Collecting sports memorabilia can become a game changer once the bug bites you. – Photo courtesy of Kenneth Gloss

By Kenneth Gloss

This is a reprinted article from the September 7, 2011, edition of The Somerville News. We present it again this week to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Fenway Park.

Since the incredible World Series win of 2004 by the Boston Red Sox, interest in all sports has increased and over the past 25 years, interest in sports collectibles has continued to skyrocket. Baseball has been particularly popular – it is the epitome of America. There is a little bit of baseball woven throughout much of the American story, and there are books to collect for every era, every team, every league and every standout player in the history of the game.

Part 2:  What I think it is
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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.)

Presuming to define love is an act of hubris. So please understand that I am writing about what love means to me.

I should explain that I’m not talking about the completely selfless love ancient Greeks called “agape” and Christians call “grace.” That is a love that is inspired by the beloved’s mere existence, and it endures no matter how pleasing or disgusting, kind or cruel, loving or hateful the beloved’s behavior may be.

By Jim Clark 

A complaint was called into Somerville Police last Friday as a woman reported that a man who was sitting in a vehicle parked at the Market Basket on Somerville Ave. was exposing himself to passers by at that location.

Anika Gregg, Special Projects Coordinator of Stand for Children Massachusetts.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Stand for Children Leadership Center Massachusetts recently launched a contest called Our Heroes, which was designed to recognize and to reward outstanding public school teachers. The contest will award $1,000 to as many as five such teachers to use for classroom supplies or for professional development expenses.

By Donald Norton

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce presented the 7th Business Town Meeting with Mayor Joseph Curtatone to the local business community on Wednesday evening before a small but packed house of about 150 business and community leaders. Downstairs at the recently renovated Davis Square Theater, Mayor Curtatone gave a positive and upbeat assessment of where we are as a city and were we are going. The crowd was very responsive to the Mayor’s talk, which lasted a little over an hour, he entertained questions from the floor on a variety of subjects ranging from the MBTA Green and Orange line extensions. When asked when the Assembly Square development would be starting, the Mayor responded that it has already begun. A community of 2100 housing units, mixed stores and restaurants, as well as a five-acre waterfront park for the area, is all under development right now. Mayor Curtatone and the business community joined afterwards for a reception in the new Saloon Bar, which is a recent addition to Davis Square. The event, sponsored annually by the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, was another success.

(~Photos  by William Tauro)

Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente is advocating for WiFi installations in Somerville parks.

By Savath Yong

Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente proposes Wireless Internet Access (WiFi) at Somerville parks. Lafuente said that in the past offering WiFi in public areas would have been extremely costly but he presented a resolution asking the city to explore other venues to add WiFi capabilities.

Chief Thomas Pasquarello has announced that beginning April 11, the Somerville Police Department will increase enforcement of bicycle traffic regulations under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85 which was recently revised and updated.

~Photo by William Tauro

Wednesday, April 11,  Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced the new Middlesex Sheriff’s Office TRIAD Program at an event  with Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone. The event took place at the Winter Hill Yacht Club with the Somerville Council on Aging.

By Alexandra Botti

Mayor Joseph Curatone met Monday with youth from The Center for Teen Empowerment who are planning the upcoming Sixth Annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference on April 28. In preparation for the event, participating Somerville teens discussed Conference plans with the Mayor, who will take part in the event, and presented work they are creating for the occasion. At the heart of their performance pieces are issues affecting Somerville teens, along with ideas for positive change.

Laura Gonzalez has struggled with the negative connotations of being labeled “illegal” for many years, even though she has actively sought US citizenship at every possible opportunity. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Undocumented immigrants have an upward battle when it comes to becoming citizens, but on April 2 the youth advocates from a local organization for immigrant rights chalked up a victory.