Kenneth Gloss’ literary expertise runs the full gamut - from history, to science, and the arts.

By Kenneth Gloss

It’s now 150 years since the start of the American Civil War, which ran from 1861 to 1865 and was one of the most interesting and tragic chapters in the history of our country. It has spawned thousands of different books, both in non-fiction and fiction. Collectors interested in Civil War books can find everything from histories of individual regiments to extensive historical accounts of all four years of the war. In Massachusetts, The Historical Sketch of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, written by John W. Hansen in 1866, is an accurate and interesting depiction of soldiers from this area. Another popular edition is The History of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first African-American regiment.

3-year agreement includes joint maintenance of stadium, auxiliary and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, tot lot, and parking lot.
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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Commissioner Richard Sullivan of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane announced  that the City of Somerville has reached a three-year agreement with DCR  allowing the City to handle maintenance and day-to-day operations for the entire Dilboy complex, which includes a recently renovated stadium, swimming pool, auxiliary and little league fields, two tennis courts, a basketball court, a tot lot, and two parking lots.  The City had already assumed operating responsibility for the stadium in 2006, and had taken over management and maintenance of the pool earlier this year.  The City and DCR have similar agreements for snow removal operations along Shore Drive and for maintenance and operation of Veteran’s Memorial Skating Rink on Somerville Avenue.

Preparing for an early Nor’easter

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.)

The calendar said October but the meteorologist said winter. Mother Nature obviously had a disagreement with Old Man Winter and we felt the brunt. Looks like I will once again be digging out those old rubber boots that dad got at Bargain Center in Davis Square. Will they last another winter? Will I? I know a lot of you just took it in stride, but nervous wrecks like me automatically kicked into panic mode.

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(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.)

When you live in the most densely populated city in New England, you take it for granted that a certain amount of background noise is part of the bargain. Our houses are located closer together than in suburban towns. Residential neighborhoods and commercial centers (or as we like to call them, city squares) are intertwined.  Our streets are heavily trafficked by all sorts of vehicles and pedestrian activity. We’re not Sleepy Hollow.

Andrew Carvahlo provided some extra kick, helping to deliver the 14-8 victory over Framingham.

St Clement Anchormen tame Marian Mustangs 14-8
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The St. Clement Anchormen picked up their fifth win of the season in dramatic fashion against the Mustangs of Marian (Framingham) during a frigid, rainy game at Dilboy Stadium this past Saturday. Scoring was few and far between for both teams as the weather contributed to offensive struggles.

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By Andrew Firestone

The Board of Alderman candidates recently chatted with The Somerville News’ Andrew Firestone. Each of their resultant profiles are presented here, in alphabetical order according to their last names.

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John Connolly, Alderman-Extraordinaire

Longest tenured and ready for more

Jack Connolly is a civil servant, born and raised in Somerville, and an Alderman since 1984. Formerly a Ward 6 representative, Connelly was ousted in 2005, but re-elected in 2007 to his current seat as Alderman At Large.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

Megan Mary Creamer’s delightful creations are just a part of what is being offered at this year’s Something Sweet in Somerville event benefitting the work of the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

Something Sweet in Somerville returns to work with the Somerville Homeless Coalition on Friday, November 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Washington St. Art Center. “They really want to be involved in the community and we’re grateful to be the recipient of their generosity”, says Mark Alston-Follansbee the Executive Director of SHC who will be at the event. Mark mentioned that there was a 20 percent increase in families at the food pantry last year. “People recognize that we are the safety net.”

Four-business building a total loss

Investigators meticulously searched for a possible cause for Saturday’s devastating fire in Teele Square. - Photo by Bobbie Toner

 By Andrew Firestone

A three-alarm fire destroyed a cluster of business in Teele Square last Saturday, October 29. It completely burned down the corner of Broadway and Clarendon Street complex, which included four businesses, and destroyed the Somerville PD substation. The blaze occurred at 11:30 p.m. during a driving blizzard.

Alderman At Large Jack Connolly will be hosting a campaign rally at the Burren Pub in Davis Square tonight, Wednesday, November 2. From 6 to 8 p.m.

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Ward 4 Alderman candidate Tony Lafuente will be having an old fashion campaign rally/barbecue this coming Saturday, November 5, in Winter Hill at the corner of Langmaid Avenue and Broadway next to Temple Street. No charge, open from 11 to 4 p.m. A live band will perform throughout the afternoon. Stop by and get some food, meet and greet neighbors and friends, and hear some great music. Let Tony know you’re going to support him and help him on election day on the 8th.

What is an Alderman At Large?

An Alderman At Large represents the entire city along with the other Ward Aldermen. Some of the incumbents have forgotten whom they represent over the years, and some have not.  According to a few of them who attended the recent debate, their claim to fame is that they have been in office for many years. One even bragged about his tenure on the board for 14 years.  When your claim to fame as an Alderman is that you have been in office for a lot of years and that is the reason why you are running again it is pretty pathetic. It should not be a reason to re-elect someone.  If you are there in office and running for re-election then tell us what you have done and what you want to do and let the voters decide if you should return on those points, not just some rants. Politicians should not forget who they represent, and that is us the citizens and voters who hire them to represent us for that time in office. There are no qualifications for their jobs other than to make sure they do the best job possible. We personally think there should be term limits to bring out fresh blood and ideas, but that is our opinion.