The “unsung hero of Ward 1” Susan Fontano was honored by the BOA last Thursday. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Longtime firebrand and friend to The Somerville News Susan Fontano was recognized for her four-year tenure as President of East Somerville Main Streets. Joined at the podium by Aldermen Bill Roche and Dennis Sullivan, as well as a throng of admirers, Fontano was elated as she received her citation for her tireless work.

The talented SHS Media students are asking if you are ready for your close-up. If you are, then tune in to Villen TV, premiering this Sunday on Somerville Education Channel 15. - Photo by Jimmy Del Ponte

By Jimmy Del Ponte

This Sunday, June 19, Villen TV makes its debut on Somerville’s educational channel 15. The brainchild of Department of Communications director Michael Meehan, VTV will be a forum for original Somerville student film projects. Craig Leach is the TV Media instructor for Somerville Public schools. The students from his TV Media I, and TV Media II classes at Somerville High School contributed to the VTV show.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to Davis Square last Sunday on a report that some youths were being harassed and threatened by a man who seemed to be intoxicated and highly agitated.

Officers reportedly witnessed Jason Dodge, 41, yelling at a group of youths outside the Holland Street T station, and behaving in a physically threatening manner.

– Photos by Max W. Lauf

The second annual free street festival and market took place in Union Square this past weekend. SomerFun had over 50 participating organizations from local retailers and artisans to farmers, nonprofits and artists.

By Andrew Firestone

Sometimes the best news in a budget is very little news at all. That is perhaps why the biggest event that took place at City Hall Monday, June 13, was not what was in the budget, but what was not in it. The Mayor unveiled his $169,732,903 budget for 2012, representing a $4.2 million increase from fiscal year 2011. There were no massive cuts, only three layoffs in all, and a $4.5 million budget gap filled.

A very special street dedication will take place this Saturday the 18th at 1p.m. at the corner of Pearl Street & Myrtle Streets in East Somerville. Seven Ciampa brothers of Somerville who were born and raised at 66 Pearl Street, five of which became veterans of WWII, one of Korea, and one who became a well known local Doctor. The Square will honor Ottavio, WWII Army; Dante, WWII coast Guard; Albert, WWII and Korea Navy; Ubanldi, WWII Army; Robert, WWII Navy; Edward, Korea Army’ and Dr. Frank Ciampa MD, a distinguished surgeon and a physician here in Somerville for 45 years. The Ciampa’s family also had two daughters, Carmela and Eleanor, for a total of 9 children at the Pearl Street home. This family has a long history here in Somerville, one that has contributed to the city in many ways. Come and join the entire Ciampa family and friends this Saturday.

Members of the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) are hoping that the “Local Hiring Ordinance” will soon be adopted and passed as official policy by the City of Somerville.- Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

While the local workers’ amendment to the Somerville Responsible Employer Ordinance may have been defeated in the DIF debate, its spirit lives on in the Alderman’s chambers. Concerned with the prospects of Somerville jobs for Somerville workers, members of the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) urged the introduction of a new ordinance to guarantee local parity.

The proposed “Local Hiring Ordinance” which is being championed by Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) might be a fine idea in principle, although a test of its constitutionality may yet be in the offing.

Simply put, the amendment is intended to assure that local residents are offered a substantial share of jobs (30%) for projects which are either wholly or partially subsidized by the city, as well as meaningful participation by organized labor.

By Bill Rogers

From the Officers and members of King Solomon’s Lodge AF & AM created in 1783 we rededicated the Bunker Hill Monument on June 14, 2011.