Pitching in to clean up Somerville’s forgotten spaces, volunteers shared a sense of accomplishment and duty to community.

On Friday, September 23, Groundwork Somerville engaged Tufts University Volunteers in an effort to clean up Somerville in our second annual Green-a-thon.  Students volunteering through “Repair the World Service Day” met Groundwork Somerville representatives at two sites in the city that have been flagged “dirty” by community members.  The event was made possible thanks to the support of Apex Green Roofs,  www.raymondzonghetti.com, and Somerville’s Department of Public Works.

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.)

I would like to present a great story written by one of my friends, Anthony Accardi. Like me, he grew up in Somerville and has seen the city’s many exciting changes.  This is the second story Anthony has shared with us. He is also a fan of  “the old days.”  I hope you enjoy this special guest feature.

Holidays and common sense

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Today Somerville got caught up in the national game of who can take the most offense. The Boston Herald got a hold of an email sent by the principal of the Kennedy School to school staff raising the question of how to teach the history of the European discovery of the Americas, and decided to make it as sensational as possible.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane deliver the first new zero-sort recycling cart to Hooker St. resident Anastasios Papatsoris.

Mayor and Aldermen make first delivery in Ward 7
*

In advance of next week’s official start of citywide zero-sort recycling, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and a group of Somerville Aldermen made the first delivery of new zero-sort carts to local residents.

Detective Paul Glejzer (left) teaching CPR, AED, and first aid lessons at the Winter Hill Yacht Club. - Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Somerville’s Winter Hill Yacht Club hosted a community event with a  CPR and AED (Automated Electronic Defibrillator) course Wednesday evening.

The American Heart Association approved course was voluntarily presented by veteran Burlington Police Detective Paul Glejzer who donated his time for training the group. He also brought in special training mannequins and training defibrillators along with an American Heart Association training video on CPR, AED use, and first aid.

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.)

When I heard an advertisement promising that a personal hygiene product would “empower” the user, I knew that another concept had reached the end of its life cycle.  The cycle begins when the experience of some group produces a genuine insight.

Competition recognizes community’s efforts to reduce high school dropout rates
*

Somerville achieved national recognition as one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING for its initiatives to help young people. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Wednesday evening The Center for Arts at the Armory, located on Highland Avenue, hosted a reception and wine tasting event in honor of  Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police were treated to some specific details of drug trafficking after serving a warrant upon  a man at his home on  South Street last Friday.

Roshawn Ballard, 35, confessed to being in possession of a sizable amount of cocaine and further volunteered details of his participation in distribution activities, according to police.

Four-year-old Luca Pignatiello sinks her teeth into a slice of Prima's cheese pizza at the Second Annual Pizza Challenge held October 8 to benefit the Emergency Food Pantry at The Elizabeth Peabody House.

Second Annual Pizza Challenge Supports Local Food Pantry

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Nine-year-old Erik Byfield has a whole strategy for picking a winning slice of pizza. “How much stuff is on it,” is very important, he said. So is the kind of “stuff.” It has to have enough cheese, but he’s not a fan of extra tomatoes. No small slices and no square slices. Like a lot of kids, he takes his pizza very seriously.