By Alderman at Large Bill White

(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, The Somerville News incorrectly reported that the Board of Aldermen had voted to fund Assembly Square development and take out a $25 million bond to be paid by future property tax revenues on three parcels at Assembly Square.  Because this is an important financial issue for all Somerville residents, I would like to take this opportunity to explain what actually happened.  Since the City began comprehensive planning for Assembly Square in 1999, everyone has recognized that an Orange Line T Stop is vital to develop Assembly Square to its fullest, which would create good paying jobs and substantial property tax revenue for the City.

Arrests
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Tevon Ngomba, 17, of 25 Canal Lane, Dec. 6, 1:14 p.m., arrested at his home on a warrant charge of armed robbery.

Richard Abernathy, 23, of 30 Churchill Ave., Cambridge, Dec. 6, 6:18 p.m., arrested on Broadway on warrant charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Ricardo Collazo, 37, of 794 Mass Ave., Boston, arrested in Boston on a warrant charge of armed and masked robbery.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

The Somerville fire department conducted exercises for fire safety maneuvers this week with a “Flashover Trailer Unit”.  The trailer was provided to the Somerville fire department by the Department of Fire Services of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy to simulate emergency fire situations.

The unit was set up and the exercises were carried out in the parking lot of Somerville’s Winter Hill Yacht Club, who generously donated the space to the department for the week.

Fans of Senior captain and 2 time GBL player of the year Kelsey Garrity hold a sign during Friday night's 59-33 season opening loss to Gloucester. - Photo by Charlene Harris

By Mike Rubin

With a new coach, new systems and new players, the Somerville High School girls basketball team is in the midst of a transition.

Despite a strong effort by Kelsey Garrity, the Highlanders suffered a 59-33 defeat to Gloucester in Friday night’s non-league season opening match-up at the Brune Field House.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Commission for Human Rights and other community groups will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 17, 2011.  As part of the celebration the MLK Day Committee is holding an essay contest.  School-aged children are invited to write a one-page essay on this year’s theme, “Realizing King’s Dream Through Youth Action.”  The deadline for essays is December 20^th. The winner will be announced by January 10^th and invited to read their essay at the MLK celebration.  Essays with contact information including name, address, telephone number, age and grade can be submitted electronically at sdarai@somervillema.gov, by mail to Sonja Darai, City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143, or can be left at the Welcome Desk in City Hall.  For more information please contact 311.

(From left) Robert LaFollette, Patrick Coman, Chris Hutchinson-Jones, Max Winer, from Arts at the Armory, Sept. 2010.~Photo courtesy of Patrick Coman

Blood on the Tracks concert to benefit MS Society
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By Lauren C. Ostberg

Blood on the Tracks is more than a classic Bob Dylan album, rife with regret, Biblical references, mouth harp solos, and self-satisfied couplets – it’s also a touchstone album for singer-songwriters.  So when folk musician Patrick Coman was discussing the theme for a holiday benefit concert, the conversation was short and sweet.

By George P. Hassett

A Boston man wanted in connection with the Nov. 28  stabbing on Flint Street turned himself in on Friday, police said.  Brian Maingrette, 18, of Roxbury had been the subject of a search by Somerville and Boston Police since Detective Paul Duffy obtained an arrest warrant for him on Nov. 30.  He surrendered himself at the Somerville District Court and was taken into custody by Somerville Police Officer Lance Covert, police said.

By George P. Hassett

Somerville Police and FBI agents have arrested a suspect who is charged with the Dec. 4 robbery of the Citizens Bank at 212 Elm Street in Davis Square.  Ricardo Colazzo, age 37, was arrested Dec. 8 by Somerville detective John Oliveira and FBI agents.

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.)

Okay Santa, here are the things that I would love to see under my tree if it were possible.

I would love to see that 1962 Gibson SG guitar that I sold for $150 30 years ago and is now worth around $20,000. I would also like to have my Farfisa Compact Combo organ back which is now worth around $3,000.

I would love to find the key to the family safe deposit box just to see if there is anything in there. I am pretty sure my brother emptied it, but still.

Beginning in 2010, the Union square Farmers Market will thrive indoors for the first time.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Beginning in 2011, the Union Square Farmers Market will thrive indoors for the first time.

“This January, [it] will be held at the Armory.  They’ve got a big enough indoor space to accommodate the weekly event,” said Mimi Graney, executive director of Union Square Main Streets.

The market will still take place outside each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from June until the end of October.