Newstalk for the week of Jan. 25

This is another first, Newstalk will be weekly and after a long discussion with the former publisher/editor we will be doing a bit of the old Newstalk and the new Newstalk as done by the different owners, see if you can tell the difference. We‚Äôre proud to say that now over 20 individuals anonymously contribute to Newstalk and we are only getting bigger. If you‚Äôd like to be part of the group, just email donnortonera@yahoo.com and whatever you contribute will remain anonymous and of course edited so as not to be libel or slanderous. But to read Newstalk in its entirety, you will have to venture out into the cold and pick up a print edition. Enjoy…
                                                                  *******

We keep reading about complaints on the parking fines and new fees but not from the politically connected. The rebellion against exorbitant meter fees is coming from the little guy. When its $1.00 an hour to park in Davis Square, what does that do to the guy who works at Family Dollar for $7.00 an hour but pays $8.00 a day to park. And that doesn‚Äôt include any of the $20.00 tickets he accumulates for not feeding the meter. In this week‚Äôs issue on page 3, we have a survey designed by the owners of Uptown Johnny D‚Äôs meant to generate input and feedback on the dilemma. If no one in the administration listens, this is going to show that City Hall is simply out of touch with the public. Hopefully they listen and stand up for the working people in Somerville. 

                                                             ******
Welcome home to Professor Cheryl Walker and her lovely Mom. Cheryl recently traveled to Bangkok to visit her brother. We hear they had a wonderful, educational and warm time. 
                                                              *****
Recently ran into nurse Mary Hart who works at the clinic on Somerville Ave. If there is a more popular or caring nurse in this fine city, we haven’t found her yet. Mary is truly loved by her many patients over the years, and many friends as well as her 10 children. She’s back in school to get her degree and we wish her the best of luck.
                                                           *****
Singer of country and folk music, Eileen Jewel will use her regular Saturday time at the Tir Na NoG on Somerville Avenue for a benefit for the Somerville Homeless Coalition on Saturday January 28th at 5:30pm. The coalition has been helping the homeless in our city since 1985 and continue to do great work, we hope everyone supports them.
                                                               *******
ERA The Norton Group is one of three finalists up for the prestigious ‚ÄúDiversity Award‚Äù at the National ERA Convention in San Francisco this February. Last year the company was one of 4 offices in the United States recognized for its outstanding commitment to inclusion and diversity. Agents from ERA Norton speak over 16 languages and are proud to work in an office that celebrates and encourages their different experiences. 
                                                               *******
Last week rumor had it that DPW commissioner Stan Koty was in the hospital with a heart problem. We are glad to say he was just there on a yearly visit and check up. But rumors flew around the DPW yard real fast.
   
                                                               *******
         We have been told by a reliable source that if Deval Patrick becomes Governor of Massachusetts, our very own Mayor Joe will be at the top of the list for a judgeship as a result of his early endorsement of the 49 year old progressive candidate. If all of this does happen (and it could be a long shot), Patrick wouldn’t make his first appointment to the bench until 18 months after his inauguration. Combine that with the mandatory background check Joe would have to go through and it would be a long time before a special election for mayor would be needed. But be aware of the domino effect just in case.