On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

I was the emcee at The Fire Recovery Benefit for the recently ravaged East Somerville Community School last Thursday night at the Holiday Inn – you can catch it on City Cable. Yes, that’s me hob-knobbing with Gene Brune and Jack Connolly. Along with just about every other politician in the city, there were wall-to-wall teachers and school administrators in attendance.

It was great to see the turnout we had for the wonderful cause of re-building the East Somerville Community School. Plus, I never realized how many of my friends are now teachers in the city. Most of them I haven’t seen in years and it was very heart-warming to reconnect with them. One old friend came up to me and said hello, but I couldn’t recall who she was. When she finally told me, I hugged her and said: ‚ÄúOh my God, you haven’t changed a bit!‚Äù How stupid was that statement? If she hadn’t changed a bit I should have been able to remember who she was in the first place! I didn’t recognize her because I hadn’t seen her in 30 years, plus, she had actually gotten prettier as the years went by (there must be something magical in the Somerville water).

It was teachers, teachers, and teachers everywhere! It reminded me that if I had not resigned from my teaching job in 1981, I would be near retirement now (good move Jim). Al Pellechia and Donna Wade had the right idea.

School Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi and The principal of the High School Tony Cicciarello were also in attendance – you couldn’t ask for two more dedicated and knowledgeable men to hold such important roles as these two guys, and they ‘re both down to earth too!

Pauline, Eileen and Ellen from the WSNS seemed to enjoy themselves, and it was great seeing Thelma and her husband “Hollywood”!

The evening definitely qualified for the title of “Old Home Night” Рwe all had a blast while raising some much-needed cash. Elated Dance Band and Blues States provided top-notch musical entertainment and it was truly a night to remember. Thanks for letting me be a part of such a great effort.

When Somerville is in need of help, Somerville people step up and help!

As I drove by Somerville High School on the way back from a birthday party at Good Times on Saturday, it got me thinking about what kind of turn out there may have been if it was held 30 years or so earlier‚ĶI wonder if Mr. Giroux and his sidekick Mr. Joyce would have shown up? Mr. Gordinier and Mr. Pignatello would definitely be there, as would Mr. Walczak (if he wasn’t bar-tending at Charlie’s on Mass Ave). Miss Bowdring would be there just to keep everyone in line and Mr. DeAngelis may have brought a sandwich in a brown bag that had a little oil leak on the bottom. Of course the music department would be sitting harmoniously together – Mrs. Carafotes, Mr. Smith and Mr. Limberakis with his flawlessly coiffed hair, may have gotten up and done a tune with the band.  Mr. Da Prato, Mr. Fedele, and Mr. Perno, would have all attended.

A big auction item might have been a basketball signed by Billy Endicott or a Joe Lutoff jersey. I know you are probably thinking of more teachers as you are reading this (at this point insert the names of those awesome teachers who were big parts of our lives).

Yes, it was a great night of mingling and reminiscing and we raised a good chunk of dough for the ESCS too. Steve Mackey and Ron Bonney and all the other Chamber of Commerce members did a wicked nizzer job putting the night together – it was good to see Ray Zonghetti too.

As I mentioned during my emceeing duties that night, the East Somerville Community School had a reputation for having one of the most acoustically perfect auditoriums anywhere (am I right, music supervisor Rick Saunders?). I think the 1977 Somerville Players’ production of ‚ÄúHere’s Somerville‚Äù was a testimony to that fact – so it’s important to get it fixed ASAP!

I also have to comment on how lucky we are to have a regular guy like Joe Curtatone on our team – he always comes through at these fundraisers in a big way‚ĶJoe not only donated two box seat tickets to Sunday’s AFC game at Gillette, but also added his sense of humor and personality to the auction and to the Saturday Night Live-like ending. Thanks Joe and also to Michael Buckley too.

It was great seeing all my friends that I grew up with who are now teachers with pensions and plans for retirement and all that adult stuff. You guys look great! And it’s a good thing there were no Building Masters in attendance on Thursday night, because just like I did in High School, I think may have let a swear word or two slip.

To donate to the help restore The East Somerville Community School, make checks payable to: “Somerville Public Schools” c/o Winter Hill Bank, 342 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145.

You can email Jimmy with comments directly at jimmydel@rcn.com