Somerville artist Max Jackson has soul.

Max Jackson’s excellent adventure

By Andrew Firestone

There are entertainers, and then there are real musicians. If ever there was a clear example of this, it would be Somerville artist Max Jackson. Jackson is a minstrel. A wandering troubadour. Armed with only his musical skills, and the long, hollow log they call a diggeridoo, Jackson walks the streets of Somerville spreading his unique, enrapturing sound in pursuit of the ultimate ideal: inspiration.

Best Pest control keeps the rats at bay
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Kreimeyer has been clearing out rats, roaches and bedbugs from every corner of Somerville since 1972.

By Andrew Firestone

Rod Kreimeyer may not seem like an institution, but as one of the longest serving and skilled pest control experts in the state, he’s put together a legacy of battling the creepy-crawlers that infest the tiny nooks of Somerville.

Active in National and Regional Pest Control Associations, Kreimeyer has been clearing out rats, roaches and bedbugs from every corner of Somerville since 1972.

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(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.)

Last week Governor Patrick proposed a momentous change in how municipalities deliver health care to their employees, and the fate of this legislation will make or break many cities and towns across the state.

Currently, most municipalities are self-insured, like Somerville. Whenever a city employee goes to the doctor, the taxpayers get the bill. We contract with insurance providers like Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts and Blue Cross Blue Shield to use their negotiated rates with doctors and hospitals, but we are not part of a larger insurance pool and the money comes straight out of the City budget. If we want to change anything, we have to negotiate with our local collective bargaining units to make that change.

The Somerville Fire Department took delivery of the new heavy rescue unit on Thursday January 20th.  The members who are assigned to Rescue 1 will have training on the new apparatus and tools over the next few weeks.  They will also be busy setting up where each piece of equipment will stored on Rescue 1.  Rescue 1 will not go into full service until sometime during the month of February.

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.)

Do I love Davis Square? Madly. Do I enjoy living in the past? Definitely.  Actually, I can’t believe I have been around long enough to see so many changes down Davis Square.

It has been a real education. It’s not just the earrings and piercings that constitute change. When we were hanging there in the 70’s we had earrings, only they were confined to …you know…ears. It’s not the tattoos and the 250 different types of micro brews offered in every new bar that opens.

Left to right: Brian Kilfoyle of Simplifile, Register Eugene C. Brune, Somerville Attorneys Isaac Machado, Adam Dash and Robert Costello and Greg Brown of Inge.

By William Tauro

Middlesex South Register of Deeds Eugene C. Brune recently held an “E-Recording Informational Session” at his office.

The event brought together e-vendors and those interested in electronically recording their real estate documents at the Registry of Deeds, thereby alleviating the need to come in person or mail documents, a great convenience to all.

By George P. Hassett

A 40-year-old Somerville man was arrested Jan. 17 after he tried to kick in a door to his home and yelled and cursed at responding officers.

Matthew Henebury, 40, of 70 Boston Ave., was “very drunk” and trying to kick in a door, police said. Police stopped Henebury at the corner of Highland Avenue and Walnut Street. He allegedly yelled and screamed at two officers. An officer asked Henebury if he was okay and Henebury allegedly replied by saying “Yeah I’m okay, you [expletive].”

Somerville Detective Mario Oliveira.

Somerville police are asking the public to join them in helping to support a decorated detective shot and almost killed in the line of duty Nov. 3.

A fundraiser for Detective Mario Oliveira will be held Jan. 28 at the Somerville City Club, 20 Inner Belt Rd., to help support his recovery. Oliveira has been honored as the department’s officer of the year and has received many commendations.

Initiative if first of its kind in U.S.

By George P. Hassett

City Hall wants to know if you’re happy – really. The city is launching a new effort, the first of its kind in the United States, to measure residents quality of life issues and well being. So, now is the time to speak up if parking or snow policies are making you miserable. 

Mary O'Brien served as a key asset for the Somerville High girls' basketball team, recording 10 points and five rebounds in the Highlanders 68-34 win over Everett last Tuesday.

By Mike Rubin

With the stellar efforts of Kelsey Garrity, the Somerville High girls basketball team delivered a crucial victory. Garrity recorded a season high 27 points as the Highlanders cruised to a 68-34 win over Everett in last Tuesday night’s Greater Boston League match-up at the Brune Field House. The Highlanders currently stand at 4-5 overall.

After a 16-6 first quarter lead, the Highlanders extended the edge to 22-10 at the half before erupting with a 16-4 surge to kick off the third.