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© 2026 The Somerville Times. All rights reserved.
By Lauren C. Ostberg
Three generations of Greek family dine behind a posing Steve Petsalia (L) and Costas Hatzis by Lauren Ostberg
What’s in a name? A festival, for one. This past Sunday, Somerville’s Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church celebrated its “name day” with vespers, fanfare, and, naturally, delicious food.
Mary’s “dormition” is, following Greek Orthodox scripture, the day “she fell asleep in the Lord.” It is the last of 12 major feasts on the faith’s calendar. According to Father Panteleimon Klostri, who has headed the church since October, Mary is considered the most honorable of the saints, and her story serves as a reminder to parishioners to be “faithful until the end.”
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Photos by William Rogers
By William Tauro
Sixty-five sailors from the Italian warship “San Giusto” visited Somerville’s Winter Hill Yacht Club this past Friday for an old fashion barbecue luncheon.
The ship’s Captain C. V. Edoardo Giacomini and it’s sailors were bused in by motor coach from the ship which was docked at the Black Falcon pier in Boston to the Somerville Yacht club where they were greeted by Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Winter Hill Yacht Club Commodore James Tatosky along with executive members of the club.
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(from the City of Somerville’s Web site)
A second neighborhood meeting will be held Tuesday August 17 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway.
The purpose of the meeting will be to follow up on the prior meeting and address issued that were raised regarding Ocean State Job Lot becoming a potential tenant at 299 Broadway (former Star Market site).
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Interview with Doug Holder
After serving in the US Air Force as an aircraft crew chief, Michael Mack worked a variety of factory and labor jobs before returning to school and graduating from the writing program at MIT.
Mack has performed at the US Library of Congress, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, the Columbia Festival of the Arts, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Austin International Poetry Festival, and Off-Off-Broadway at the Times Square Arts Center.
His work has aired on NPR, and has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), America, the Beloit Poetry Journal, Cumberland Poetry Review, and is featured in Best Catholic Writing 2005.
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By Cathleen Twardzik
Somerville is becoming greener by the year. At Stop and Shop on McGrath Highway new solar panels were installed earlier this summer.
The supermarket chain recently announced that it has finished the panels’ installation on eight of its stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey.
In 2008, the installation of the first photo voltaic system occurred in a branch in Fairfield, CT. The remaining seven locations followed.
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By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone
(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.)
Amidst all the attention (rightfully) being paid to the selection of DEA Police Regional Director Thomas Pasquarello as the City’s new Police Chief, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the Police Department itself.
Somerville’s crime statistics have been moving in the right direction for a number of years, in no small part because the city implemented many of the recommendations made in 2005 by the Somerville Police Advisory Group (SPAG). The Police Department has provided firearm and first responder training, supplied officers with modern equipment, and removed the Chief from the civil service rolls in order to improve executive accountability. By following those recommendations, we have a safer city and a better organized and prepared force. Yet the department still must implement the rest of the SPAG recommendations.
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In Friday's match-up against the South End Astros, the Alibrandis battled to a 3-1 victory.
By Mike Rubin
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With the post-season rapidly approaching, the Somerville Alibrandis men’s summer baseball team continue to click at the right time. After recording a 5-3 win over the Brighton Braves on Sunday, the Alibrandis are in the midst of a five game winning streak while improving to 23-7-1 overall. Closing in on first place in the Bill Stewart Division, the Alibrandis just trail the Malden Bulldogs by a single point (48-47).
“We’re playing some great baseball at the right time,” said coach Rob McDonough. “The guys know that the playoffs are around the corner and everybody’s been really stepping it up. I’m very proud of the way everyone’s been focused and we’re just on a roll right now.”
In Sunday’s win over the Braves, Chris Foundas earned the win, firing five shutout innings while Justin Crisafulli paced the offense. Other offensive catalysts included Dave Scioli, Pat Noble and Tony Tomaro while Bernie Driscoll and Scioli also recorded two hits apiece.
Facing a 3-0 deficit, the Alibrandis tied the contest with a run in the second and two in the third. In the top of the sixth, the Alibrandis engineered for two runs en route to the victory.
After starter Sean Gildea struggled, Foundas regained the Alibrandi’s composure, allowing just three hits through the final innings.
In Friday’s match-up against the South End Astros, the Alibrandis battled to a 3-1 victory.
On the mound, Jon Morse, Foundas and Jay Wisner combined to earn the victory. Wisner, who continues to fare solid in the later innings, recorded his sixth save by firing a scoreless seventh inning.
Offensively, Chad Conner led the way, recording a pair of doubles while Tom McDonough, Scioli and Joey Hadfield also recorded RBIs.
Facing a 1-0 deficit, the Alibrandis tied the contest in the bottom of the second before adding runs in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings. Also recording extra base hits were Marc DesRoches and Driscoll.
Led by several solid performances, the Alibrandis cruised to an 11-0 whitewashing over the East Boston Knights.
At the plate, Yondo Nyadjroh launched his first Yawkey League home run while the squad recorded a season high 17 hits. Also recording solid performances for the Alibrandis included Matt Deeb, who launched four hits, along with three runs scored an RBI. Recording multi-hit games were Bernie Driscoll, Ted Dzuiba, Tomaro along with Joey Hadfield and Sal Mendonca with two apiece.
In last Monday’s match-up against the Medford Mad Dogs, the Alibrandis battled to an 8-5 win. After a 5-1 lead early in the contest, the Mad Dogs closed the gap within two before the Alibrandis secured the win with three in the top of the seventh. Offensively, Deeb, Conner, Scioli and Noble led the way, recording two hits apiece while Crisafulli, Conner and Scioli each recorded two RBIs apiece.
Earning the victory was Dave Fioretti, who allowed three runs on five hits through six innings while striking out seven and walking three.
Volume 37-Report No. 31 • August 6, 2010
Copyright © 2010 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen
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THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records the votes of local representatives on two votes and senators on three roll calls from prior sessions during the week of July 26-31.
Our Legislators in the House and Senate for Somerville:
Rep. Denise Provost
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Twenty-seventh Middlesex. – Consisting of precinct 3 of ward 2, all precincts of ward 3, precinct 3 of ward 4, and all precincts of wards 5 and 6, of the city of Somerville, in the county of Middlesex.
Rep. Carl Sciortino
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Thirty-fourth Middlesex. – Consisting of all precincts in wards 4 and 5, precinct 1 of ward 7, and precinct 2 of ward 8, of the city of Medford, precincts 1 and 2 of ward 4, and all precincts of ward 7, of the city of Somerville, both in the county of Middlesex.
Rep. Timothy Toomey
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Twenty-sixth Middlesex. – Consisting of all precincts of ward 1, precinct 1 of ward 2, precincts 1 and 2 of ward 3, and precinct 1 of ward 6, of the city of Cambridge, and all precincts of ward 1 and precincts 1 and 2 of ward 2, of the city of Somerville, both in the county of Middlesex.
Sen. Sal DiDomenico
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: MIDDLESEX, SUFFOLK AND ESSEX. – Cambridge, ward 3, precinct 2, wards 6 and 7, ward 8, precincts 1 and 2, ward 9, precinct 1, ward 10, precinct 2, Everett and Somerville, ward 1, precinct 1, ward 2, precinct 1, in the county of Middlesex; Boston, ward 2, ward 21, precincts 4, 6 and 7, ward 22, precincts 1, 2 and 5, Chelsea and Revere, ward 6, in the county of Suffolk; and Saugus, precincts 2, 6 and 10, in the county of Essex.
Sen. Patricia Jehlen
DISTRICT REPRESENTED: SECOND MIDDLESEX. – Medford, Somerville, ward 1, precincts 2 and 3, ward 2, precincts 2 and 3, and wards 3 to 7, inclusive, Woburn, ward 2, and Winchester.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REORGANIZATION (S 2582)
House 151-2, Senate 39-0, approved and Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law the conference committee version of a bill that would reorganize the state’s economic development agencies.
Provisions consolidate agencies that play a role in attracting business to the state into the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership, which would act as the state’s central marketing organization; eliminate the Massachusetts Sports and Entertainment Commission and the Massachusetts Industrial Development Authority; create a state sales tax-free holiday on August 14 and 15; reduce from 5.3 percent to 3 percent the capital gains tax rate on investments made by individual investors in Massachusetts-based start-up companies that are held for more than three years and raise from the current $2,000 to $7,000 the maximum amount for which a plaintiff is allowed to sue in small claims court.
The package does not repeal the 2008 law that prohibits drug firms from giving gifts and meals to doctors and other health care professionals. That repeal was in the House version of the bill but was taken out by the conference committee.
Supporters said that the bill would streamline the state’s economic development system and ensure accountability and efficiency from all agencies. They noted that the measure is designed to make it easier for small businesses to communicate and interact with the state by eliminating redundant state agencies and restructuring state services so they are better in line with the needs of small businesses. They argued that all these important changes would make the state more business-friendly and create jobs.
Opponents offered no arguments. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against the bill.)
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Rep. Denise Provost Yes
Rep. Carl Sciortino Yes
Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes
Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes
REQUIRE OBAMA APPROVAL OF BAY STATE IRAN SANCTIONS (H 4297)
House 19-134, rejected an amendment to the bill requiring the $50 billion state pension fund to divest its holdings in foreign companies doing business related to petroleum with Iran. The amendment prohibits the divestiture from taking place until the state receives written communication from President Obama declaring that this act is compatible with the conduct of United States foreign policy.
Amendment supporters said that the federal government is responsible for determining foreign policy and that the state should not be involved in this area.
Amendment opponents said that the state has a right to determine where to invest its employees’ retirement money. They noted that Iran is one of the most evil and dangerous nations in the world and is working toward developing a nuclear bomb and the destruction of Israel. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring presidential approval. A “No” vote is against requiring presidential approval.)
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Rep. Denise Provost Yes
Rep. Carl Sciortino Yes
Rep. Timothy Toomey No
$12.5 MILLION FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING (H 4800)
Senate 39-0, overrode Gov. Patrick’s $12.5 veto reduction (from $24 million to $11.5 million) in funding for workforce training grants. These funds come from the Workforce Training Fund that was established in 1998 and is financed by Massachusetts employers.
Supporters of keeping the $12.5 million said it is important during this time of high unemployment to fund these grants that provide resources to Massachusetts businesses to train employees and improve their skills.
In his veto message, Patrick said there is $10 million for this program that was not spent last year. He noted that combined with the $11.5 million that remains following his veto, there would still be $21 million left for this important program. (A “Yes” vote is for overriding Patrick’s reduction and for keeping the $12.5 million.)
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Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes
LIMIT DEBATE ON CASINO GAMBLING (H 5000)
Senate 24-15, approved a motion to limit debate on the bill that would authorize three resort casinos and two slot parlors in the state to 30 minutes.
Supporters of the limit said the bill has been debated extensively for weeks. They noted it is time to move ahead with the vote on the proposal.
Opponents of the limit said this new version of the bill has not been debated at all. They argued that members should be given ample time to read and debate the bill. (A “Yes” vote is for limiting debate to 30 minutes. A “No” vote is against the limit.)
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Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes
Sen. Patricia Jehlen No
ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL
CASINO BILL STUCK (H 5000) – Gov. Patrick refused to sign the bill creating three resort casinos and two slot parlors in the state. The governor instead proposed to replace the Legislature’s proposal with one that provides for the three casinos but no slot parlors.
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The governor last week signed into law the following bills:
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CHANGE CORI AND SENTENCING LAWS (S 2583) – This bill makes changes in the state’s Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and mandatory sentencing laws. The measure allows certain entities access to CORI information on felony convictions for ten years after the offender’s release from jail and on misdemeanor charges for five years. Currently, records are sealed after 15 years for felonies and ten years on misdemeanors. Other provisions allow some non-violent offenders sentenced to mandatory minimum sentences for drug-related crimes to be eligible for parole upon serving one-half of their sentences in a house of corrections; add certain illegal gun possession charges to the list of crimes for which a prosecutor may move for pre-trial detention based on dangerousness and prohibit convicted sex offenders from working as ice cream truck vendors.
AUTISM (H 4935) – This bill requires health insurance plans to include coverage for some treatments of autism. Supporters said it is unfair and irresponsible that Massachusetts does not mandate this coverage. Opponents said that they sympathize with children with autism but argued that the mandate would further increase the rising cost of health insurance for businesses.
NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE (H 4156) – This legislation makes Massachusetts a member of the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote. The agreement requires states that join the pact to cast all of their electoral votes for the presidential candidate who wins a majority of the national popular vote in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The pact would become effective when states representing at least 270 electoral votes – a majority of the 538-vote Electoral College – join this compact.
DIVEST FROM IRAN (H 4297) – This measure requires the $50 billion state pension fund to divest its holdings in foreign companies doing business related to petroleum with Iran.
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QUOTABLE QUOTES – SPECIAL CASINO GAMLING ISSUE
“This is a great guy and a great speaker.” – Gov. Patrick complimenting House Speaker Robert DeLeo on WTKK Radio
“By failing to sign this compromise gaming legislation or allowing it to become law, Gov. Patrick has decided to kill the prospects of 15,000 new jobs and immediate local aid revenue for cities and towns.” – House Speaker Robert DeLeo
“Make no mistake, it is absolutely the governor’s responsibility to deliver jobs and Patrick is throwing away the prospect of creating 15,000 of them in the Commonwealth. When I am governor, that is going to change.” – State Treasurer and Independent gubernatorial candidate Timothy Cahill
“Gov. Patrick has been a completely ineffective leader and this is the latest proof that it’s time for new leadership.” – GOP gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker
“It’s a pathetic commentary on the mentality on Beacon Hill, that this is all they can come up with.” – Green-Rainbow gubernatorial candidate Jill Stein
HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION?
Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.
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During the week of August 2-6, the House met for a total of 33 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 22 minutes.
Monday August 2
No House session
Senate 11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
Tuesday August 3
No House session
No Senate session
Wednesday August 4
House 11:02 a.m. to 11:20 a.m
No Senate session
Thursday August 5
House 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Senate 11:05 a.m. to 11:17 a.m.
Friday August 6
No House session
No Senate session
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Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com
~ Photos by Bobbie Toner
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