Appears that the Breakfast Wars in Ball Square have made it to another level: Ball Square Café and Victor’s have installed a new awning over their location, a first. They have also installed heaters for their waiting customers this coming winter. No more standing in the cold and freezing waiting for one of Omar’s delicious breakfast, you get that special treatment, they want their customers to feel appreciated.

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You could feel the excitement at the Third Annual Riverfest this Saturday evening and a great time was had by all. The fireworks were spectacular, thanks to Federal Realty who along with Mayor Joe Curtatone sponsored the event. A very large crowd showed up and it appears that all present enjoyed the evening.

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For someone who competed in martial arts tournaments with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, James Tatosky Sr. wasn’t afraid to show his gratitude last week.
Tatosky, honored for his service in the U.S. Navy in World War II and 33 years with the Somerville Police Department, fought back his emotions to thank the Board of Aldermen.
Tatosky, often seen driving through Davis Square on his motorized scooter these days, said, “They say old men don’t cry,” after two standing ovations in his honor last night. “But they can. You made me feel like a million dollars tonight.”
Tatosky survived World War II battles and returned to Somerville, instituting the police department’s first motorcycle and k-9 units. He helped keep this country safe and this community safe for decades, so thank him or another veteran the next time you get the chance.

By Andrew Firestone

Sunset on the banks of a lazy river is the All-American way to relax on a hot September day. And Somerville residents were able to experience their ambling Mystic River at the second Riverfest on Saturday.

Families came to the event sponsored by the Federal Reality Investment Trust in anticipation for the development of Assembly Row, to enjoy face-painting, an enormous castle moonwalk and tricks onstage by “Professor” Danny Haste. At evening, a fireworks show lit up the sky.

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By George P. Hassett

A man who tried to break into a Somerville police officer’s home Sept. 23 was left with a swollen eye after the officer found the man on his porch dressed in a hooded sweatshirt over his head and wearing black gloves, police said.

Emanuel Lausana, 27, of 199 Pearl St., allegedly told Officer Michael Capasso, “You have arrested me in the past,” as they scuffled on Capasso’s porch. In an incident report, Officer Yves Jean Jacques said Lausana “had prior knowledge of the location of this officer’s home.”

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(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.)

I’m writing to thank the residents of the Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex district for your support in the Democratic primary on September 14th.  I am humbled by your confidence in me and look forward to continuing to get down to the important work making a real difference in the lives of our district’s residents by creating and retaining jobs, keeping health care accessible and affordable and ensuring that our state remains a great place for all of us to live and work.

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A team of young Somerville entrepreneurs joined forces this weekend at Conway Park to engage city teens and young adults in local political and civic issues. More than 200 people participated in the sixth annual Save Our Somerville/J-Rock Publishing basketball tournament combined with the fourth annual RAW skate demo, organized by RAW skate shop on Somerville Avenue.

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I don’t think we have ever had Haiku in the LYRICAL SOMERVILLE.  Local poet John Tiong Chunghoo remedies the situation.
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By Mike Rubin

Led by several solid efforts, the Somerville High School volleyball team captured its first win of the season. In its home opener against Greater Boston League rivals Malden, the Highlanders battled to an exhausting 3-2 win. Coupled with Friday night’s 3-2 defeat to Medford, the Highlanders stand at 1-4 overall.

Middle hitter Jacqui Homsi delivered some solid blocking and hitting. Homsi earned a solid service game, serving up 27 up points through the five match victory. Also recording solid performances for the Highlanders were Nicole Genard and Lorenza Etienne, who also emerged with strong attacks, along with some great kills and digs.

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By Mike Rubin

With a promising lineup to work with, the Somerville High School freshman girls volleyball team is off to a fine start to the season. Following a 3-2 start, the Highlanders have posted wins against Lawrence, Arlington and Malden.

“The team looks very strong,” said coach Krista Invernizzi. “We’re working on fundamentals, serving, bumping and setting.”

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Endicott College of Beverly and the Ibbetson Street Press of Somerville have announced a literary partnership the other day. The two organizations have agreed to establish an affiliation between the 12-year-old well-regarded independent literary press and the college. Holder said in regards to his plans for this new partnership: “I hope to bring a number of prominent poets and writers to take part in a reading series we are going to launch. The first Poet Laureate of Boston Sam Cornish will lead off the proceedings, other features will be Gary Metras of the Adastra Press, Gloria Mindock of the Cervena Barva Press, Luke Salisbury, the author of “The Answer is Baseball,” poet Miriam Levin, Bert Stern and others. “I also want to play a mentor role to aspiring poets and writers.” Holder continued: “I want the literary community and the community at large to know about the vital literary and arts programming at Endicott.” Holder has published a number of Endicott faculty members including the poetry collection “Bicycles, Canoes and Drums,” by English Professor Dan Sklar, as well as the poetry of Margaret Young, an instructor on the English faculty of the College. Holder also expects to have his brother Donald Holder, a two-time TONY AWARD winner (“Lion King,” South Pacific”), and Paul Stone, Creative Director of W.B. Mason and novelist to be guest speakers at the college.

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