On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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.)

It’s a well-known fact that Marshmallow Fluff was invented in Somerville and everyone has enjoyed a Fluffernutter sandwich. I posted a question on Facebook looking for what people think should be the official food of Somerville. This is a strange time to be doing this type of survey because the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge just kicked off. I got so many suggestions that I decided to just list as many as I could. Here are some of Somerville’s favorite treats both past and present.

Youth leaders work to prevent smoking as part of National “Kick Butts Day”

Somerville Special Positive Forces Junior Edition (SPFJr.), a youth group within the City’s Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) program in the Health Department, celebrated “Kick Butts Day” on Wednesday, March 22 by chalking facts and messages pertaining to tobacco on the sidewalks.  SPFJr. youth promoted the fact that 85% of Somerville High School students DO NOT smoke and that smoking is NOT the norm as reported on the 2010 SHS Student Health Survey.  SPFJr. is a group of Somerville middle school students that works to reduce youth substance abuse and related issues.  “Kick Butts Day” is a special a day for activism where youth are encouraged to “Stand Out, Speak Up, and Seize Control of Big Tobacco.” Youth get to choose whichever activity they want to educate, attract, and inspire others around issues related to tobacco and addiction.

The McGrath Highway project was recently discussed in detail by MassDOT representatives and local officials. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Cathleen Twardzik

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is currently conducting a study entitled Grounding McGrath: Determining the Future of the Route 28 Corridor (Grounding McGrath Study).

The study will seek not only to balance the needs of all transportation users, but also to facilitate connections along the corridor, and to encourage development, which will have a positive impact on the neighborhoods, as well as on the area, as a whole.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to the Kmart store on Middlesex Ave. last Sunday in response to a reported case of shoplifting.

Upon arrival, officers questioned store loss prevention personnel as to the activities of the man being held.

Somerville High School’s new Headmaster John Oteri is hitting the ground running and optimistic about the future of the city’s educational programs.~Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville Schools Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi announced last week that John Oteri will be the new headmaster of Somerville High School when the next school year begins in September. He succeeds current headmaster Tony Ciccariello, who is stepping down after six years for health reasons.

Patrick Coman and the Lo-Fi Angels take flight at Arts at the Armory's Spring Ramble this Friday night. – Photo by Jack Hirschorn

By Max Sullivan

The first ever Spring Ramble will be flying “lo” this Friday night at the Armory as the event’s roots rock headliners, Patrick Coman and the Lo-Fi Angels, will be celebrating the release of their first EP, Let It Ring.

A Randolph man has been arraigned on charges alleging that he physically assaulted a female victim and discharged a stolen firearm after breaking into her Somerville apartment, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to a complaint of disorderly passengers bothering people on a MBTA bus last Thursday.

Officers arrived at the High School on Highland Ave., where the bus had been stopped, and questioned the driver about the nature of the disturbance.

Senator Sal DiDomenico joined local officials from across the Commonwealth at the 6th Annual Shannon Grant Day at the State House, to discuss the importance of the Shannon Grant and effective ways to combat youth and gang violence in our communities. He is pictured above with(L) Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash and(R) Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

By Francisco L. White

Officials welcomed citizens to the Massachusetts State House on Thursday morning to discuss Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposed funding increase for The Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative, known as the Shannon Grant.