Parade steps off from City Hall Concourse at 1:00 p.m.
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The annual Memorial Day Ceremonies, concluding with the largest Memorial Day Parade in the region, are set for Sunday, May 29, beginning at 8 a.m.   Sponsored by the Somerville Veterans Services Department, the Somerville Allied Veterans’ Council, and the City of Somerville, the ceremonies will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post #19, 124 Highland Ave., with a short procession down Highland Ave. to the Central Library, placing wreaths on monuments along Central Hill Park.  The parade will step off from the City Hall/Somerville High School concourse at 1:00 p.m., and will continue the 2.3 miles down Highland Ave. to the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Teele Square.

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.)

Every Memorial Day is special. This one is extra special because the world was rid of madman Osama Bin Laden. While we are enjoying parades (the largest one ever!) and cookouts and family gatherings this coming weekend, we will also remember all of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A friend of mine came up to my office at work and personally delivered a touching story to me. He is a Viet Nam vet and very active in the city’s veterans affairs. The story is sad, but it reminds us how war devastates families. As we are spending time with our friends and loved ones this weekend, and watching the parade with all our patriotism on display, let’s say a prayer. Let’s ask whoever our higher power is to someday put an end to war. All we are saying is give peace a chance. But until then, men and women will bravely pick up arms and leave their loved ones and their homes to defend our freedom as Americans. God bless all the United States Veterans all over the world, both living, and those who have passed on. Thank you for fighting for our beloved United States of America. I don’t know who wrote the following, but it is a very powerful and heartfelt story.

By Jess Bean
Post Somerville

Papercut Zine librarian Kimberly doing "librarian things" at PZL HQ.

All good things in this world are wild and free, but occasionally must hold fundraisers to keep themselves that way. Somerville’s Papercut Zine library has just launched a campaign to raise funds to keep their Pearl Street library open and running for the next year.
“Our goal is to raise $5000,” said Kimberly , a PZL librarian. “It’s a hefty goal for one month, but we’re pretty motivated, and people have been really supportive.”

By Jim Clark

While working an assignment on Elm Street last Saturday evening, a uniformed Somerville Police officer was summoned by a concerned citizen and directed to a man who was lying on the ground in front of Starbucks.

The man said that he had been attacked and pointed out a group of men who were gathered in front of Chipotle restaurant.

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.)

A development group wants to build thirty-one housing units on a little over half an acre on the edge of Davis Square. Neighbors uniformly oppose the project, which would instantly double the number of housing units on the long block that runs between Cutter Avenue and Willow Street.

Local musician Patrick Coman shows his respect for The Boss at the Armory for the Arts this weekend.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

Local musicians will gather to pay tribute to The Boss when The Armory Center for the Arts hosts For the Sake of the Song: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen this coming Saturday, May 28, at 8 p.m.

The group has been presenting their For the Sake of the Song events at various venues throughout the area, celebrating the music of music legends such as Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Townes Van Zandt.

By Jim Clark

A man who was detained on Derby Street by Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit officers last Thursday was later identified as the prime suspect in a residential break-in and theft, according to police reports.

While being questioned by officers, Matthew McComiskey, 31, allegedly dropped a cigarette package to the ground. Police said that the package contained a hypodermic syringe, as well as eight gold rings and a gold ankle bracelet.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone gives Testimony against the "Verizon Bill". - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Mayor Joseph Curtatone appeared before a Joint Committee in the Statehouse last Wednesday, May 18, to voice his disapproval for the “Verizon bill” which he claimed would curtail local authority in negotiating with cable companies, and work to create an unfair advantage to Verizon.

“This bill would allow Verizon to disregard community and government access television and as the home of the nation’s first independent non-profit, community access television corporation, SCAT, Somerville finds this completely unacceptable, as well as you should,” Curtatone said to the Committee of Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy. The Mayor was joined by other City leaders, and supported by Senator John Keenan (D-Quincy), who chaired on the committee.

Susan Huszar’s Never Alone is one of the many miniature curiosities to be appreciated at the Small Obsessions exhibit on display at the Somerville Museum through June 25. - Photo by Phill Apley

By Rose Scherlis

There is a tiny alternate universe of sculpture, film, and mixed media on display at the Somerville Museum. Small Obsessions brings together unconventional dollhouses created by twenty artists. The opening reception was held Sunday, and the exhibit will run until June 25.

Artists Susan Huszar, Donna Rhea Marder, Sharon Shea, Jeff Sais, and Joyce Audy Zarins spoke to visitors about the inspiration, technique, and meaning of their work. The event is curated by sculptor Carolyn Wirth.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police units responded to a report that thieves were making off with scrap metal at East Somerville Community School last Friday, at approximately 2:26 a.m.

The school is currently under construction and is fenced off to the public and has posted no trespassing signs in plain view, said police.