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.”

The MSTCA Freshman/Sophomore Large School Meet held this past Saturday at North Attleboro High School saw the SHS girls team struggling to score.

Despite the lack of scoring, the girls’ overall performance was steady and showed continued improvement. Gelynne Berger placed 2nd in the 200m with a time of 27.83. Melissa Baptista recorded her fastest time this year, clocking in at 76.71 in the 400m hurdles, while Rachel Berry’s 29’2″ in the Triple Jump marked her best jump of the season.

I am so impressed with the poetry of “Books of Hope” writer Yolandi Cruz that I decided to use yet another poem of hers. I hope you will “Linger” with this gem.

Arrests:
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Damien Didas, 34, of 15 Stickney Ave., May 3, 2:20 p.m., arrested at 281 Broadway on a charge of cocaine trafficking and a drug violation near a school.

Ignatius Immonje, 30,  May 4, 12:15 a.m., arrested at 91 Highland Ave. on warrant charges of unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.

Brian Simeon, 18, of 34R North S., May 4, 6:18 a.m., arrested at home on warrant charges of felony nighttime breaking and entering and resisting arrest.

The Bagel Bards to read at the
Mass. Poetry Festival  May 14

City given bronze-level recognition by the League of American Bicyclists
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With plans under way to expand its network of streets marked for bicycling and to extend the Community Path, Somerville has been named a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists. Somerville joins a host of other cities receiving this level of recognition for its efforts to promote bicycling, including Kansas City, Mo.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Northampton, Mass.

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.)

Today is Mother’s Day. The stores are full of gifts and cards. Flower sellers are on street corners. It is a day to honor mom, whether she is still with us or not.

For me it’s a day to remember the woman who gave me life, and at times, threatened to take that life away! She was the person who believed in me enough to push me into going to college. She was the one who saved money and came up with a down payment to buy a cottage down the Cape. She was a strong woman. I felt her strength when she had to give a few “love taps” when I ticked her off. At times, Dad knew enough to just stand back and let her do her thing. She is the one who took three small children on a crowded bus and train to see the Enchanted Village in Boston every Christmas. She dragged me to Zayre’s and Filenes to buy me new winter coats and itchy pants. I remember once she caved, and let me get this hideous yellow suit jacket when I was just starting to play guitar in a band. And did I mention she paid for my piano lessons? It was a good deal. She sent me to lessons and I would play piano for her and her dinner guests. She loved having people over for lunch or dinner. Her favorite song she always asked me to play was Angel of the Morning. She has been an angel since 1986. It took me a long time to finally be able to listen to that song on the radio. Maybe someday I will try to play it again on the piano.

Meetings to be Held throughout May, early June; residents asked to visit Web site, submit survey
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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that the Spring 2011 ResiStat meetings will be held in May and June, beginning on Monday, May 9th with the Ward 4 Neighborhood Meeting at the Winter Hill Community School on Sycamore St.  Mayor Curtatone, ward and at-large aldermen, City staff and police will discuss issues of importance for each neighborhood, as well as citywide initiatives and the budget outlook for Fiscal Year 2012.  Residents can raise their concerns and offer their ideas during an open Q&A.  Residents are also encouraged to visit the ResiStat website, somervilleresistat.blogspot.com, and to take the resident survey to help develop the meeting agenda.