The Somerville News Blog

Dancing in Somerville streets

2010-07-24T08:54:00-04:00

Ashley Troutman

Carlene Campbell, Somerville Director of Community Relations, said, "Bring your bike, running gear, noise makers, or even come in costume. We want to make this extremely festive."

At the intersection of Temple Street and Broadway, participate in easel art, basil planting, or a bike valet. Four bands will play on stage at FossFest in Foss Park. Open Air Circus will demonstrate for the crowd, and craft vendors will display their work.

Grab a sundae from Louie's Ice Cream, and head to the Main Street Stage for music, dance, and fitness demos. You can look forward to seeing salsa, zumba, capoeira, fencing, and The Emperor Norton Stationary Marching Band perform.

The event will feature several activities for kids including face painting, a drum circle, hopscotch, mural painting, Party Bike rides by Dutch Bicycle Company and much more.

Local businesses are offering specials and samples. Event coordinator Jenn Bliss said, "A lot of the business owners are excited to decorate their stores and be present that day. It's a chance to show people what is available in their area as far as staying fit and having fun."

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For public safety, road closures will be in effect from noon-4pm, except to bicyclists, joggers, rollerbladers and walkers. Parking restrictions, street closures, and bus detours will apply as follows, and all affected residents and businesses will be notified in advance:

Westbound lane at the intersection of Broadway and Temple Street to McGrath Highway
Eastbound and westbound lanes of Broadway from McGrath Highway to Lombardi Avenue
Residents who live on the West side of Broadway will be detoured onto Broadway at Pennsylvania Avenue to Lombardi Avenue
Residents who live on the East side of Broadway will be detoured onto Pearl Street
SomerStreets is part of Somerville's new Open Streets initiative. The goal of the initiative is to promote healthy living and community involvement. By closing off roads, people can run and walk safely, and events such as SomerStreets hope to unite neighborhoods and bring the community together.

Murph the Surf and other Somerville nicknames

2010-07-24T06:00:00-04:00

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.)

No one's name was safe from the teasing kids unleashed on each other back in the day - everyone's first or last name became a source of adolescent taunting.

They called me Jimmy the Pimmy. I still don't know what a pimmy was but it sure used to tick me off. Then there was my family's name. The teasing came pretty easily. It was "Del Monte Beans", or "Del Ponte Fruit."

One of my particularly cruel nicknames was "Jimmy the mini- (insert rhyming derogatory slur for Italians)." With the last name of Wood , "woodpecker" seemed appropriate. My pal Scott Leake...well, need I say more? They also called him "sneaky Leaky.

Some nicknames were okay. Knowlton Brown, who worked at the YMCA for years was known affectionately as "Brownie." Jane was "Jungle Jane" and "Jane Jetson." My dear friends the Baldassari's had their nickname built right into their name (you figure it out). Phyllis was "Philadelphia Cream Cheese" and "Phyllis Diller." Chris, Michelle and Andrew heard..."Maoili ravioli!" Teddy Bates had a few good nicknames as did Mike Bonanno.

Everyone named Sullivan, Fitzgerald and O'Brien became "Sully" "Fitzie" and "O'B." Those were automatic nicknames. Murphy's were "Murph", "Murph the Surf" and even, "Murph the Smurf."

We sometimes assigned names for how we thought people looked also. I remember my dad went to school with a guy named "Stretch." There was a very fair and decent police officer that we dubbed " Barney Fife." Of course none ever said it to his face!

My friend Tony was known as "Ton." And to this day, I don't know why our friend Steve became known as "Harry." I was talking to my friend Charlie, who we now call "Chucky," and he never knew that Harry's real name was Steve. I bet a lot of you Somerville readers know "Joe the Toe." All I remember is that he lost a toe somehow, a long time ago, and thus, his nickname was created.

That reminds me of the mean names my brother and sister used to call me. Because one of my ears folds over on the top, they called me Dumbo. They got punished when they called me that. My aunt Marie was known as "Wee Wee" because someone somewhere couldn't pronounce Marie.

I have a friend who we have been calling "Bones" for years and it's not for the reason you think. When he was only 4 years old, he got hit in the head five times in one hockey game playing goalie. His brother later noted that after a haircut his head looked like a bone.

A couple of our friends' nicknames were "Bolo", "Ment" and "Bone Rack." Don't forget Moose Mason.

Sister Margerlaine became Sister Margerine. Teachers had a lot of cruel nicknames. My friend Pat (by the way happy birthday) was Patrick Joseph, so he was known as PJ. He actually had a band called the PJ Five. There was DJ Sullivan too. I think everyone has a friend named DJ. I had two friends named Richy Collins. One became known as "The other Richy Collins."

Nicknames could be cruel when we were kids, but today, we can laugh about them.

I have a friend, that to this day still calls me "Del Panty. "

You can hire Jimmy for all your music, DJ, and party needs! Weddings, retirement parties, anniversaries, divorces, and hosting for any event. Jimmy will entertain alone or with a band (The Sleddogs!). and remember, when you hire Jimmy...... Johnny C, Larry The Caterer, Concetta, and Blanche come along at no extra charge! By the hour! Call 617-623-0554 for details.

DA's office provides new details on stabbing of three Somerville police officers, shooting death of woman

2010-07-23T13:16:10-04:00

By George P. Hassett

Authorities have identified the woman suspected of stabbing three Somerville police officers before being shot and killed as Carol Lynn Kingsley, 33, of Somerville.

In a statement released this afternoon from Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone's office, authorities said police were called to the Sycamore Terrace home after Kingsley set fire to her boyfriend's clothes

When officers attempted to locate and question [Kingsley], she allegedly brandished at least one knife and attacked the three responding officers. Two of the officers suffered serious wounds; one officer suffered stab wounds to his back, shoulder and arm and the other suffered stab wounds to his back and arm. The third officer suffered wounds to his hand. It is [believed] at this time that one shot was fired by one of the responding officers, fatally striking [Kingsley]. The officers were transported to the hospital where they were treated for their injuries."

Authorities have determined that a 911 call was made earlier that morning, at approximately 3 a.m., by a neighbor who reported shouting coming from the residence. Officers responded to that call without incident.

Source: Woman who stabbed three Somerville police officers sought mental care before deadly attack

2010-07-23T12:15:27-04:00

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

By George P. Hassett

A woman suspected of stabbing three Somerville police officers before being shot and killed Friday morning on Sycamore Terrace was released from psychiatric care shortly before the attack, according to sources inside the Somerville police department.

Two of the officers stabbed - Jose Ramirez and Dante DiFronzo, according to sources - were honored with life saving medals in December. A third officer, Mark DiFava, was also stabbed in the attck, sources said.

All three officers were treated for non-life threatening wounds and released from an area hospital.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was known in her Winter Hill neighborhood for loud late night fights with her boyfriend, neighbors said.

"Her and her boyfriend used to drink and get crazy," said neighbor Joshua Ramotar. "But whenever they spoke to me, they seemed like nice people. There had been trouble with them before but never anything like this."

Another neighbor said she saw the officers staggering away from the home on Sycamore Terrace and bleeding at 6:30 a.m. The neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said she saw the woman leave the area in a police car earlier in the night and then return in a taxi.

The neighbor said the woman had been at the center of an incident about six months earlier in which she climbed on to her roof and threatened to jump.

A police source said officers responding to a domestic situation shot the woman after she stabbed them with a broken bottle.

The neighbor who declined to give her name said the deadly incident did not make her feel unsafe in the area, a quiet stretch of homes off Broadway. "This was an isolated, crazy person who had caused trouble before."

This incident is under investigation by Somerville police and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. There are no additional suspects being sought at this point in the investigation, police said.

It's my Party and I'll lie if I want to*

2010-07-23T06:00:00-04:00

William C. Shelton

(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.)

Fueled by an incendiary mix of anger, ignorance, and bigotry, the Tea Party movement is hypocritical, dishonest, intolerant and self-centered.

They chant "I want my country back," like an infant who imagines that the tube from his mouth to his rectum is the center of the universe. The Constitution that they profess to venerate begins, "We the people...," suggesting that it's our country.

Unlike them, the nation's founders, whom they profess to emulate, put themselves on the line, pledging "Our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" in behalf of the entire nation.

Instead, tea partiers want others to sacrifice. They believe that the poor, sick, and powerless have brought their troubles on themselves. That such failed human beings should be despised and mocked rather than helped to become well and self-sufficient.

They dress up in their tri-cornered hats and knee britches because they imagine that the few syllables of the founding fathers' thoughts that they have misappropriated out of context justify their rage-driven pranks. In fact, their Halloween costumes signify how far in the past is the fantasy world that they inhabit.

Representative of their attitudes, a Tea Party organizer in Michigan told the New York Times, "Things we had in the '50s were better." They were better for some. That decade's intensification of racial segregation, expulsion of women from the work force, overthrow of heads of state elected by their people, and rabid persecution by Joseph McCarthy and the Tea Party's forbearers made it less than ideal for others.

They long for an historical moment that will never come again no matter how intense their tantrums. World War II had destroyed every other industrial nation's manufacturing base, while expanding ours. Median household incomes increased at a rate never seen before. All that has changed, in part because the congressional and presidential corporate servants whom they honor successfully opposed fair trade policies.

They deny that they are bigoted, while former Tea Party Express chairman Mark Williams pens a satirical letter from "We coloreds" to Abraham Lincoln. It urges repeal of the 13th and 14th Amendments because "Freedom means having to work for real, think for ourselves, and take consequences along with rewards." This deep thinker also describes Islam as a "7th Century death cult coughed up by a psychotic pedophile."

More commonly, they imagine that freedom is the absence of government "interference" rather than the opportunity for fulfillment. They bray against a fictional theft of freedom perpetrated by the Healthcare Act's requirement that all citizens have health insurance, ignorant that this was precisely what their Republican suitors flogged in the 1990s as an alternative to the Clintons' healthcare proposal.

They despise government control, except for control of things that they oppose, like same-sex marriage, civil liberties, or medical marijuana. Their "limited government" plank states that government should exercise "only those limited powers that have been relinquished to it by the people, chief among them being the protection of our liberties by administering justice and ensuring our safety..."

No public schools, no publicly owned infrastructure, no aid to the poor and homeless. But the Medicare funding that they enjoy is sacrosanct. They are middle-aged infants, unconcerned about government spending that benefits them, while branding that which helps others as tyranny. Instead of "Tea Party," their movement's name should be "Me party."

They oozed onto the national scene in reaction to the financial meltdown and the Troubled Assets Relief Program. Indeed, TARP has rewarded those responsible while minimally altering their behavior.

But you don't see tea partiers focusing their rants, pranks, and disruptive protests against Wall Street. Instead, they virulently oppose any government effort to prevent future financial crashes through regulation. Their ignorance, anger, and myopia make them easily manipulated by right-wing organizations funded by corporate America.

Their influence is disproportionate to their numbers. This is because those elected officials whose hunger to be reelected dominates their integrity, pander to them. And it's because Barack Obama, who many expected to be a transformational president, is essentially a centrist. As tea partiers and their ilk pull the center to the right, there is no counterbalancing movement.

Meanwhile, those who decry the Tea Party's ideology and tactics fail to unite in a positive movement of their own. Alexis de Tocqueville reportedly observed that in democracy, people get the government that they deserve. Maybe he was right.

Somerville Police on "loaner" bikes

2010-07-22T12:23:25-04:00

~Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Somerville Police Officer Wyatt stands in front of his 2010 Harley Davidson police "loaner" motorcycle.

Seacoast Harley Davidson of New Hampshire loaned the city of Somerville two patrol motorcycles until the city's new bikes arrive to replace the bikes that were destroyed by this months floods.

Eminent domain threatens Somerville businesses

2010-07-22T06:00:00-04:00

Owner Bob Rosselli of Ball Square Auto Repair faces the loss of his place of occupation for forty-two years. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

Green Line extension could push out longtime businesses

Andrew Firestone

There's a figure of speech, "you can't stop a moving train." Among Somerville businesses who may get supplanted by the Green Line extension, the phrase is being discussed more literally.

That's why as Bob Rosselli goes to work at his auto body shop, Ball Square Auto Repair, he's feeling confined. Not because he's been working at the old place for over 40 years. He's dreading the day that the Green Line extension comes to acquire his building, which falls under the space needed for the Green Line's Ball Square station, and must be acquired under eminent domain to be demolished.

"My main concern is that they're taking my bread and butter away," Rosselli said. "If they give me enough to buy another place it wouldn't be a problem, but I know they're not going to."

According to the MBTA Acquisition Process, an acquisition for land can only take place if voted upon by the Board of Directors of the MBTA after appropriate appraisals. The "just compensation" awarded from damages must meet state and federal regulations as well as compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices.

Project director Katherine Fitcher of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said that some properties would need to be acquired to create adequate space for the right-of-way of the new line.

"The acquisitions are quite minimal, and where we do have to do them, the majority are at stations sites," Fitcher said.

She also noted MassDOT's openness in discussing problems with local businesses. "We're not hiding anything," she said.

Rosselli said he was loath to think of the grinding process. "Everyone I talk to says in eminent domain they give me pennies on the dollar," he said. "You got to fight them for everything."

Rosselli speaks from personal experience. In 1970, when construction on Route Two came through his mother's property on Magnolia Street in Arlington, she was forced to sell her nine house lots for $4,000 apiece, a sum made smaller by $1,000 due to legal fees. "Buy me a lot for $3,000," he says. "I'd give you double that right now."

Ron Bonnie, Chairman of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce was less sure of possible financial injustice. "I think that the value of the property around here is going to go up significantly. I think anyone that has bought in Ball Square has made a great investment," he said.

In Somerville, two businesses falling under eminent domain are Rosselli's auto repair shop and the MS Walker liquor distillery. MS Walker falls under the new "Option L" plan and their space is needed for a new maintenance facility that will service construction of the line.

Scott Allen, representing the company at the recent environment report meeting, voiced his company's worries about having to move their plant. "There is a high probability of potential losses of jobs due to this project," he said. Allen said he hoped there were other viable options that would not disrupt his 80-year-old business and impact over 300 employees.

Speaking of spirits purveyors, Bonnie was less sure of how the acquisition would be appraised. "MS Walker is a unique situation," he said. "The building is actually a living breathing part of the business." MS Walker's on-site plant would require a huge new space that might not be available.

"It's extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive for us to reconstruct a new facility with new codes and regulations and to find a town that will take us," Allen said.

"They pay you without a doubt the value of the land," Bonnie said. "You can argue about the value of the business, but that's usually a separate issue."

Rosselli said he had been hoping to use the body shop as a "retirement fund," and worries about his future without it. "If they did pay me whatever the thing was worth it isn't worth it to me anyway," he said. "It's a good old building. It's made me a living and everyone else that's come here."

Somerville Artist uses baseball icons for art

2010-07-21T18:00:00-04:00

Chris Speakman working in his studio.

~Photos courtesy of sportspropaganda.com

By Mike Rubin

Over the past 15 years, Chris Speakman has developed a passion for art, history and sports. Now Speakman has been able to fulfill his dream with his own company Sports Propaganda.

Four years ago, Speakman created screen prints of such current Boston Red Sox athletes such as 2008 Most Valuable Player Dustin Pedroia and ace John Lester.

"I really just started doing it for fun, and it just took off from there," said Speakman. "I started selling some of the things on my own and then I got some interest from local teams, and it grew from there."

Originally from the South Shore, Speakman's passion for art developed at an early age when he would often spend hours drawing some his favorite athletes and sports figures.

"I've always had a passion for sports, art and history, and to be able to combine all three of those and make it a successful venture is a tremendous accomplishment," said Speakman. "I've been able to live a dream for the past few years, and it's just been amazing."

During his college years, Speakman attended Hartford University, where he graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration in 1998.

Following graduation, Speakman moved to the Somerville area where he freelanced his artwork for a variety of companies and agencies. During that time, Speakman also dabbled in his passion for creating propaganda sports art.

"It was pretty much a hobby, like a part time thing," said Speakman, "After a couple of years, the demand for it grew and then it started to take off. In fact, it was such a demand, that I had to have that as my full time job."

After creating several prints in 2006, the demands for Speakman's art work grew at a rapid pace and soon, stores began asking for his work to be sold throughout the country.

"The requests that were coming in were amazing,' said Speakman. "People wanted art work of their favorite athletes or events and the business kept growing. Soon I started getting requests not only from fans, but also from businesses, franchise owners of local restaurants, as well as some of the teams themselves."

As a result of the growing demand, Speakman drew screen prints at a rapid pace and in just a span of four years, already has close to 5,000 different themes.

Past themes have included the 2007 World Champion Red Sox along with Manny Ramirez, the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees and this year's All-Star game, which will be held in Anaheim, California.

According to Speakman, the time of year for the highest demand usually starts around September, and usually goes into the off-sesaon. During the season, there's usually a two-week window where Speakman will create Murals for the All-Star game.

"It's been pretty busy," said Speakman. "Right now we have about 4,000 to 5000 prints where people can order through Major League baseball or on my web site."

Currently Speakman is also licensed by the Major League Baseball Association and the Union, which allows him to create screen prints of any athlete or theme he so chooses.

"I'm very grateful for this opportunity, and I'm definitely enjoying every moment of it," said Speakman. "To be able to make a living off my artwork is something I've always dreamed about and it's a dream come true for me."

Not only does Speakman create screen prints of Major League Baseball venues, athletes and events, but has also dabbled into the Ultimate Fighting Championship theme.

Speakman has also worked out a deal with Topps Baseball Card Trading Company, which will print 30 of his screen prints in this year's complete set.

"It's definitely a great opportunity, and it's just unbelievable that everything has come together," said Speakman. "I've been very pleased with the way how far this [business] has grown in such a short amount of time."

For more information visit his website at www.sportspropaganda.com

Somerville Police: Drunk driver nodded off behind wheel

2010-07-21T15:37:00-04:00


By George P. Hassett An Arlington woman was arrested for drunk driving Friday night after a concerned citizen called police to report an erratic motorist driving with her head down. Kristen Good, 28, of 31 Highland Ave., Arlington, was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, drunk driving and warrant charges.

Police said Good was swerving all over the road and weaving in and out of traffic lanes without using a signal. A witness told police Good nearly struck a bicyclist on the side of the road.

When Good was stopped at 19 Union Square, police observed a half empty bottle of Bacardi in the passenger seat. She allegedly slurred her speech and smelled of alcohol.

Police said Good could not pass sobriety tests they administered.

'Junkie' looking teen robs man on Medford Street in Somerville

2010-07-21T10:00:00-04:00


By George P. Hassett Two Somerville men were accosted and robbed of a wallet by three teenage suspects July 15 on Medford Street, according to police. The victims were walking near Tennyson Street when three males stopped them and pushed them to the ground, police said. A witness heard one of the assailants say, "Yo, yo get his wallet," police said.

The assailants fled when they saw a woman walking towards them, police said.

The victims declined medical attention. One of the victims described the attackers as a white male, 18 years old, 5 foot 11 inches tall with the "look of a junkie" and a black male, about 18 years old five foot eight inches tall and clean cut. The victim could not describe the third suspect.

Newstalk for July 21

2010-07-21T06:03:00-04:00


Rumor has it that one of the remaining out of the city potential candidates for Chief of Police is just using Somerville as a stepping stone so he can become Chief of Police for his home city. We only hope that the mayor as well as the Board of Aldermen can see through this and ask enough questions so we don't have to go through this process every two years.

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Our sincere condolences to the Capuano Family on the passing of Rita Capuano this past weekend. Rita was a very nice lady and was seen all over, very active over the years especially at Council of Aging events; she was the mother of Congressman Mike Capuano.

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Happy birthday to Dellio Sussi of Amelia's Restaurant who is celebrating his birthday all week long we hear. Drop by and say hello and wish him well, and if we do say so ourselves have something to eat, you will enjoy.

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Big Congratulations to Carrie and Mike Holland on the recent birth of their newest daughter Charlotte was born last month weighing in at 7lbs, 2oz, best wishes to them.

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Mayor Curtatone's annual boat cruise is coming up real soon on August 4; join him and many other Somerville residents enjoying Boston Harbor off Long Wharf. Call Bill Tauro at 617 293-2016 for tickets.

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The News is moving to Ball Square, this week and our new exclusive site will be up and running sometime this week as well. For those that missed the regular blogging and commenting on our site, you can now blog and join in, and share your view on all the issues going on here in the city. The site will allow everyone to see items not previously online such as Ms. Cam's Olio and 'Villens on the Town, the SCATV schedule and more. You can even download the entire paper as printed off our web site. We are going to be doing and upgrade as well over in Cambridge and look for us to break into Medford within a month as well.

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We've seen candidate for State Senator, Dave Carnevale, out in the streets of Somerville - in particular Winter Hill - and we hear he's getting a great reception. We know his opponent won't be knocking door to door now will she? We love to see a debate between the two of them, her and her 35 years as a career politician and him as a 25 year old first timer, out on the streets running on new ideas and new energy.

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Skyline Dry Cleaning in Ball Square finally opened after going through hoops to get their permits, they opened last Friday and the owners are so pleased that business has been very very good, they thank all those that have come in. Go to our front page for a coupon with a 25 percent off price. We need to support new business here in the city. We wish them well, especially since they are one of us now in Ball Square.

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Head over to the Washington Street Art Center at 321 Washington Street on August 7 for the opening reception of an exciting new art show, Stitched by Danielle Festa. The Washington Street Art Center houses Gallery 321; hosts studio space for more than twenty visual artists; and presents exhibitions, concerts, film series, and other art initiatives. The Center participates in Somerville Open Studios each May, and in an annual open studios and craft fair in December.

The Washington Street Art Center is between Union Square and Beacon Street; a five-minute walk from Union Square and a ten-minute walk from Harvard Square (two blocks from Beacon Street). The Center is near or on the following bus routes: 87, 83, 86, and 91. Parking is free and ample.

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Thirty-eight residents from Somerville are riding in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, the nation's most successful athletic fund raising event, to raise money for cancer research. This is a great event and we thank all the riders for their sacrifice and dedication.

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Redbones is firing up its portable smoker for a traditional Southern Pig Pickin' and fund raiser for The Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) on Monday, August 2 (rain date is August 9). The event takes place on Chester Street in front of the restaurant from 6 to 9 PM and features slow smoked pork pulled off the bone with all the fixin's. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and, this year, $5.00 for kids under 10 (last year - $10) for a family friendly evening out. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the SHC. Information available at 617.628.2200 and www.redbones.com.

The first Pig Pickin' was such a success that Redbones owners Robert Gregory & Caryn Whitney made it an annual event and fund raiser for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, a non profit with head quarters just steps away from Redbones. By adding the community component, the Pig Pickin' became closer to its Southern roots and social ritual. Pig Pickin's are frequently political or church gatherings in the South; they are always reason to come together, where ever there is space available, and spend hours smoking a pig until it's ready for the pickin' to begin.

Redbones custom made 'pig rig' will be fired up in front of the restaurant early Monday morning (August 2) and whole hogs will go on the spit for six to 10 hours of slow roasting. Folks are encouraged to stop by for look and everyone is invited to come later for pork picked off the bone, loins, butts, bellies and cracklin's plus sides of slaw, corn on the cob, greens, corn bread and watermelon and a choice of drinks including beer. For entertainment, there will be live music by The SAPS and other local bands.

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Cartoon of the week for July 21

2010-07-21T06:02:00-04:00

Cambridge News Weekly

The View From Prospect Hill for July 21

2010-07-21T06:02:00-04:00


When the Green Line extension finally rolls through Somerville in five years, it will be justice for a community overlooked and abused by transit decisions for more than 50 years. But there will be pain too. Housing costs in once affordable neighborhoods will skyrocket and thousands of Somerville families will likely be displaced by rising rents.

Just as troubling, businesses that have been a mainstay in Ball Square and the Inner Belt will be demolished and taken by the state in eminent domain proceedings.

Bob Rosselli has worked at Ball Square auto repair for 40 years. To make way for a Green Line stop in the neighborhood his business will be sacrificed. In the Inner Belt, a maintenance facility will displace MS Walker liquor distillery, an 80-year-old business with 300 employees.

A city is partly a collection of its memories - Somerville residents are likely to give directions by referring to "the old Broadway theater" or "the old Star market" depending on how long they have been here. Progress has casualties: in this case, they're longtime businesses and employers. In the future, it will be something else.

Somerville's ArtBeat the summer heat with water in the street

2010-07-21T06:01:00-04:00

~Photos by Dave Krugman

Artists cooled Davis Square off in the midst of a heat wave with a frigid dose of creativity and a water theme at the annual ArtBeat festival in Davis Square Saturday.

Criminal and family intrigue surround Somerville hotel plans

2010-07-21T06:01:00-04:00

~Photo courtesy of the city of Somerville

By Tom Nash

A planned hotel at 371 Beacon Street has yet to begin construction, however, it is already bringing drama, mystery and criminal intrigue to a Somerville street corner.

Exactly who wants to build a 35-room hotel and restaurant on a vacant gas station lot at Beacon and Oxford streets near Porter Square is still not available in public documents. And two people involved in the project may have been involved in a felony assault earlier this year.

George Makrigiannis, a 93-year-old Cambridge landlord and pizza restaurant owner, has long been presented as the project's steward but former tenants of Makrigiannis say he may be acting as a front.

Kevin Bonham, a former tenant of Makrigiannis, says he understands the landlord's hesitancy to be straightforward about the project. According to Bonham, staying in the shadows seems to be Makrigiannis's standard procedure, choosing silence over disclosure in the three legal battles that emerged for him in the span of three months.

Since learning of the hotel plans, Bonham joined a group of his friends in suing Makrigiannis for withholding their security deposit money, joining at least seven others who have sued for similar reasons in the past three years.

After Makrigiannis failed to show up to court, a judge granted an order that entitles Bonham and his friends to more than $6,000 worth of their former landlord's property.

But tracking him down has been difficult. Even the Makrigiannis's identity remained obscured until after Bonham was no longer a tenant, despite meeting him personally.

"I dealt with someone who said he was George, but after we moved out we found out he was 90-something years old," Bonham said. "I'm pretty sure the guy we dealt with was his son, Louis."

While avoiding stolen security deposit cases has been a fact of life for the Makrigiannis family, the lawsuit filed by 371 Beacon St. abutter Seth Goodman has proven to be a new challenge.

Goodman, who filed the suit in February, chose to name both the city and "Beacon Street Hotel," an unregistered entity listed on the permit application that attorney Rich DiGirolamo says will take shape after the project moves forward. Naming those involved could force Makrigiannis to disclose why he refuses to be listed as the applicant.

A joint statement released in late June says Goodman is ready to drop the suit if the city is notified of the proper applicant's identity. The hotel project would also have to provide more parking, and allow a second look at the project's traffic study and design plans.

In the midst of trying to put a hotel in Somerville, another brush with the law came in March. Police responded to a 911 call from Makrigiannis on March 16, arriving to find him with facial bruising and a "good size scratch under his left eye," according to the police report.

While acknowledging he called for help, and that he needed police assistance, the report stated "[Makrigiannis] did not want his son's girlfriend to get into trouble." He declined to request a restraining order.

The alleged attacker, Katherine Ferrari, was until recently also involved in the hotel development as the owner of Dream City Real Estate, the company listed as the developer on the project's original special permit application.

While the Middlesex District Attorney's office pursued a felony assault charge against Ferrari, the case fell apart in June. "We couldn't get the testimony we needed to go forward," DA spokeswoman Cara O'Brien said.

Anne Vigorito, DiGirolamo's law partner, took the side of Makrigiannis's alleged attacker. Around the same time, she also became Makrigiannis's attorney in the Land Court case.

Vigorito declined to discuss what Makrigiannis gained from having an attorney representing him in a case involving a multi-million dollar hotel project who was also defending a former partner in that project accused of assaulting him.

"One has nothing to do with the other," Vigorito said.

Vigorito said neither Makrigiannis nor Ferrari would be available for comment.

With the assault case dismissed and a settlement in the Land Court case in the works, Bonham said he hopes to see his legal battle against Makrgiannis resolved as well. He hopes to have the execution order carried out within a month.

While Bonham and his friends have mulled asking for a lien to be put on the 371 Beacon St. property, he said he's wary of depending on it for the money he and his friends are owed. He called the city's approval of the hotel plans "a mistake."

"My impression of George and Louis is they will do everything in their power to maximize their profit - by legal means or not," Bonham added. "They really don't give a [expletive] about anything else."

Somerville Mayor outlines '100-year storm' response

2010-07-21T06:01:00-04:00

By Tom Nash

As repairs continue from the July 10 storm that dumped an estimated 4.3 inches of rain on the city, one alderman is questioning whether the flooding billed as a "100-year" storm was as unique as officials are stating.

The city estimates that more than 3,000 properties residential and business have been affected, and that more than $10 million in damage has been sustained.

At an emergency Board of Aldermen meeting last Wednesday, Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche challenged the assertion that the flooding was out of the norm for his ward's residents, many of whom he said struggled with flooding on the same scale in 1996 and 2004.

"For the people and businesses of Ward 1, this is not a 25-year storm," Roche said, referring to the rainfall estimate at the time. "It's almost routine. We need to make sure this doesn't happen again."

Responding to complaints from residents about flooded homes, DPW Commissioner Stan Koty said he doubted that the flooding issues were the result of sewer problems. He said the 3.5 inches of rain the city received in an hour was unprecedented.

"It's a phenomenon that hasn't been seen," Koty said.

After briefing the Board of Aldermen last week, Mayor Joseph Curtatone on Monday ordered eight new Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor and eight Harley Davidson motorcycles to replace vehicles lost in the flooding of the police headquarters in the Public Safety Building. The building remains closed as cleanup crews continue to work.

"The purchase of these 16 new vehicles will help us continue to ensure that, first and foremost, we provide for the safety of our residents, and are prepared for any public safety issues that can arise at a moment's notice," Curtatone said in a statement. "We will continue to assess the damage to the community, and work together to rebuild quickly."

The bill for the vehicles is expected to be $324,182.

A brochure written in four languages explaining insurance claim steps and clean-up methods has been distributed to homes affected by the storm.

Somerville residents get tips from FEMA on flood clean-up

2010-07-21T06:00:00-04:00

Norman Thidemann of FEMA fields lots of questions about flooding at Home Depot this week. ~Photo by Julia Fairclough

By Julia Fairclough

Homeowners this week can talk in-person to a Federal Emergency Management Association representative about how to clean out their basements, as well as hear advice on how to prepare for a possible relief grant.

In the wake of the major flash floods of last weekend, FEMA has set up a table at the Home Depot on Mystic Avenue, laden with guides on how to protect your home from flood damage, mold and mildew control, and applications for help after a disaster. FEMA set up its information table last Thursday, and will be at the Home Depot this week.

"People are really looking for guidance on what to do next, in terms of cleaning up," said Norman Thidemann of FEMA, who was busy handing out guides and fielding various questions on Thursday.

FEMA officials made the following recommendations:

The most important thing to bear in mind is that failing to remove water-soaked materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.

Mold and mildew will develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. And it will continue to grow until you take the steps necessary to eliminate the source of moisture. People should wash metal, glass, solid wood, and plastic with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Disinfect cleaned surfaces with a bleach solution and let it stay on the surface for 10 minutes before rinsing with water and letting it dry.

Next, get the ventilation going in the basement by opening windows and using industrial fans to dry out the area, Thidemann said.

FEMA also fielded questions about receiving federal assistance for the flood damage to their homes. Many people had lost everything that was in their basement-including their washer and dryers and hot water heaters.

Bill Stella, 72, of Charlestown, had water up above his knees in his basement. He lost boxes of curtains and drapes, as well as other personal memorabilia. He also had questions on how to get rid of the mold and moisture. Does FEMA help with that? he asked Thidemann.

Thidemann said that people have to wait until FEMA declares the area to be a federal disaster. When a disaster takes place, the Individuals and Households Program provides money and services to people in the disaster area when losses are not covered by insurance and property has been damaged or destroyed.

People should focus on clean-up first, and take photos of the damage and damaged goods, Thidemann said. They can also keep records for tax purposes because some damaged items are tax deductible.

People can apply online-but only when FEMA declares the Federal disaster-by visiting www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

Cynthia Mitchell, an East Somerville resident, had heard FEMA would be at Home Depot and made the trip to learn about flood damage, since her basement had flooded. She was also going to buy some fans.

"There was so much stored stuff down there that was damaged, we are still assessing," she said.

Cambridge man arrested after hitting security guard in Somerville

2010-07-21T06:00:00-04:00


By George P. Hassett A Cambridge man struck an AJ Wright security guard with a bicycle lock July 15, according to police. Henry Sousa, 58, of 8 Dana St., Cambridge, was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Police were called to the AJ Wright on Somerville Avenue after Sousa allegedly loitered there for hours and refused to leave. Sousa allegedly picked up a bicycle lock and struck a loss prevention officer in her hand, police said.

He immediately fought with responding officers while shouting profanities, police said. After a brief struggle, he was handcuffed.

A Green place to live in Somerville

2010-07-21T06:00:00-04:00

This new condo was built with 41 percent green material.

~Photo by Ashley Troutman

Craigie Street condos focus on 'green' ideals

Ashley Troutman

The new condominiums at 42 Craigie St. are covered in environmentally-conscious, green ideals - literally.

"Anything that we could use that was recycled, we did," said developer and Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan. The entire exterior of the building is made out of a refurbished cement called hearty plank, eliminating the need for vinyl or aluminum siding.

The building at Craigie Street is approximately 16,000 square feet, and was made with 41 percent "green" material, surpassing the city's 25 percent requirement.

Construction started about 16 months ago, utilizing a new type of block for the condominium's driveway. The pavement allows water to seep into the ground, and prevents puddles. A $65,000 drain system was installed in the condominium to prevent any future flooding issues.

The condominium has brand new systems, it's all electric, and all of the appliances are energy efficient. Unlike many properties in Somerville, there wasn't any asphalt used in construction, and it's surrounded by walkways.

O'Donovan, collaborated with Felix Consalvo to coordinate the development of the condominium, and Peter Quinn worked as the architect. O'Donovan said, "It's just wild, you look at it and think I want to live here. The materials around you are all green, you just want to stay."

The construction is complete and 3 of the 8 units in this residential condo complex have been sold.

Somerville cops nab one after complaints of drug dealing in Davis Square

2010-07-20T22:15:46-04:00


By George P. Hassett Drug-unit cops busted a Somerville man Friday after receiving tips from citizens and business owners about drug dealing in Statue Park in Davis Square. They also had some help from a loudmouth friend of the drug suspect. Somerville police investigator James Hyde allegedly overheard an unidentified man tell David Goggin, 44, "I would like to try a sample."

"Based on my training and experience I opined that this statement was made in reference to a drug user trying a small amount of a controlled substance to check for quality before making a future drug purchase," Hyde wrote in a police report.

Police watched Goggin take cash from a woman and walk along College Avenue into a parking lot at Winter Street. Police said Goggin made a hand exchange with an occupant in a sport utility vehicle parked in the lot and then walked back to Statue Park.

Police allegedly found heroin, the prescription drug suboxone and other pills on Goggin.

Goggin, of 8 Everett St., was arrested and charged with possession of a class B drug and possession of a class A drug.

Final farewell: Somerville's Cataldo funeral home to auction contents five years after closing

2010-07-20T17:28:57-04:00

A funeral home that for decades served as a final farewell for Somerville families will now have its own goodbye with a behemoth auction. Crown Auctions of Medford will be conducting the sale at 374 Main Street in Somerville on August 7.

The massive house was the original location of Fisher College from the 1920s until the 1950s when Frank and Lillian Cataldo purchased the property. Lillian Cataldo was one of the first female funeral directors in Massachusetts. The Cataldo's purchased the property to relocate their funeral home business from the North End. The family occupied the upper two levels of the home and operated the business out of the first floor and the basement. Three generations operated the business for six decades.

The house is a treasure trove of antiques and vintage items, said an auctioneer. "When we first arrived at the house, our original intention was to remove everything and bring it back to our auction facility, but when we saw how much stuff was there and how large the space was, we decided to hold the auction on site," said Arthur Crisafulli, Crown Auctions senior auctioneer.

From highly carved federal couches to mid century modern clocks, to dozens of crystal chandeliers and fine porcelains, the house is like a time capsule of the 20th century. The contents of an additional house on the property, which was also occupied by the Cataldo family, will be auctioned off as well. The items from that house including the furniture, clothing, ephemera and more, will most likely be moved into the main house for the auction. Other items of interest include the casket stands, statuary, kneelers, flower holders and the signage from the funeral home.

The funeral home which has been vacant for the past five years presented certain challenges. "We were confronted by a number of technical issues such as no water in the building and computer networking but we are working through the issues and auction goers can expect a smooth and comfortable event," said Klia Ververidis, Crown Auctions Managing Partner.

The main auction will be held in the main chapel of the home which with the removal of the wall dividers turns into a 3,000 square foot space. Some rooms will be auctioned off as entire rooms with contents to the highest bidder. Everything on the property will be sold at the auction. "Our goal is to help the Cataldo family clear everything out so they can begin redevelopment. The main focus of our business is to help overwhelmed families clear out estates so they can move on with their plans," said Klia. The Cataldo family intends to redevelop the property themselves to keep it from falling victim to the wrecking ball.

The auction will begin at 11:00 a.m. on August 7, with preview starting at 8:00 a.m. in the morning. To view pictures of some of the items that will be sold go to www.crownauctions.com.

Somerville Police Department Orders 8 New Cruisers, 8 Motorcycles in the Wake of Flash Flooding

2010-07-20T12:51:06-04:00

26 Public Safety Vehicles Damaged or Destroyed in Flash Flooding Last Weekend; 10 Additional Vehicles Still Being Assessed
(from the city of Somerville)

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the City of Somerville has placed an immediate order of eight new Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors, and eight new Harley Davidson motorcycles for use as the Somerville Police Department's front line vehicles. During severe flash flooding on Saturday, July 10, 2010, 26 police vehicles were damaged or destroyed, including 18 marked cruisers and Detective vehicles, and eight Harley Davidson motorcycles. The 16 vehicles, which will cost an estimated $324,182, will be purchased as part of an emergency expenditure by the City. Also damaged in the flooding were eight police radios. The remaining 10 cruisers are still in the process of cleaning and sanitizing, and will be assessed for damages in the coming weeks.

"Though it has been more than week since the City saw catastrophic flooding across Somerville, City employees, residents and business owners are still in the midst of cleanup efforts, and grappling with the growing costs of rebuilding and repairing damaged property," Mayor Curtatone said. "This was a 100 year storm that dropped 4.3 inches of rain on Somerville within one hour, and the damage to vehicles, homes, and personal property has already been estimated at well over $10 million. The purchase of these 16 new vehicles will help us continue to ensure that, first and foremost, we provide for the safety of our residents, and are prepared for any public safety issues that can arise at a moment's notice. We will continue to assess the damage to the community, and work together to rebuild quickly."

The Public Safety Building, which suffered significant damage to electrical, E-911, and Co-Generation systems, remains closed for business. Electrical tests are still being conducted, and transformers tested and replaced. Somerville Police operations have been set up at the West Neighborhood Substation in Teele Square, and the State's Mobile 9-1-1 Unit has been operating outside of the Public Safety Building since Tuesday, July 13.

Initial air quality tests on the building show no lingering ill effects from the flash flooding. Microbial and hydrocarbon tests are expected back later this week.

"I want to again thank Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan for her continued support and assistance, particularly providing the City of Somerville with the Mobile Unit to have our E-911 dispatchers working out of Somerville," Mayor Curtatone said. "Also, last week state officials came to survey and assess the damage to residences and businesses throughout the City. We will continue to work with them to determine whether a disaster declaration will be made and, subsequently, federal assistance provided to our community members."

"I am grateful to the Mayor and to all of the Somerville Police Officers, Firefighters, and other City employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our Police operations continue as usual, and that our residents are provided with the best public safety service, especially during this difficult time," said Acting Chief of Police Michael Cabral.

Somerville teen authors lend their voice to Haiti

2010-07-20T10:49:20-04:00

Keisha Jean-Louis, holds a copy of her book, Love Hurts. ~Photo by Lauren Ostberg

Kelsey Keating

As relief efforts in Haiti fade from the headlines, a group of young Somerville authors are giving a voice to the pain of a struggling nation.

After the January earthquake, Haiti was the focus of the world. As the tragedy begins to fade, these young writers are working to remind their listeners and readers that the struggle is continuing and that help is still needed.

On Friday, the authors from Books of Hope - a writing and publishing program founded in 1999 and based in the Mystic Housing Development - took to the Seven Hills Park Stage Friday as part of ArtBeat to share their own original works Friday.

The writers - many first or second generation Haitian-Americans - explored topics ranging from the female image to the struggle to pay for college. The subject that came up most, however, was the devastation in Haiti - a tragedy the young writers felt personally and artistically.

Marie Jean Baptiste wrote "And as you stare into your TV I heard my people crying," as part of her piece entitled "Open Your Eyes."

Jessica Masse, a member of the program for three years and author of two published books, wrote "Rage" about the struggle in Haiti.

Another poet performed his work in Creole.

The ArtBeat performance was the next to last stop on a multi-state tour that kicked off in May. The young writers travel to New York City next for the Harlem Book Fair.

Poet Laureate of Portland Maine comes to Somerville

2010-07-18T06:00:00-04:00

By Doug Holder
Off The Shelf

Poet Steve Luttrell is the newly appointed Poet/Laureate of Portland Maine. He is also the founder of the well respected, and much lauded small press literary journal "The Cafe Review." I was glad to speak to Luttrell so I could ask him how it has been being a Laureate, and pick his brain about his fine literary journal. It is always good to have a poet laureate on my show on Somerville Community Access TV "Poet to Poet: Writer to Writer," especially when there is no official Somerville Laureate selected by the city to interview.

Doug Holder: Steve you started the Cafe Review in 1989. Most small press journals fold after a year or two. What is the secret to your success?

Steve Luttrell: I think the big part is how fortunate I have been to work to work with the people I have. It has not been a solo effort. Over the years there have been a dozen people that have worked with me. They are currently working with me, and they are poets, artists and writers. They are people who volunteer their time. We are a volunteer staff so everybody gets along well. We have our differences of opinions--there is a lot of give and take.

DH: Can you tell us about the interview you conducted with the poet Robert Creeley 15 years ago or so?

ST: He was at his summer residence on the Maine coast. He told me to meet me at a well-known diner "Moody's." I walked in and he said, "Could I get you a cup of tea or coffee?" I was in the presence of this man I read and admired for years and he was asking me if I'd like a cup of coffee. The point being was that he was a real down to earth--feet on the ground--type of guy. He had a lot of interest in different things. So I did the interview in his summer home, and put it on tape. I transcribed the tape and sent it to him. We kept going back and forth. We finally came up with a product we both liked and we published it.

DH: I am told that The Cafe Review was sort of birthed in a cafe.

ST: Well, there is a small cafe in Portland , Maine, where a bunch of us used to read poems in the backroom. This was in the mid 1980s. The owner was happy to see us because we bought stuff. That went on for a number of years. At one point someone suggested that we had a lot of great poetry being read, and said we should save some of the stuff. I started going around after our readings and gathered the poems up and put them in a little stapled 20-25 page chapbook.

In those days we were a monthly. I must have been insane to think that I could keep up with that. In 1992 we switched to a quarterly, which is a much more doable format. We started dealing with more than local poets and brought in visual artists. The Review sort of evolved on its own.

DH: You are the newly appointed Poet Laureate of Portland, Maine. I know Robert Pinsky, was a very active poet laureate--bringing poetry to the people so to speak. Do you have the same style?

ST: I don't know much about the man's poetry. I do agree with you that he was a real man of the people. I admire that. I am a huge fan of the new poet laureate W.S. Merwin. We will have to see what he does. I just like his work. I think he done some wonderful translations. But Pinsky was a wonderful laureate. You have to give back to the community that honors you in that way.

DH: What would you say to the City of Somerville to encourage them to appoint a poet laureate?

ST: If you are honored by a city and you return the honor it can only be a good thing. I think Mayor Curatone should consider it. The Poet Laureate position in Portland, Maine has brought attention to the fact that there are some very creative people in the city and that the city has a rich literary history.

DH: You have been quoted that "you know what you like" when it comes to poetry. Well what do you like?

ST: I'm pretty eclectic. For me it is a poem that I can read a certain amount of times and still think I get something out of it. It is like a good home movie. The title of one of my poetry books is " Home Movies." I view poems that way. They are like home movies. They are tracks in the snow. I can see where I have been. I consider it a good poem if it places me back when I wrote the poem, where I was, when I "found" the poem.

DH: I always joke with Gloria Mindock of Somerville's Cervena Press that we are "holy fools" because we spend a lot of time publishing and make little or no money from it. Why do you do it?

ST: It feeds my spirit. It puts me in a position where I am reading and interacting with a wide variety of poets in a more direct way--much more than I normally would.

Lyrical Somerville edited by Doug Holder
Somerville poet Jim Cronin writes the LYRICAL: "Although I was reared on 'Old Cape Cod,' my father was raised in an old-school Irish-Catholic family in Somerville in the 1940s, and my mother was born there as well. I have since followed the lead of my forebears and now live near Magoun Square." To have your work considered for the LYRICAL send it to: Doug Holder 25 School St. Somerville, Mass. 02143 dougholder@post.harvard.edu

Memories of the Elevated Subway

Sauntering, sluggish, overshadowed

by the tall company of close buildings, until

blossoms of sunlight scatter across the floor

beneath a spider-webbed window, lightening

hands latched onto poles and newspapers.

Steel wheels grind rails,

a dark tunneling overture for the descent.

Riding the metro, day

after day, the days themselves

repeating themselves themselves themselves.

Where are you now? I hear your voice echoing

the squeal and push of chafing steel,

feel your fingers pressing metal

for balance as the train corners hard

toward the portal to the underground.

At the tunnel, in the last moments

of light, I glance upcool blue electricity

escaping drawn apartment drapes.

Two shapes cross the window, outlines

of the early evening blurred by dusk, still hovering

among tracks intersecting drafty triple-deckers.

I smell the mint leaves

you bathed your hair in, fresh goldenrod

you kept beside the bed. We sat up nights

on rooftops, dreaming of a someday Eden. Instead,

we kept one room, space for tarragon and basil,

the planter falling from the window box

as you clubbed both arms against my chest,

shattering on the street below, ending the year

of elevators and airplanes you never boarded.

-----Jim Cronin