~Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Somerville Department of Public Works’ Ron McCollem is making sure that all the plants in Somerville are freshly watered and looking good. Ron travels from plant to plant and street island to street island making sure all is watered down, especially last Tuesday as temperatures climbed into the high 80’s.

By Andrew Firestone

June 26 saw Powderhouse Park bring the groove, as hundreds of spectators sat out and tuned in to some soulful tunes. Sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council, the event saw seven hour-long sets of Jazz to help the soul feel at ease.

Bobby Martini, author of the street-memoir Citizen Somerville remembers not the feared criminal mastermind, but a Winter Hill associate, James "Whitey" Bulger - Photo by George Hassett

By Andrew Firestone

With the arrest of longtime fugitive and FBI informant James “Whitey” Bulger after 16 years in hiding, Bobby Martini, author of the street-memoir Citizen Somerville remembers not the feared criminal mastermind, but a Winter Hill associate with a reputation similar to his word, black.

“Whitey came into the picture in 1972 because his own people in South Boston wanted to kill him,” said Martini. Martini relates that the South Boston gang war of the times had taken a toll on Bulger’s Killeen Gang, and Bulger was apparently scared for his life. He rushed to then Winter Hill Gang leaders Joseph McDonald and Howie Winter for protection and in the end a deal was brokered that saved Bulger’s life from the rival Mullen Gang.

By Andrew Firestone

In a move expected from the outset, the Somerville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to approve the proposed $169.7 million budget for the fiscal year 2012 last Thursday, June 23. While a quiet affair, there were still a few dissenting opinions regarding the methods of bridging the budget gap, which include increasing ticket and parking fees. These concerns were overshadowed by the relief many aldermen had for the lack of contention, or cutting of services.

On Thursday, June 30, (rain date of July seven) join Mayor Joseph Curtatone and the City of Somerville for the annual fourth of July Fireworks, with live entertainment beginning at 6:00 p.m. The entertainment lineup for the Fireworks includes performances by the Somerville Sunsetters, local Disco-Funk band Booty Vortex, the USO Metropolitan New York Performers, and the U.S. Navy Band Northeast Show Band, leading up to a 30-minute fireworks display at approximately 9:15 p.m. In case of rain the live entertainment will be moved indoors. This Thursday evening at Trum Field, remember.

The city budget has been set and we are on our way into fiscal year 2012 with strong support for essential services such as police, fire protection, and all the other things that make our community safe and a desirable place to live and work in.

It is comforting to know that no significant cuts in services will be implemented, even though a portion of the $169.7 million budget will be raised by increasing certain fees and fines, primarily through ticketing and parking infraction revenues.

Photo by Jackie Rossetti

The Somerville Board of Aldermen stands with local heroes Fire Captain William Fitzpatrick, Firefighters William Costa and Robert Hodnett, Police Sergeant Warren Chaille, and Officers Anthony Manzelli and Eduardo Soares for their actions in trying to save the life of James Welborn. These officers braved a chemically hazardous environment while extricating Welborn, and some had to go to MGH for decontamination. All officers have recovered.

– Andrew Firestone

Members of the singing group The Souls Sisters perform 'Build me up Buttercup' at the third annual Somerville Students Rock concert Thursday at Somerville High School. - Photo by Jennifer McManus

By Jimmy Del Ponte

The  Somerville High School auditorium was rocking and rolling on Thursday night, June 23. The third annual Somerville Students Rock concert was serenading the audience.

A joint effort between the Executive Department of Communications and the Somerville Music Department, Somerville Students Rock is a stage for young musicians to strut their stuff. The audience was entertained by soloists, duos, quartets, and bands. There were violins, trumpets, conga drums, and even a ukulele.  Renditions of popular songs were performed and the crowd was treated to a few original songs as well.

Authorities believe that the man shown here, holding up the Pick n Go store, is Michael Wallace, of Somerville.

A man suspected of robbing the Pick n Go convenience store on Highland Avenue on June 6 has been arrested.
Michael Wallace, age 44, of Somerville was taken into custody by Somerville detectives with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.
Wallace was arrested without incident after Somerville detectives received several tips naming him following the release of surveillance video to the media.

By Harry Kane

SCALE hosted its annual Awards Night and Graduation last Wednesday, June 22, at Somerville High School. The proud graduates, capped and gowned, celebrated their accomplishments together in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual respect.