By Jim Clark 

In response to citizen complaints, The Somerville Police Department Narcotics/Vice Unit launched an investigation into allegations of prostitution at Lai Lai Spa on Highland Ave.

Director Regina Bertholdo (standing, right), along with parent liaison Herenia Hernandez, assists parents at the Somerville Schools Parent Information Center. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

Regina Bertholdo, CASPAR honored for service to women

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Once a year during Women’s History Month in March, the Somerville Commission for Women shines a spotlight on a few of those unsung heroes who are making a difference in the community. This year the commission will honor Regina Bertholdo as “Somerville Woman of Excellence,” and CASPAR as Somerville’s “Best Service Provider to Women.”

A very special Happy Birthday to our good friend Danny Spinosa who lives between FLA and here in the ‘Ville on Winter Hill. Danny’s a nice happy-go-lucky guy, and why not? He has great and loyal family and friends over the years. He’s 90 years old, and a former WWII veteran. In his day he was a very political behind the scenes guy for many aldermen and mayors here. We wish him the best and can’t wait till his 100th.

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.)

There was a great piece in the March 18 Boston Globe Magazine entitled “Top 11 Mass. cities and towns for home values.”  The story documented a select group of communities where average home values were higher in 2011 than they were in 2005, and Somerville, with a 3.9 percent gain during that period, made the list. As author Saumya Vaishampayan observed, “Some of the winning communities – such as Somerville, Charlestown, and Jamaica Plain – are especially attractive to young professionals, particularly since home prices in these spots are more within reach (though still well over the state median).”

Pi Night adds up to a fun celebration of learning for it’s own sake, as kids and teachers alike explore the joys of math.

By Harry Kane

Pi Night is celebrated annually at elementary schools in Somerville to reinforce mathematics in a fun and challenging atmosphere.

Stella Days, one of the films in the 13th Annual Irish Film Festival running March 22-25.

By Amanda Rhodes

The 13^th annual Irish Film Festival, Boston, is coming to Somerville once again this year. The festival, founded in 1999, showcases contemporary Irish films, but features at least one gem from the past.

Meet Gerry Flemming, a lifelong resident of Somerville, and a great guy with a sense of humor that never stops. Gerry is married to his long time friend  Mary and has two children all raised here in the ‘Ville. Gerry is a political wizard of sorts. A behind the scenes type of person, and has been involved in many local political campaigns and statewide races as well. A lifelong Democrat and loyal to the party, he’s been to every Democratic convention probably since he was old enough to vote. Gerry was the owner of the first Irish Pub here in the city before it was fashionable to have an Irish Pub, “The Blarney Stone” in Davis Sq. located in the basement of the old Wood bridge Inn. There were lines out the door and around the corner, with people waiting sometimes in the rain to get in to see his live bands and entertainment. Even better if you knew Gerry – and who doesn’t know him? – you should get to meet him. Gerry is kind and generous and still works at his job at the Sectary of State’s office. A man with a sense of humor, he is a good loyal friend to many old time residents and new residents alike. Say “Hi” to him on the T on his way to and from work.

It used to be so simple, didn’t it? Back in the horse and buggy days. One bought or rented a building on a piece of land, hung a shingle and commenced business. Or likewise settle in to raise a family in domestic bliss, with no one of consequence to answer to.

Arrests:
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Anguel Momtchilov, 22, of 54 Upland Rd., March 12, 10:57 p.m., arrested at 17 Holland St. on a charge of assault and battery.

Anna Federico, 49, of 48 William St., Medford, March 13, 10:16 a.m., arrested at 110 Broadway on a warrant charge of larceny by check over $250.

Fredrick Federico, 55, of 48 William St., Medford, March 13, 10:16 a.m., arrested at 110 Broadway on a warrant charge of larceny by check over $250.

Ariel Freiberg is a 30 something artist who recently moved from across the river (I mean the Charles not our beloved Mystic)in Brookline, Mass. to the Paris of New England, Somerville, Mass. Freiberg said wanted to be closer to her space at the Vernon St. Studios. She reports that she really likes the vibe in our happening burg, and believes it is a good fit . The young artist told me amidst the din of a Saturday morning Bagel Bard meeting at the Au Bon Pain Cafe in Davis Square: ” I feel part of the larger connective tissue of art-making disciplines that abound in the city.” Freiberg finds that artists and art of all stripes inform her artwork, and I was pleased to hear literature is a component of it as well.