***************

Speaking of which, last week
all the papers got a press release from the Martha Coakley for Senate
campaign, which was somewhat misrepresenting and distorted over her
endorsements from "Somerville Leaders" they included former Senator Sal
Albano who was thrown out of office in 1990 by then Republican and long
time Senator Charlie Shannon (Albano hasn't lived here in Somerville
since early 1991). Then there was Dot Gay, former Mayor, another one
that was tossed out of office in a primary election because she
couldn't muster enough support to win – who conveniently forgot about
the pictures she took with Mike Capuano when she was running. Then
there is State Representative Carl Sciortino – who lives in Medford,
and only 30% of his district is in Somerville, if that. Finally, the
only really credible name of the four – former Mayor and current
Middlesex County Register of Deeds Gene Brune – who is arguably the
most popular of the four and certainly the ONLY currently elected
"local leader" from Somerville. So the heading on the press release
would lead anyone outside of the city to believe that these 4 represent
Somerville as our leaders. Notice that the Farm Team over there
probably, like other publications, didn't recognize some of the names
and just printed the press release as it was sent. That just goes to
prove our point that we are the only real source for local news – at
least we know who lives here and represents us. No surprise that at
election time all sorts of misquotes and distortions happen, don't
they?

***************

Somerville Maple Syrup Fundraiser at the Independent this Saturday, December 5th from 11am to 4pm in Union Square.

***************

Lyndells
in Ball Square is celebrating 122 years in business this Wednesday,
December 2nd, giving away free cupcakes – go and get one and wish them
many more years.

***************

Lots of speculation
centered around Somerville Police Chief Anthony Holloway and the
burning question – will he go or will he stay? Be realistic, would you
spend your days in the cold northeast snowstorms all winter long
freezing to the bone, walking across the street to Union Square in
three feet of snow, dodging big snow plows and buses that always tend
to splash pedestrians with cold wet slush while just trying to cross
the intersection to get a coffee at DD's – or would you prefer to walk
to the corner outdoor café in short sleeves and sunglasses in the
sunshine state with 80 degree sunny weather dodging palm trees and
still get paid a chief's pay? It's a no brainer…

***************

Have
you noticed the accumulating number of bicyclist accidents that have
occurred around the city lately? They are either crashing into moving
cars or just plain wiping out on their own. New bicycle and auto rules
must be enforced, before someone gets seriously hurt.

***************

Who
put those concrete barriers in the foundation hole and also who paid
for the freshly paved side street on the property located at 73 Cross
Street? That project is up for sale now that everyone in the
neighborhood is upset over the loss of parking spaces and the horrible
condition it looks like. We know who the owner is – an appointed
official of the ZBA board and the bank who fronted the money is clearly
on the sign – Winter Hill Bank funded the failed project. We hear there
are 8 permits to go with the project. Hopefully the neighbors will see
improvements soon.

***************

The Annual City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is this Thursday, December 3rd at City Hall concourse.

***************

Toys
for Local Children are a volunteer non-profit organization – providing
toys and funding to over 8,000 children who have been victims of
violence, displacement or poverty. While you're in the Square, please
don't forget to visit the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign from 4pm
to 8pm in the heart of the Square and DARBI's annual Midnight Madness –
that includes exclusive sales 6pm to midnight on December 3rd.

***************

The
annual toy drive and fundraiser down at the Somerville Housing
Authority is happening once again this year, severing all the needy
families in the project. Call 617 625-1152 to donate and help out.

***************

Have
you noticed our new Somerville News and Cambridge News "Mobile/On the
Scene" unit vehicles? They are out there in full force bringing you
more daily local coverage of news and events as they happen in our
community. You can reach the new Cambridge News Weekly site here in
Somerville through our own web site. Watch for huge new developments
and things to come real shortly – this is only the beginning.

***************