VOL. 2 NO. 6 SOMERVILLE, MASS. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS Inside: Patsy’s could close soon Mixed-use proposal for site moves forward

By David R. Smith Patsy’s Pastry Shop could close as early as the end of this month as plans to demolish the East Somerville landmark with a new five-story com- mercial and residential building move forward. A neighborhood meeting held Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Cross Street Senior Center at 165 Broadway gave residents an opportunity to both hear about and see details of the plan, as Somerville man’s well as a chance to voice their concerns about mysterious death the project in advance of the Planning Board’s page 3 public hearing of the project scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 6. Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin, who Photo courtesy of Khalsa Designs rents an apartment adjacent to the site, asked Alderman-At-Large and BOA President Bill White to lead the meeting to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. McLaughlin told residents he planned to move out of the apartment by May. The project has been designed under the Photo by XXX CCD55 zoning category, which allows build- ings to be built up to 55 feet in height. While the project is well within the CCD55 zoning requirements, any projects proposed under that An architectural rendering of the five-story, 55-foot building proposed at the site of Patsy’s Pastries in East Somerville. category require a special Continued on page 15 Discovering Egypt at ESCS page 7 A hairy situation BeardFest 2014 held at The Center for Arts at the Armory

By Erica Scharn The 2014 Beard & Moustache Contest cele- brated facial hair of all shapes and sizes this past Sunday. The facial hair artistry on display included a button beard, a glowing beard, braid- ed beards and curly moustaches. The Somerville Arts Council’s (SAC) fourth BeardFest took place from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 2 at The Center for Arts at the Armory on High- land Avenue. The public, family-friendly event Louisiana legend bestowed playful prizes in five categories: Natu- comes to town ral Full Beard, Free-style Full Beard, Free-style Photo by Claudia Ferro page 21 Moustache, Free-style Partial Beard (such as goatees and/or sideburns), and Fake Beard. The

Newstalk...... p .2 afternoon also featured a make-your-own beard table, music by DJ Pace and food and drink. The Week in Crime. . . . p .4 “It’s just silly and fun,” SAC Executive Direc- Commentary...... p .10-11 tor Gregory Jenkins said. Beacon Hill Roll Call . . . . p .8 BeardFest is the brainchild of SAC volunteer

TV Logs...... p .22 Todd Easton, who also co-produces the event. He pitched the idea of a beard contest to Jen- Off The Shelf...... p .23 Some of Somerville’s fuzziest fun seekers got to let their hair down at SAC’s 2014 Beard & Moustache kins several years ago as a Continued on page 12 Contest on Sunday at The Center for the Arts at the Armory. 2••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

TheSomervilleTimes.com Comments of the Week

Response to Somerville High School voted eligible for possible renovation

The monthly Chamber of Commerce “Business After Great says: Hours” gathering is Thursday evening at 6 over at the This is good news. The condition of SHS is an embarrassment. Our kids and community Foundry in Davis Square. Members are invited to join in deserve better. and network. ************************** MarketMan says: “StoryCorps” at the library kick offs this weekend. Be part of history in the making! Somerville Public Library is one of 10 I would prefer the old high school be renovated, but if a new high school should be built… I public libraries across the United States to be selected as a Sto- hope the city would have the foresight to keep the old high school building and improve it for ryCorps @ your library pilot site. The project aims to record other city uses… even another school (middle school or elementary). If the city really wants to the voices of a diverse mix of Somerville residents and to cap- attract families, it has to think ahead. The building is an asset (and a beautiful buidling) that ture their stories, thoughts and ideas. Somerville teens, families should not be given up that easily. and adults, come by to find out more and sign up for a time to share your story. Refreshments will be served. Saturday, Feb- A.Moore says: ruary 8, 2:30-5:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 9, 3:30-5 p.m. at the Somerville Central Library, 79 Highland Avenue. For Hopefully renovated right this time and not by the company that did it last time who also did more information call the Teen Room at 617-623-5000 x2936, the police building. How about a legitimate company this time. Myself I would prefer it to be or email Maria Carpenter at [email protected]., renovated along with the library. All the new buildings here do not have the life span of these www.somervillepubliclibrary.org. old buildings. Which with a good maintenance program would give us a better building for less ************************** money in the long run. But it will probably be more what the ceo of Somerville wants than we The commercial tax rate is out and was approved by the al- the taxpayers. dermen last year, and now rent increases have already been given to business tenants. In Ball Square, every single busi- JAR says: ness in one large building saw huge increases ready to take effect March 1. The fall out of these massive increases all The SHS campus is iconic–a monument to everything that is right about Somerville. It’s at once will have a drastic effect on local consumers, either placement atop the hill symbolizes, to me, Somerville’s long-held values of solid, sound educa- with a raise in prices or just plain leaving Somerville and tion above all else. It is in a prime location and deservedly so in my opinion. As such, it should boarding up vacant stores. We’re wondering how effective be renovated and modernized perhaps with a view toward making it a landmark green building the public hearing held Tuesday will be and what could be conversion that will continue to stand for generations as a symbol of an old City that is forever the end result? Can they somehow go back in time and wipe it out? Let’s hope the Board of Alderman can come up with young. To demolish and replace it, or to otherwise move it would be a travesty. a solution, as some increases were way over 50 percent. The JAR committee hearing held this past Tuesday night will be ad- SHS ’77 dressed again, hopefully with the full Board of Alderman. ************************** Log onto TheSomervilleTimes.com to leave your own comments­ The neighborhood meetings last week in East Somerville were both emotional and downright upsetting to the many neigh- TheSomervilleTimes com. poll of the week bors attending. On Wednesday, the first public meeting was standing-room only at the hearing of angry neighbors on the In addition to breaking news, sports and opinion, TheSomervilleTimes.com also features a daily poll proposed move to build 121 units on land now owned by Stop in which you, the reader, tell us where you come down on local issues. Last week’s poll concerned your & Shop, the developer met with huge views on whether or not you would rather see the existing Somerville High School renovated or a new Continued on page 11 one built. If you don’t agree with the results, simply log onto TheSomervilleTimes.com.

699 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 [email protected] www.thesomervilletimes.com 617-666-4010 • Fax: 617-628-0422

www.facebook.com/ @somervilletimes thesomervilletimes

Publisher – Somerset Valley Publishing Inc. Editor – David R. Smith Creative Director/Copy Editor – Jim Clark Assignment Editor – Bobbie Toner

Executive Assistant – Cam Toner Advertising Director – Bobbie Toner Arts Editor – Doug Holder

Writers: David R. Smith, Jim Clark, Elizabeth Sheeran, Tom Bannister Contributors – Jimmy Del Ponte,William C. Shelton The Somerville Times is published every Wednesday FEBRUARY 5, 2014••3 Somerville man’s body discovered behind Norwood School there is most likely another By David R. Smith crime scene and that the woods Police identified the body dis- where the body was found was covered behind a Norwood just used as a dumping ground. school last week as that of a The first-floor apartment 66-year-old Somerville resident. Lalli rented in a home on Syc- Vincnet Lalli was identified amore Street was searched by using fingerprint analysis. His police Thursday night after his identity was confirmed last remains were identified. He Thursday, a day after a woman lived in the apartment with at walking her dog in the woods be- least one other man, and that hind the Coakley Middle School man is listed online as a Level discovered his body, which Nor- 3 sex offender. As of this past folk District Attorney Michael Monday, Lalli’s name remained W. Morrissey said had “suffered on the mailbox. massive trauma.” A call to the homeowner, Lalli was reported missing Maria Veliz, was not returned to the Somerville Police De- by press time. partment early last week, and “It’s going to be a very difficult he had not been seen since the case,” Morrissey said during the week before that. press conference last week. In a press conference last Anyone with any information Wednesday, before Lalli had relative to Lalli’s recent activities Photo by David R. Smith been identified, Morrissey said it or other information on the case was unlikely that whatever hap- is urged to contact the Massa- pened to the body had happened chusetts State Police at 508- where it was discovered. He said 820-2121. Vincent Lalli rented an apartment in this Sycamore Street home. Hodgkins Park grounds suffers damage Photo by Tom Bannister Photo by Tom

The field at Hodgkins Park was damaged over the weekend by rough use by a person or people possibly wearing cleats. City officials said they will have to wait to see the full extent of the damage once the winter passes, but it does appear reseeding and regrading will likely be necessary at a cost yet to be determined. – Tom Bannister

The Norton Group Want to write local Somerville stories? Buying or Selling? Call 617-666-4010 617-623-6600 and speak to the Assignment Editor 4••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

By Jim Clark Taking it out on the wall Police were summoned to Rock- A section of the wall underneath tering and leaving the vestibule what appeared to be a verbal dis- the MBTA station on College Ave. land Trust Bank on Highland a table built into the wall report- during the previous evening. pute took place. Czernetzky was and was detained for questioning. Ave. last week on reports of van- edly had a hole in it approxi- One officer recognized the reportedly seen punching and Although she admitted that dalism at that location. mately two feet square. female as being Alicia Czer- kicking the wall, causing the re- she was in the bank’s vestibule, Investigating officers were The officers then reviewed -sur netzky, 29, of Cambridge. The ported damage. and that she was probably highly briefed on the situation by veillance footage captured by video showed that Czernetzky The officers secured copies of intoxicated, she denied causing the reporting party, the bank’s the bank’s security cameras re- was sleeping under the table the surveillance videos and were damage to the bank’s wall. branch manager. They were portedly showing the events that at around 5:30 a.m. Shortly told by the bank’s representatives Based on the video evidence shown a section of the building’s caused the damage. The video thereafter the video reported- that they wanted charges pressed Czernetzky was placed under wall in the front ATM vestibule reportedly showed two individ- ly showed Czernetzky’s male against the alleged vandals. arrest and charged with mali- that had been severely damaged. uals, a male and a female, en- companion standing nearby, and Czernetzky was soon spotted at cious wanton defacement. Crime Tip Hotline: 617-776-7210 Do your part - Leave a message on our tip hotline answering machine!! All calls are confidential – Your Privacy is Assured. If you choose, you can leave your name and phone number and your call will be returned (not required). Also, if you prefer you may e-mail directly with your crime tip. We will follow up on all information provided to the best of our ability. Thank you for your assistance. Help Keep Somerville Safe! SOMERVILLE POLICE CRIME LOG Arrests: vehicle under the influence of Antonio Lacerda, 42, of 418 Ave. Assault: Stephen Remick, 54, January liquor. Medford St., January 31, 4:26 January 30, 2:45 p.m., police January 28, 2:17 p.m., po- 27, 6:29 p.m., arrested at 212 Raul Feliz Salinas, 41, of 4 p.m., arrested at 269 Broadway reported a theft at 225 Elm St. lice reported an assault at 290 Elm St. on charges of failure Norwood Ave., January 29, on warrant charges of destruc- January 30, 7:01 p.m., police Washington St. to appear upon recognizance 7:26 a.m., arrested at home on tion of property over $250, reported a theft at 177 Middle- January 28, 9:16 p.m., police and violation of city ordinance a charge of assault and battery. resisting arrest, and disorderly sex Ave. reported an assault at Alewife open container, and on multi- William Penney, 45, of 10 conduct. January 31, 6:25 p.m., police Brook Pkwy. ple warrant charges of larceny Sycamore St., Danvers, January Rodrigo Silva, 21, of 25 Man- reported a theft at 75 Mystic January 29, 7:26 a.m., police under $250. 29, 8:19 a.m., arrested at 612 sfield, January 31, 4:26 p.m., Ave. reported an assault at Nor- Rickey Edwards, 18, Janu- Broadway on a warrant charge arrested at home on charges of February 1, 11:50 a.m., police wood Ave. ary 28, 7:15 p.m., arrested at of larceny over $250. attempted murder and assault reported a theft at Walnut St. January 31, 5:45 p.m., police Mystic Ave. on a charge of drug Alicia Czernetzky, 29, of 240 and battery. February 2, 7:02 a.m., police reported an assault at Munroe possession to distribute. Albany St., Cambridge, Janu- Cecilia Rallo, 63, of 53 Han- reported a theft at 1 Davis Sq. St. ary 29, 1:04 p.m., arrested at cock St., Medford, February January 31, 6:07 p.m., police Natasha Martinez, 18, of 56 Breaking & Entering: 399 Highland Ave. on a charge 1, 2:12 p.m., arrested at 343 reported an assault at Mans- Governor Winthrop Rd., Jan- January 28, 3:00 p.m., police of malicious wanton deface- Broadway on a charge of ha- field St. uary 28, 7:15 p.m., arrested at reported a breaking & entering ment. rassment prevention order vi- February 2, 5:43 p.m., police Mystic Ave. on a charge of un- at Pearl St. Craig Vivian, 24, of 167 olation. reported an assault at Marion licensed operation of a motor January 28, 8:18 p.m., police Main St., Malden, January 30, Justina Solomon, 20, of 103 St. vehicle. reported a breaking & entering 11:19 a.m., arrested at 338 Marion St., February 2, 5:43 Ronnie Mendes, 18, of 10C at Woodstock St. Disorderly Conduct: Somerville Ave. on a warrant p.m., arrested at home on Memorial Rd., January 28, January 29, 12:29 p.m., police January 27, 10:13 a.m., police charge of larceny over $250. charges of threat to commit a 7:15 p.m., arrested at Mystic reported a breaking & entering reported a disorderly conduct Julio Martinez, 34, of 21 crime and assault and battery. Ave. on charges of violation of at Pearl St. at Highland Ave. Shepperd St., Lynn, January 30, city ordinance possession of a Incidents: January 30, 3:07 p.m., police January 28, 10:21 a.m., police dangerous weapon and distri- 4:27 p.m., arrested at Broad- Theft: reported a breaking & entering reported a disorderly conduct bution of a class D drug. way on charges of distribution January 27, 5:04 p.m., police at Elm St. at Cutter St. Julia Meza-Chamorro, 35, of a class A drug, conspiracy to reported a theft at McGrath February 2, 11:02 p.m., police January 28, 10:45 p.m., police of 363 Alewife Brook Pkwy., violate drug law, resisting ar- Hwy. reported a breaking & entering reported a disorderly conduct January 28, 9:16 p.m., arrested rest, and witness intimidation. January 28, 2:49 p.m., police at Pearl St. at 247 Elm St. at home on a charge of assault Angel Valdez, 29, January 30, reported a theft at Beacon St. January 29, 11:17 a.m., police and battery. 4:27 p.m., arrested at Broad- Vehicle Theft: January 28, 3:58 p.m., police reported a disorderly conduct William O’Brien, 40, of 34 way on charges of distribution January 28, 11:43 a.m., po- reported a theft at 68 Union at 37 Union Sq. Pleasant Dr., Stoughton, Janu- of a class A drug, conspiracy to lice reported a vehicle theft at Sq. February 2, 1:58 p.m., police ary 28, 10:45 p.m., arrested at violate drug law, resisting ar- Grant St. January 28, 4:46 p.m., police reported a disorderly conduct 247 Elm St. on a charge of dis- rest, and witness intimidation. January 28, 5:24 p.m., police reported a theft at Skehan St. at Broadway. orderly conduct. Tommy Rodriquez, 28, of 8 reported a vehicle theft at Elec- January 29, 10:28 a.m., police Rohan Bharati, 26, of 7 New Walter St., Hyde Park, January tric Ave. Drug Violation: reported a theft at 75 Myrtle Hampshire, January 29, 4:17 31, 12:35 p.m., arrested at 337 January 31, 12:28 a.m., police January 31, 12:35 p.m., po- St. a.m., arrested at Cross St. on a Broadway on charges of unin- reported a vehicle theft at Pearl lice reported a drug violation at January 29, 1:38 p.m., police charge of operation of a motor sured motor vehicle and pos- St. 337 Broadway. session of a class A drug. reported a theft at Highland FEBRUARY 5, 2014••5 Patrol officer charged with attempted sale of cocaine The Somerville Times According to authorities, Kelly known as “Molly.” He arranged Historical Fact of the Week By David R. Smith allegedly sold cocaine to an un- to meet an undercover officer A Somerville man employed by dercover officer three times last Jan. 16 in the parking lot of his the Cambridge Health Alliance month while in the parking lot place of employment in Somer- Eagle Feathers #45 as a uniformed special police of his employer while on duty ville. He allegedly approached officer in its public safety de- and wearing his patrol-officer the car and handed the officer Colonel Jaques partment was arraigned Friday, uniform. Kelly worked at sev- an envelope that contained a By Bob (Monty) Doherty Jan. 31, on drug charges after eral of the Alliance’s hospital small plastic baggie filled with allegedly selling cocaine to an locations. As part of his employ- a white powdery substance. The His name was Samuel Jaques, or “Colonel” Jaques to undercover officer. ment, he had been sworn in as a substance was later field-test- his friends and neighbors. During the mid 1800’s, he William Kelly, 32, was ar- special state police officer, which ed, and the results were posi- owned the biggest farm in Somerville, the Ten Hills raigned in Somerville District afforded him the ability to make tive for cocaine. Two additional Farm, which encompassed an impressive location with Court following his arrest Jan. arrests and conduct investiga- transactions allegedly occurred 600 acres overlooking the . The Farm had a 30 and charged with possession tions. Such officers generally are on Cambridge Health Alliance two hundred year history of notable owners, beginning of cocaine with intent to distrib- employed by hospitals or col- properties. The first was in Mal- with the first Governor of , John Win- ute, conspiracy to violate drug leges and are not employed by den Jan. 27 and the second in throp, the first Governor of Connecticut, John Win- laws and possession of cocaine. the Massachusetts State Police. Somerville Jan. 30. Both trans- throp, Jr., two successful sea captains, and America’s Somerville District Court Judge Over the course of the investi- actions involved the sale of a first millionaire, Elias Hasket Derby. Maurice Flynn set bail at $1,000 gation, Kelly allegedly told un- substance alleged to be cocaine. and ordered Kelly not to leave dercover officers he would sell Kelly will be back in court for the state. them cocaine and MDMA, also a pretrial conference March 12. Postal worker accused of stealing mail, gifts Middlesex District Attorney ly defraud our postal service, he accessing mail collection boxes Marian Ryan and Malden Police stole gifts and cards that were at sites that were not part of his Chief Kevin Molis informed the to be exchanged among families route. Investigators also found public today that a former post- and loved ones during the holi- discrepancies in the sign out Jaques’ gardens and orchards were always ripe with al worker has been charged with day season.” procedures for keys used to ac- fruits and vegetables, which he willingly shared with stealing more than 7,000 pieces of As a result of the investiga- cess mail collection boxes. neighbors and friends. He acquired his military rank of mail - including mail containing tion, police discovered 7,689 On February 1, 2014, police Colonel from his many years in the militia and his de- gift cards, cell phones, and Christ- pieces of mail in the defendant’s observed the defendant access fense work of Charlestown Bay during the War of 1812. mas cards and presents - from home, 5,156 of which had been several blue collection boxes and He was held in high regard for protecting the nuns from residents of Malden, Somerville, opened, and none of which be- place mail into his car, which he harm at the hands of a ruthless mob during the 1834 at- Medford and Melrose. longed to the defendant or his was not authorized to do. The tack on the Ursuline Convent. Steven Bozzi, 36, of Malden, family. Among the stolen items defendant was then arrested by Colonel Jaques’ real love was spending time outdoors was arrested February 1, 2014 recovered were a computer, six Malden Police. Bozzi subse- with his animals, both domestic and hunting breeds. He and charged with larceny over cellular phones, a Kindle, more quently consented to a search of stocked the farm with the best breed of sheep, cows, goats, $250, breaking into a deposi- than twenty gift cards, Mas- his home, where police discov- and other cattle. He became an expert at animal care, tory, receiving stolen property, sachusetts drivers licenses and ered the thousands of pieces of so much so, that he spent a year nursing the first gorilla possession of a burglarious tool, identification cards, and thou- mail and stolen items. brought to America back to health. It was a tale not unlike and possession of a Class B con- sands of items of personal mail. All unopened mail is being that of King Kong, but with a happier ending. He was a ce- trolled substance. He was ar- The investigation began on sent to postal authorities to be lebrity of his time and attracted other celebrities as visitors, raigned today in Malden District January 22, 2014, when Malden appropriately delivered. All par- such as Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, and Henry Clay. Court. Judge Dominic Paratore Police were contacted by a local ties who believe their mail may ordered him held on $2,500 business reporting that a man, have been stolen are asked to file cash bail with conditions that he identified as the defendant, was a report with the USPS Office of be placed on a GPS monitoring attempting to use a gift card that the Inspector General by email- device, take no drugs, and sub- had been voided after the pur- ing their name, address, the date mit to random drug screenings. chaser did not receive the gift mail was sent, specific contents “For the past three months, card in the mail. Malden Police of the items mailed, and its value we allege, this defendant has contacted the USPS Postal In- to [email protected]. been stealing from post office spector, as the defendant was a The case is being investigated collection boxes from several postal worker. by Malden Police, US Postal In- communities, stealing personal Through the course of the in- spectors of , and USPS cards, gifts and packages,” said vestigation, postal investigators Office of the Inspector General. District Attorney Ryan. “Not received information that the The sky wasn’t the limit, because his “poultry” collec- – Middlesex District Attorney’s Office only did this defendant alleged- defendant was allegedly illegally tion, like his horse stables, produced nationally acclaimed winners of speed and breed. He once owned the fastest horse in the country. For sports, his game was the hunt, Firefighters respond to fox hunting in particular, where his horsemanship and fa- mous kennel of hounds could be put to the test. He loved electrical fire on Church St . his game, the sport of kings. His nickname was “Nimrod,” a term that although has a different connotation today, On Saturday evening, Febru- taining two apartments. A fire, in the attic floor as well as the meant “great hunter” or “leader of the pack” at that time. ary 1, Somerville firefighters apparently of electrical origin, roof to extinguish the fire. He was considered the Nimrod of ’s gentry. responded to a house fire at 39 originated in the second floor Seven adults and one child It’s hard to believe in today’s City of Somerville that in his Church Street. The fire was re- kitchen ceiling and spread have been displaced. Damage time, it wasn’t baseball, basketball, football, or hockey that ported at 10:13 p.m. across the ceiling and into the is estimated at approximately ruled, but the early morning sound of bugles, horses, and Arriving fire companies attic. Firefighters had to pull $75,000. hounds. Tallyho! found smoke pushing from the down the kitchen ceiling, sev- – Somerville Fire Department eaves of a 2 ½ story home con- eral walls and cut several holes

6••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

To advertise in our Business Directory, call or fax. business Phone: 617-666-4010 Fax: 617-628-0422

Let your customers find you in Somerville’s most widely read newspaper! directory

Sell your house today! “We’ll sell your house fast!”

~ Notary Public ~ Justice of the Peace ~ MARIE HOWE REAL ESTATE 617-666-4040 FEBRUARY 5, 2014••7 Somerville native’s debut novel hits close to home the hands of his uncle. Fin’s many older Somerville natives By Nidhi Mathson mother arrives home, and be- reading the novel may recognize Caesar’s Pizza on Somerville fore he is able to explain to her a lot of the landmarks, streets, Avenue, Leone’s on Broadway about the abuse, she reveals restaurants and, in particular, and Prospect Hill tower are just that she has terminal cancer. the old junior high schools that some of the well-known Somer- The story is loosely based on don’t exist anymore. ville hot spots featured in the Richardson’s own life. “They used to have three ju- Robert Richardson’s debut nov- As for the title of the book, nior high schools – the North- el, Penny Hike. Richardson would walk down eastern, the Western and the “[The novel] shines a great the street with his friends as Southern – that they got rid light on the city of Somerville,” a young boy, and they’d flip of in the mid-‘80s, so (readers) Richardson, who spent the first a coin to decide where they will recognize a lot of those 33 years of his life in Somer- were going that day. It was a schools,” he said. ville, said. “You get all of these “penny hike.” Although he has written a books now that are about Whit- “Heads, we’d go left; tails, we’d number of short stories in the ey Bulger and the Winter Hill go right or whatever we’d decide past, this is Richardson’s first Gang, which shines a negative on for the flip of the coin. You’d novel. He said the idea began light on Somerville. I wanted never know where you would as a short story, but his wife to shine a good light on it, and I end up,” he said. convinced him to turn it into think this novel does.” Fin and his two best friends a novel. Penny Hike is about a young take penny hikes through the Richardson currently lives in boy, Fin O’Connell, who is re- streets of Somerville. The pen- the western part of the state, peatedly abused by his moth- ny hikes help him to find his which is where his wife is from, er’s brother and makes the de- place in the fitful world of ju- but he hopes to convince her to cision to finally end the abuse nior high school, through the move back someday. at the beginning of his sev- devastating effects of terminal “One day. It’s my dream to enth-grade year. While sitting cancer and into a floor-hock- move back to Somerville,” he anxiously at home waiting for ey tournament where he has a said. “It truly is.” his mother to return, Fin con- chance to find redemption and Penny Hike is available at select jures up the courage to finally hope of a better future. independent stores, on Amazon reveal the abuse he suffered at According to Richardson, and via the Kindle store. ESCS students explore ancient Egypt

Mrs. Mahoney and Ms. Vozella’s sixth-grade classes at the East Somerville Community School have completed a unit in ancient Egypt in their social studies classes. Upon completion of the unit of study, students had to create a project based on an important part of Egyptian history. Students worked in small groups, and their projects consisted of a handmade visual model, as well as a poster board displaying their written work. Parents and guardians were invited to see the final oral presentations Jan. 17. There were a variety of topics discussed such as the pyramids, canopic jars, the mummification process, Nile River, hieroglyphics and Hatshepsut. – Photos by Michelle Ferro

The Norton Group

APARTMENT RENTALS

Mattapan – 2 Bedrooms – 1 Bath First floor apartment with hardwood floors throughout. Beautiful backyard. On street parking. Available Now! $1,200

Medford – 4 Bedrooms – 2.5 Baths 3 level modern townhouse. Large master bedroom with cathedral ceilings with 3 ceiling fans with a master bath that has a hydra spa tub & steam shower. Ceiling fans in every bdrm. Modern stainless steel kitchen w/beautiful mahogany cabinets, 9-footer granite counter top island. Open floor con- cept from the kitchen thru Dining Rm and the Living Rm. Gleaming hdwd flrs. Paved back yard an in-ground pool & patio furniture. Linen closet on each floor. Washer & Dryer in unit. Off street parking. Easy access highways and public transportation. Convenient to Tufts University. Available Now! $3,200

Somerville- Commercial/Office Space 1600+ sq ft of office space. Second floor space. Winter Hill,off Broadway, with parking. Close to transportation. Lease. Tenant responsible for utilities. Minutes to Rt 93 and Downtown Boston. MLS# 71611642 Available Now! $1,600 Many others! Visit our website: www.thenortongroupre.com The Norton Group • 699 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 • 617-623-6600 8••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Beacon Hill Roll Call

Volume 39-Report No. 5 • January 27-31, 2014 • Copyright © 2014 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call can also be viewed on our website at www .thesomervilletimes .com THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call $12.7 BILLION TRANSPORTATION BOND Rep. Denise Provost Yes records local representatives’ votes on three roll calls PACKAGE (H 3882) Rep. Carl Sciortino Yes from the week of January 27-31. There were no roll calls House 151-0, without debate, approved and sent to the Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes in the Senate last week. Senate an estimated $12.7 billion transportation bor- rowing bill that includes $300 million for local road and ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL Our Legislators in the House and Senate for bridge repairs. Other provisions include $2.2 billion for Somerville: the South Coast Rail and a section supported by former GAS LEAKS (H 3873) - The House gave initial ap- Gov. William Weld renaming Boston’s South Station proval to legislation that would require gas leaks to be The Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Cen- repaired by the gas company in a time frame based on a ter at South Station. three-tier classification system of dangerousness. Grade Dozens of amendments costing hundreds of millions of One leaks are most likely to cause an explosion and dollars were also approved by the House without debate would have to be repaired immediately. Grade Two leaks and without a roll call vote. These earmarks were pro- are expected to create a hazard in the future and would posed by individual representatives and were designed have to be fixed within 15 months, while Grade Three to fund projects in their districts. The projects are actu- leaks are non-hazardous and would have to be reevalu- ally more of a “wish list”: The Patrick administration is ated every six months. required to adhere to the state’s annual bond borrowing Another key provision requires gas companies to file Rep. Denise Provost cap and ultimately decides which projects are affordable major repair plans for aging infrastructure and pipes DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Twenty-seventh Mid- and actually get funded. with the state and to apply for a rate increase from their dlesex. - Consisting of precinct 3 of ward 2, all precincts Supporters said this will give communities their share customers to fund the repairs. of ward 3, precinct 3 of ward 4, and all precincts of of the $300 million they are anxiously waiting to re- Supporters said the state’s gas delivery system is the sec- wards 5 and 6, of the city of Somerville, in the county ceive. They noted the package also includes hundreds of ond oldest in the nation and has 20,000 known leaks of Middlesex. millions of dollars for state roads and other important known to exist. They noted the system is in dire need of transportation projects. repairs in order to avoid gas leak tragedies such as recent ones that have caused death and destruction. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) GOOD SAMARITAN LAW (S 1993) - The Sen- Rep. Denise Provost Yes ate approved a proposal that would protect off-duty Rep. Carl Sciortino Yes firefighters and EMTs from liability when providing Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes emergency care. The current “Good Samaritan” law only protects civilian bystanders who are not trained in emer- MAKE MBTA NOTES AVAILABLE (H 3882) gency response. House 29-126, voted strictly along party lines and reject- Supporters said the bill is long overdue and has gained Rep. Carl Sciortino ed a Republican-sponsored amendment requiring the more support since the Boston Marathon, in which DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Thirty-fourth Mid- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) hundreds of off-duty personnel were running in the race dlesex. - Consisting of all precincts in wards 4 and 5, pre- pension fund managers to make available to outside au- and then responded immediately after the bombing. cinct 1 of ward 7, and precinct 2 of ward 8, of the city of ditors all management’s discussion and analysis notes. They noted that under current law, these firefighters and Medford, precincts 1 and 2 of ward 4, and all precincts Amendment supporters said auditors have requested EMTs would have been liable if anything went wrong as of ward 7, of the city of Somerville, both in the county these notes for years but have never been given access a result of their efforts to provide care. of Middlesex. to them. They cited the recent loss of $25 million placed with an assets management company that went bank- VACCINES (S 1971) - The House approved a Sen- rupt and argued the loss could have been prevented or at ate-approved bill that would create the Vaccine Purchase least discovered earlier. Trust Fund to fund the purchase, storage and distribu- Amendment opponents said the House last year ap- tion of routine childhood immunizations. Other provi- proved tougher laws requiring the pension fund manag- sions include establishing a Vaccine Purchase Advisory ers to hand over information. They argued this amend- Council to recommend the types of vaccines that should ment was also poorly drafted and confusing. be purchased; requiring the Public Health Commission- er to annually assess health insurers and self-insured en- Rep. Timothy Toomey (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is tities for the amount needed for the fund; and requiring DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Twenty-sixth Middle- against it.) insurers to provide benefits for immunizations on each sex. - Consisting of all precincts of ward 1, precinct 1 health care plan and exempting these immunizations of ward 2, precincts 1 and 2 of ward 3, and precinct 1 Rep. Denise Provost No from copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Further of ward 6, of the city of Cambridge, and all precincts of Rep. Carl Sciortino No approval is necessary in both branches before the mea- ward 1 and precincts 1 and 2 of ward 2, of the city of Rep. Timothy Toomey No sure goes to the governor for his signature. Somerville, both in the county of Middlesex. CONTINUE SESSION AFTER 9 P.M. UP UNTIL RAISE REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES’ MIDNIGHT FEES - It looks like motor vehicle fees paid by millions House 125-29, suspended rules to allow the House of drivers may be going up soon. That means drivers to meet beyond 9 p.m. and continue until midnight would be paying more for things perhaps including if necessary. vehicle inspections, registration renewal and license re- Supporters of rule suspension said it is important to re- newals. The topic was discussed at last week’s meeting of main in session to finish action on the very important Transportation Department officials, who were discuss- transportation projects. ing ways to close a projected $55 million budget gap for Opponents of rule suspension said it is irresponsible for fiscal 2015. the House to act on the budget late at night when tax- Sen. Patricia Jehlen payers are asleep. OFFICIAL GROUNDHOG (H 2864) - The House DISTRICT REPRESENTED: Second Middlesex. - The House session continued until 10:45 p.m. gave initial approval to a bill making Ms. G., the popu- Consisting of the cities of Cambridge, wards 9 to lar groundhog at the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s 11, inclusive, Medford and Somerville, and the town (A “Yes” vote is for allowing the session to continue Drumlin Farm, the official groundhog of Massachusetts. of Winchester, precincts 4 to 7, inclusive, in the coun- beyond 9 p.m. A “No” vote is against it.) Ms. G. is the Bay State counterpart to Pennsylvania’s ty of Middlesex. Punxsutawney Phil. The measure also requires that the FEBRUARY 5, 2014••9

Beacon Hill Roll Call continued popular groundhog be used as a mechanism to edu- “Without any new taxes or fees.” – House Speaker Robert note that their jobs also involve committee work, re- cate elementary school children on the importance of DeLeo describing the fiscal 2015 state budget the House will search, constituent work and other matters that are im- meteorology. approve in April. portant to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature The bill was filed by Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and on behalf of elementary school students at the Hun- “It’s nearly four months now since it’s (the Health vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legisla- newell School in Wellesley. Many of these types of bills Connector insurance signup website) been officially tion that have been filed. They note that the infrequency are filed by legislators on behalf of classes of students and completely dysfunctional. And now we know that and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to as part of an exercise for youngsters to learn about the the Administration was warned of this impending irresponsible late night sessions and a mad rush to act legislative process. calamity as early as last July. If there has not been a on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the conspiracy of silence in leveling with the public about end of an annual session. what’s gone wrong and how it will be fixed, our re- QUOTABLE QUOTES sponsible state officials, including Gov. Patrick, are During the week of January 27-31, the House met for a all doing a fine imitation of one.” – John McDonough, total of 19 hours and 52 minutes and the Senate met for “I think anybody who voted for it ought to stand up former state representative and current professor at the a total of two hours and 50 minutes. and stand tall. This is an investment in the safety of Harvard School of Public Health. our roads and the future of public transit and to not do Mon. January 27 House 11:08 a.m. to 11:49 a.m. that is irresponsible. I don’t make any apologies for the “The folks who are worried about the website, yeah, it’s Senate 11:04 a.m. to 11:53 a.m. vote I cast last year and I’m happy to go before the vot- concerning, but the website is not the main event and ers and defend it.” – Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington), I’ve said that over and over again. People are not going Tues. January 28 House 11:06 a.m. to 3:52 p.m. on the likely question on the 2014 ballot asking voters to fall through any crack. They’re going to be covered Senate 6:33 p.m. to 8:11 p.m. if they want to repeal the recent law that provides for if what it takes to work around failings of our private automatic hikes in the gas tax by tying future increases vendor is to have people sit on folks’ front stoops with a Wed. January 29 House 11:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. to the Consumer Price Index. clipboard and make sure they’re signed up.” – Gov. Deval No Senate session Patrick’s response. “I don’t know how one stands tall when one has taken a Thurs. January 30 House 11:06 a.m. to 1:46 p.m. vote never to stand tall again, but to forever let a tax au- HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Senate 1:03 p.m. to 1:26 p.m. tomatically increase rather than ever vote for another gas Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the tax increase. Cowards do not stand tall, cowards cringe House and Senate were in session each week. Many leg- Fri. January 31 No House session from accountability.” – Barbara Anderson, President of islators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of No Senate session Citizens for Limited Taxation. the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at [email protected]

Be sure to visit us online at www .TheSomervilleTimes com. and on Facebook at www .facebook .com/thesomervilletimes 10••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

COMMENTARY

The views and opinions expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Somerville Times, its publishers or staff. Property tax misconceptions and realities op new tools to tackle affordabil- For that same property, compar- by state law to value properties plore additional tax exemptions ity and create a strong, effective ing the last fiscal year (2013) to at their actual market value, they and relief both for residents and housing agenda. the current fiscal year (2014), cannot lower the assessment businesses, but it’s important to Along with those valid con- Somerville had the second high- based on ability to pay. remember that an exemption cerns, I’ve also heard of some est percent decrease of the aver- At this point, without action doesn’t drive down the tax bur- confusion. I’d like to clear up age tax bill, down 8.7 percent. on Beacon Hill to address re- den, but only shifts it from one some of that confusion, put this When the City announced the gressive taxation, the question group of people to another. year’s assessments and tax bills assessment results and project- is: What can we do on the local One subject that has been into context and talk about what ed tax rates for the year, we said level to ease this burden? On top broached—is this a question By Joseph A. Curtatone we’re doing right now to keep that it would result in modest of the residential exemption we of budgeting? No. Outside of After the latest property tax bills Somerville open to all. increases for most—and two- already offer—10 percent more fixed costs such as health care, went out, some property owners It may provide little comfort thirds of the properties in the than the state’s limit, thanks contractual obligations and debt found themselves with larger in- when looking at just one tax bill, city saw modest increases be- to legislation we previously service, we have actually cut our creases than most of us have seen but overall, residential property tween 1 and 9 percent. passed—and on top of already discretionary spending. My ad- in Somerville for some time. I tax bills in Somerville are lower That is part of the context. offering double the state allowed ministration has never asked for sympathize with every resident than in neighboring towns and Another factor is the fact that exemptions for seniors, veterans, an override or debt exclusion, and small business owner facing commercial tax rates fall be- Massachusetts has a regressive widows and those with disabili- while almost 90 percent of Mas- those increases. This commu- low the middle of the pack. We tax system—a flat income tax, a ties, we’re going examine how to sachusetts’ cities and towns have nity has a legitimate concern, are one of only five cities in the sales tax that has gone up and a do more. To aid this effort, I am passed one, and unlike many shared by myself and everyone Commonwealth that offers a res- property tax that is levied with- reconvening the Financial Ad- we have not cut teachers, police at City Hall, about residents idential exemption to help resi- out taking into account a taxpay- visory Committee. We created officers or firefighters or closed being priced out of their homes dents reduce their tax bills. Be- er’s income or ability to pay the this group of outside experts in libraries or take away resources and small businesses priced cause of this, when we checked tax. This tax system dispropor- 2009 to help us reduce the bud- from our schools. We spend less out of our neighborhoods. It’s on the average $400,000 prop- tionately affects the middle class, get while preserving core services per capita than two-thirds of the a concern shared across the erty, we found the property tax retirees and small businesses. So during the Great Recession. The state’s municipalities. Moody’s metro region, well beyond our bill for this fiscal year is $3,178 when the real estate market be- Financial Advisory Committee specifically cited our conserva- city’s borders, as property val- in Somerville for residents who gins to rebound from the worst will develop recommendations tive budgeting approach in reaf- ues across the metro area rise. take the exemption—third low- economy since the Great De- on how to find the right bal- firming our highest bond rating It’s why we’ve been working to est among 15 of our neighboring pression as it has, our middle ance to ensure we are making ever last year. And we have man- address affordability via a range urban communities, and one of class residents, our retirees, and the tax burden as equitable as aged this even though Beacon of efforts for some time, and it’s only four at $3,200 or less. The our small business owners find possible, while preserving our Hill has been steadily chipping why this week we began the first average tax bill on a $400,000 themselves facing yet another investments in our schools, pub- away at its aid to municipalities of three public meetings to build residence in most nearby cities tax bill that seems unfair. And lic safety and services that we all since the year 2000. Annual net on existing strategies and devel- and towns is $4,600 and up. because our Assessors are bound rely on. That committee can ex- state aid is Continued on page 20 Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte Howard Johnson’s, Wellington Circle Remember that bright lots of us Somerville kids made it our orange roof? I think last stop after a night of partying and/or they made it bright working. If you could make it safely from orange so you could the Revere area, or from Route 1, past the see it when you were MDC cops, you could enjoy a delicious coming home early pit stop. You were bound to see someone in the morning from a bar…in a fog. you knew in there, too. A friend of mine Howard Johnson’s at Wellington Circle worked there with forged working papers was a very popular spot for after-hours when she was only 14. meeting and eating. At HoJo’s, they let you stay as long as It first opened in 1938. In the area at you wanted as long as someone didn’t the time were lots of cool places like The need the table – and if you weren’t raising Wellington Drive-in, Richardson’s Car a ruckus. Hop, Child World, J.M. Fields, Zayre’s HoJo’s was the best breakfast place you and The Holiday Lanes Bowling Alley on would hit coming from the beach (Re- Revere Beach Parkway. vere). If you felt lucky, you could attempt Although they never had entertain- a further jaunt up Route 16 to The Gold- ment per say, all you had to do was look en Egg on Mystic Ave. And if you real- Bickford’s in Somerville. Maybe George? cause a friend of mine was on her way around any time after 1 a.m. to see some ly felt adventurous, you could move on Unfortunately for Howard Johnson’s, there the night it burned. “We came over very comedic antics and alcohol-in- to Kay and Chips in Somerville. HoJo’s at those early hours and considering the the hill one night and saw it was on fire. duced tomfoolery. I always got some- was the closest and the safest haven. My condition of some of the patrons, it was We watched it burn until the weather- thing called The Big Breakfast or The fellow musicians and I who had played at the perfect place for the old “chew and vane on the top collapsed.” Big Breakfast Two. It was eggs, toast, The Caravan, Sammy’s Patio and The Ex- screw” (when you eat and then take off My friend Rick seems to be pretty sure sausage, home fries and coffee, and it cuse Me Lounge frequented HoJo’s. without paying). The fact that it was that the closing date was Dec. 31,1998. really hit the spot. The mac and cheese, “One Saturday/Sunday morning, a food crowded didn’t help. At one time, they If I could go back in time, I would cre- fried chicken and clam strips were also fight broke out. Someone called Kiss 108 featured a kids’ menu that could be made ate a realty show called something like scrumptious. The Sunday morning buf- and it was on air with Diana Steele as we into a hat with an astronaut theme. I’m Morning Munchies. I would put cameras fet was a true crowd pleaser. Nothing were driving home.” Good stuff! My cous- sure you remember the familiar Simple at HoJo’s, The Golden Egg and Kay and better than a meal and a show! in recalled a pleasant, very tall waiter who Simon, small boy and dog logo. Chips. Now that would be an entertain- Although it was in Medford (Meffa), worked at HoJo’s and then ended up at I know they had a fire at one point be- ing show worth watching! FEBRUARY 5, 2014••11

COMMENTARY

The View Of The Times

The Devil is in the details, but so, too, is residents of its demolition in the near is multiplied by $1,000 per assessed result of an economy coming out of the the truth. future, but it does change the narrative value (“B”). The actual tax rate, by state recession (remember, we were in one – Knowing the details is knowing the from one of eviction and displacement law, cannot increase beyond 2.5 percent a deep one – during the past few trien- facts, and knowing the facts is key to un- to one of perhaps being made an offer (barring a voter-approved override). nial valuation cycles) or a clever way to derstanding issues and situations. they couldn’t refuse. What has happened in Somerville is reap more while getting around Prop 2 D’uh, right? Likewise, the concern and furor over not that the tax rate has dramatically ½ will remain hotly debated. Still, it is For example, as much as the potential skyrocketing tax bills has led to com- increased; it is that the “B” in the equa- important to differentiate between sky- loss of Patsy’s Pastry Shop may be a sin- ments about through-the-roof tax in- tion has gone up. In simple terms, and rocketing tax bills and tax rates. cere and legitimate cause for sadness, creases in some cases, and that’s not ex- not to be patronizing, when “A” (the tax Acknowledging the facts doesn’t ease the fact that the owners of the business actly accurate. rate) is multiplied by “B,” the final fig- the pain, but at least it’s a starting point also own the building may not minimize Tax bills are calculated on an ure will obviously be much larger if the for a discussion that can at least be rooted the personal and historical impact on A-times-B equation. The tax rate (“A”) “B “ has increased. Whether that is the in reality.

Newstalk CONT. FROM PG 2

resistance and upset neighbors upset pastries that are so well renowned. If ************************** shool. As Sophia likes to say, and it’s who don’t want this in that place. Some you want Patsy’s to stay and come back “Local is for Lovers Valentine’s Day true, “Shhh, we are Somerville best believe that after the hearing, and after under the new development, let them Market” this coming Sunday, Feb. 9, kept secret at bargain prices.” dropping the number of units to 86, the know at the store. at the Somerville Armory on High- ************************** developer might just change his mind ************************** land Avenue runs from 10 a.m. to 3 Good news for those that might have and scrap the entire thing. So will Stop Happy Birthdays this week to some of p.m. Get ready for food, fun, local art- not seen or heard about it, but here’s & Shop continue to find another devel- our fans in the Ville and elsewhere. Best ists and crafters, amazing local busi- something for those lovers of another oper or just forget it for now? Wishes to Rob McWatters, the new nesses, Knucklebones, live music and Somerville icon, Leones Sub & Pizza ************************** alderman from Ward 3, this week. To MUCH more! Shop in Winter Hill: Well, it seems they The next night (Thursday) anoth- a member of one of Somerville’s old- ************************** will be selling sweatshirts and T-shirts er neighborhood meeting was held, est families, Eleanor Pye, who used to Don’t forget to register or go online in the near future, offering yet another this time on the demolition of Patsy’s work at SCATV but now works at En- for the courses offered by Somerville reason to go and get one of the best subs Pastry Shop to make way for the de- dicott College, we hope she has a great High Adult Evening Courses. Call anywhere and say “hi” to some of the nic- velopment of 19 units of housing and day. And to a good and longtime friend, 617-625-6600, ext. 6478, and ask for est people here in Somerville. ground-floor retail space by a Chinese Barbara Snow, who has her heart here in Sophia Carafotes. Registration is of- ************************** developer. The developer was out of the Ville, what a great lady she is. HB to fered every Tuesday and Thursday eve- Again our thoughts and prayers are country and represented by his attor- Brien Murphy, who is from here and still ning at the high school main office on with Tom Taylor and his family. ney. People in East Somerville hold lives here and works down at the DPW. Highland Avenue. Sophia has worked He’s going through a big ordeal, and the bakery in high esteem as an iconic We wish him a great day. Also, happy very hard to get a lot of new classes, we hope and pray he is home soon place of business, and not many peo- birthday to Amanda Woo, who is cele- as well as some of the older, popular and for good. ple both here in Somerville and else- brating this week. And last but not least, ones, started. New classes in Extreme ************************** where haven’t heard about Patsy’s and a happy birthday to Jill Koerber. Couponing, free Zumba lessons and We are saddened to hear of the passing its great pastry items and reputation. ************************** some older classes such English as a of Amy, who operated the Artifaktori Neighbors are sad if it happens, and A good friend of ours, Mike First Language are available. If you’d store on College Ave. before moving it that’s the key word: “if.” Who knows? Raczkowski of the Ball Square area, like to make a suggestion to add to the into Boston a few years ago. She made Maybe the owners just might change recently underwent surgery, and he courses and you have a special skill, many friends in the Ville and will be their minds. In any case, it will take is doing well. He will be home by give her a call today. And, of course, if missed. A memorial service will be held over a year to get the project going, so the end of this week. We wish him you’re interested in any of the courses on March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Quaker at least one more round of Christmas speedy recovery and great hearing offered, then register. The website is Meeting House in Cambridge. All are

and holiday pies, along with Patsy’s the surgery was successful. www.somerville.k12.ma.us/evening- invited to attend. Continued on page 20 12••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

A hairy situation

CONT. FROM PG 1

way to increase foot traffic in Union Square during the winter. The first two contests were held at Precinct Bar, but the event subsequently moved to Arts at the Armory for more space. “This seems to have some traction, some legs, and the community seems ex- cited about it,” Easton said. “It’s our second year here, and the house is full.” Attendees had ample time to mingle, snack and design beards before the contest. They could also peruse the T-shirts on sale at the Boston Beard Bureau table. With Stu Siegel as emcee, the contestants paraded across the stage before being called up one by one to answer questions and to show the three judges their handiwork up close. The questions, which often elicited laughs from the audience, included “Who is your favorite celebrity with a beard or moustache?” “Have you ever poked yourself or a loved one in the eye with your moustache spikes?” and “Would you shave for love?” The judges chose three finalists in each category. Audience applause – sup- plemented by whistling and stomping at times – determined the winners, who received medals. Any non-finalist could compete for consolation prizes in the cottage-cheese-eating contest (last time, it was clam chowder). The catch was that the cottage cheese had to be eaten with whatever utensil the contestants pulled from a bag, which ended up being a spatula, a ladle and a whisk. More than 40 contestants vied for prizes. While many were from Somerville and surrounding areas, contestants also hailed from New Hampshire, Ver- mont and . “Natural Full Beard” was the most popular category, with nearly half of the contestants. The winner, Brian Roy from Waltham, was the returning champion from the last BeardFest in November 2012. “I was the champion, so I felt the need – I should return. If not to win, to pass on the torch,” Roy, who resembles Santa Claus with his big white beard, said. “My beard is me. I love having a beard; I’ve always had one.” A veteran of the beard competition scene, Roy said that there are “so many nice people, great people, who do this for fun.” Six women and three children had the opportunity to participate in the friendly rivalry thanks to the “Fake Beard” category. Winner Nicole Nordeste from Malden sported a long beard made entirely of colorful buttons and a moustache composed of smaller buttons. She told the audience that it took 142 buttons, 48 yards of wire and many hours to create. “I just have always had an appreciation for facial hair,” Nordeste, who started the beard at the end of August for two competitions in the fall, said. “This is the first beard I’ve ever made.” Other Fake Beard contestants created their facial decorations at the make- your-own beard table, which provided tinsel, glitter, paper plates, yarn, pom- poms and more. Easton’s 11-year-old son, Simon, decided to make an owl beard at the last minute and won second place. “The difference between some beard contests is that the Arts Council does this as a community event,” Easton said. “So the Fake Beard allows people to participate that can’t grow a beard. It gets kids involved, it draws families out, which is nice.” FEBRUARY 5, 2014••13

Photos By Claudia Ferro 14••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

SPORTS Somerville High Athletics schedule for Feb . 5–12 Wednesday, Feb. 5 Basketball: Boys Freshman Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs. Everett at Somerville GAME Beverly at Beverly – High School - Field House TBD. -3:45 p.m. Indoor Track: Boys Varsity Ice Hockey: Boys Junior Var- GBL Meet, Everett, Malden, sity GBL vs. Latin Academy at Medford vs. Cambridge at High Veterans Memorial Rink - 4:30 School. p.m. GBL JV MEET for those not Basketball: Girls Junior Varsity running – 3:30 p.m. Game, Everett at Everett High Indoor Track: Girls Varsity School - 5:30 p.m. GBL Meet, Everett, Malden, Basketball: Boys Junior Varsity Medford vs. Cambridge at High Game, vs. Everett at Somerville School. High School - Field House - GBL JV MEET for those not 5:30 p.m. running - 3:30 p.m. Basketball: Girls Varsity Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game, Everett at Everett High Game, St. Joseph’s Prep at Ryan School - 7 p.m. Rink – 8 p.m. Basketball: Boys Varsity Game, Friday, Feb. 7 vs. Everett at Somerville High Basketball: Girls Freshman School - Field House – 7 p.m. Game, Everett at Everett High Saturday, Feb. 8 School - 3:45 p.m. Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity

– Photo by Claudia Ferro Game Salem at Veterans Me- Game (Time Changed) Wachu- Basketball: Boys Varsity Game, morial Rink. sett Regional at Wachusett Re- Jeremiah E Burke at High Ms. Cam’s Game moved to the Somerville gional – 5 p.m. School – 7 p.m. Rink – Time – TBA. Basketball: Boys Junior Varsity Wednesday, Feb. 12 Monday, Feb. 10 Game, Jeremiah E Burke at Jere- Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Basketball: Girls Freshman miah E Burke – 5:30 p.m. Game, vs. Marblehead at Simoni Game (Cancelled) Wachusett Basketball: Girls Varsity Game Rink - 4 p.m. Olio - (noun) A miscellaneous Regional at Wachusett Regional (Time Changed) Wachusett Re- Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity mixture, hodgepodge – 3:45 p.m. gional at High School – 6:30 Game, vs. Revere at Veterans 1. What is the nineteenth 7. If a person #408is said to be Basketball: Girls Junior Varsity p.m. Memorial Rink - 7:30 p.m. letter of the Greek Alpha- “ubiquitous” what are they bet? trying to be?

2. What is the trium- 8. What interstate high- phant exclamation that way connects Boston to Cookbook SALE literally means I found it? Seattle? Cookbooks are one thing some people tend to collect. This Saturday, Feb 8, over 1,000 3. What US presidential 9. What was the first cookbooks will be displayed and available to you at the Somerville Winter Farmer’s Mar- race featured the first James Bond film shown in ket. The Friends of the Somerville Public Library will be at The Armory from 9:30 a.m. public opinion poll over 1981? - 2 p.m. that day with a huge selection of cookbooks from 1950’s to current day. Buy a voter’s preference? cookbook and proceeds benefit the Friends of the 10. Who is the author 4. What was the original of The Grass is Always Somerville Public Library and also support the flavor of the cream filling Greener Over The Septic farmer’s market SNAP Match Initiative. in Twinkies? Ta n k ? SNAP payments (the “Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program” 5. What popular cook 11. In England, all formerly known as Food Stamps) coined the phrase “Pork sturgeons and technically are accepted and welcomed at the fat rules”? some swans are the prop- erty of who? market in an effort to promote 6. What popular vege- healthy food choices. See you there! table was first cultivated 12. What kind of birds 191 Highland Ave: bus #88 or #90. from the bitter stalk of are lovebirds? wild small age? Answers on page 21 FEBRUARY 5, 2014••15 Scaled-back project still unappealing to neighbors Shop. Responding to the crit- By David R. Smith icism that the project was too Residents near a proposed apart- large, the developer agreed to ment complex development in scale the development down to East Somerville voiced their 86 units, although some resi- opposition to the project during dents remained unhappy even a community meeting Wednes- after the new offer. day, Jan. 29, at the Cross Street The project is on the Plan- Senior Center at 165 Broadway. ning Board’s agenda for this The developer, CPC-T Hold- Thursday, Feb. 6, although a ings, LLC, proposed 121 units note on the agenda states the at 771 McGrath Highway on applicant has asked for a con- property owned by Stop & tinuance to Feb. 20. The general opinion regarding the proposed development was thumbs down by area residents. – Photos by Claudia Ferro

Patsy’s could close soon CONT. FROM PG 1 permit from the Planning Board, step back from the street and the approval of which requires a would contain a total of 19 super majority vote (four of five one- and two-bedroom con- members) from the board. dos, four of which would also The project’s architect, Jai contain small studies. Follow- Singh Khalsa of Somer- ing the city’s affordable-hous- Photo by Claudia Ferro ville-based Khalsa Design Inc., ing requirements, two of the and the developer’s attorney, 19 units would be sold below Richard DiGirolamo, were on market value. hand to present the project, an- Although required to have 22 swer questions and take notes spaces, there will be 25 at the on what could be included as site, with all but three of those part of the order of conditions located underneath the build- should the Planning Board ap- ing. A shared outdoor common prove the project. area for the building’s tenants The project would include the would be constructed to the demolition of Patsy’s at 182 back of the site. Broadway and the two-and-a- Khalsa told residents the proj- half-story house next to it at 176 ect does not take advantage of Broadway. Patsy’s owners Silves- the maximum limits allowed tro and Vito Ferrigno own the under the CCD55 zoning, not- building at 182, and Silvestro is ing the building covers less space listed as the owner of the prop- of the site than it could, and the erty at 176. planned landscaping of the site, Architect Jai Singh Khalsa presented details of the proposed building to attendees at Thursday’s neighborhood meeting. The first floor of the new encompassing 28 percent, is building could hold one to more than the minimum 10 per- Accepting that the project “It doesn’t look like other parts for a year to a year and a half. three commercial tenants, de- cent required. would be moving forward, of the neighborhood,” one resi- During the comment period, pending on who ends up rent- “While we’re certainly filling residents expressed their de- dent said, while another just felt McLaughlin expressed his feel- ing the space or spaces. Each up the site, we are not pushing sire to be kept in the loop the project was simply too large ings towards Patsy’s going out of of the four floors above would it to the limits with what is al- as the existing buildings are for the area. business, and it was a sentiment be built so they progressively lowed under the zoning,” he said. demolished, including any Also of concern to many was clearly shared by many others in scheduling of extermination the fact that the buyer/develop- attendance. for rodents, and White said er of the property, Ken Yihe, is a “Patsy’s is very symbolic of he would like inspectional Chinese national. this neighborhood,” he said. “I services to weigh in on the im- “The community does need feel like this is literally losing pact of the demolition to near- direct negotiations with the de- our soul.” by buildings and residents. veloper,” McLaughlin said, add- In response to McLaughlin’s Many residents also said ing to similar comments from concerns about how the Ferri- they were aware that abutters other residents. gnos would be affected by the who should have been notified DiGirolamo countered that loss of their business, DiGirola- weren’t, and they suggested the Yihe has a residence in Cam- mo reminded him and other au- developer should cast a wider bridge and owns other proper- dience members that they were notification net moving forward. ties in the area. the owners of the properties and Photo courtesy of Somerville Assessing Department Still, some residents expressed a The project, even if permits not tenants being evicted. The home at 176 Broadway and Patsy’s at 182 will be demolished and a new five-sto- desire to see a scaled-down ver- were all approved in the next few “This is a voluntary action on ry building built in their place. sion of the proposal. months, would not be complete their part,” he said. 16••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notices can also be viewed on our Web site at www .thesomervilletimes .com

SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY ADVERTISEMENT The Somerville Housing Authority, the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids for the HP Bathroom Modifications at Mystic View Apartments, (10 units), for the Somerville Housing Authority in Somerville, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by AJA Architects, Inc., THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION BY THE POWER VESTED IN IT 153 Andover Street, Suite 101, Danvers, MA 01923. THROUGH A SPECIAL ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE, CHAPTER 397 OF THE ACTS OF 1978, HEREBY AMENDS THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCES In general, the Project consists of, but not limited to: WITH THE ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS: o Demolition of existing bathtubs. o Demolition of existing finishes. 2014-1 Article V Section 5-15 “Handicapped Parking” is amended with o New solid surface shower surrounds. the following additions: 45 Baystate Av (90 day trial) o New wall finishes. 2014-2 rescinds 2013-1 Article V Section 5-15 “Handicapped Park- o New flooring. ing” with the removal of the Handicapped Parking Space at 316 o Miscellaneous Painting. Highland Av o New Plumbing work. The work is estimated to cost approximately $ 85,000.00 2014-3 Article V Section 5-10 “Parking Prohibited at Safety Zones” is amended with the following additions: Fire Lane - Kensington Av, General Bidders must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) in the following category of work: General Building Con- west side, beginning 10ft south of the fire hydrant extending norther- struction and must submit a current DCAM Certificate of Eligibility and a signed Update Statement (CQ3). ly to the intersection of Middlesex Ave; Park Place, south side, from Bids are subject to M.G.L. c149, s44A-J and to Federal Minimum Wage Rates as well as other applicable laws. Laurel St extending easterly for 25ft; Park Place, west side, extend the existing fire lane (at the left bend) 15ft north for a total fire lane length This project is funded through HUD and is subject to the provisions of the Section 3 program, (Minority and low-income outreach) which requires of 50ft; Park Place, east side (at the bend), reinstall signage to indicate that to the greatest extent possible, these project funds provide job training, employment and contract opportunities for low or very low-income the entire east side of Park Place from the bend to the north end of residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods. Park Place is a fire lane. General Bids will be received until 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, February 20, 2014, and publicly opened forthwith at the Somerville Housing Authority PROMULGATED: DECEMBER 19, 2013 Office, 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, Massachusetts 02145. ADVERTISED: JANUARY 22, 2014 All Bids should be delivered to: Somerville Housing Authority Modernization Office, 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, Massachusetts 02145 and JANUARY 29, 2014 received no later than the dates and times specified above. FEBRUARY 5, 2013 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 6, 2014 Mailed bids should be sent to: Somerville Housing Authority Modernization Office, 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, Massachusetts 02145 and re- ceived no later than the dates and times specified above. ______General Bids must be accompanied by a negotiable bid guarantee which shall not be less than five percent (5%) of the greatest possible bid Suzanne Rinfret, Acting Director amount (considering any Alternates). Bid guarantee should be made payable to the Somerville Housing Authority. 1/22/14, 1/29/14, 2/5/14 The Somerville Times Bid Forms and Contract Documents will be available for pickup on the beginning of the business day on January 29, 2014 at www.BidDocsOn- line.com (may be viewed electronically and hardcopy requested) or at Nashoba Blue, Inc. at 433 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749 (978-568-1167). There is a refundable plan deposit of $40.00 per set (maximum of 2 sets) payable to BidDocsOnline Inc. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Deposits must be electronically paid or must be a certified or cashier’s check. This deposit will be refunded for up to two sets for General Bidders The Trial Court and for one set for Sub-bidders upon return of the sets in good condition within thirty days of receipt of general bids. Otherwise the deposit shall Middlesex Probate and Family Court be the property of the awarding authority. 208 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA. 02141 Bidders requesting Contract documents be mailed to them shall include a separate check for $40.00 per set for UPS Ground (or $65.00 per set for (617) 768- 5800 UPS overnight), payable to BidDocsOnline, to cover mailing costs. INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Bidders must submit as part of their bid a completed form HUD-5369-A, Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Bidders”. MIDDLESEX Division Docket No. MI 14P0262EA A Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the Somerville Housing Authority Modernization Office, 30 Me- morial Road (Rear), Somerville, Massachusetts 02145. Immediately following the conference, the job site and existing buildings will be available Estate of : for inspection. It is strongly recommended that prospective bidders attend. Questions which are submitted after the Pre-Bid Conference, will be George A. Manzelli, Jr. received in writing until Friday, February 14, 2014 by 10:00 a.m. First Name Middle Name Last Name The Contract Documents may be seen, but not removed at: Also Known As: George Manzelli Somerville Housing Authority Project Dog Date of Death: August 31, 2013 Modernization Office 18 Graf Road, Unit 8 30 Memorial Road Newburyport, MA 01950 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Somerville, MA 02145 Phone: (978) 499-9014 Petitioner Donna M Rogers of Reading MA Fax: (978) 499-9016 First Name M.I. Last Name (City/Town) (State) Nashoba Blue, Inc. Reed Construction Data [x] Donna M Rogers of Reading MA 433 Main Street Documents Processing Center First Name M.I. Last Name (City/Town) (State) Hudson, MA 01749 30 Technology Parkway South, Suite 500 (978) 568-1167 Norcross, GA 30092 has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the www.biddocsonline.com Phone: (800) 910-6383 estate to serve Fax: (303) 265-5722 [ ] with [x] without surety on the bond. www.Reedplans.com The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the The contact persons for the Somerville Housing Authority are Gabe Ciccariello, (617) 625-1152, x-330 ([email protected]). Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Somerville Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding if it be in the public interest to Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are do so. not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are en- titled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Rep- No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, after approval of the award by the resentative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the Somerville Housing Authority without written consent of the Authority. estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administra- SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY tion. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting Joseph R. Macaluso the powers of Personal Representative appointed under informal Executive Director procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER from the Petitioner. Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2/5/14 The Somerville Times 2/5/14 The Somerville Times The Somerville Licensing Commission is accepting applications for A hearing to all persons interested will be given by the Somerville A hearing to all persons interested will be given by the Somerville ONE available City Owned Alcohol License. The available License Licensing Commission on Wednesday February 19, 2014 at the Senior Licensing Commission on Wednesday February 19, 2014 at the Senior can be either All Forms of Alcohol or Wine and Malt License for a Center, Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland St., Somerville, MA Center, Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland St., Somerville, MA restaurant in District Area. Interested parties may at 6:30PM on the application of FFDJ, LLC d/b/a The Wine Bar, 89 at 6:30PM on the application of Young M. Kim d/b/a Bibim, 243 Elm St., obtain applications online at Somervillema.gov or at the City Clerks Holland St. for an alterations to premises to include an outdoor patio Somerville, MA for a New All Forms of Alcoholic Beverages 7 Day Office, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA Applications are being ac- for service of alcohol. Restaurant License. cepted until February 11, 2014.

For the Commission For the Commission For the Commission Andrew Upton Andrew Upton Andrew Upton Vito Vaccaro Vito Vaccaro Vito Vaccaro John J. McKenna John J. McKenna John J. McKenna Attest: Jenneen Pagliaro Attest: Jenneen Pagliaro Attest: Jenneen Pagliaro Executive Secretary Executive Secretary Executive Secretary 2/5/14 The Somerville Times 2/5/14 The Somerville Times 1/29/14, 2/5/14 The Somerville Times

TO PLACE LEGAL ADVERTISMENTS IN THE SOMERVILLE TIMES, CONTACT CAM TONER BY 12 PM MONDAY PH: 617.666.4010 • FAX: 617.628.0422

Be sure to visit us online at www .TheSomervilleTimes .com FEBRUARY 5, 2014••17

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notices can also be viewed on our Web site at www .thesomervilletimes .com

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Middlesex Probate and Family Court 208 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA. 02141 (617) 768- 5800 MIDDLESEX Division Docket No. MI 14P0208EA INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Estate of : JOSEPH A. CURTATONE Robert A. Spinosa MAYOR First Name Middle Name Last Name MICHAEL F. GLAVIN Also Known As: Robert Anthony Spinosa EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Date of Death: December 26, 2013 PLANNING DIVISION To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Petitioner Frank B Spinosa of New Oxford PA First Name M.I. Last Name (City/Town) (State) A public hearing for all interested parties will be held by the Planning Board on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Cham- bers on the Second Floor of Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA. [x] Frank B Spinosa of New Oxford PA First Name M.I. Last Name (City/Town) (State) 181 & 197 Washington St: (Case PB #2014-01) Applicant CPI-SCC, LLC and Owners The Somerville Community Corporation, Inc and A&M Realty Trust seek a Special Permit with Site Review (SZO §5.2) to construct two mixed use buildings of approx 46,305 nsf and approx 38,040 nsf under has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the §6.1.22.D.1 and §6.1.22.D.2. The uses include small and medium retail of approx 6,000 sf, 65 residential units per SZO §7.13.B, §7.13.C, & §7.13.E. The estate to serve applicant seeks a Special Permit under SZO §5.1 to reduce the number of parking spaces SZO 9.13.F and 9.17.2.A, to share a driveway and access [ ] with [x] without surety on the bond. and shared parking per SZO §9.17.2.B. Article 13 Inclusionary Housing will apply. CCD55 Zone. Ward 3. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the 205 Washington St: (Case PB #2014-02) Applicant, CPI-SCC, LLC and Owners A&M Realty Trust & The Union Terrace Condominiums seek a Site Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Plan Approval for a subdivision under SZO §5.4 to take 1,403 sf of a 24,063 sf lot at 197 Washington St. and transfer it to the 4,104 sf lot at 205 Wash- Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are ington St. CCD55 Zone. Ward 3. not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are en- titled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Rep- 182 Broadway: (Case PB #2013-16) Applicant Yihe Group and Owner S&V Realty Trust seek a Special Permit with Site Review per SZO §5.2 to con- resentative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the struct a mixed use building of approx 29,000 nsf under §6.1.22.D.1. The uses include small and medium retail of approx 3,300 sf, 19 residential units estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administra- per SZO §7.13.B, §7.13.C, & §7.13.E. The applicant seeks a Special Permit under SZO §5.1 to increase the number of compact parking spaces per tion. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute SZO §9.13.b and modify the bicycle parking requirement per SZO §9.15.4. Article 13 Inclusionary Housing will apply. CCD55 zone. Ward 1. formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting 337-341 Broadway: (Case PB #2014-03) Applicant, Winter Hill Bank, FSB, and Owner, KLT Corp., seek a Special Permit under SZO the powers of Personal Representative appointed under informal §6.1.22, for new signage. CCD 45 zone. Ward 4. procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. Copies of these applications are available for review in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, located on the third floor of City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, Mon-Wed, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Thurs, 8:30 am-7:30 pm; and Fri, 2/5/14 The Somerville Times 8:30 am-12:30 pm; and at www.somervillema.gov/planningandzoning. As cases may be continued to later dates, please check the agenda on the City’s website or call before attending. Continued cases will not be re-advertised. Interested persons may provide comments to the Planning Board at the hearing or by submitting written comments by mail to OSPCD, Planning Division, Legal Notices can be downloaded 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143; by fax to 617-625-0722; or by email to [email protected]. Attest: Kevin Prior, Chairman from our Web site: To be published in The Somerville Times on 2/5/14 & 2/12/14. www .TheSomervilleTimes .com 2/5/14 The Somerville Times SENIOR CENTER HAPPENINGS: Welcome to our centers. Everyone 55+ are encouraged Thursday). Come join your friends or make some new Bingo|12:45 p.m. to join us for fitness, culture, films, lunch and Bingo. ones. Cards, Scrabble and Cribbage. 9 New Washington Street|617-666-5223 Check out our calendar and give a call with any ques- Do you crochet or would you like to learn? Thurs- February 7 tions or to make a reservation. 617-625-6600 ext. 2300. days at 10:45 am. At Ralph & Jenny Center. Join a great Holland Street Center Stay for lunch and receive free transportation. group in learning to crochet or share your projects you Lunch|11:30 a.m. Holland Street Center - 167 Holland Street are working on. Bingo|12:45 p.m. Ralph & Jenny Center - 9 New Washington Street Strengthening Exercises with Geoff. 9:30 a.m. every 167 Holland Street|617-625-6600 x 2300 Cross Street Center - 165 Broadway Tuesday. February 10 Some Council on Aging highlights in the coming BINGO every day at 12:45. weeks: Cross Street Center Events: Holland Street Center Moonlighters|10:30 a.m. Trips and Events Corner: Center open every Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunch|11:30 a.m. Fiore Restaurant, Boston’s North End, Tuesday, Febru- English Conversation group meets every Tuesday Fit-4-Life C|1 p.m. ary 18. morning at 9:30 and Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. 167 Holland Street|617-625-6600 x 2300 Supper and Bingo at , All welcome. Enjoy conversation, and stay for lunch with Wednesday, February 26. new friends from all over the world. February 11 Foxwoods, Monday, March 10. Call Connie to register Holland Street center: Holland Street Center or for more information. Book club meets first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Strengthening Exercise|9:15 a.m. SHINE by appt.|10 a.m. STAY ACTIVE: The book for February is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.” Lunch|11:30 a.m. Wii Bowling League - at Holland Mondays at noon. Fit 4 Life LBT|6 p.m. Free. If you haven’t tried this, come as you will love it. February 5 167 Holland Street|617-625-6600 x 2300 No bowling ball but you still swing and hope for the Bowling at Flatbreads at 1:00 pm Ralph & Jenny Center best. Holland Street Center Cards & Cribbage|10 a.m. Zumba for All with Cheryl - at Holland - Wednesdays at Fit 4 Life A|8:45 a.m. Bingo|12:45 p.m. 5:15-6:15 p.m. $3 or $15 for 6 classes. Come at the end Fit 4 Life B|9 a.m. 9 New Washington Street|617-666-5223 of the day, after work. Open to all. Lunch|11:30 a.m. Cross Street Center Strengthening Exercise with Geoff - Tuesdays at 9:15 Fit 4 Life C|1 p.m. English Conversation|10:30 a.m. a.m. Holland and 9:30 a.m. Thursdays at R&J. $3. Zumba for All|5:15 p.m. 165 Broadway|617-625-6600 x 2335 Fit-4-Life LBT - Tuesday and Thursday Evenings. 167 Holland Street|617-625-6600 x 2300 February 12 Fit-4-Life General - Wednesday & Friday Mornings. Cross Street Center Holland Street Center Bowling at Flatbreads - Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. English Conversation|10:30 a.m. 165 Broadway|617-625-6600 x 2335 Fit 4 Life A|8:45 a.m. LGBT Events (Open to all ages): Fit 4 Life B|9 a.m. Ralph & Jenny Center Holland Street Café – February 10 - Local restaurant Lunch|11:30 a.m. Cards & Cribbage|10 a.m. TBD. Vegetarian options always provided. RSVP a6 617- Fit 4 Life C|1 p.m. Bingo|12:45 p.m. 625-6600, ext. 2300. Zumba for All|5:15 p.m. 9 New Washington Street|617-666-5223 Movies to Come Out To: February 12. Meal from Vin- 167 Holland Street|617-625-6600 x 2300 nie’s Ristorante. Price $6. RSVP by February 10. Movie February 6 Cross Street Center TBA. Holland Street Center English Conversation|10:30 a.m. LBT Women Fit-4-Life Fitness and Nutrition Classes. Current Events|10 a.m. 165 Broadway|617-625-6600 x 2335 Tuesday and Thursday evenings. $10 a month with Lunch|11:30 a.m. Ralph & Jenny Center scholarships available. BINGO|12:45 p.m. Cards & Cribbage|10 a.m. LBT Fit-4-Life|6 p.m. Ralph & Jenny Center Events: Bingo|12:45 p.m. 167 Holland Street|617-625-6600 x 2300 Ralph and Jenny Center will be open four days a week 9 New Washington Street|617-666-5223 (Mon-Thurs) beginning Monday, February 3. Ralph & Jenny Center Check out our Facebook site for photos from our Cards and Games hour at Ralph & Jenny at 10:00 Cards & Cribbage|10 a.m. events and exercise and tips for everyday healthy living a.m. every day the center is open (Tuesday, Wednesday, Strengthening Exercise|10 a.m. at www.facebook.com/somervilleCOA. 18••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

• • • • VILLENS ON THE TOWN • • • • Photo by Ethan Backer

Sing-Along with Jordan Voelker Back Room Orleans Restaurant and Bar 6045 For Children and Cathy x2954 Comedy@10 65 Holland St|617-591-2100 Youth Joshua Tree 11 p.m.- 12 p.m.|79 Highland 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 Precinct Bar DJ McRiddleton Wednesday|February 5 Ave PA’S Lounge 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 256 Elm St. |617-623-9910 Middle School Writers’ Den Central Library Full Scene Ahead|”CD SWAP”|The Bull McCabe’s Samba Bar & Grille Alan Ball-617-636-9033 Math & Science Homework Help Astrobastards|The Hideout|Happy Dub Down Featuring The Scotch Live music 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. For Teens Box Bonnet Band 9 p.m.|608 Somerville Ave|617- East Branch Library 3 p.m.--5 p.m.|79 Highland Ave 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- 718-9177 Preschool: Storytime 1557 Arts at the Armory 6045 Casey’s 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.|115 Broad- Knucklebones On The Hill Tavern Joshua Tree Entertainment every Friday way 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.|Performance 499 Broadway|617-629-5302 256 Elm St. |617-623-9910 173 Broadway|617- 625-5195 Hall|191 Highland Ave Thursday|February 6 Orleans Restaurant and Bar Samba Bar & Grille Radio Bar Central Library Tuesday|February 11 65 Holland St|617-591-2100 608 Somerville Ave|617-718- 379 Summer St. Preschool: Storytime for 3 to 5 Central Library Precinct Bar 9177 Arts at the Armory year olds Homeschool Reading Group for 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 Somerville Theatre Greater Boston Food Bank Event 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.|79 High- Ages 9-11 Bull McCabe’s Pub Awkward Compliment’s Thursday 7 p.m.-9 p.m.|Performance Hall land Avenue Tammy McKanan|617-591-0216 The Nephrok All Stars Night Comedy Night The Line That Picked Up 1000 Friday|February 7 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.|79 Highland 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- 8 p.m.|55 Davis Square Babes (And How It Can Work For Avenue Central Library 6045 Radio Bar You!) Preschool: Storytime for 2 year West Branch Library Highland Kitchen 379 Summer St 8 p.m.-9 p.m.|Cafe|191 Highland olds Preschool Storytime 150 Highland Ave|617-625-1131 Ave Friday|February 7 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.|40 College 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m|79 High- Samba Bar & Grille Saturday|February 8 Avenue Johnny D’s land Ave 608 Somerville Ave|617-718- Amy Black CD Release with Shan- Johnny D’s Veteran’s Memorial Rink Central Library 9177 non McNally|7 p.m. Amy Black CD Release with Shan- Free public skating StoryCorps Interviews Joshua Tree Bar & Grill Free Friday featuring The Gravel non McNally |7 p.m. 12 p.m.-1:50 p.m.|570 Somer- Maria Carpenter|617-623-5000 Pub Trivia Project|10 p.m. Cosby Sweater with Up Until ville Ave x2910 8:30 p.m.|256 Elm Street|(617) 17 Holland St|617-776-2004 Now, Live Electronic Music!|10:15 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.|79 Highland Saturday|February 8 623-9910 p.m. Avenue Sally O’Brien’s Central Library Radio Bar Stan Martin Band |6 p.m. 17 Holland St|617-776-2004 Somerville Public Schools Out- Wednesday|February 12 379 Summer St Ponyfish, Baltic Sun, Ghost Ham- Sally O’Brien’s reach East Branch Library Arts at the Armory mers|9 p.m. Tom Hagerty Band |6 p.m Adam Sweeting|617 666 8787 Preschool: Storytime Wiretap Wednesday Open Stage 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- The Brooklyns, Lizzie Borden 9 a.m.-12 p.m.|79 Highland 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.|115 Broad- 7 p.m.|Café|191 Highland Ave 3589 Band |9 p.m. Avenue way 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- Thursday|February 6 The Burren Central Library Central Library Front Room 3589 Johnny D’s Saturday Homework Help Mothers Out Front and SHS Irish Session|9:30 p.m. The Burren Bill Blumenreich Presents : T.J. Ron Castile|617-623-5000 x2969 Students Back Room Front Room Miller / Comedy Show $29.00. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.|79 Highland Patricia Wild|617 628 3717 Cover Me Badd Irish Session|9:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.|17 Holland St|617- Avenue 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.|79 Highland 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 Back Room Avenue 776-2004 Central Library Orleans Restaurant and Bar Spitting Vinnies Sally O’Brien’s StoryCorps Kickoff Weekend! Central Library DJ 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 Spring Hill Rounders grassy Maria Carpenter|617-623-5000 Book Group for Kids Ages 9-12 10 p.m.|65 Holland St Precinct Bar Thursdays x2910 Cathy Piantigini|617-623-5000 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- Precinct Bar 2:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.|79 Highland x2950 3589 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 Orleans Restaurant and Bar Avenue 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.|79 Highland PA’S Lounge Karaoke Avenue The Burren 65 Holland St Sunday|February 9 Front Room HearNowLive presents:The Dead Central Library Music Acoustic/Bluegrass|9:30 p.m. Women|Flabberghaster|Paper- PA’S Lounge StoryCorps Kickoff Weekend! Wednesday|February 5 Back Room back|The Watchtowers|Jalopy Grammar|Steam|Thomas Ander- Maria Carpenter|617-623-5000 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- son|Aaron Zimmer Johnny D’s Scattershot |10 p.m. x2910 1557 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- TBA 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 3:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.|79 Highland 1557 17 Holland St|617-776-2004 PA’S Lounge On The Hill Tavern Avenue 499 Broadway |617-629-5302 On the Hill Tavern Sally O’Brien’s Bar “Campfire” hosted by Ben Veteran’s Memorial Rink Live DJ Music Free Poker, lots of prizes! Bullock Orleans Restaurant and Bar Free public skating 499 Broadway|617-629-5302 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- DJ starting at 10 p.m. 3:30 p.m.-4:50 p.m.|570 Somer- 3589 1557 65 Holland St|617-591-2100 Bull McCabe’s ville Ave TBA The Burren On The Hill Tavern Bull McCabe’s 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- Monday|February 10 Front Room Live DJ Music TBA 6045 Central Library Exile on Elm 499 Broadway|617-629-5302 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO! FEBRUARY 5, 2014••19

• • • • VILLENS ON THE TOWN • • • •

Joshua Tree Arts at the Armory Back Room Highland Kitchen Third Life Studio DJ El Sid! The Line That Picked Up 1000 Open Mic w/ Hugh McGowan 150 Highland Ave|617-625-1131 Jazz Dance Brunch! 256 Elm St. |617-623-9910 Babes (And How It Can Work For 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 Samba Bar & Grille A Six Week Jazz Dance Class Samba Bar & Grille You!) On The Hill Tavern 608 Somerville Ave|617-718- Series with Jen Farrell Live Band & DJ 7 p.m.-8 p.m.|Cafe|191 Highland Stump Trivia (with prizes) 9177 January 25 through March 1 Ave 10:30am-12:00pm|33 Union Sq 608 Somerville Ave|617-718- 499 Broadway|617-629-5302 Radio Bar 9177 Somerville Theatre PA’S Lounge 379 Summer St Sunday|February 9 All You Need Is Myth Casey’s Open Mic - Rock, Folk, R&B, Joshua Tree Bar & Grill Unity Church of God 8 p.m.|55 Davis Square Entertainment every Saturday Alt, Jazz & Originals etc. Hosted Pub Trivia Fourth Step to Freedom Al-Anon 173 Broadway|617- 625-5195 Monday|February 10 by Tony Amaral 345 Somerville 8:30 p.m.|256 Elm Street|(617) Family Groups Ave|617-776-1557 Radio Bar Johnny D’s 623-9910 7:00 P.M. | 6 William Street 379 Summer St Johnny D’s Comedy Showcase Precinct Bar Enter upstairs, meeting is in Classes and Groups basement. Arts at the Armory Presents: One Microphone|7 p.m. 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 The Line That Picked Up 1000 Stump! Pub Trivia|8:30 p.m. Bull McCabe’s Pub Wednesday|February 5 Third Life Studio Babes (And How It Can Work For 8:30 p.m.|17 Holland St | 617- The Ghetto People Band Central Library Discover Belly Dance with Nadira You!) 776-2004 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- Mystery Book Club Jamal 8 p.m.-9 p.m.|Cafe|191 Highland Sally O’Brien’s Bar 6045 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.|79 Highland Ave 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.|33 Union Sq|www.nadirajamal.com Ave Shawn Cater’s Cheapshots Com- Highland Kitchen Third Life Studio Sunday|February 9 edy Jam |7 p.m. First Tuesday of the Month|Spell- Beyond beginning Belly Dance Monday|February 10 Marley Mondays with The Duppy ing Bee Night with Nadira Jamal Johnny D’s East Branch Library Conquerors|10 p.m. hosted by Victor and Nicole of 7:30 p.m.|Level 2|33 Union Sq|w- Open Blues Jam! featuring Mat- Learn English at the Library! 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- Egoart. ww.nadirajamal.com thew Smart Band|4 p.m. (Session 1) 6 p.m.-7 p.m, 3589 The fun starts at 10:00p.m. 17 Holland St.|617-776-2004 Thursday|February 6 (Session 2) 7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m. The Burren 150 Highland Ave|617-625-1131 115 Broadway Sally O’Brien’s Bar West Branch Library Front Room Samba Bar & Grille Jordan Renzi|3 p.m. Learn English at the Library! Central Library Bur- Run|6:45 p.m. 608 Somerville Ave|617-718- Frank Drake Sunday Showcase (Session 1)6:00 PM - 7:00 p.m. Sierra Club Meeting: Trans Pacific Back Room 9177 |5 p.m (Session 2)7:15 PM - 8:15 p.m. Partnership Irish Step Dancing Amber Casares |8 p.m. PJ Ryan’s 40 College Avenue Denise Provost|617-872-8805 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- Pub Quiz Central Library 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.|79 Highland On The Hill Tavern 3589 10 p.m.|239 Holland St.|617- Somerville Affordable Housing Avenue 499 Broadway|617-629-5302 625-8200 The Burren Trust Fund Third Life Studio Front Room PA’S Lounge Radio Bar Kelly Donato|617-625-6600 Discover Belly Dance with Nadi- Sunday Americana with Sean Americana Night 379 Summer St x2560 ra Jamal 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- 6 p.m.|33 Union Sq|www.nadira- Staples, Eric Royer, Tim Gearan, Wednesday|February 12 6:15 p.m.-8 p.m.|79 Highland Dave Westner and Dan Keller|7 1557 Avenue jamal.com Johnny D’s p.m. Precinct Bar Dawn Landes plus Michael Rob- First Church Somerville Tuesday|February 11 Back Room 70 Union Sq|617-623-921 Debtors Anonymous- a 12 Step ert Todd|8:15 p.m. Central Library Burren Acoustic Music Series program for people with prob- Bull McCabe’s Pub 17 Holland St|617-776-2004 Learn English at the Library! 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 Stump! Team Trivia lems with money and debt. 7 Sally O’Brien’s Bar 6 p.m.-7 p.m.|79 Highland PA’S Lounge 8 p.m.|366A Somerville Ave|617- p.m.-8:30 p.m.|89 College Ave Free Poker, lots of prizes! Avenue 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- 440-6045 (Upstairs Parlor). 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- Arts at the Armory 1557 For more info call: 781-762-6629 Radio Bar 3589 Prenatal Yoga Third Life Studio Precinct Bar 379 Summer St 7 p.m.|Mezzanine|191 Highland The Burren Roots and Rhythm 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 Arts at the Armory Ave Front Room 33 Unions Sq.| www.libana.com Bull McCabe’s Pub Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Exile on Elm Third Life Studio Dub Apocalypse Rehearsal Back Room Friday|February 7 The Art of Group Singing For 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- 6:30 p.m.|Performance Hall|191 Comedy@10 Arts at the Armory Women 6045 Highland Ave 247 Elm Street|617-776-6896 Prenatal Yoga with Susan Robbins, www.libana. Highland Kitchen Tuesday|February 11 PA’S Lounge 2 p.m.|Mezzanine|191 Highland com Sunday Brunch Live Country & 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.|33 Union Sq Johnny D’s Full Scene Ahead|”CD Swap Ave Bluegrass CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisi- 345 Somerville Ave|617-776- Saturday|February 8 Wednesday|February 12 Sunday Night Live Music ana Band|7:30 p.m. 1557 150 Highland Ave|617-625-1131 Central Library Central Library 17 Holland St|617-776-2004 On The Hill Tavern BUSY Mothers Out Front and SHS Orleans Restaurant and Bar Sally O’Brien’s Bar 499 Broadway|617-629-5302 9 a.m.-5 p.m.|79 Highland Ave Students Game Night Mike Gent & The Rapid Shave|9 Orleans Restaurant and Bar Patricia Wild|617 628 3717 65 Holland St|617-591-2100 Arts at the Armory p.m. 65 Holland St|617-591-2100 Winter Farmers’ Market 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.|79 Highland Radio Bar 335 Somerville Ave|617-666- Precinct Bar 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Avenue 379 Summer St 3589 70 Union Sq|617-623-9211 Bagel Bards Third Life Studio Samba Bar & Grille The Burren Bull McCabe’s Pub Somerville Writers and Poets Beyond beginning Belly Dance Live Band & DJ Front Room The Nephrok All Stars meet weekly to discuss their work with Nadira Jamal 608 Somerville Ave|617-718- Jason Anick and the Swing- 366A Somerville Ave|617-440- 9 a.m.-12 p.m.|Au Bon Pain| 18- 7:30 p.m.|Level 2|33 Union Sq|w- 9177 ers|8:30 p.m. 6045 48 Holland St ww.nadirajamal.com Photo by Ethan Backer

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO! 20••FEBRUARY 5, 2014 CLASSIFIEDS Place your classified ad today – only $1 per word! E-mail: [email protected]

Automotive agents, no fee referrals, Health & Fitness AIRLINE CAREERS begin for unexpired, sealed DIA- Sales & Rentals, Part time or here - Get trained as FAA BETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAY $21 Car Insurance - Instant Full Time. work from home ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION certified Aviation Technician. PAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136 Quote - All Credit Types - online, full office back up treated safely and effective- Housing and Financial aid Find Out If You Qualify - As and highest paid no strings ly without drugs/ surgery. for qualified students. Job Wants to purchase miner- Low As $21/Month. Call commissions. Call for pri- Vacuum therapy treatment placement assistance. Call als and other oil and gas (888) 291-2920. vate interview 617 623-6600 is covered by Medicare/ AIM 866-453-6204 interests. Send details to ask for Donald. Insurance. 1-800-815-1577 P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. AUTOS WANTED ext. 10 $21 Car Insurance - Instant 80201 $21 Car Insurance - Instant Quote - All Credit Types - Cash For Cars: Any Make, Quote - All Credit Types - VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS Find Out If You Qualify - As ______Model or Year. We Pay Find Out If You Qualify - As 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Low As $21/Month. Call MORE! Running or Not, Sell Low As $21/Month. Call Shipping! 100% guaranteed. (888) 287-2130 Reader Advisory: The Na- your Car or Truck TODAY. (888) 296-3040 CALL NOW! 1-866-312-6061 tional Trade Association we Free Towing! Instant Offer: $10 Funeral Insurance - belong to has purchased the 1-800-871-0654 $10 Funeral Insurance - VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS Guaranteed Acceptance above classifieds. Determin- Guaranteed Acceptance 20mg. 40 tabs +10 FREE, - No Exam. As Low As $10/ ing the value of their service TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any - No Exam. As Low As $10/ $99 including FREE SHIP- month for Final Expense - or product is advised by Car/Truck, Running or Not. month for Final Expense - PING. 888-836-0780, premi- Call (888) 271-0730 now. this publication. In order to Call for INSTANT offer: ummeds.net Call (888) 281-2580 now. avoid misunderstandings, 1-800-454-6951 Meet singles right now! No some advertisers do not FOR RENT MISCELLANEOUS paid operators, just real offer employment but rather EDUCATION people like you. Browse Warm Weather Is Year T-SHIRTS Custom print- greetings, exchange mes- supply the readers with AVIATION MAINTENANCE Round In Aruba. The water ed. $5.50 heavyweight. sages and connect live. Try manuals, directories and TRAINING Financial Aid if is safe, and the dining is “Gildan” Min. order of 36 it free. Call now 1-888-909- other materials designed to qualified. Job Placement fantastic. Walk out to the pcs. HATS - Embroidered 9905 help their clients establish Assistance. Call National beach. 3-Bedroom weeks $6.00. Free catalog. 1-800- mail order selling and other Aviation Academy Today! available. Sleeps 8. $3500. 242-2374 Berg Sportswear Have fun and find a genuine businesses at home. Under FAA Approved. CLASSES Email: [email protected] 40. connection! The next voice NO circumstance should STARTING SOON! 1-800- for more information. on the other end of the line you send any money in 292-3228 or NAA.edu !!OLD GUITARS WANT- could be the one. Call Tango advance or give the client for sale ED!! Gibson,Martin,Fend- 1-800-807-0818. FREE trial! your checking, license ID, or HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA er,Gretsch. 1930-1980. Top credit card numbers. Also FROM HOME. 6-8 weeks AC- Beautifully cared for in great Dollar paid!! Call Toll Free Dish TV Retailer-SAVE! beware of ads that claim CREDITED. Get a diploma. condition a Cherry Wood 1-866-433-8277 Starting $19.99/month (for to guarantee loans regard- Get a job.1-800-264-8330 dinning room set, with two 12 months.) FREE Premi- less of credit and note that www.diplomafromhome. leaf table, six chairs, large CASH FOR CARS, Any um Movie Channels. FREE if a credit repair company com wall china cabinet and large Make or Model! Free Tow- Equipment, Installation & does business only over the corner glass cabinet, also ing. Sell it TODAY. Instant Activation. CALL, COMPARE phone it is illegal to request Employment custom pads, asking $500. offer: 1-800-864-5784 LOCAL DEALS! 1-800-309- A must see. Email donnor- 1452 any money before deliver- Attention Licensed Real [email protected] for VIAGRA 100MG, 40 pills+/4 ing its service. All funds are Estate Agents needed: Very appointment. Must be able free, only $99.00. Save Big Wanted to Buy based in US dollars. Toll free busy Somerville based to make arrangments to Now, Discreet shipping. numbers may or may not office in need of additional move it out. Call 800-375-3305 Today! CASH PAID- up to $28/Box reach Canada. Place your Classified Ad in The Somerville Times today!

Property tax misconceptions and realities CONT. FROM PG 10 down 52 percent when you ad- to significant savings on indi- nesses to Somerville. It’s not preventing $20 million in new efficient investment in our com- just for inflation. That’s rough- vidual tax bills. As an exam- just about shifting the burden costs over the past two years by munity. Businesses are thriving, ly equivalent to the entire ple, if we wanted the average off residents, which is import- shifting to GIC health insurance with 73 net new businesses public safety budget this year. two-family property to have a ant, but easing the tax burden or converting our streetlights opening in the last three years. We have even cut our own rev- property tax bill that’s $93 low- on everyone, including small to energy-saving LED bulbs, Our students are testing better enue to create an environment er than last year’s bill, it would businesses. We need more peo- we will continue to squeeze the than they have in years. Our res- where local businesses can require cutting $3 million from ple paying in so everyone’s share most out of every tax dollar so idents have indicated via repeat- thrive. We improved parking the budget, which would re- of the tax levy can go down that we need fewer of them. ed surveys that they feel we are policies to bring more custom- quire crippling cuts to the very while we still maintain services. And we will continue to inno- going in the right direction. So ers to businesses, which have services that make most of us But expanding the commercial vate around affordability, via we will double down and contin- led to significant cuts in fines want to live here from clean tax base is just one part of our programs like expansion of the ue to find solutions that work— and fees. We spend to our ob- streets to free after-school pro- long-term strategy. We continu- affordable housing program to for all of us. Our residents and ligations—and to our values. grams. This is why we’re trying ally seek new efficiencies, which the working middle-class or the small businesses are what make We do more with less. to expand our commercial tax is why we are able to reduce dis- creation of artist districts to pro- this city so desirable. And we What would further cutting base through strategic commu- cretionary spending while still tect affordable live/work space. have to protect them. We have mean? Even extensive and dam- nity-driven development that maintaining services at levels We are thriving today because heard you. We are acting. And aging cuts would not translate will draw more tax-paying busi- lauded nationwide. Whether it’s we’ve made prudent, strategic, we will act decisively.

Newstalk CONT. FROM PG 11

************************** install new lighting at the Michael ************************** 02143. Performances feature Somerville Mayor Curtatone and Ward 1 Al- E. Capuano Early Childhood Center It’s the Hard-Knock Life. Order your High School and Elementary students. derman Matt McLaughlin invite all Turf Soccer Field in the fall of 2014, tickets for the Somerville High School This year’s musical production will be interested residents to a communi- but is seeking community input prior production of Annie now and feel bet- held at the Davis Square Theater on ty meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to finalizing design plans. For more ter. Shows are on Feb. 6, 7 and 8. Order Feb. 6 and 7 at 7:00 p.m and Feb. 8 at from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Capuano information, contact Arn Franzen advanced tickets on-line at http://www. 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen in the Mayor’s Office of Strategic ticketstage.com/SHS or send a check to: $6 for senior citizens, PK-12 students, St., to discuss new lighting plans for Planning and Community Develop- SHS Performing Arts, Ms. Rose- and younger children needing their own the Capuano School / James McCa- ment at 617-625-6600 ext. 2545 or mary Sears, Somerville High School, seat. You can also purchase tickets at the rthy Field. The city is proposing to [email protected]. 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA door, if the show is not sold out. FEBRUARY 5, 2014••21 Louisiana legend C.J. Chenier at Johnny D’s sic at Texas Southern University, By Jim Clark that C.J. first performed with his Somerville music fans have a famous father and the legendary rare treat in store for them as Red Hot Louisiana band. famed Zydeco star C.J. Cheni- On the road his father showed er and The Red Hot Louisiana him how to front a world class Band rolls into Johnny D’s next touring band, teaching C.J. week, Feb. 11. how to run the family business Clayton Joseph Chenier was and how to develop his lifelong born September 28, 1957 - the passion for music into a career. son of the great King of Zydeco, When Clifton died in 1987 his Clifton Chenier. C.J.’s father was son adopted the Red Hot Lou- the first Creole musician to win isiana Band and recorded his a Grammy Award. C.J. spent debut album for the great Amer- his childhood in the tough ten- ican independent label Arhoolie ement housing projects of Port Records. As he told a journalist Arthur, Texas. His earliest mu- at the time, he does not try to sical influences were an eclectic imitate his father’s playing: “I mix of funk, soul, jazz and Mo- play it the way I play it. All my town, and his first musical in- father really told me was to do struments were piano, tenor sax- the best I could do with my own ophone and flute. It wasn’t until style.” In the following years C.J. his 21st birthday, after winning would record albums for Slash a scholarship and studying mu- Records and the legendary Chi-

From on page 14 Ms. Cam’s

C.J. Chenier brings his Zydeco mastery to Johnny D’s on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Answers cago label Alligator Records. Learn is a particular classic. Sans mouth Brown. Gatemouth had A C.J. Chenier recording, like accordion and rubboard, Living died just days after Hurricane 1. Tau 5. Emeril Lagasse a traditional New Orlean’s fu- To L e a r n highlights C.J.’s sixties Katrina decimated his home in neral, would not be complete soul and Motown influences. “As southwest Louisiana. And Van 2. Eureka 6. Celery without a tremor of hope for a teenager I played the Fender Morrison’s Comfort You, his 3. In 1824, Andrew Jack- 7. Tries to be everywhere the future and a few great dance Rhodes in a top 40 cover band, great waltz-poem of healing and son and John Quincy Ad- at the same time tunes. C.J. composed several practicing soul, Ray Charles, forgiveness, feels like a fitting ams- Jackson was ahead such songs for his latest al- and Motown songs for 10 hours end to a stormy night. 335- 168. Jackson won the 8. Interstate 90 bum, Can’t Sit Down, including a day” recalls C.J. ______popular vote. When the the plaintive I’ve Been Good To C.J. leads the entire band C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot election went to the White 9. For Your Eyes Only You Baby and the swinging mea through the Clifton Chenier Louisiana Band, Tuesday, Feb. House. Adams was the culpa Who’s Cheatin’ Who? The tune Bogalusa Boogie as a tribute 11, 7:30 p.m. at Johnny D’s, 17 winner, because no candi- 10. Erma Bombeck Fender Rhodes driven Living To to the late great Clarence Gate- Holland St, Somerville, MA. date had the majority of Electoral votes 11. Property of the Queen Be sure to visit us online at www .TheSomervilleTimes .com 4. Banana 12. Little parrots and on Facebook at www .facebook .com/thesomervilletimes

To advertise in The Somerville Times call Bobbi Toner: 617-666-4010

The Norton Group Buying or Selling?

www.thenortongroupre.com 22••FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Somerville Community Access TV Ch 3. Programming Guide Celebrating 30 years of making grassroots community media for Somerville Want to learn TV production? Final Cut Pro? Soundtrack Pro? Green-screen? Call us today for more info! 617-628-8826 Wednesday, February 5 5:00pm Jeff Jam Sing Song Show Why is Mine a Problem? 10:00pm Farrakhan Speaks

7:30am Life Matters 5:30pm The Folkorist 9:00am Festival Kreyol 11:00pm Porchfest 8:00am Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 6:00pm France 24 World News (Free Speech TV) 10:00am Tele Galaxie Monday, February 10 6:30pm Somerville Neighborhood News (re-run) 11:00am Dead Air Live 9:00am Somerville Newspaper Reading 7:30am Eckankar 7:00pm Chatting with History 12:00pm Reeling the Movie Review Show 10:00am Somerville Neighborhood News 8:00am Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 8:00pm Fouye Zo Nan Kalalou 1:00pm Play by Play 10:30am Art at SCATV 9:00am Somerville Newspaper Reading 9:30pm Water is Life 2:00pm Henry Parker Presents 11:00am Abugida TV 10:00am Bay State Biking News 2:30pm Culture Club 12:00pm Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) Friday, February 7 11:00am Nossa gente e Costumes 3:00pm Telemagazine 1:30pm Henry Parker Presents 7:30am Shrink Rap 12:00pm Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 4:00pm Somerville Neighborhood News 2:00pm Physician Focus 8:00am Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 3:00pm Exercise with Robyn and Max 4:30pm Somerville Housing Authority 3:00pm Medical Tutor 9:00am Somerville Newspaper Reading 3:30pm Esoteric Science 5:00pm Tele Kreyol 3:30pm Healthy Hypnosis 10:00am High School Peer Pressure 4:00pm The Thom Hartmann Show (Free Speech TV) 6:00pm Somerville Newspaper Reading 4:00pm The Thom Hartmann Show (Free Speech TV) 11:00am Sound Off 5:00pm Youth Violence in Society 8:00pm David Pakman (Free Speech TV) 5:30pm Peace by Piece 11:30am Peace by Piece 5:30pm Youth Programming 9:00pm Nossa Gente e Costumes 6:00pm France 24 World News (Free Speech TV) 12:00pm Somerville Housing Authority 6:00pm France 24 World News (Free Speech TV) 10:00pm Black History Mobile Museum 6:30pm Bullying PSA 12:30pm Somerville Arts Festival 7:00pm Nepali Producers Group 11:00pm Gay USA 7:00pm Tufts University’s Films for Social Change 1:30pm Seeds of Death 8:00pm Outside the Lines Sunday, February 9 8:00pm Somerville Pundits 2:30pm History of the West End 9:00pm Dedilhando au Saudade 8:30pm Perils for Pedestrians 3:00pm Brunch with Sen. Bernie Sanders 6:00am Program Celebrai 10:00pm Bate Papo com Shirley 9:00pm Bay State Biking News 4:00pm The Thom Hartmann Show (Free Speech TV) 7:00am Rompendo em Fe Tuesday, February 11 10:00pm Creepy Castle 5:00pm Greater Somerville 8:00am Effort Pour Christ 7:00am The Struggle Thursday, February 6 5:30pm Somerville Neighborhood News 9:00am Heritage Baptist Church 8:00am Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 6:00am Atheist Viewpoint 6:00pm France 24 World News (Free Speech TV) 10:00am International Church of God 9:00am Somerville Newspaper Reading 7:00am Creating Cooperative Kids 6:30pm Reeling the Movie Review Show 11:00am The Folklorist 10:00am Contemporary Issues in Science 8:00am Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 7:00pm Real Estate Answers Show 11:30am Basic Buddha 12:00pm Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 9:00am Somerville Neighborhood News (re-run) 7:30pm Couch’s Corner 12:00pm Play by Play 2:00pm The Folklorist 9:30am Somerville Newspaper Reading 8:00pm Visual Radio 1:00pm Somerville Neighborhood News 4:00pm The Thom Hartmann Show (Free Speech TV) 10:30am Talking about Somerville 9:00pm The Folklorist 1:30pm Somerville Newspaper Reading 5:00pm Poet to Poet/Writer to Writer 11:00am Critical Focus 9:30pm Copy Cat Festival 2:30pm Life Matters 5:30pm The Literati Scene 12:00pm Democracy Now! (Free Speech TV) 10:00pm Untold Black Stories 3:00pm Rompendo em Fe 6:00pm France 24 World News (Free Speech TV) 1:00pm African Television Saturday, February 8 4:00pm Dedilhando a Saudade 7:00pm Somerville Neighborhood News 2:00pm Neighborhood Cooking w/ Candy 6:00am Arabic Hour 5:00pm Ethiopian Satellite TV 7:30pm Greater Somerville 2:30pm Cooking with Georgia & Dez 7:00am High School Peer Pressure 6:00pm Abugida TV 8:00pm Dead Air Live 3:00pm Chef’s Table Series 8:00am Jeff Jam Sing Song Show 7:00pm African Television Network 9:00pm MEH Kyown’s Television 4:00pm The Thom Hartmann Show (Free Speech TV) 8:30am Everybody has an Accent, 8:00pm Tele Magazine 9:00pm Effort Pour Christ 10:00pm Penny’s Dreadful Shilling Shockers City Cable TV Schedule for the Week

CITY TV 13/22 9:00pm: 2014 Property Assessment Info Session EDUCATIONAL CHANNEL 15 5:00pm: Our Schools, Our City Wednesday, February 5 10:00pm: Talking Business Wednesday, February 5 6:00pm: Kennedy School Winter Concert 7:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 9:00am: Aldermen at Work Sunday, February 9 9:00am: SHS Indoor Track vs. Everett 9:00pm: SHS Hockey vs. Medford 9:30am: SomerViva 12:00am: The Spirit of Somerville: Eugene Brune 10:00am: WHCIS Fashion Show 10:30pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 12:00pm: School Committee Meeting – Lecture 11:00am: Our Schools, Our City 11:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert REPLAY OF 2.3.14 1:00am: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 12:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Cambridge 3:00pm: Aldermen at Work 2:30am: 2014 Property Assessment Info Session 2:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Burke HS Sunday, February 9 3:30pm: Talking Business 3:30am: Talking Business 3:30pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 12:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Medford 6:30pm: Meeting 1.15.14 9:00am: Capuano School Playground Ribboncutting 4:00pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Medford 9:00am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Malden 8:00pm: MLK Day Celebration 12:00pm: Senior Circuit 6:00pm: SHS Indoor Track vs. Everett 10:30am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Medford 9:30pm: Talking Business 12:30pm: Sit & Be Fit: Fibromyalgia Workout 7:00pm: WHCIS Fashion Show 12:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 10:00pm: Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 1:00pm: Voices of Somerville 8:00pm: Our Schools, Our City 2:00pm: Our Schools, Our City 1:30pm: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 2:30pm: SHS Indoor Track vs. Everett Thursday, February 6 9:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Cambridge 2:30pm: SomerViva 4:00pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Malden 12:00am: MLK Day Celebration Thursday, February 6 3:00pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 5:30pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Medford 1:30am: Talking Business 12:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Cambridge 7:00pm: Senior Circuit 7:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 2:00am: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 7:30pm: Sit & Be Fit: Fibromyalgia Workout 2:00am: SHS Hockey vs. Medford 9:00am: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 3:30am: SHS Hockey vs. Lynn Classical 9:00pm: Our Schools, Our City 8:00pm: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 9:30pm: SHS Indoor Track vs. Everett 12:00pm: Senior Circuit 9:00pm: Voices of Somerville 9:00am: Kennedy School Winter Concert 10:30pm: WHCIS Fashion Show 12:30pm: Sit & Be Fit: Fibromyalgia Workout 9:30pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 10:00am: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 1:00pm: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 11:00am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Malden Monday, February 10 Monday, February 10 2:45pm: Aldermen at Work 1:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Burke HS 12:00am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Malden 12:00am: Senior Circuit 3:15pm: Capuano School Playground Ribbon Cutting 2:30pm: Our Schools, Our City 1:30am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Medford 12:30am: Sit & Be Fit: Fibromyalgia Workout 7:00pm: Aldermen at Work 3:00pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 3:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 1:00am: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 7:30pm: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 3:30pm: WHCIS Fashion Show 9:00am: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 2:00pm: Voices of Somerville 8:30pm : Voices of Somerville 4:00pm: Kennedy School Winter Concert 10:00am: Kennedy School Winter Concert 2:30pm: SomerViva 9:00pm: SomerViva 5:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 11:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. O’Bryant 9:00am: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 9:30pm: 2014 Organizational Meeting 6:00pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Malden 12:30pm: Our Schools, Our City 12:00pm: MLK Day Celebration of Board of Aldermen 8:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Burke HS 1:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Arlington 1:30pm: Voices of Somerville Friday, February 7 9:30pm: Our Schools, Our City 2:30pm: SHS Hockey vs. Lynn Classical 2:00pm: Seriously Somerville w/Jimmy Del Ponte 10:00pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 4:00pm: WHCIS Fashion Show 12:00am: Aldermen at Work 2:30pm: MLK Day Celebration 10:30pm: WHCIS Fashion Show 5:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 12:30am: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 7:00pm: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville Friday, February 7 6:00pm: Kennedy School Winter Concert 1:30am : Voices of Somerville 8:00pm: Somerville By Design: Davis Square Plan 2:00am: SomerViva 8:30pm: Seriously Somerville w/Jimmy Del Ponte 12:00am: SHS Hockey vs. King Phillip 7:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. O’Bryant 2:30am: Highlander Forum 9:00pm: Aldermen at Work 1:30am: SHS Hockey vs. Everett 8:30pm: Our Schools, Our City 9:00am: Voices of Somerville 9:30pm: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 3:00am: SHS Hockey vs. Lynn Classical 9:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Arlington 12:00pm: Aldermen at Work 9:00am: SHS Hockey vs. Medford 10:30pm: SHS Hockey vs. Lynn Classical 12:30pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 Tuesday, February 11 10:30am: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool Tuesday, February 11 1:30pm: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 12:00am: A Discussion on Housing in Somerville 11:00am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Medford 12:00am: WHCIS Fashion Show 3:00pm: Highlander Forum 1:00am: Somerville By Design: Davis Square Plan 1:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 12:30am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Cambridge 6:30pm: SomerViva 1:30am: Seriously Somerville w/Jimmy Del Ponte 2:00pm: SHS Hockey vs. Medford 2:00am: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Norwood 7:00pm: Aldermen at Work 2:00am: Aldermen at Work 3:30pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 9:00am: Kennedy School Winter Concert 7:30pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 2:30am: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 4:00pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Medford 10:00am: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 8:30pm: Voices of Somerville 9:00am: Voices of Somerville 6:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 11:00am: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 9:00pm: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 12:00pm: Senior Circuit 7:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 12:30pm: Sit & Be Fit Diabetes Workout 11:30am: SHS Indoor Track vs. Everett Saturday, February 8 10:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 1:00pm: SomerViva 1:00pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Cambridge Saturday, February 8 12:00am: Aldermen at Work 1:30pm: Talking Business 2:30pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Burke HS - 12:30am: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 2:00pm: The Spirit of Somerville: Eugene Brune Lecture 12:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 4:00pm: Kennedy School Winter Concert 1:30am: Voices of Somerville 7:00pm: Senior Circuit 2:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Cambridge 5:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 2:00am: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 7:30pm: Sit & Be Fit: Diabetes Workout 4:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Burke HS 6:00pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 9:00am: MLK Day Celebration 8:00pm: SomerViva 9:00am: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 6:30pm: SHS Indoor Track vs. Everett 12:00pm: Aldermen at Work 10:00am: Our Schools, Our City 8:30pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 8:00pm: SHS Girls Basketball vs. Cambridge 12:30pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 11:00am: Kennedy School Winter Concert 9:30pm: First Flag Raising at Prospect Hill 9:30pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Burke HS - 1:30pm: Voices of Somerville 12:00pm: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Everett 12:00am: Senior Circuit 12:00am: SHS Hockey vs. Medford 2:00pm: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 2:00pm: SHS Hockey vs. Medford 12:30am: Sit & Be Fit: Diabetes Workout 1:30am: SHS Hockey vs. Lynn Classical 6:30pm: The Spirit of Somerville: Eugene Brune Lecture 3:30pm: kid stuff - Kennedy Pool 1:00am: SomerViva 3:00am: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 7:30pm: 2014 City Hall Inaugural Ceremonies 4:00pm: Argenziano School’s MLK Concert 1:30pm: Green Line Extension Meeting 1.15.14 4:00am: SHS Boys Basketball vs. Malden FEBRUARY 5, 2014••23

OFF THE SHELF by Doug Holder Ed Galing: Poet of the Greatest Generation I am reprinting this article I wrote for Rattle mag- azine (2006) about the late poet Ed Galing. Gal- ing’s poetry appeared on the pages of The Somerville News many times. He died in Dec. 2013, at the age of 96. I spoke to him a few weeks before his death and he was still writing. ______I wrote more than a few poems for my friend Ed Galing after getting the many letters he has sent SOMERVILLE me over the years. Ed letters are probably as good as his poems. They are alive, spirited, like a scrappy edited by Doug Holder street urchin, that Ed was in his early years. Ed can yrical be needy, infuriating, hilariously funny, but most Ed remembers vividly the cornucopia of sights LOver the years that I have eaten breakfast at of all loveable. And that’s the way I characterize his and sounds the Lower east Side had to offer: “There the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square I have met poetry. Like Ed, it shoots from the hip, giving you were the cries of the merchants and the hundred of many creative types who worked behind the it straight with no chaser. I find that in contrast, a people pushing and shoving. There was a flavor to counter. I have interviewed artists, musicians lot of the poetry I read today has a calculated iron- those streets I won’t forget. I think it shaped my and poets. Keith Cooper is another person ic distance, almost as if the poet is afraid to display life. There were the rooftops, the wash on the lines, who serves coffee and in this case a poem. some honest sentiment or emotion. Ed Galing, the garbage on the streets, and the gang fights.” at 89 is a poet who knows his allotted time is too Galing also had the bitter taste of in-your-face Who Died? short for posturing, a cool detachment, and obtuse anti-semitism. He learned from the predominate- and inaccessible verse. After long years of writing, ly Christian world that the Jews killed Christ, and Three days into the 21st century, and submitting his work Galing has joined the that Santa Claus wanted no part of him. All this I was wondering ranks of the major small press poets that includes: left an indelible impression on the man. Who was going to get to A.D. Winans, Hugh Fox, Lyn Lifshin, Alan Cat- Galing has written many poems concerning an- Sit in the front seat. lin, Lynne Savitt, and others. Like the poets just ti-semitism, as he experienced it. As an occupa- mentioned Galing’s poetry, stories, and essays have tion solider in Europe shortly after World War II My brother and I smelled appeared in the most obscure and the most well- he was a witness to the death camps at Dachau. Of basketball practice, known journals across the country. Whenever I Galing told me: “All of these events shaped my pick up a little magazine like the sensibility and my poetry. I found anti-semitism After school. Chiron Review, Rattle, Lummox Journal, Poesy, Brevities, The Small everywhere…the Army, the Navy. Galing saw the Press Review, Pegasus and hundreds of others, I am horrific ovens of the camps, and was enraged at the My mother was in the car, not surprised to find Ed Galing’s name there. denial of the atrocities by many Germans he en- Waiting. I first encountered Ed Galing’s poetry in a de- countered. Galing, through the Lucid Moon Press, In place of hello, funct magazine founded by the late Ralph Hasel- published a small book of his war time experienc- I asked her if we could mann Jr., Lucid Moon. Ed Galing was described es, complete with photos. In spite of these experi- Go to McDonald’s for ice cream. as the “harmonica-playing poet-laureate of Hat- ences he did not become misanthropic. Galing told boro, Pa.” (his hometown) I later found out that me “This affected me as a man. I wanted to use my The way she said “Not today” Galing’s work was liberally spread out over a words to benefit mankind. I wanted to show that I think I took no wide-swath of small press magazines, journals, love is important to life.” For an answer for the newspapers, and the whole spectrum of publi- To this day Ed Galing visits Jack’s Deli in his First time in my life. cations. What came through in Ed’s poetry was old stomping grounds of South Phillie, and en- his no-bullshit; call a spade-a-spade style. He tertains the patrons with his harmonica play- Silent, then until the garage door-- reminded me a lot of my wisecracking, Jewish ing. Now that his wife is a resident in a nursing Opened her mouth. uncles from boyhood, always busting chops and home, he visits her daily, and shares his poet- spinning stories. He is what they would call a ry and music with the other residents as well. “mensch,” a Yiddish word; it means someone of Ed makes no concessions to the computer age “Please go to the living room, consequence, someone to emulate. That’s Ed. and still corresponds with fellow poets by hand There is something In a number of interviews that I conducted with written letter. He types his poems out on an old We need to talk about.” Ed, I became aware of his hardscrabble life, as it typewriter. Ed and I talk on the phone regular- was reflected in his poetry. Ed told me that he ly, and he expresses his frustration with the in- Walking past the kitchen, started to write poetry as a young person during firmities of old age, his wife’s declining health, I saw a new teddy bear the Depression era. Galing’s family was on gener- the capriciousness of editors, you name it. Yet, On the counter. al relief, and they lived in very Spartan conditions overall, Galing keeps a positive attitude, and on the Lower East Side of New York City, and the still has eagle eye out for the next poem. Galing It was next to a sort of gone-to seed environs of South Philadelphia. has experienced a lot, but like many of his rap- Brochure that could easily Galing remembered his high school English idly diminishing peers he is able to grasp what Have been for spring baseball camp. teacher Dr. Ginsberg who was supportive of his is important from what is not. Ed has no time work and pushed him to read the classics. Galing to worry about the latest trend, engage in na- Except it was titled “Coping with Suicide.” told me he took to poetry early on. As to why, he vel gazing, or morbid introspection. What mat- related: “Poetry could say something in a few words ters to Galing are the people in his life that he It was then that I wondered, that prose could only do in the thousands. Poetry touched and who touched him. Ed Reflected: I allowed me to pour out my heart and soul...” Later have two grandsons, three grandchildren, and Who died? Galing mined his early years as fodder for his large I am married to a wonderful woman. What is body of work. In his most recent collection there to know about Ed Galing? Just a simple – Keith Cooper Buying a Suit on Essex Street (Iniquity Press) Galing writes man, trying to write poetry, and perhaps trying about his boyhood urban retreat—the fire escape to hear a good word about my work.” To have your work considered for the Lyrical send it to: And just like his old man before him Ed keeps Doug Holder, 25 School St.; Somerville, MA 02143. [email protected] on his tenement building over the bustling immi- grant filled streets of the Lower East Side. working, at his craft, a craft which has been his life. 24••FEBRUARY 5, 2014