Jimmy Del Ponte
On The Silly Side

(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.)

Remember all those old radio and TV jingles that used to stick in our minds? Well, I asked some of my friends to dig deep and come up with some, and they did. So here they are, and we'll start with some of my favorites, as close as I can recall.

Julia Fairclough

While the focus of fundraisers is typically to raise money, the Haitian event Thursday, February 4, will also be a time to bring the Haitian community together, while viewing poignant documentaries about this culturally rich, but physically devastated country.

"An Evening of Haitian Film & Video: A Fundraiser for Haiti Earthquake Relief" will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Somerville Access Community Television (SCAT), 90 Union Square, and is produced by the Somerville Art Council (SAC), and SCAT. Seating is limited. Overflow seats are at the nearby Independent Restaurant (which will air the screening), also the site of the post-fundraiser gathering at 9 p.m.

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Alderman-at-Large Bill White reads a citation from the Board of Aldermen recognizing Police Chief Anthony Holloway for his service to the city, as Mayor Joseph Curtatone (left), Holloway, and his wife, Andra Todd Dreyfus, look on. Tom Champion speaks to the Board of Aldermen after being recognized for his service to the city. ~Photos by Tom Nash

By Tom Nash

Police Chief Anthony Holloway and City Communications Director Tom Champion were recognized by the Board of Aldermen last Thursday for their contributions to the city.

Four years later, Pero said the improved communication had won him over, and the recognition Champion's voice has received as a Somerville cultural icon has helped bring awareness to the city's communication efforts.

As with most workplaces in the public and private sectors, some people come and go, moving on to greener pastures, and others spend their entire working career in service to the city. In practically every instance, they make an impact and work hard. This city has been blessed for the most part with a long list of former and present employees who have made a difference, who have stood out amongst their peers.

Two such men have made a distinct impact on the people who live and work here, both leaving this past week – both moving on to further their careers elsewhere. Both men have been here only a relatively short period of time, but have had a massive impact in their respective positions in city government.

~Photos by Tom Nash

The Board of Aldermen congratulated the Somerville High School Highlanders Boys Varsity Soccer team, who recently won the Greater Boston League championship, at its Jan. 28 meeting. The team posed with Mayor Joseph Curtatone in the chambers.

Flaming Baghead punches Daniel "Mr Magnum" Fairclough in a battle of power vs. finesse. Dr. Popular. ~Photos by Andrew Firestone

Andrew Firestone

There was a warrior's moon out on Thursday, January 25th, and at PA's Lounge there was a world-class Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament. No quarter was asked and none given, as the several dozen competitors, after paying their $4 entrance fee, engaged in one-on-one RPS excitement sponsored by Narragansett Beer and Union Square Main Streets. Their contested prize: some t-shirts.

The host was quick to instruct the crowd on proper etiquette of playing, carefully explaining proper form. "Last year there were a lot of masterbaters," Green said, imitating the classical folly of "rattling the bones" in the build-up. "It's Rau-Sham-Beau! Pump, pump!" Despite Green's graphic demonstration, there were more than a few technical fouls as the night flew by.

Dorie Clark
Somerville