Somerville Community Chorus rehearses for their spring concert, 2011.

By Maria S. Judge

When Paul Coakley joined the Somerville Community Chorus in 1986 he could not have imagined that he would still be anchoring the tenor section two decades later. But this Saturday when the Chorus presents its spring concert, A Celebration of Music, he will not only be Singing in the Rain, but also will be celebrating more than 25 years as the longest running member of the group.

“Books of Hope” is a program located in the Mystic River Housing Project in Somerville that introduces young people to the world of publishing, marketing, poetry and creative writing. I interviewed one of the young poets who particpates in the project: Yolandi Elvira Cruz. I asked her to send her bio. She wrote The News:

“Yolandi Elvira Cruz Guerrero was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and wrote her first book when she was in third grade. It was made up of only eight pages and filled with illustrations she created herself with color pencils and water paint. Yolandi is now a seventeen-year-old High School Junior trying to pass her classes and working with kids at the local library. She has been writing since she came out her mother’s womb and has had the luck of encounteringamazing teachers and friends who have encouraged her to share her stories both in Spanish and English. She met her first love, Spoken Word, as a freshman and has been working to make her marriage stronger and have a couple kids ever since. Right now she participates in Books of Hope in the community of Somerville.

By Andrew Firestone

The Ninth Annual Mary O’Brien Memorial (M.O.M.) 5k roared through Davis Square, Sunday, May 8, 2011. The turnout of 350 brought an intense yield, but ended in a victory by 39-year-old Sean McClain, with a time of 17:10.

“It’s great, not much wind, not too warm,” said McClain.

Tonight at Old Magoun Saloon from 6 to 9 is the correct night for Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan’s time. We hope he has a great time. We plan on being there. Last week we mistakenly mentioned that last Wednesday was his time. Nope it’s tonight.

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We hear that Lady J has asked for and received a 12 week leave of absence from work at the City. Too much stress, we hear , was the reason. Isn’t it amazing, the amount of stress some can give but not take? We hear that she’s not going back to COA. Looks like our papers are safe for at least 12 weeks! We hear that Ms. Cindy is going back shortly, since the city concluded its investigation into the various allegations. The city finished and we hear that the DA was looking over the paperwork from the investigation. What do you think the DA will conclude?   Cindy was put on paid leave. Some say she’s going back to COA, some say no. We’ll keep you posted – since lips are suppose to be sealed, aren’t they?

130 Broadway as it looks today. - Photo by Ashley Taylor

By Ashley Taylor

A museum-quality custom archival framing company, PSG Framing, is moving from South Boston to Somerville and situating itself in the area of Broadway slated for remodeling through the East Broadway Streetscapes project.

The streetscapes project will renovate the street itself: sewers, sidewalks, and bike lanes.  Those changes, in turn, are expected to draw businesses and customers to what is expected to be a more pedestrian-friendly area. PSG Framing is one such business.

Mark Twain once said – back when 25+ million dollars was real money – the following: “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” Unfortunately, certain people and the institutions they represent can take this sentiment to extremes. After some 20 odd years of political wrangling and hand wringing the die is finally cast.
The Assembly Row District Improvement Financing (DIF) project passed by the Somerville Board of Aldermen last week sets into motion a number of initiatives that should bring the development to life at last. We seem to be fully committed now, and we are guardedly optimistic that the promises of economic growth, local jobs, and all the rest may finally become a reality.

By Cathleen Twardzik

At the 9th Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) walk-a-thon on May 12, the purpose of which is to raise awareness for adult literacy, as well as to collect donations for the student emergency and scholarship funds, SCALE students, staff and friends will walk the streets of Somerville, as well as the bike path.
Interestingly, the walk-a-thon will begin at 8 a.m. for early risers and will occur a second time at 5 p.m. for those individuals who prefer a late afternoon experience. Both walks begin at SCALE, at 167 Holland St., just outside of Davis Square.

It’s also going to be Boston Bike Week Soon: May 15-20.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

The East, or more specifically, Japan, is not that distant when one reflects on something shared such as business practices and their connected resources. Can other nations, including the U.S., prevent a life-shattering mishap such as a nuclear power plant being put to sleep by a raging Mother Nature? How do you get the crowd at the stadium to agree on the team starting from scratch? A discussion took place at the B2Green Expo at Washington Street’s Holiday Inn. Options were offered to the curious members that joined the representatives and their organizations at the respective tables.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Housing Investigator was called to the scene of a reported fight between two females at 35 Memorial Road last Wednesday.

The Investigator encountered a disheveled looking young woman who was visibly upset and holding her arm. She reportedly pointed out the 10 River Rd. building and stated “the tall black dude with the dreads pushed me and grabbed my arm, screaming at me.”