The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), this community’s anti-poverty agency, received a $10,000 targeted grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for CAAS’ work to prevent homelessness.

To know what we are, we must know where we come from. The past is often muddled, memory fails us, often familial histories are selective and leave out the painful moments. Somerville artist Hope Ricciardi addresses her ancestral past through her evocative art. Sadly, past generations of her clan were victims of the Armenian Genocide. This tragic event occurred in the early part of the last century when many Armenians were slaughtered or thrown into a diaspora by the Turks. Often this tragedy has been overshadowed by the Jewish Holocaust that was engineered by the nefarious forces of Nazi Germany. Ricciardi’s art brings the Genocide in the forefront with her skillful brush, and unique sensibility.

Visiting Poet Emily Sinclaire is visiting from Wappinger Falls, New York. She is currently studying digital photography at Dutchess Community College.  Her passions include photography, painting and writing.

Second talk in series on Dec. 14 will feature local authors and historic discussions
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The second event in a new Somerville Public Library series, “Meet, Mingle, Read,” will be held on Wednesday, December 14 and will serve as the official launch of the book “The Boston Mob Guide” by Beverly Ford and Stephanie Schorow.  The series creates community discussion surrounding locally-inspired books, and all discussions are held at the Somerville Public Library at 79 Highland Ave.  The Boston Mob Guide discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m., and will include light refreshments.  This program is co-sponsored by Harvard Coop Bookstore.

Arrests:
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Nicole Lavoie-Huard, 26, of 18 Pollard St., Lowell, November 28, 9:33 a.m., arrested at Crescent St. on a charge of violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon.

Jason Dodge, 42, of 56 Broadway, November 29, 5:27 p.m., arrested at home on charges of assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and trespassing.

A Somerville man was arrested this morning, moments after committing a bank robbery in busy Davis Square. Daniel Merrill, age 26, was observed by investigators who had all Davis Square area banks under surveillance.  Merrill was observed by Somerville Detective Nadile as he entered the Eastern Bank on Elm Street shortly before 9:30, dressed in a hooded sweat shirt.  He exited the bank minutes later and began running toward Day Street while removing his outer shirt.  He was followed by Detective Nadile.  As he turned onto Day Street, Somerville detectives and agents of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force quickly detained him as police were receiving the broadcast for hold-up alarm from the Eastern Bank.

Photo left to right: Somerville Alderman Sean O'Donovan, Winter Hill Yacht Club Commodore Bill Rogers, Winter Hill Yacht Club volunteer Michelle Webb, Registrar of Deeds Gene Brune, Alderman Bob Trane, COA Director Cindy Hickey, State Rep Tim Toomey and Robert McWaters.

By William Tauro

Somerville’s Holiday Inn was the place to be  Saturday evening where the “Toys for Local Children” event  took place.

The packed function room was filled with the charity’s supporters who raised over $15,000 in donations.

RESPOND Inc., a Somerville-based domestic violence agency, recently received the Powderhouse Award for Non-profit of the Year from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce.

By Cathleen Twardzik

RESPOND Inc., a Somerville-based domestic violence agency, recently received the Powderhouse Award for Non-profit of the Year from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn in Somerville. The award was presented at the 65th Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner.

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.)

Thanksgiving…gone. Black Friday…gone. A month of hectic, frantic and desperate preparation for Christmas has begun. The commercials may tell us that prices are low, but shoppers are high-strung. You saw the news reports that showed crazed bargain hunters throughout the country acting like they were giving away wads of cash. They stood in line overnight rubbing elbows with the same people they would be willing to fight to the finish, just to save $100 on a flat screen TV, or an X-Box. You would have to pay me at least $300 just to stand outside in the dark freezing my butt off.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner