A January 14 event at Somerville High School remembered the earthquake in Haiti one year later. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Local activist: Like quake happened yesterday

By Andrew Firestone

It is one year later, and the country of Haiti is still healing. Haitian expatriates in Somerville came together to remember the 300,000 people who lost their lives in last year’s devastating earthquake in an event sponsored by the Haitian Coalition of Somerville.

By George P. Hassett

A woman was robbed of her iPod and handbag early Jan. 11 as she walked down Holland Street toward Teele Square, police said.

The suspect was described as a white male in his twenties or thirties about five foot 11 inches tall, average build and wearing a gray hooded Patriots sweatshirt.

– Photos by Andrew Firestone

Fairfax Street blaze started by space heater

By George P. Hassett

The fire that killed a Somerville mother and her son in their Fairfax Street home Monday may have been caused by a space heater placed too close to combustible materials, according to fire officials.

Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher said the fire was accidental and may have started when a space heater was placed too close to bed sheets. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Somerville Fire Department, Fire Investigation Unit, the State Fire Marshals office, the Somerville Police Department and the State Police assigned to the District Attorney’s office.

A short sale seminar is being held tonight, Wednesday, Jan.  19 at 7 p.m. at  The Norton Group Real Estate office at 699 Broadway, Ball Square. It’s free to any homeowner or homebuyer that wants to learn how it works.   Homeowners can learn how to sell for less than market value, pay no fees including real estate commissions. The event is free with no obligations.

***************

With all the snow piling up across the city, we can all see how well the DPW has done their job here, compared to other cities, we congratulate them.

About one month into winter, the city has spent about half of what it budgeted for snow removal. Initially, $500,000 was set aside and now about $250,000 remains.

With a string of heavy storms that’s proof of a snowy winter not mismanagement. Eight hundred and ninety tons of salt was used and 60 plows worked to clear the snow.

Pasquarello approved as police chief

Aldermen approved a five-year contract for new Police Chief Tom Pasquarello at Thursday’s meeting.

Pasquarello, a former regional DEA  director, has been serving as acting chief since last month.

Pasquarello will be paid $185,000 per year for five years. Ward Three Alderman Tom Taylor initially objected to the length and amount but ultimately voted in favor of the contract.

By Julia Fairclough

Chris Gartland describes his experience as a love story, though one that is not about romance. It’s about the love that a son has for his mother.

Gartland, 50, has spent the past 11 years taking care of his mother, Rose. She suffered an aneurism and a grade four hemorrhage and has been bedridden every since. She has been on a feeding tube for the past six years. It was a family choice to have Gartland, one of four brothers, move to his mother’s Somerville home so that he can take care of her. He works at a homeless shelter in Nashua, New Hampshire, that has been supportive of his need for a flexible schedule. The family hired a couple personal care attendants, who have also become part of the family.

By George P. Hassett

A 16-year-old Somerville boy was arrested Sunday night after he allegedly pointed a BB gun at a man who told him to get off his porch.

The boy was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim told police he was at home when he heard a loud bang.

By Mike Rubin

With a steady effort, the St. Clements girls basketball team is off to an undefeated start in league play.

Led by a solid effort, the Anchorwomen escaped with a 46-45 overtime win over Lowell Catholic followed by wins over Trinity Catholic last Monday (37-35) along with a double overtime win over Pope John (47-45). Currently, the Anchorwomen stand at 5-0 in the Catholic Central Small League and a 7-3 overall mark.