The new Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center got one beam closer to completion last week. - Photo courtesy of Tufts

By Tiffani M. Westbrook

Tufts University laid the last beam of the super structure that will be the framework for the in the new Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center on August 17. The ceremony marking the milestone in the progress of the construction, begin at 11:30am, when attendees were encouraged to sign the beam.  The beam was decorated with a traditional evergreen sapling and balanced on opposite ends by an American flag and the Tufts University flag.  The beam was lifted into its temporary resting place by crane amidst the approving applause of the crowd.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to a report of a driver passing out at the wheel last Thursday in the area of Craigie Street.

Upon arrival, police reportedly found that Douglas Doane, 36, had crashed his vehicle and was behaving in a manner suggesting that he was under the influence of drugs.

Things seem to be looking up for the housing market in Somerville.

By Andrew Firestone

With local markets in turmoil and the real estate industry still struggling from the depths of the 2008 sub-prime mortgage crisis, Somerville stands atop its competitors. Even in the midst of global financial uncertainty, the housing market of the densest city in New England remains optimistic.

Although the title of this piece is “Boston as a Literary City” there are many references to Somerville folks who make the Boston area a vibrant hub of verse. In fact the author Kathleen Spivack is a member of Somerville’s Bagel Bards. So with the fall approaching and new college students in town I thought this would be an excellent article for this week’s “Off the Shelf.” – Doug Holder

By Mariam Sharia

The looming threat of rain didn’t keep Somerville’s music fans from tracking down fresh vinyl this weekend.

Hundreds of local music enthusiasts and bargain hunters flocked to Somerville’s Union Square for last Sunday’s Rock and Roll Yard Sale. The outside market was sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council and gave shoppers an opportunity to support a variety of local DIY small business owners.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville 911 operator received an emergency call last Thursday from someone reporting that a man unknown to him had just exited his home carrying a grocery style paper bag filled with copper pipes.

Police officers were dispatched to the home on Evergreen Avenue, currently unoccupied and undergoing renovations. Inspection of the residence revealed many broken and cut water pipes, with water spilling from several pipes all over the basement floor. A window near the front porch had the front screen cut and it appeared that the intruder gained access to the home from there.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The campaign web site of Ms. Katjana Ballantyne  for Alderman in Ward 7 has some interesting comments we found Tuesday. She goes after Alderman Bob Trane for not going to participate in a debate. She actually had the nerve to say “voters will miss the chance to hear from their Alderman, also that Trane’s refusal seems to give the impression that government is closed.” It further goes on to say, “government should be open and voters deserve to hear from their Alderman.” WOW! This from a lady who we hear called Joe Lynch up Tuesday afternoon to say now SHE WON’T participate in a candidate forum either. Why doesn’t she mention that on her web site?  Isn’t transparency wonderful when it’s one sided? So her campaign committee has Marty Martinez, who serves on the same Somerville Community Corp. board of directors (Katjana is past president of the board). Marty, who is on her committee (wonder how many other SCC board members are on her committee and if that’s legal?), is president of the PDS group that recruited her and endorsed her before the endorsements went out, but she wants you to believe that she’s transparent and for open government? She probably has a bridge for you to buy at a bargain price! Wonder if names of the SCC board of director’s past/present are also working in Ms. Katjana’s campaign?

Mayor Curtatone is calling for a fresh start and a fair chance for redemption for Cindy Hickey as she resumes her duties with the Council on Aging.

By Andrew Firestone

Following the release of a forensic independent audit, Council on Aging executive director Cindy Hickey has been cleared of any financial misdoings, and has returned to work. Hickey was found to have circumvented the financial process of the city by setting up a non-profit, called “Future Friends,” but did not benefit from the situation financially.

Members of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 2222, along with some of their family members, were out in force, advocating for their common good. - Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Andrew Firestone

Amidst the vitriolic protests taking place nationwide for the last two weeks, a few members of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 2222 found themselves picketing a Somerville Verizon office. There, they fought for their rights as workers.