This Friday night at the Armory is the hopefully new Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party,  hosted by Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan. The band for the evening is “Old Brigade Irish Band”, tickets $20 at the door starting at 7 p.m. running to 11 p.m.,   We hear that former State Representative Marie Howe who hosted these annual celebrations back in the 70’s and 80’s will also be present. Should be a lot of fun and a great evening for everyone, wear something green and bring your dance shoes. Irish or not everyone is Irish for St. Patrick’s Day.

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This week a worker at a Somerville construction site claimed she was spit on by a protester calling for more union jobs at the 184-unit condominium building that will replace the MaxPak factory site.

The alleged victim – a union worker herself – claims she has been harassed at the site by protesters.

Protesters are pushing for more union and Somerville laborers to be used in construction of the new building. Pushing for more and better work for trade laborers is a noble cause but these protesters have been undermined by their own supporters.

Near Somerville city line

By George P. Hassett

A dead body was found Sunday on the MBTA commuter rail tracks near the Somerville city line.

Authorities said the deceased was a white male in his 40s. Transit Police were notified in the afternoon that there was a body located on the MBTA commuter rail tracks off O’Brien Highway.

By George P. Hassett

A Boston man was caught with 156 grams of cocaine in a drug sting at a Somerville hotel March 1, police said.

Kevin Lowe, 34, allegedly arrived at the parking lot of La Quinta as drug unit detectives watched the pre-designed meet location. He allegedly fled from approaching officers before being apprehended.

By William Tauro

Two girls and four boys will represent Somerville High School at the National Scholastic track championships in New York this weekend. Taija Clark will compete Friday in the High Jump. Nicole Genard will compete Saturday in the hurdles. Andre Rolim will run 400 on sat. And the 4×400 relay team of Rolim, John Thomas, Gemain Carty and Ed Chen will compete on Sunday. The meet is held at The Armory in Manhattan.

Well the fat lady has not sung yet for the end of winter, but I decided to include this poem to bring back some very special memories.

What’s So Funny by Joseph Torra. ( Pressed Wafer Press. 9 Columbus Square. Boston, Mass. 02116) $12.

Joe Torra, a neighbor of mine in my neck of the woods in Somerviile, is a poet, and novelist who I have admired for years. A while ago I read his memoir “Call Me Waiter” that recounts his years as a struggling writer who worked as a waiter to support his art. It was a wonderful portrait of an artist as a working stiff. A straight-no-chaser account, it was funny, sad, and ultimately uplifting.

Arrests:
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Christine Turilli, 26, of 7 Reed Court, March 1, 12:36 p.m., arrested at home on warrant charges of receiving a stolen motor vehicle, assault and battery, larceny under $250, larceny over $250 and larceny of a motor vehicle.

Alberto Brito, 29, of 30 Newtowne Court, Cambridge, March 1, 2:57 p.m.,arrested at 14 Governor Winthrop Road and charged with drug violation near a school or park, possession to distribute a class D drug, resisting arrest, failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony and warrant charges.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Early Monday morning a white automobile was discovered submerged in the water off the launching ramp at the Boathouse located on Shore Drive in Somerville.

State and local police were on scene along with the Somerville Fire Department  investigating the situation.

Mayor Curtatone and Office of Veterans’ Services Director Frank Senesi announced  that the 7th annual Memorial Day Parade fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 7 p.m. in the Somerville High School Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave.

All proceeds will support the City’s Memorial Day Parade, scheduled for Sunday, May 29th. The fundraiser includes entertainment by the USO Metropolitan New York Performers, and Joey Voices.  Tickets are available for $20 per person, and may be purchased by contacting the Mayor’s Office at 617-625-6600 ext. 2100, or Veterans’ Services at ext 4700. For more information, contact Kathy Carey at Veteran’s Services.