Boston Bee

A new season yields new hope

2008-09-07T10:00:21Z

Football season begins next week

By Jack Nicas

After years of disappointment, including a string of 33 straight losses and injury-plagued seasons, the Somerville High School football program is finally ready to shatter its reputation as a perennial loser. With a strong senior class looking to go out on top, junior and sophomore classes that posted undefeated freshman seasons, and a “phenomenal” freshman class according to head coach Harry Marchetti, this year's team looks to deliver an exciting season.

Marchetti said much of the optimism stems from the increased number of hopefuls showing up at August preseason practices. “It's almost twice as much [as last season],” team captain Mike Stanton said.

“The numbers are better this year than they ever have been,” Marchetti said. “We've come out of the dark ages, and with numbers comes promise.”

The team finished with a 5-5 record last season, overcoming injuries that sidelined many of their best players, including Senior star running back Ricardo David for all but two games. David graduated last year. Marchetti said that adversity opened an opportunity for younger players to step up.

“Some freshmen and sophomores got game experience at the end of last year,” he said. “And you can't teach them experience. Hopefully it just translates to this year.”

The team will be relying on their senior captains to lead the way, such as linebacker and offensive lineman Herman Edward, quarterback and safety Mike Stanton, and starting linemen Bobby Taylor and Steven Francis. However, the team's young talent blossoming into impact players will be just as important, Marchetti said.

He called starting sophomore defensive linemen Kevin Wint and Doug Lazo a “phenom” and a “monster” respectively. Wint said his goals are to “wreak havoc on defense and smash some quarterbacks” this season.

Marchetti looks to capitalize on his younger, deeper, more athletic team with a brand new offense this year. “We're going to concentrate a lot on passing the ball,” he said. Team captain Stanton is battling incumbent starting quarterback Jason Marcini for the reigns to the new offense.

Stanton said the new strategy includes a lot of spread sets, a focus on the short passing game, and running the ball off-tackle.

Wint said the defense would remain a 4-4 setup, which calls for four defensive linemen, four linebackers, and three defensive backs.

Marchetti said the team's goals for the season include “obviously to be competitive,” but more importantly he looks for the team to grow together. “We've made a lot of strides-not just on the field, but as human beings,” he said. “I'd like to grow as a team on and off the field.”

The coach said he wanted to challenge his team, so he “put [their] backs up against the wall” and lined up a difficult schedule. They open the season against defending Division III Superbowl Champion Greater Lawrence Tech and play Cambridge Rindge & Latin, who was 7-4 last year, on Nov. 14. Marchetti said he expects Malden Catholic and Reading Memorial to be difficult matchups as well, with two much-improved squads. However, the biggest game of the season falls on Oct. 24 when the team travels to rival Everett, he said.

“Everett's the big game,” Marchetti said after detailing how close Somerville came to spoiling Everett's perfect season last year. Somerville was up 7-0 with three minutes left in the first half, but Marchetti said the team “made mistakes and lost momentum,” only to ultimately lose 34-7.

“[Everett] know[s] we can compete at that level,” he said. “Now we have to finish the job and play complete games. Complacency is the first hurdle.”

Marchetti said no matter whom they play, they will be the tougher team. “We're going to bang people; that's my style,” he said. “We may lose a game but we're not going to get out-hit or outworked”
Stanton, whose work ethic Marchetti calls the epitome of the team's philosophy, shares his coach's sentiments: “Winning is the first priority, but if we play our best and still lose, I don't feel bad as long as we worked hard.”

The season opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 versus Greater Lawrence Tech at Dilboy Stadium.

Returning Players:
Captains:
Herman Edward - Senior - Linebacker and Offensive Lineman
League All-Star
Ready to make comeback after injuries last year.
Bobby Taylor - Senior- Offensive and Defensive Lineman
League All-Star
Steven Francis - Senior - Offensive Lineman
Three-year Starter
Mike Stanton - Senior - Quarterback and Safety
Marchetti- “Not the biggest, fastest or most talented kid,
but he works hard. Forced his way into the lineup last
year and has now looked real good at [quarterback].”

Impact Players:
Davis Guera - Senior - Running Back and Defensive Back
An impact player on defense and the team's starting
running back.
Jason Marcini - Senior - Quarterback
Battling Stanton for team's starting quarterback position.

Up and Coming Underclassmen:
Doug Lazo - Sophomore - Offensive and Defensive Tackle
Marchetti- “He's a force-a monster.”
John Wallace - Sophomore - Offensive and Defensive Lineman
Marchetti- “He will make an impact this year.”
Kevin Wint - Sophomore - Offensive and Defensive Lineman
Marchetti- “He's a phenom-a two-way starter for us.”
Josh Scary - Sophomore - Defensive Back
Marchetti- “A tough, tough kid.”

Photos by Jack Nicas

They're back!!!

2008-09-06T22:00:02Z

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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.)

Wow that was quick -it seems like the little darlings were just saying goodbye to their classmates in the schoolyard back in June - and suddenly - THEY'RE BACK! My boys (5th and 7th ) graders say they are “psyched” to go back to school so they can see their friends. Let's see how they feel after a few days - I hope the passion lasts.

We just got back from Maine and I heard the automated “welcome back” message from the school principal - it was good to hear her voice, because she is a peach. When I was their age, I got hives and started shaking every time I heard that “ before you go back to school, go to Zayre's” jingle. To this day I hate the back to school circulars that come in the newspaper.

I encourage my kids to do their best in school, but it was different for me - all you have to do is say the words “school clothes” and I'm breaking out into a cold sweat and wool rash. I still bum out when the stores jam the back to school sales down your throat. I have been conditioned to hate this time of year, and stubborn Italians are hard to change.

Some of my friends say they can't wait until school starts - they want their kids out of their hair - I couldn't care less. Even though my kids have the ability to turn me into a raving maniac and push the envelope to the limit, I like when they're around. The two little tykes can reduce me to a sniveling, sobbing psychopath, but I still would rather have them around than not.

I want them to enjoy every second of being young - maybe it's because I know how fast time goes by and they will soon be off on their own like their sister. I still need time to get them ready for the real world and ruin them a little more with my bias views and lop-sided opinions. Don't get me wrong, anyone who knows me can vouch that I have a short fuse, but with the kids I do my best to stretch my patience. I've said it many times, Ward Cleaver I am not.

All kidding aside, I am truly glad my boys are excited to return to school, because their school is a good one. I am also thrilled that we still have several weekends left to go camping at our trailer in New Hampshire - they just might be doing their homework by the campfire, like Abe Lincoln, or something.
I have many wonderful memories of my school years, thanks to my classmates and a lot of dedicated teachers and administrators. I also remember that sick, nervous lump in my stomach that accompanied me through most of my school experience.

For me, going back to school was like going back to prison after being on a furlough - it was a combination of bummers that made me hate school. For eight years it was wearing a necktie and saying acts of contrition. Then we couldn't have long hair or wear dungarees. Can you imagine getting in trouble if your hair touched your shirt collar?

And although I have written about a lot of good teachers, there were also a lot of windbags who were on power trips. I had one teacher who flunked me in his/her subject (I won't even say the subject because it will be easy to figure out who he/she is). Even though my mother paid for a tutor and I really tried my best, this jerk flunked me - then the geniuses at the High School put me back in the same course with the same teacher the next year to suffer through another year of numeric abuse (did that just give it away?). Well, that nightmare lasted half a week, thanks to a great guidance counselor. Unfortunately I harbored a lot of animosity toward this creep - he obviously tried to be a hard guy, instead of a good teacher.

The beginning of school also meant our summer of fun was over. No more staying out until the streetlights came on. No more riding our bikes. It meant no more hanging around that special girl's front stairs until her father came out, gave you a dirty look, and called her inside. Messing around with your friends was over, and just doing nothing was history, to be replaced by World History. School meant the end of fun. It was hours of sitting in a stuffy classroom listening to a lot of hot air being expelled, mixed with Old Spice.. Thank God for lunchtime. It was the only thing that kept us going. The American chop suey and the pizza were my favorites. I think there was some sort of sub sandwich thing we had that wasn't half bad. Thank God also for the beautiful girls in our class. The false hope, wishful thinking and all those unfulfilled dreams at least gave me a reason to keep coming back.

With the MCAS testing, there is a lot of pressure of students. They make a big deal out of it and scare the kids. I always say, half in jest, that my kids will have their music to fall back on and I hope they are successful at it. The truth is that they have to do a ton of homework in order to keep up. My kids are in a great school with an A-1 administration and teachers that are dedicated. The superintendent is super. A lot of my kids' teacher's are my former classmates and lifelong friends! There are also lots of great after school programs for students today.

Thankfully, Somerville has an excellent school system that is run with heart. Back in my day, some teachers were downright heartless and nasty. The good teachers, mind you, greatly outweighed those cranky disgruntled moldy molders of youth (carry a grudge? who, me?). They, along with “building masters” made my life miserable - thanks!

Thank God times have changed...a few years on the shrink's couch may help me let go of some of the anger. It is the same anger I have toward some former bosses that were poor excuses for humans.

So, I bought the new clothes and sneakers and the boys are anxious to get back to school. I will be happy to see the moms and dads who have been my friends since our kids were in pre-school together. And I'd like to assure them that I changed the passwords on our computers so daddy says when it's My Tube and Your Face time.

They're back, and so are the parking police, so be careful not to get a ticket while you are picking up your kids. Some of these ticket givers are probably the spawn of those teachers that made it miserable for us years ago. I can still hear that jingle - before you go back to school go to therapy! Excuse me, I have to use some geometry to figure out my bills for the month, check out the wild card standings and plan tomorrow's supper.

Correction: Mary Ann Hellen informs me that her class (1967), not mine, had Miss Charleton in her first year teaching at the Western! But we are the class that put the dog in the paper closet!

Please e-mail your comments to Jimmy at: jimmydel@rcn.com

The View From Prospect Hill

2008-09-06T10:00:12Z

Boston Magazine is a fine publication with plenty of high quality writing, very popular columnists and the feverishly anticipated (albeit infamously flawed) “Best of” series. This month's issue of the “50 Best Public High Schools” is so flawed, that school systems across the state should be outraged, especially Somerville's.

It doesn't matter if Albert Einstein himself was on the panel analyzing and comparing data - there is no possible way to compare two communities or schools, never mind 141 of them, not in the two most heavily weighed categories - “Cost Efficiency Ranking” and “Academic Performance Ranking” - without breaking down the communities themselves into separate groupings of economic and sociologic demographics.

Seriously, if you think about it, how can one system - in an urban setting, with a heavy immigrant/bilingual/ESL student population and in-house SPED immersion/integration - compare with a very affluent, suburban, little to no immigrant/bilingual/ESL student population and literally 100 percent of its SPED students sent out of district?

How do you compare those two communities and high schools? Is it fair for a system, which performs remarkably well given the extenuating circumstances that come with such an urban setting, to be listed in the 70's or 80's in either category?

The answer is, simply, no.

The Mayor, the School Committee, the School Administration and most of all - the students, teachers and staff at Somerville High School should be outraged. We as a community should voice our opinion to Boston Magazine that regardless of how they skew the results or what kind of bell curve they scored their system, it is inherently flawed at its core and they should be much more careful with the way and manner in which they pick and choose their “Best of” lists.

As the summer cools down, Somerville heats up

2008-09-05T18:20:41Z

Things to do this week

Thursday-Sept. 4: The SomerMovie Fest wraps up with the Viewer's Choice film: Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious. The film will begin at sundown in Seven Hills Park.

Friday-Sept. 5: East Somerville Main Streets kicks off the second annual “International Movie Nights in East Somerville.” A live Brazilian band will start things off at 7 p.m. and the movie, Deus é Brasileiro, begins at 8 p.m. The Brazilian movie will be shown in Portuguese with English subtitles. The event will continue every Friday night for the next three weeks at 165 Broadway at Cross Street, behind the old fire station.

Friday and Saturday-Sept. 5 and 6: The third annual “Viva la Vinal Festival” will be held from 4-10 p.m. at the Somerville Community Growing Center at 22 Vinal Ave. The festival is free and will feature many live, local bands.

Postponed from Saturday Sept. 6 to Sunday Sept. 7 due to rain: Union Square Plaza will be transformed into a groovy flea market from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday. Vendors will be selling all sorts of music memorabilia at the “Rock and Roll Yard Sale” for the second consecutive year.

Postponed from Saturday Sept. 6 to Sunday Sept. 7 due to rain: Later Sunday night, Union Square Plaza will host the Devil Music Ensemble, who will be providing a soundtrack to the 1929 Chinese silent martial arts film Red Heroine. The film begins at 8 p.m.

Friday through Sunday-Sept. 5-7: Grab some food and watch some authentic dancing at the “Somerville Greek Music & Food Festival” at the Dormition Church at 29 Central St. The festival will feature food vendors and live Greek music every night. It runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Bright colors and new classrooms welcome SHS students

2008-09-05T10:00:06Z

By George P. Hassett

Before Somerville High's 1,400 students returned to classes today, school officials were busy preparing building facilities and adding new features to enhance their education.

SHS Principal Tony Ciccarello said the new paint job - hallways painted in bright gold - will add to “a lively, pleasing learning environment. We want the school to look like a building where young adults can come and be excited to learn.”

More important, Cicarello said, is the learning and the work that goes on in the classrooms but bright, clean facilities “compliments our mission.”

Administrators are even adding learning options for students outside school - literally. On Oct. 1, a new outdoor classroom will open in a space that once hosted only overgrown weeds and plants. Ciccarello said the space will be a classroom and a play area for the school's life skills students.

And the school's auditorium finally has top-flight equipment “to match our talented performers,” he said. Two new Bose speakers now hang from the ceiling.

Cicarello also has a plan to cover the walls of SHS in history this year. He said he plans to hang old photos of students and scenes from the high school, some a century old, next to pictures of the Somerville students of today, “the contemporary face of Somerville High School.”

It is all part of Ciccarello's plan to make Somerville High a place students are proud to learn. “When you have a building that is clean looking, the students will have a sense of pride. The key now is upkeep and maintenance. Our goal is to keep this upgrade going,” he said.

Photos by James Norton

Tales of Somerville

2008-09-04T13:06:25Z

Skateboarders show support for skate-park

2008-09-04T13:03:13Z

By Tom Nash

For a day, skateboarders caught a glimpse of a skate-friendly Somerville.

One hundred skateboarders and dozens of spectators descended on Conway Park last Saturday for The Somer Session, a demonstration organizers hope will raise awareness of the need for a skate park in Somerville.

A diverse group of skateboarders took turns on several ramps set up on the park's erstwhile hockey rink. Organizer Michael Sampson, with two skateboarding brothers and two supportive parents on hand, said the event was a respite from the intolerance confronting his peers around Somerville.

“It's hard to find a spot you don't get kicked out of” for skateboarding, Sampson said. “We wanted to raise awareness that there is a need for a skate park - and not dog parks.”

Save Our Somerville, a non-profit organization dedicated to “giving people who feel they have no power in the community a voice” helped put together the demonstration.

"We really want this event to highlight the plight of skateboarders in our city," SOS organizer Adam Rich said. "The youth in the city are losing opportunities left and right, and it's important we speak up for them."

Among concerns that a skate park could attract vandalism and crime, one potential issue could be a state law requiring skateboarders under 16 to wear a helmet.

Only a handful of people chose to do so at The Somer Session, although signs were put up encouraging it. Waivers were required to participate.

Steve Costello, co-owner of Boston skateboarding company Ready Amongst Willing, helped sponsor the event and said a helmet rule would be followed if the park were deemed worthwhile by skaters.

"If the place is built properly, I don't think a helmet rule is going to be a problem," Costello said.

Sampson said he envisions a skate park that resembles conditions found on the street. Somerville High School, where he is an honor student entering his junior year, was until recently his go-to spot.

As for helmet rules, Sampson was less diplomatic than Costello.

"A skate park is an individual risk thing," he said. "I'm telling you right now none of these kids would wear helmets."

As for the parent-alarming reputation that comes with skateboarding, Bobby Joe and Laura Sampson said they had qualms with their sons taking up the sport until they saw the dedication involved first-hand. They've since encouraged the pursuit - whether that has meant building ramps for the event or driving their children to far-flung destinations.

"It gives them something to do and keeps them off the street," Laura Sampson said. "We compare it to schoolwork," Bobby Joe added. "If you can master these tricks, you can do well in school."

While skateboarders are hoping an SOS-distributed petition with about 500 signatures will stir the Board of Aldermen to take action, Michael Sampson says The Somer Session may be more convincing.

"When you see people here, that's so much better than seeing names on a paper," he said.

As his brother Alex ollied off a ramp behind him, he added:
"If you don't give us a skate park, we'll probably end up [skating] on your front steps."

Photos by Scott Liberatore

Police arrest suspect in gang shooting

2008-09-04T03:40:40Z

By George P. Hassett

A 21-year-old man who bought the booze for a teenage party on Everett Street and allegedly shot another partygoer in an altercation over gang colors was arrested Friday afternoon.

Dale Harding was arrested and charged with armed assault to murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a firearm with ammunition, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a firearm without a license.
Harding is a member of the Bloods street gang, according to court documents. When he saw an 18-year-old member of the rival Crips gang wearing a blue bandana at the Everett Street party on Wednesday Aug. 27, he allegedly became enraged.

Harding told the victim to put away his “flag,” before shooting him in the back of the leg, court documents allege.

The next morning Harding allegedly text messaged a friend and told her he shot the victim with a .25 caliber gun so “It shouldn't have done too much damage,” court records show.

Detectives learned Harding was staying with his girlfriend at 35 Otis St. and surrounded the home on Friday. When Harding left the home he was taken down at gunpoint.

Editor's Note (JN): the end of this story has been removed from this website as a result of misinterpreted/flawed/erroneous information based on an unfinished police report.

Newstalk for September 3

2008-09-03T14:15:52Z

On the political front, more than a handful of Medford residents and political leaders are hosting a reception for Democratic Candidate Bob Trane (the only candidate on the ballot by the way) this Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Tiki Island Restaurant - across from BJ’s and beside the car wash in Medford – from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Stop by and meet Bob and his wife Nancy - for more information you can call Bob’s headquarters in South Medford Square at 781-395-3008.

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According to sources, Register of Probate John Buonomo is very confident that he is going to win the Democratic Primary on Sept. 16 hands down, in spite of the charges filed against him recently by the District Attorney – stating that John allegedly took money from vending machines in the courthouse. We heard that all is not what appears to be and that John is also confident that he is going to beat the charges.
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Meanwhile, Alderman Sean O’Donovan is waging an unprecedented campaign to get on the ballot by having independents vote for him under the Working Families Party Ballot, that way he can face John in the November election. We heard that Sean has over 2,000 names so far committed to vote for him.

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has chosen to rename the Sandy Beach at Mystic Lakes on Saturday Sept. 13 at 10:00 a.m. - the rededication of the beach will be in honor of the late Senator Charlie Shannon, look for more information here next week.

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Seems like Princess Rebekah Gewirtz, Alderman from Ward 6 (herself a tenant) is pushing along with the same crowd at the Somerville Community Corporation to resubmit a newer version of the Condo Conversion Ordinance - it was submitted to the Committee on Legislation at the Board of Aldermen last meeting and Public Hearings should be held soon on this hot issue.

                                             ***************

Apparently the State Police arrested Richard Scirocco, former Mayoral Candidate and former Little League President, this past Monday in Revere for allegedly possessing a Class B substance (narcotics violation) with intent to distribute in a school zone. The story was first reported by Itemlive.com - he was arrested with a Scott Carty, Jr. of Somerville as well.

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Our condolences to the family of Reggie “Bud” Foster, lifelong resident of East Somerville, who passed away this past weekend. Reggie was a good man who was extremely well-liked - who worked hard as a truck driver for many years and was a dedicated family man as well - he will be missed. He was very involved in the final years of the Grace Baptist Church on Cross Street until it closed its doors in recent years.

                                                ***************

Mayor Joe was off to East Brookfield for the entire weekend and the majority of last week on his annual football camp consisting of Somerville High School Football players. He worked them hard to get them ready for what we all hope will be a successful year.

                                             *****************

The Neighborhood Impact Team has been keeping the Inspectional Services Department and a few board-up companies busy last week. Apparently, following numerous complaints to the city from neighbors about squatters living in the abandoned house located at 47 Harrison Avenue, all the utilities were cut off and the house was completely boarded up for safety issues. Apparently the property’s owner had passed away and the city has been trying to track down the new owner for over four years. Another home located at 82 Pearson Avenue was also on the list - the homeowner in this case allegedly was renovating the property and ran out of money. Apparently as the property remained unfinished and vacant, vandals stripped it of all the copper wiring as well as all of the copper piping and got away clean. This house was also boarded up for safety reasons - we hear the city is planning on putting liens on both properties.

                                             ***************

Don’t forget this Friday through Sunday is the Annual Greek Festival at the Dormition/Greek Church at 29 Central Street - the event is a popular yearly event attracts the entire family.

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This coming Saturday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Rock & Roll Yard Sale with live bands playing will be held in the Union Square Plaza - following the yard sale and beginning at 8:00 in the same location, a 1929 silent martial arts movie with live music accompaniment will be shown.

                                             ***************

Also this coming weekend is the annual Festival of Saints Cosmos and Damian, this year it will be held on Warren Street and all the side streets on both sides of the Cambridge and Somerville line.

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Right before we went to press this week we heard an interesting rumor. It seems Prince Carl is putting out false information to the voters as his bid to hold onto his seat comes to a close. We heard the Prince told anybody who would listen (fewer by the day) that State Senator Anthony Galluccio was supporting his sticker campaign. We hear the Prince may have even circulated a flyer saying he had Galluccio's support, when in fact Galluccio hasn't endorsed anyone in the contest. Now, we hear, Galluccio is steaming mad about his name being thrown around and let Prince Carl have it in a very heated telephone call. We hoped Carl would stop fibbing after his fairytale about campaign papers being stolen was widely rejected.

Former mayoral candidate arrested on cocaine dealing charge

2008-09-03T02:17:49Z

State Police: Scirocco caught with cocaine packaged for sale

By George P. Hassett

A Winter Hill man who ran for mayor last year was caught on Revere Beach Boulevard with 17 bags of cocaine on Monday, according to the State Police.
Richard J. Scirocco, 42, of 10 Howe Street, was caught with the drugs after a state trooper pulled his 1997 Chevy Trailblazer over for speeding and a marked lanes violation, police said. Scirocco was driving with another man, Scott Carty Jr., 21, in the passenger seat, police said. Both men acted nervously and moved toward the center console of the car when the trooper approached them, police said.

Inside the center console, the trooper allegedly found a double-edged knife, one plastic bag containing four more plastic bags of cocaine and 13 loose bags of cocaine packaged for sale.

Both men were arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and drug violation in a school zone. Scirocco was also charged with a marked lanes violation and failure to signal before making a turn.

Scirocco received 464 votes for mayor last year and finished third against incumbent Joseph A. Curtatone and challenger, Suzanne Bremer. On Election Day, Scirocco drove around the city in a stretch limousine while teenagers shouted, “Vote for Scirocco, vote for change” through a bullhorn from the vehicle’s windows.

After the election results came in showing that he had finished third, Scirocco blamed his loss on media coverage of his past arrests. Four women, all mothers of his children, had each taken out restraining orders against him, and Scirocco once pled guilty to punching his child’s mother in the face.

He was also put in handcuffs in March 2004 after police said he bought three kegs of beer for more than 30 teenagers. He was the city’s Little League Baseball president at the time.

“If the papers had given me a chance and not gone through with a smear campaign against my name, maybe people could have had a different perspective of me and I would have prevailed,” Scirocco said after the loss last year. “I’m not a bad person; at least I don’t think I am. The media is completely the reason I lost.”

Scirocco did not return a phone call for this story.

Callahan challenged for Governor’s Council seat

2008-09-03T02:08:18Z

Ten-year council veteran in race against retired Winthrop mother

By Jack Nicas

Michael Callahan, Governor’s Council representative for District 6, which includes Somerville, is being challenged on Sept. 16 by former U.S. Army criminal investigator Roseann Trionfi-Mazzuchelli. She said she is “tired of every judge being rubberstamped by everyone on the council” and ready to make a change. Callahan has served on the council for ten years and is seeking his sixth term.

The Governor’s Council approves or rejects the Governor’s nominations for all state judges, the state parole board, the industrial accident board and the tax appellate board.
Trionfi-Mazzuchelli claims the current council approves every applicant nominated, creating judges “who shouldn’t be in the position they’re in.”

Callahan, a Medford resident, said at the Aug. 29 Somerville News contributors’ meeting that he has supported the rejection of at least four nominees. He said the rejected applicants were assistant district attorney’s who withheld information from the defense in previous cases.

Callahan supports an active parole board. He said, “Making people serve to their last day [in prison] is a bad policy.” A year and a half of monitored time on parole is better than releasing prisoners without any monitor, he said.

Trionfi-Mazzuchelli said she would support a “stricter parole board” and be wary of allowing criminals to bypass jail time. She said she wants a mandatory 15-year sentence without parole for child sex offenders. “I’m very tough on crime,” she said. “I do believe in second chances, but I do believe they have to work for that chance.”

Callahan said he “encourages activist judges.” He prefers criminals getting the help they need through drug rehab or counseling, rather than being sent directly to prison, he said.

Trionfi-Mazzuchelli said the current system needs change.

She believes in term limits for judges, matching the judge’s background with their court allocation, and a stricter approach to judicial nominee approvals. “The interview process needs to be more thorough,” she said.

The election will be held on Sept. 16. Voters from District 6 cities, such as Arlington, Boston, Cambridge, Medford and Somerville, will be able to vote in the race.

Arrest in Memorial Road murder

2008-09-02T17:30:22Z

The man who allegedly shot and killed a 20-year-old Boston man last night at 20 Memorial Road was arrested at his Roslindale home today, according to a source close to the investigation.

Both the victim and the suspect are 20-year-old males from Boston, the source said. Marcus Amos shot Keith McCoy in the chest and neck, the source said. Detectives developed and pursued leads last night and today that led them to arrest Amos at his Roslindale home on a murder warrant, the source said.

Cops on busted hooker: She was a he

2008-09-01T21:12:16Z

By George P. Hassett

Vice cops investigating a prostitution operation at a School Street home got a surprise Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The suspect, who advertised her sexual services as a female named Giselle, was actually a 38-year-old man dressed as a woman, according to police.

“The implication was this was a female. But it was actually a male who had the outward physical appearance of a female,” said Police Captain Paul Upton.

Vice unit cops found an advertisement offering sex for cash in Somerville and called the number listed in the ad, police said. Detective James Hyde, posing as a potential customer, spoke with “Giselle” who quoted him a price of $200 for an hour of sexual services and led him to 251 School St., police said. “Giselle” who was, in fact, Walther Veravardas, greeted Hyde at the door and led him to a room detectives said was specifically furnished for the sex trade, police said. Hyde paid Veravardas $200 and received specific instructions from the cross dressing prostitute, police said. But before the transaction could be completed, Hyde notified an arrest team that put Veravardas in cuffs.

Detectives allegedly found 268 condoms in the room and took pictures of the used condoms they found in the trash. Veravardas was arrested and charged with sexual conduct for a fee.

The Charter Advisory Committee: Modernizing our city government

2008-09-01T10:00:05Z

By 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.)

Over the past four years we have seen increased efficiency and accountability in the way we do business in Somerville thanks in large part to the implementation of our SomerStat management program. We have also seen cutting-edge modernization of our delivery of basic city services and customer service through our 311 Constituent Service Call Center. However, our continuing efforts to improve all aspects of city government are impeded by the City of Somerville's antiquated municipal charter. The charter not only outlines the nuts and bolts of city government, it also dictates the organization and function of each governmental body.
That is why, during my inaugural address in January, I announced my intention to form a Charter Advisory Committee to examine our existing municipal charter and to recommend changes aimed at modernizing city government. In May I opened the committee application process to all Somerville residents, and in June I announced its full membership. As of this week the committee has held four meetings and has called for an initial public comment period that will run from September 1 through September 8.

Thus far, I have reviewed each of the committee meeting's minutes and have been impressed by both the depth and breadth of the discussions. This is a diverse group of individuals from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, all of whom have a vested interest in Somerville and its future.

I am extremely pleased by the committee's commitment to an open and transparent charter review process informed by plenty of opportunities for public input. A number of their discussions have focused on ways to involve the community in this process starting with the afore-mentioned public comment period that begins next week.

I want to encourage everyone to answer the committee's call and provide thoughts and feedback on the current charter and potential changes. This, I'm pleased to say, is only the first of many opportunities for community participation in this process. The committee is already discussing additional comment periods in the coming weeks and months, as well as a series of public hearings during which residents will have the opportunity to review and comment on specifics aspects of the charter.

Additionally, the committee decided during its initial meeting to create a spotlighted location on the city's home page (http://www.somervillema.gov/spotlight.cfm?id=67) to advertise the meeting schedule, and make agendas, minutes and other relevant documents readily available. The page also contains the list of committee members and any relevant press releases.

I encourage everyone to visit this page regularly, as I do, to keep up to date on the committee's progress and future discussions.

I am excited to observe the committee's work over the coming months and the community input from the public comment periods and hearings. I am confident that the committee's eventual recommendations will not only modernize our city government but will make it even more accessible to our residents.

So please, take the time to participate in this process. Somerville's greatest strength lies in our residents and your input is essential to the success of the Charter Advisory Committee's efforts.

Again, for more information on the process, to review the committee's work up to this point, and to learn about the various mechanisms for community input please visit http://www.somervillema.gov/spotlight.cfm?id=67.

Happy and Healthy Labor Day to Everyone

2008-08-31T22:46:53Z

by James Norton

Since 1894, Labor Day has been a national holiday - a day dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is our annual national tribute to the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our nation.

This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer typically for most people, especially with children in school - and it should be observed with caution and safety on the roadways. Celebrate responsibly and enjoy the time away from work with family and friends.

From the factories of Baltimore to the literary milieu of Boston

2008-08-31T22:00:20Z

Off The Shelf by Doug Holder

When Poet Afaa Michael Weaver walked into the editorial offices of The Somerville News his presence seemed to require a hush. He is a large, distinguished-looking, black man in his late 50s who has made considerable contributions to the contemporary poetry world.

This is not a poet who went straight from a top shelf college to an MFA mill. He is from the streets of Baltimore, a working class kid who wrote for The Baltimore Sun, and started his own small press while he toiled in the less than academic settings of a tin mill, and a Procter & Gamble factory. He was a member in good standing with the International Oil and Chemical Workers Union, and his hands were callused from hard physical labor, not pampered with a pen.
Things changed for Weaver when he won a NEA grant. He quit his blue-collar job (much to his father's chagrin) and went to Brown University to study poetry and playwriting. Later he went on to publish several critically acclaimed poetry collections, (his most recent “Plum Flower Dance”), had his work anthologized, his papers archived at Boston University's Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, and won the 2008 Pushcart Award for his poem: “American Income.”

Weaver said he was a very odd duck at Procter & Gamble in Baltimore. Few if any workers penned poetry while working with tin, and certainly no one was writing book reviews and articles for The Baltimore Sun. His fellow workers used to joke with Weaver saying: “You'll die here with the rest of us.” But Weaver was determined to escape the pounding anonymity of the factory floor.

Weaver was fortunate to make the literary scene in the early 1980s when Baltimore's literary renaissance was in full flower. Weaver met the famed avant-garde poet Andrei Codrescu (founder of the magazine Exquisite Corpse) and others who proved influential in his trajectory as a writer. Weaver said a lot of great writers passed through town to lecture and or read at the John Hopkins Writing Center. Weaver started the small press magazine “Blind Alleys” with Melvin Brown around this time as well.

Weaver laughed at the memory of himself as a sometimes-brash young critic. He remembers panning a poetry collection by Alice Walker writing: “A great novelist doesn't always make a great poet.”

One thing lead to another and Weaver penned the poetry collection “Water Song,” that lead to his NEA, and his journey to the groves of the academy at Brown University in 1985. At Brown, Weaver intended to study poetry but he wound up studying playwriting with the noted playwright and director Paula Vogel. He was befriended and studied with such poets as Keith Waldron (Burning Deck Press), and George H. Bass, the literary executor of Langston Hughes estate.

After Brown, Weaver taught at Rutgers University, and other colleges. Along the way he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and founded the Zorra Neale Hurston Literary Center and the International Chinese Poetry Conference at Simmons College in Boston, where he is a tenured professor of English.

This year's conference will be held at Simmons Oct 4 and 5. The press release states:
“More than two dozen well-known poets from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the U.S. as well as academic scholars and translators, will meet to explore ways to improve communications between the cultures through the exchange and translation of poetry…The gathering will also focus on women and their role in contemporary Chinese poetry.”

Talking about his Pushcart Award-winning poem “American Income” Weaver said it was birthed when he a read a survey in a newspaper about how weight loss improves income prospects for the general population except for black men. The poem explores the lineage of the African-American experience and the heavy weight it carries.

Weaver has been through a number of marriages, was close to death from congestive heart failure and suffered the black dogs of depression, but now seems to be the picture of health and is enjoying his prime. He says he sees the trend of “careerism” in poetry shifting back to the importance of the poem as art and having something to add to our ongoing conversation with the world.

Weaver said he loves living in Somerville and remembers renting his current apartment (that he refers affectionately to as the “cave”) from Norton Real Estate, which the editorial offices of The Somerville News now occupy. He regularly attends meetings of the “Bagel Bards” in Davis Square whenever he is in town. Weaver may travel the world, and break bread with the big literary wigs across the country, but he feels most comfortable with his family and grandkids in Baltimore, and perhaps walking the unpretentious streets of our city.

Ibbetson Street Poetry Award

The winner of the Ibbetson Street Press Poetry Contest award (must be a Massachusetts resident) will receive a $100 cash award, a framed certificate, publication in the literary journal “Ibbetson Street” and a poetry feature in the Lyrical Somerville column of The Somerville News.

To enter send three to five poems, any genre, length, to Doug Holder at 25 School St. Somerville, Mass. 02143. Entry fee is $10. Cash or check only. Make payable to “Ibbetson Street Press” or “Doug Holder.” The deadline is Sept. 15.

The contest will be judged by Richard Wilhelm poet and arts editor of the Ibbetson Street Press.

The winner will be announced at The Somerville News Writers Festival on Nov. 22.

Somerville soccer ready to kick off

2008-08-31T10:00:28Z

By Jack Nicas

The Somerville High School boys soccer team has a new face this season. The face is a familiar one, but as a foe rather than a friend. George Scarpelli has been with Medford High School, Somerville's main rival in soccer, for the past 22 years. Last year he coached the Medford girls soccer team, and before that he was the head coach of Medford boys soccer from 1987 to 2006. However, one of his biggest goals of the 2008 season is to beat his former team.
He called the Sept. 16 match up between Somerville and Medford at Dilboy Field “the most important game of the season.” Somerville will be playing the role of underdog, as Medford is the defending Greater Boston League champion, and though Somerville finished second behind Medford in the GBL last year, the team stands as just a young, feisty squad, Scarpelli said.

“[Medford has] been our rival for years, but now that we have their coach, it's a big challenge,” team captain Theodoro Demorais said.

“We have a really strong core of returning players, which should help with the transition of a new coach,” Scarpelli said. “But it's a very young team-a lot of sophomores and juniors.”

Scarpelli said the team will lean heavily on its three captains: Seniors Verly Jean and Demorais and junior Joseph Abrantes. However, he added his philosophy is that of a complete team effort.

“It's not a system where one or two players score the majority of the goals,” he said. “And it's the same on defense; there will be 11 players on the field attacking the goal. It's not going to be one person's responsibility to mark one person.”

Team captain Demorais has a lot of hope for the upcoming season due to increased attention from the school and city. He said the team never had a real program, but now they are receiving more funds and attention; “People are finally starting to care about us,” he said.

That newfound regard for the team carries over to the new coaching staff. Demorais said Scarpelli got Dilboy Field for the team to practice on and started a new preseason program. “Last year we didn't have practice all summer; we used to start two days before the first game. This year we started two months before,' Demorais said.

Demorais' personal preseason extends throughout the summer. “I've been running every morning, keeping my mind focused, and trying to do everything I can for my team,” he said.

Demorais' goals for the season display his unselfish dedication to the program as a whole: “Our goals for this year is to get as many players as dedicated as we can and try to win the GBL,” said the senior, in his last year with the team. “We can't think that high because this is the first year, we're focusing on starting the program. Even though winning is important, we want to get a program fixed so next year can be even better, and the year beyond.”

However, Scarpelli is setting the standards higher. “Our first goal is to make the tournament, our second is to win the GBL championship. But I shoot for the stars, so we're going to look for the state championship,” he said. “I set my goals high; if you don't ask for it, they'll never make it.”

The new season starts at 3:45 p.m. Monday, September 8 versus North Quincy at Dilboy Field.

Back to cool

2008-08-30T22:00:22Z

On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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.)

A former classmate of mine got my e-mail address from this column and we started corresponding. We both graduated from the Western Junior High School in 1968 (the last graduating class before the big fire). He graciously sent me a copy of our graduation picture, you know, the ones that are all rolled up? Thanks Dennis K.
I can't believe we were ever that young - I also can't believe I shot the bird in the photo. We thought were so old and mature, but we were really still children. I got several lumps in my throat when I saw the faces of some friends who are no longer with us, but after unearthing a slew of memories, I got to thinking about how fashions have changed.

First of all, where the hell did those clothes come from? Some of mine (at the time) came from The Truc in Harvard Square as well as Robert Hall, Kresge's and JM Fields. We were a big Anderson Little family. I still remember the tailor with that little piece of white soap marking my inseam (that was pretty creepy). I know for a fact that a few kid's shirts came from Mickey Finn's in Davis Square and that my desert boots were purchased at Thom McCann's.

A lot of us guys wore those beige suede bucks with the pinkish rubber soul and heel. I actually have had a pair of those throughout my entire life. The really cool dudes had black shiny pointed black boots with a “Cuban heel.” We called them fence climbers, and they packed a mean kick - they were also known as Beatle Boots. The O'Neil brothers had them. I think you had to go to some store in Central Square to get those babies.

Some of us got taps put on down at the cobbler. Remember putting dimes in penny loafers? I recall having to beg my parents for almost every piece of cool clothing I got - it was always the complete opposite of what they tried to stick me with.

The hairstyles have really changed as well! Miss Charlton had this up-sweep do that was kind of like a beehive. Maybe they called it a bouffant? She was gorgeous. Too bad we were her very first class ever - what an introduction to teaching - I'm amazed she didn't change careers after that year. Miss Hagerty not only had the beehive “thang” going on, but she drove a blue Mustang with a white convertible top - she was probably the coolest teacher I ever had, plus she was nice to us kids. She taught me all the French I know - oooh la la.

I have to say that Mr. Perno, Mr. Lundy and Mr. Mackey were also great teachers/administrators. Mr. Kelly left to help Robert F Kennedy's presidential campaign. As we marched through the halls in an orderly fashion we heard: “line over there, line over there.” All the teachers up the Western were decent to us kids - strict, but fair - thank you all for some precious memories.

There were a few real knockouts among the 9th grade girls - these young ladies were in an elite group I called “the untouchables” - they were definitely out of my league.

The girls wore a variety of hairstyles ranging from pageboys to those that flipped at the shoulder. I don't know the correct name for that style but they all looked great. The smell of Aquanet can still bring me back. There were a lot of those headbands and barrettes in style in 1968. Some guys had the sideburn thing going on - I was jealous because I hadn't reached that level of manhood yet - I was still shaving nothing, hoping that something would grow, but I had to wait it out. Remember that bit of advice? “If you keep shaving, it will eventually grow.” - well, it didn't work for me.

There were still a few “Fonzie” haircuts (with the DA), but most of the boys had bangs of some sort - a look (no doubt) that we can thank the "Fab Four" for. The in thing seemed to have one eye covered by bangs. It was cool to have to keep jerking your head in order to see properly. I had the hair jerk move mastered. Long hair was on its way in, and I wanted to be Paul McCartney.

Lots of double-breasted blue blazers with brass buttons usually worn with a white turtleneck underneath were in vogue in 1968. I call that the “Dave Clark Five” look and it was a good look for some of us. There were a few plaid suit jackets in the mix also.

I don't know if it was the era, but as I look at the 1968 graduating class of the Western Junior High School, I see that there were a lot of wise guys - we thought we were cool - and some were. I'm not entirely sure I was one of the cool ones - I was definitely one of the troublemakers, that's for sure - I got into trouble trying to make kids laugh.

It's hard to imagine that it was forty years ago. I always say the same thing when I realize how fast time has gone by - I wish I had saved a lot more dough.

Styles changed over the next three years when we hit the high school. The bell-bottom nudged its way into the mix to do battle with pegged pants. Shoulder length hair grew in popularity accompanied by dungarees. A cool look was a matching dungaree jacket, perhaps with a peace sign patch ironed on someplace. It was a “hippie” uniform.

I can't believe how many of my 1968 classmates remained in my life to some degree. Freddy Benoit married my cousin (and friend) the former Carol Beninati. Charlie Vigneau, to this day, is my best friend and my son's godfather. I got a nice e-mail from Sharon Mahoney the other day. Ritchie Collins lives one street over and we are very close pals and were band mates for the last 40 years off and on. I am in touch e-mail wise with the other Richard Collins (from North Street) and the former Dolly Stringos (give my love to Fluffy). I see Dom and Pat Oppedisano all the time (say hi to your mom). Those two have honestly not changed that much at all. I drive by Ronnie Bonnett's house a lot, but I never see him. Alan F. is up in New Hampshire and we just touched base again after over 20 years. I saw Rich Senesi in Boston a few times. I bumped into Billy Wade at Doherty's. I used to see John Mattson almost every day - hey Johnny, where the hell are ya? Phil Lorenzo (Philly Poo) still lives two houses up from me and we are true buds for life.

Styles may have changed, but true friendships last forever. I hope all of my former classmates are happy and healthy - I hope you are enjoying your children and grandchildren. I couldn't end this column without naming a few of my friends that we lost from that magical Western Junior High School class of 1968. Rest in peace Dennis O'Neil, Gary Lameiras and Richard Salvo.

Please e-mail your comments to Jimmy at: jimmydel@rcn.com

The View From Prospect Hill

2008-08-30T10:00:15Z

The timeframe benchmark of summer for old and new Somervillians has been Memorial Day to Labor Day for as far back as we can remember. For the last 20 to 25 years, the location benchmark has been Falmouth/Cape Cod. Only in the last couple of years has the Lake Winnipesaukee region grown in any kind of measurable popularity.

This usually means not much in the way of excitement happens in and around Somerville - other than the fireworks and maybe one or two trips back here for a cruise/fundraiser on Boston Harbor. That seemed to be the direction this summer was taking, but ended up being cut short, and for a number of reasons.

One need only look towards local news highlights over the last several weeks to get a snapshot of why this summer seemed to be cut so short: an incumbent who lost his signatures, an elected official who lived up to the moniker “video-boy”, a write-in campaign as a result of said antics, a charter commission farce, an even greater “new and improved” condo conversion ordinance farce and an indicted local attorney - and that's the short list.
Toss in the just-ended Olympics and now the foaming at the mouth style political Party Conventions, and you have a delicious stew of pod people just bristling to get out there and spread the word, so to speak, of their latest ideal (obsession?).

Contrary to the narrow-minded opinion of some, we at The Somerville News try to keep an open mind when it comes to people, places and politics - our personal political proclivities range from moderately conservative to progressive/middle of the road and all the way over to the far liberal left. So, it will be interesting to see the events unfold over the next few months into what is being called an “early winter” by the Old Farmer's Almanac. Stay with us and enjoy the ride.

A cut above

2008-08-29T22:00:13Z

Winter Hill barber celebrates 60 years of business

By George P. Hassett

Outside on Broadway the year is 2008. But inside Tony Matarazzo's barbershop “time is frozen,” says his colleague Phil Vozella, as Matarazzo sharpens straightedge razors on a worn leather strop to the sounds of big band music under black and white pictures of Frank Sinatra and Rocky Marciano.

The scene is a throwback to the time when Matarazzo first started cutting hair in Somerville 61 years ago.
After serving in the Navy in World War II, Matarazzo went to work at his father's shop (his grandfather was a barber too) on Mystic Avenue. He moved to what is now the Reilly-Brickley Fire Station on Broadway in 1966 after the arrival of Interstate 93 forced the business out. When the construction of the fire station forced him to move again in 1971, he took his business a few blocks up Broadway to where he is today.Vozella, who has cut hair next to Matarazzo four days a week starting at 7:45 a.m. for 13 years, says the barbershop is “sort of like a page out of Norman Rockwell. Our customers, these guys have become our friends. I've watched Tony have a compassionate ear when a guy loses a wife or a kid has some trouble. This place has been a venue in the neighborhood where he could do good. He's like an older brother to the neighborhood.”

On a recent day, friends stopped and tapped on the window under the red, white and blue pole that hangs outside. Phil Trepini, who first got his hair cut by Matarazzo when he was 9 years old and first moved into the neighborhood, came in with his own 9 year old son for a cut. He says he enjoys the atmosphere but comes for the craft. “Tony gives a great haircut that's the important thing.”

After six decades of close shaves, Matarazzo says he still isn't ready to put the clippers down. “You have to keep your hand in to stay young. I'm not cutting back.”

George P. Hassett can be reached at 857-928-3741

Third time’s the charm?

2008-08-29T16:25:22Z

byline:
DAVID TABER

date:
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 2:00am

body:
Controversial developer plans 3rd house at Green and Elm
GREEN ST.—Developer Andrew Mulligan, who early this year got in a spat with abutters over the construction of a house at 1 Elm St., is set to build a third house on that same large parcel at the corner of Green and Elm streets.

Forest Hills land use guidelines scaled back

2008-08-29T16:24:35Z

byline:
DAVID TABER

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 4:00pm

body:
BRA questions level of community opposition
FOREST HILLS—You cannot please all the people all the time.

Pedestrian struck and killed on train tracks

2008-08-29T15:49:37Z

A man was struck and killed by a commuter rail train on the tracks near Conway Park last night around 11:45 p.m., according to an MBTA spokesman.

Joe Pesaturo of the MBTA said it is not known why the man was trespassing on the railroad tracks. The man has not been identified. Transit Police, Somerville police, fire and EMS units responded to the scene. The incident is under investigation by Transit Police and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.

Feds officially kill trolleys

2008-08-29T15:48:24Z

byline:
John Ruch

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 6:00pm

body:
Lawsuit and bus fixes still pending
Plans to restore the Arborway Line trolley service through Jamaica Plain officially died July 31, when the federal government quietly approved new state regulations that kill the idea.

Wilkerson comments on lawsuit settlement

2008-08-29T15:42:07Z

byline:
JOHN RUCH

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 12:00pm

body:
State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson gave a more detailed response to her recent campaign finance lawsuit settlement in a recent Gazette interview.

Senate candidates make their pitches

2008-08-29T14:33:53Z

byline:
JOHN RUCH

date:
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 6:00am

body:
This year’s race for the local 2nd Suffolk District state Senate seat is a case of déjà vu.

E-13 Boston Police district to include more of JP

2008-08-29T14:26:17Z

byline:
DAVID TABER

date:
Fri, 08/29/2008 - 6:00am

body:
FOREST HILLS/WOODBOURNE—After years of complaining from area residents, Boston Police Department (BPD) officials this month announced they plan to redraw the boundary between the E-13 and E-18 districts so the entire area will be in E-13’s jurisdiction.

J-Way could get new traffic light

2008-08-29T14:16:41Z

byline:
JOHN RUCH

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 8:00pm

body:
PONDSIDE—A dangerous intersection on the Jamaicaway—where pedestrians often cross illegally—could get a new traffic signal if Gov. Deval Patrick gives it the green light.

‘Old Stag’ is new album from Rick Berlin

2008-08-29T14:16:18Z

byline:
SARAH BLANCHETTE

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 4:00pm

body:

Photo by Rene Rives From Rick Berlin's soon-to-be-released album.

Rick Berlin spent his childhood moving from Iowa to Tulsa, San Francisco to Hartford, then to Philadelphia. However, it is what he has accomplished in his 20-plus years in Jamaica Plain that has everyone buzzing. Berlin is set to release a new album out of Hi-N-Dry records, “Old Stag,” on Sept. 16. Hi-N-Dry is an independent record label based in Cambridge.
As a kid, Berlin enjoyed a variety of music. “I was everywhere,” he said. He spent his time listening to Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and, later, various artists from the Woodstock generation. However, it was not until after Berlin dropped out of art school and roomed with other musicians in a large New Haven home that he discovered his love of making music.
“I took piano lessons as a kid, and I hated it,” Berlin said in a recent interview. “But the house I lived in had an old piano. I would drop acid and play with my eyes closed for hours!” He added, “It probably sounded horrible to anyone else listening.”

Volunteering for JP Open Studios an art in itself

2008-08-29T14:15:56Z

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 4:00pm

body:

Courtesy Photo Staffers at the information booth in front of J.P. Licks during Jamaica Plain Open Studios last year. A total of 36 volunteers are needed at information booths again this year on Sept. 27 and 28.

Jamaica Plain Open Studios will celebrates its 15th anniversary in September. “It’s amazing to realize that volunteers spend over 900 hours planning, promoting and organizing the event over the course of a year, year after year” coordinator Jean Mineo said. “And that is mostly the small, committed board of directors of the Jamaica Plain Arts Council.”
Beyond the board, volunteers assist with installing the juried exhibition, managing fund-raising events, and distributing promotional materials. “After all this behind-the-scenes effort,” Mineo said, “the event relies on 36 people to manage the information booths who become the public face of Open Studios. Unfortunately, we struggle to fill those key slots.”

Area E-13, June 23-July 6

2008-08-29T14:15:37Z

byline:
BY E-13 COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS AND BPD MEDIA RELATIONS

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 8:00pm

body:
Robbery reports
6/24, 11:10pm, Centre St. Marcus L. Hurt of 27 Lamartine St. arrested and charged with unarmed robbery on the street.

Area E-18, June 23-July 7

2008-08-29T14:10:12Z

byline:
BY E-18 COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS AND BPD MEDIA RELATIONS

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 8:00pm

body:
6/30, Hyde Park Ave. Armed robbery on the street with a knife.
7/6, 3700 Washington St. Armed robbery on the street with a knife.
Other incidents
Assault and battery: 7/4, Hyde Park Ave.

Nursing home closed, for sale

2008-08-29T14:09:55Z

byline:
JOHN RUCH

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 8:00pm

body:
S. HUNTINGTON AVE.—The Pond View Nursing Facility at 81 S. Huntington Ave. closed its doors in June and is for sale with a $3 million price tag, co-owner Leonard Wettenberg told the Gazette.

Funds come to small parks

2008-08-29T14:09:32Z

byline:
SARAH BLANCHETTE

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 8:00pm

body:
Four community groups in Jamaica Plain have been awarded Small Changes grants from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, it was announced on July 22. A total of $29,000 will be distributed to Jamaica Plain Cooperatives, ESAC, Friends of Nira Rock and Starr Lane Community Park.

Locker at local firehouse deemed ok

2008-08-29T14:07:26Z

byline:
David Taber

date:
Thu, 08/28/2008 - 8:00pm

body:
Two firefighters under scrutiny
The Jamaica Plain firehouse made news Aug. 22 when it was reported that a locker used by Deputy Fire Chief Peter Pearson, who has been charged with rape, had been tampered with.

Shot in the face, victim won't talk to cops

2008-08-29T12:58:50Z

By George P. Hassett

A 23-year-old Everett man who was shot in the face Friday night has refused to give police any information on who shot him.

The victim, whose name police are not releasing, was shot after an argument on Glen and Brooks streets Friday night, police said. When officers arrived there was no one in the area, police said.
The victim showed up at Somerville Hospital later that night to receive medical attention for his wound but would not give officers any information, Police Sgt. Gerald Reardon said.

“He wouldn't cooperate on any information about a suspect or a suspect's vehicle,” he said. The victim's injuries were not life threatening, Reardon said.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The incident was the third shooting in East Somerville this summer. On Aug. 5 police arrested Rutilio Portillo, an alleged MS-13 gang member, for firing a gun on Franklin Street. And in June, another MS-13 gang member, Jairo Ulises Miguel, shot a 16-year-old rival gang member in the arm at the corner of Cross and Pearl streets, police said.

Police issued a warrant for Miguel's arrest but he remains at large.