Solicited donations from his subordinates for a campaign fundraiser for then-Sheriff DiPaola
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The State Ethics Commission approved a Disposition Agreement (“Agreement”) in which Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (“MSO”) Senior Deputy Sheriff Michael Jackson (“Jackson”) admitted to violating G.L. c. 268A, the conflict of interest law, by soliciting donations for a campaign fundraiser for then-Sheriff James DiPaola (“DiPaola”) from subordinate MSO employees during work hours.  Pursuant to the Agreement, Jackson paid a $5,000 civil penalty.

The occupation forces were decidedly peaceful in Davis Square this week. – Photo by Andrew Firestone

 By Andrew Firestone

In this holiday season, the First Church of Somerville decided to go tongue-in-cheek, recreating the Christmas story in Davis Square with a flavor of ‘Occupy.’ With no room or inn to let them stay, church members dressed as Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus sat out occupying Davis Square, as kings and courtiers presented gifts and wished them well, singing carols the whole way through.

The stickers serve as reminders for adults not to purchase alcohol to minors this holiday season.

By Savath Young

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Cares About Prevention’s (SCAP) youth group, “Somerville Positive Forces” will work together to distribute between 7,000 and 15,000 warning stickers to discourage the purchase of alcohol to minors at half of the 27 liquor store retailers, bars and restaurants this holiday season.

Opposition to the SCPS rises to be recognized. – Photo by Andrew Firestone

SPCS brings out passion at debate

By Andrew Firestone

It was a packed house at the Somerville High auditorium this last Wednesday, December 14, more audience members than this reporter has ever seen at any public hearing. This circumstance, a hearing before the state Board of Secondary and Elementary Education, was one of the most divisive seen in years, as community members sparred back and forth over the proposal of a new charter school geared towards English Language Learners.

We wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, which starts today, and a Merry Christmas this coming weekend. We hope everyone has an enjoyable and peaceful time, gathering with family and friends.

Fire Department to receive $217,862

By Andrew Firestone

Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry managed to work together last week, bringing home an additional $1.28 million in federal funds for Massachusetts Fire Departments.

$217,862 will go to Somerville to be used to help fund equipment, such as vehicles and fire suits.

Regina Bertholdo is looking out for the neediest of kids in Somerville.

By Harry Kane

Down the street from Somerville’s City Hall, Regina Bertholdo takes stock of 49 homeless children’s whereabouts as the holiday season approaches. The small office with a window sits on the ground level of the parent informational center on Prescott Street. With the window open and the heat on full blast, the beautiful Brazilian with the heart of gold leaned back in her chair and acknowledged the homeless epidemic plaguing our society.

City awaits state approval

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville officials announced last week that they are awaiting the approval for a $5.8 million from the School Building Authority, a low-interest loan meant to bridge a budget gap for the destroyed school.

Somerville poet Samantha Milowsky has for the past few years immersed herself in the Boston area literary scene. Milowsky, a software technology executive is the founder and managing editor of Amethyst Arsenic and her work has appeared in magazines like the 2River View, White Whale Review,The Written Wardrobe, and is forthcoming Revolution House. She is now involved with the Mass. Poetry Festival’s Small Book Fair that is to be held in Salem, Mass–during National Poetry Month-April 2012, as a part of the larger festival. I recently had a chance to chat with Milowsky:

Well a friend of mine at the Bagel Bards told me that our State Rep. Denise Provost is in a workshop that he participates in and she is a damn fine poet. We need more legislative poets–don’t you agree? Anyway I called her up and she sent me these two–for you!