On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first ran in the May 13, 2009 edition of The Somerville News.

(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.)

Before the recent arrival of Bono and U2 to play at the Somerville Theater, there was another monumental ground breaking concert held in the city. It was the summer of 1978 and the concert was held at Powder House Park.

It’s easy being green - on Route 16, that is. Come and join in the fun this Sunday, August 21.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Somerville will soon enjoy yet another SomerStreets celebration. Entitled Going Green on Route 16, the event takes place August 21 on Alewife Brook Parkway (Route 16) from Dilboy Field to Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.

SomerStreets is the city’s Open Streets Initiative, which closes sections of roadways one Sunday per month to promote and support active living such as walking, biking, running, or dancing.

By William C. Shelton

(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.)

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat of day, nor gloom of night, stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

This is an inscription on New York’s main post office. It is as applicable to Somerville’s Parking Control Officers (PCOs) as to Postal Service personnel. But while many people warmly welcome their mail carriers, they may abuse the PCOs, who have no control over the regulations that they are duty-bound to enforce.

Vinyl rules at the Annual Somerville Rock and Roll Yard Sale, hitting Union Square this Sunday. ~ Photo by Annie Messier

By Mariam Sharia

Somerville’s music aficionados, bargain hunters and DIY enthusiasts are gearing up for the year’s largest outdoor record extravaganza.

The Annual Somerville Rock and Roll Yard Sale opens shop this Sunday, August 21. The open-air-market is free and runs from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. in Somerville’s Union Square and offers crafts, record collections, and music equipment from 50 local vendors.

Representative Denise Provost is fighting for better opportunities for children of illegal immigrants. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville representatives are supporting a new measure, picking up where the aborted DREAM act left off. Representative Denise Provost has proposed a bill that would support illegal immigrants and allow them to pay in-state rates for tuition to state universities if they meet a high academic standard.

Break out the cowboy' boots! Girls Guns and Glory come to Johnny D's.

By Andrew Firestone

Girls Guns and Glory is a band that is utterly personified by their name. What could be more distinctly American in aspiration?

Is it honky-tonk? Is it classic rock? One can’t say. Is it Americana to the core? Yes. Does that swang of the banjo make you feel the blues when Ward Hayden, lead singer and songwriter croons, “Night time’s a hard place to be”?

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.