It’s a great event for all Chamber members, as well as any businesses here in the city, to network and meet and greet each other. Sponsored this month by Cubby Oil. No cover, free appetizers, and free business card drawing. For reservations email Steve Mackey at the Chamber: smackey@somervillechamber.org.

By Blake Maddux

Approximately 20 people, including Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, gathered at the Cross Street Senior Center on Wednesday to hear a talk about the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative, which will appear as Question 3 on the state ballot on November 6, 2012.

100 Year Old Somerville Resident Wilbur Smith

By William Tauro

Longtime Somerville resident Wilbur Smith turned 100 years old this past Sunday, September 30. Helping to celebrate Wilbur’s 100th birthday was Wilbur’s landlord Bert Faulkner, Building Manager Elizabeth Campbell and her staff who threw a birthday party for him in the top floor penthouse function facility of the Faulkner Towers on Highland Avenue in Somerville.

Ida Azzolino is now 100 years young.

By Donald Norton

About 150 relatives and friends celebrated this past Saturday the 100th Birthday of Ida Azzolino.

A huge crowd crunched into the Masonic Hall on Highland Avenue to have lunch and celebrate with Ida.

Nevada Senator Harry Reid  took part in the promotion ceremony of his former military fellow, Army Major Michael K. Lynch. Senator Reid was joined by Major Lynch’s parents, Joseph and Joan Lynch of Dracut, Massachusetts, and other former military fellows. “I am honored to have a military fellow work in my office each year, and Mike Lynch, a former fellow, served with great distinction,” said Reid. “Major Lynch has exhibited qualities of bravery and honor and I have no doubt that he will be an effective leader in the United States Army for years to come.”

We certainly take pride in the creativity and industrious nature of our fellow citizens and institutions. It’s basic human nature to want to take stock in what we value and celebrate these things with one another. But just how much celebrating is necessary on the whole, and at what cost?

The Somerville News Person of the Week, Eugene Leonard III.

Meet Eugene Leonard III, resident here in the ‘Ville, as well as self-employed and in business with his father. It’s “Gene” to his friends, and he’s got a lot going on here in Somerville. He is a very nice, kind hearted guy who is down to earth and genuine. He is originally from Winchester, but moved here to Somerville to help his father in his real estate business. Gene’s sort of like a handyman, a guy who knows how to do a little of everything. He likes collecting and talking about old records and the latest artists on the rise. To get back into what was common with everyone back in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, and find good prices on some real antique albums.