We may never know the exact circumstances surrounding Sheriff James DiPaola’s death Saturday in Maine.

However, we can be sure that DiPaola spent decades working to help people: first for 18 years as a Malden police officer then for 14 as Middlesex County sheriff.

His sense of duty and obligation to help those in need was felt from Somerville to Louisiana.

By Ashley Taylor

About 30 residents attended the Ward 7 ResiStat meeting on Monday night at the West Somerville Community School, where residents and city officials discussed the future of the Powder House Community School, Somerville’s impermeable surfaces, and crime at Tufts University, among other topics.

ResiStat is, in the words of its website, “the the City of Somerville’s effort to bring data-driven discussions and decision-making to residents.”  Daniel Hadley, the ResiStat manager, chaired the meeting.  Ward Seven Alderman Bob Trane, Police Captain Paul Trant, Rob May, from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, and Matt Dias, Director of the Department of Traffic and Parking, attended the meeting and answered questions.

The suicide of Middlesex Sheriff James DiPaola has puzzled political allies including Mayor Joe Curtatone. - Photo by Bobbie Toner

Mayor: Sheriff ‘good friend’ to Somerville

By George P. Hassett

The death of embattled Middlesex Sheriff James V. DiPaola from an apparent suicide Saturday continued this week to shock those who knew the former Malden cop, including in Somerville where DiPaola worked closely with officials on clean-up projects and large scale initiatives.

Mayor Joe Curtatone said DiPaola was “a very good friend to the city of Somerville.”

By George P. Hassett

A 41-year-old homeless woman tried to blame her nephew after she stole a smart phone from a man who was allowing her to stay with him, police said.

Kim Casey was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property over $250. Police said when the man realized his phone was missing, he called it and Casey answered.

Former Somerville High School boys' basketball star Franklin Salvador has already made an impression at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, earning rookie of the week honors.

By Mike Rubin

Not long ago, Franklin Salvador emerged as one of the elite perimeter shooters in the history of Somerville High boys basketball.

Now as Salvador takes his game to the next level, Salvador continues to light up the net for the Thomas College Terriers in Waterville, Maine.

Despite the team’s 0-2 mark, Salvador was named as the school’s rookie of the week. In a loss to UMass-Dartmouth, Salvador registered a game high 28 points. He also scored 17 points in a tough defeat to Baruch College. In the loss, Salvador added five rebounds and four steals.

For his efforts he won the league’s rookie of the week honors.

Somerville poet Patric Sylvain paints a less than pretty picture of his native Haiti in his poem “Boulevard Jean Jacques Dessalines.” Sylvain is included in the anthology  “Poets for Haiti” edited by Kim Triedman.

Dear Editor,

We want to thank all the participants in our October book sale; the book donors, the book purchasers all the volunteers, library staff and DPW. We want to specifically thank the students at Prospect Hill Academy for their efforts and Flagraphics for the banner. As you know the proceeds are used to support cultural and educational programs at the library and to buy museum passes.

Michael Knoblach met me at my usual table at the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square. He is a big man, with thinning shoulder length hair, and a deep but somewhat hushed voice. He is what I would call a renaissance man, a man with an eclectic range of interests and sensibilities.
A graduate of Tufts University, the former Somerville resident still conducts much of his business in the ‘ville. Among other things Knoblach is an antiques dealer and used to do a lot of business with “Poor Little Rich Girl” when it was still in Somerville.

Arrests
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Rita Smith, 34, of 8 Dartmouth St., Nov. 22, 5:32 a.m., arrested on Broadway and charged with unarmed robbery and conspiracy.

Michael McGann, 50, homeless, Nov. 22, 5:40 p.m., arrested on Hawkins Street and charged with drinking from an open container and disorderly conduct.

Willard Philbrook, 59, of 17 Banks St., Nov. 23, 11:40 a.m., arrested on Highland Avenue on warrant charges.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone will lead the celebration for Somerville’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, December 2nd. The event originally had been scheduled for the previous evening, but has been moved due to rainy weather in the local forecast.

The event also will feature a special visit from Santa, caroling by the Somerville Community Chorus, holiday music by the Somerville High School Band, the kickoff for the Toys for Local Children campaign, festive fun and holiday refreshments. All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend as the City ushers in the holiday season.