The
Joshua Tree and Pearl Plum Vodka will be sponsoring a Haiti Relief
Fundraiser Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Proceeds from a
specific cocktail list featuring Pearl Plum will go towards the fund
raising efforts.

There will be a variety of prizes from local
contributors that will be auctioned off. The proceeds from the auction
will all go to Haiti as well.

RESPOND, Inc. is a grassroots organization that was started in Somerville to stop domestic violence, even before the term ‘domestic violence’ existed.

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

Domestic violence is one of the most misunderstood, overlooked and serious societal problems plaguing communities around Massachusetts and the country. In the first five weeks or so of the New Year, there have already been eight domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts. The initial and consistent reaction that seems to be common is to chalk these homicides and other acts of violence within the home as direct results of the frustrations caused by a down economy.

A defining characteristic of domestic violence is the reluctance of the victim to seek out help, which can be brought on by innate human fear, embarrassment and a whole other slew of dark, entrapping emotions. On top of the conscience dilemma found when a person needs to turn in a husband, wife, parent or other close family member to authorities to survive, many victims don't know that there are outlets out there. One of these outlets, which has been serving Somerville and many of its neighboring towns and cities since 1974, is RESPOND, Inc. RESPOND, Inc. is a grassroots organization that was started in Somerville to stop domestic violence, even before the term 'domestic violence' existed.

By William Tauro

Escaping the cold and snow of recent days, Alderman Dennis Sullivan and his wife, Melissa, last week honeymooned in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The alderman even found time in his busy schedule to hold a "mobile alderman hour session" with a few constituents via an internet conference call to keep up to speed with concerns that are taking place here in the Ville.

We live in New England, so crazy weather is nothing new to us, right? So why is it, when our local version of "snowmageddon" doesn't materialize, we lose our minds and point the finger at the seemingly hapless meteorologists, the Mayor for calling a snow emergency and Traffic and Parking (and subsequently the contracted tow company) for the parking violations and needless tows?

The family-owned Ames Safety Envelope Company, will close, causing the loss of over 150 jobs for its factory workers. ~ Photo by William Tauro

Current economy, high tech forces 150 Somervillians out of work

By Julia Fairclough

One of Somerville's largest, non-governmental businesses for nearly a century, the family-owned Ames Safety Envelope Company, will close, causing the loss of over 150 jobs for its factory workers.

The Properzi Way business, owned by the Fitzgerald family, was bought by Tab Products Co., an international company specializing in record management. The sale will be finalized in early March.