By Jim Clark

Alert members of the SPD Gang Anti-Crime Unit spotted a disturbing incident last Sunday as a man was seen urinating on a tree in Foss Park, according to police.

The man reportedly rejoined a group of his friends who were all openly drinking beer in the park, which is situated near a church that was in session. Several others, including children, were also walking through the park, police said.

City Employees expressed unease about joining the GIC healthcare plan.

Aldermen approve healthcare cost-cutting measure

By Andrew Firestone

Aldermen approved switching over to the Group Insurance Commission healthcare plan this last Thursday, August 11, setting up a 30-day negotiation process with public labor unions across the city. In front of a crowded room, the Board of Aldermen, with three members absent, wrestled with and passed the measure.

Before all the progressives here in Somerville feel slighted and upset with us again, it’s been pointed out to us clearly that not all progressives are in tune with the Progressive Democrats of Somerville. Actually, the organization has been losing individuals lately because of the direction and ways the organization has been heading. Saying that, we hear that its Chairman, Marty Martinez, who was elected a few years back, is looking to resign. You remember him. He ran for office and lost three times. We feel bad here that he is looking to resign. Some of us think he’s doing a great job with the club.

Somerville High School history teacher Jennifer Ross.

By Carrie Stanziola

Although many Somerville residents may be unfamiliar with the history of Caribbean slavery, Somerville High School history teacher Jennifer Ross took an intensive, weeklong seminar in Barbados to examine how the “peculiar institution” took root in the region. Entitled Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Caribbean, the July 2011 seminar was organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute and took place in Barbados under the direction of Harry C. Black Professor of History at Johns Hopkins University Dr. Philip D. Morgan.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police officers responded to a call of a disturbance at 82 Columbus Avenue last week, and immediately upon arrival reportedly heard loud screaming coming from the common hallway.

Officer Robert Pasqualino spotted the man responsible for the noise and ordered him to stop screaming and to calm down, according to reports. The man ignored these commands, however, and attempted to push his way past the officers, police said. At this time Officer Pasqualino was reportedly knocked off-balance and fell down a short flight of stairs as he attempted to restrain the man, who Pasqualino deemed to be out of control, police said.

What does the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) healthcare plan really mean to the average citizen of our community? After all, we are talking about facts, figures, and formulae that impact on a relative few. Why all the fuss and controversy?

It could be that what is playing out in this current chapter of these ever changing times represents a model for what may confront each and every one of us at some time in the not so distant future. Will we be equipped and ready to stand up for ourselves effectively and advocate for our own security and wellbeing?

Somerville artist Barbara Cone met me one recent morning at the Bloc 11 Café in Union Square to wax poetic about her work as an Encaustic artist. I say poetic because the woman apologized more than once about being too enthusiastic about her art, and it was evident she was brimming with passion; something you have to bring into play in writing a good poem, or working with wax as she does.

Playwright John Shea (seen here with Vivian, 9), will have his new play unveiled at the Boston Playwright's Theatre.

Opening at Boston Playwright’s Theatre

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville playwright John Shea is at it again. His new play, Junkie, is opening at the Boston Playwright’s Theatre on August 25. Directed by Brett Marks, the play is a one-man show starring Sean Cote as “Cal” a recovering heroin addict.

Slightly Broken - performed by Arian Winn. Choreography by Courtney Peix. - Photo by Harry Kane

The Somerville Arts Council presented  Contrapose Dance on the Union Square Plaza Saturday, Contrapose Dance, known for its bold, uniquely original repertory danced by highly skilled dancers, it presented eight distinct selections from its repertory. Works by choreographers Courtney Peix, Marcus Schulkind, Jennifer Hardy, and Nicole Pierce were enjoyed. The pieces ranged  from the balletic influence, to strait up modern, and a blend of both.

Have you ever been deep into a book? I mean deep– to the point you embody one of the characters? Susan Tepper writes about her immersion in “The Great Gatsby.” She has come up for air since I am glad to say! Tepper hails from NYC, but has read at The Somerville News Writers Festival, and has taught at GRUB STREET in Boston. Check her out at http://www.susantepper.com