Veterans’ rink re-opens under city control

Veterans' Memorial Rink re-opened for business on November 1 with Somerville Youth Hockey practice. ~Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

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By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville kids who dream of being the next Bobby Orr or Nancy Kerrigan can now spend a lot more time skating closer to home.

Veterans’ Memorial Rink is now under city management and officials say residents can expect a longer operating season, extended opening hours, and a facility they can be proud of.

By Mike Rubin

The Somerville High Boys Soccer team finished the season with a 9-5-3 mark and will await their tournament opponent on Thursday.

With a tournament berth all signed, sealed and delivered, the Somerville High boys soccer team finished out the regular season in style.

Pierre Rodriguez knocked down a pair of goals and freshman sensation Thayrone Miranda also added a tally as the Highlanders cruised to a 6-1 win over Whittier Tech in last week’s regular season finale.

Officer Oliveira in serious condition
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Somerville police officer Mario Oliveira was awarded a citation for the police officer of the year in 2005.

By George P. Hassett

A Somerville police officer shot Tuesday night is in serious condition at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Mario Oliveira, a decorated nine year veteran of the department, was shot three times as he served an arrest warrant on Gibbens Street at about 6:40 p.m. with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

The election results are in and Deval is back as governor and Pat Jehlen beat first time challenger Dave Carnevale. Dave was close in some parts of the district, including Winchester, but lost to the longtime incumbent.

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Our hearts and prayers are with Somerville Police Officer Mario Oliveira who was shot in the line of duty on Tuesday evening. Mario is a great guy and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

Somerville launches sustainability program
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Honeywell sustainability specialist Nancy Winship-Poole demonstrates eco-friendly lighting to students from the Kennedy School at the community fair to launch Somerville's sustainability awareness campaign. - Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville’s new campaign to promote eco-friendly habits in schools and city offices is as much about saving money as it is about saving the planet.

City officials expect to shave more than $450,000 off operating costs each year, by modernizing facilities to make them more energy-efficient, and by launching an education and awareness program, dubbed “Act! Earth,” targeted at city employees, students and school faculty. They say that’s more than enough money to fund the long term investment in sustainability.

By Lauren C. Ostberg

- Photo by Lauren Ostberg

The Board of Aldermen last week unanimously voted to support a federal move to give children of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.

“This is the only country that these kids have ever known,” said Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gerwitz, who introduced the resolution.  “Let’s invest in them.”

By George P. Hassett

Detectives looking to catch a thief witnessed a heroin deal on Washington Street Oct. 25, police said.

While conducting an investigation into home break-ins in Ward Two, the detectives allegedly saw a person known to drug unit cops anxiously pacing back and forth on Somerville Avenue. Police said they knew the man to have a reputation for using and selling drugs.

The Somerville High girls' soccer team is on the verge of tournament elimination following an 0-2-1 week.

By Mike Rubin

Not long ago, the Somerville High School girls soccer team was virtually a lock for the tournament. Now after a tough 1-6 stretch, the Highlanders are now at 6-7-4 and are on the verge of elimination.

With two games remaining, the Highlanders must obtain at least a win and a tie against Medford and Austin Prep to qualify.

Poet and translator David Ferry will be a featured reader at The Somerville News Writers Festival.