Wasn‚Äôt Carl‚Äôs claim on the court documents that he was being denied access on the ballot? Apparently there is a petition filed against Bob Trane‚Äôs signature at the Secretary of State‚Äôs Office challenging Bob‚Äôs signatures – by Carl‚Äôs neighbor and campaign supporter who just happens to be represented by the same attorney as Carl in the courts. So is Carl trying to deny access to Bob Trane – is he hiding behind the challenge? 

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Apparently the word ‚Äútransparency‚Äù doesn‚Äôt mean anything to the beleaguered PDSers of Somerville – their own Chairperson Marty Martinez sent out an email to the membership stating he was calling for a steering committee meeting last night to discuss the following  ‚Äúendorsements processes the upcoming monthly meeting and several other things‚Äù ‚Äì but here is the funny part – NO ADDRESS of the meeting‚Ķit clearly states in the email ‚Äúplease email me and I will give you the location.‚Äù The email was sent out only to the Progressive Democrats of Somerville‚Äôs yahoo group. Nice, now they‚Äôre holding secret meetings at undisclosed locations – from their own members? So do you call and say the secret word and then depending on the type of membership you have you get the address of the meeting or what? Also, if the shoe was on the other foot, what would they say? 

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Congratulations to former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay and Bert Gay on the celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary this Saturday – we send them best wishes for another 40 years and longer.

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No place to park, no place to shop! With all the new roadwork and construction going on up and down Somerville Avenue, it’s a wonder that shopkeepers are surviving. Well, they are barely surviving by the skin of their teeth Рthat’s why store and business owners of Somerville Avenue are asking for your help to assist them in getting through this rough time because of the Somerville Avenue roadwork project! Shop Somerville Avenue stores when you can rather then frequent a store of the same type in another community!

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Somerville and Cambridge Representative Tim Tomey held his annual fundraiser this past Tuesday night – packing the restaurant function room with loyal supporters!  Tim is always ready to fight the good fight for the citizens of his district here in Somerville would be nice to elect another one on the Somerville / Medford line like Bob Trane – who by the way, like Tim, will be the only one on the Democratic ballot this coming Fall.

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Mayor Joe’s annual Boston Harbor Cruise is scheduled to set sail on August 6 departing from Long Wharf at 7 p.m. Рthis is one event that you will very much enjoy and has been packed in previous years.

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There will be a community meeting to address concerns about the development of the waterfront at Assembly Square, the land swap and plans for the Draw 7 Park – on June 17 at 6:30pm. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the process with both elected officials and the developers on hand. Look for a white tent across from the Christmas Tree Shop at the DCR pathway.

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Mark Niedergang, Somerville School Committee member from Ward 5, will host a Backyard Party and Fundraiser in his backyard at 29 Conwell Street (near Somerville Hospital) in Somerville on Sunday June 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. A buffet dinner and dessert, children’s activities, and entertainment will be provided.

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Well it’s been a couple of weeks since we mentioned the bridge and the complete corrosion in many of the support beams from the bridge (Washington Railroad bridge). To date it looks like nothing has been done and it’s getting worse. When multi-ton locomotives with their freight and passenger cars speed over the weak and unstable bridge many times in a single day, putting all who travel on it and under it at serious risk Рdoesn’t anyone care Рbefore something happens??

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Don’t forget to come out and support “Richard’s Rally” on Friday night, June 13 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Somerville City Club…it’s a benefit for Richard Papa III, who is battling leukemia Рtickets can be purchased at the door.

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Are you interested in tracing your family tree but not sure how to get started? Join reference and local history librarian Kevin O’Kelly for an introduction to genealogy!  This workshop will focus on such topics as the necessary first steps in researching, and using basic sources – both print and online – including Somerville databases and local history resources.  This free program will be held on Thursday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m., a group at the Central Library (79 Highland Avenue.)  For more information, please call (617) 623-5000.

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Union Square Main Streets, the creators of the Fluff Festival, bring you Second Wednesdays in Union Square.  From 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, pirates will be invading Union Square. Local businesses will be having special events and staying open late all in the hopes of avoiding looting and pillaging at the hands of the pirates. There will be activities for children and adults alike.  Things begin in the Union Square plaza where band Doctor’s Fox will be performing.  Make your own pirate crafts, including eye patches, while you enjoy the music.  Pick up a Union Square treasure map to guide you through the Union Square scavenger hunt, taking place at various area businesses.  Complete the scavenger hunt and you’ll be entered in a raffle for a Union Square gift certificate. Check out various local bars, including the brand new Precinct (formerly Toast), for rum drink specials.  Sherman Caf√© will be hosting an art show opening featuring local children’s art.  Bloc 11 Caf√© welcomes Taza Chocolate for a free chocolate tasting of their organic, direct trade, stone-ground chocolate made in Somerville.