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

Arrests:
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Raymond Valente, 54, of 450 Boston Post Rd., Marlboro, August 8, 6:18 a.m., arrested at Prospect St. on a charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Jose Travanca, 78, of 3 Church St., August 8, 12:33 p.m., arrested at 220 Washington St. on a charge of indecent assault and battery.

Kevin Ortega, 22, of 34 Imrie Rd. Allston, August 8, 4:51 p.m., arrested on charges of defacing property, assault and battery, and destruction of property over $250.

– Photos by Harry Kane

Brattle Book Shop owner Ken Gloss knows his books, and openly shares his expertise with avid collectors and casual speculators alike.

By Kenneth Gloss

If you’re an avid fiction reader, you may spend a lot of time scrutinizing the best-seller lists before you select reading material. However, best-seller lists can also serve as a guide for book collectors. People intent on collecting the stories that have been loved by generations or that have had the most influence on popular culture will find collecting direction in these lists. If you have a penchant for the popular, bestsellers may be the collecting niche for you.

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.)

This article first ran in the July 1, 2009 edition of The Somerville News.

As I look at the 5-day forecast for Somerville online, it says scattered thunderstorms and showers. Don’t the powers that be know that Somerville’s Fourth of July celebration featuring the debut of the Sunsetters along with a lot of other great entertainment is slated for Thursday night? Don’t they know about the shopping cart vendors with all those lighted swords and spin around toys and illuminated teeth grilles? And what about all that fried dough? What have we done to deserve such crappy weather? What do I tell my anxious Sunsetters who are eager to perform as many numbers as Frank Senesi will allow us? Obviously we won’t be able to have any electrical equipment outdoors if there is a threat of rain. I am asking every citizen of Somerville to pray for sun! Mayor Joe has confidence that things will brighten up and the show will go on. I hope he is right.