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.)

Music is an incredibly important part of the fabric of this city. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s part of our culture and our way of life here in Somerville. In recent years, we’ve increased music education in our public schools, allocating more resources to what we view as an important tool for boosting academic success from a young age. And that’s just one reason why we’ve supported the international El Sistema program and why we’re piloting it in our own East Somerville Community School.

– Photo by Wiliam Tauro

By William Tauro

Newly elected South Middlesex County Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone was officially sworn into office early Wednesday morning by former Registrar Gene Brune.

An architect’s rendering of the building planned for 181 Washington Street.

By The News Staff

As we usher in the new year, it is always worthwhile to look back and survey the events of the year gone by. Through the reportage of The Somerville News staff, we can assemble an overview of the notable events of 2012.

By Harry Kane

General George Washington rode in on horseback, followed by his colonial cronies, reenacting the flag-raising ceremony traditionally celebrated annually every New Year’s Day in Somerville’s Prospect Hill Park.

105-year-old Anne Glennon (right) says she owes her longevity to “clean living.” – Photo by Nick Moorhead

By Nick Moorhead

This past week, Anne Glennon celebrated her 105th birthday with her friends at Little Sisters of the Poor in Somerville. Anne has lived there since she was 85. “By now, I should own half of it,” she quips.

Happy New Year everyone, all our friends both here in the ‘Ville and outside the ‘Ville. Hopefully, 2013 will be a great year for all of us. A prosperous and healthy New Year to all.    

The Somerville News Person of the Year 2012, Eugene C. Brune.

Retiring Middlesex County Registrar of Deeds, former Mayor of Somerville, former Alderman Ward 6 and former Board of Health member, Eugene C. Brune, is a man who has many friends both here in Somerville and elsewhere.

By Mike Stoller

It’s too early in the season to even predict the possible finish, but the Somerville High boys basketball team can only hope to have the same results with its Greater Boston League schedule as it’s had with its non-league games.

Arrests:
*

Eugene Silva, 52, December 22, 11:24 a.m., arrested on warrant charges of threat to commit a crime and abuse prevention order violation.

Daniel Cunha, 32, of 9 Pinckney Pl., December 23, 2:45 p.m., arrested at 299 Broadway on charges of possession of a class A drug, shoplifting by concealing merchandise, and possession of a class E drug.

Recently on my show Poet to Poet: Writer to Writer on Somerville Community Access TV I had the opportunity to interview two accomplished poets who were visiting from London:  Sue Guiney and Ruth O’Callaghan.