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.)

June. Yikes! And what a month May was! Somerville, a city that is always pulling something new and exciting out of its hat, had a very festive May, especially toward the end. The Somerville Arts Council’s experimental Porchfest should be added to the likes of their successful Art beat and the Illumination Tour. And thanks to the Mayor’s Annual Fitness challenge, I actually enjoyed the festivities 10 pounds lighter.

The Fitness challenge kept me watching the junk food intake and also getting back on the old bicycle. Thanks to Mike Meehan for encouraging me to ride again. We did 7 miles around the city with the Mayor last week. After a couple of holiday cookouts, I’d better check that scale. But it was a busy and fulfilled month. We participated in Porchfest in my driveway. For me it was extra special because after my group, The Van Buren Boys, performed, Stainless rocked the street. My two sons Joey and Jimmy are members of Stainless, along with Lance Mahon. They call themselves Stainless but I call them “My IRA!” I have a very cool street and my neighbors were all out there getting into the music. There were people smiling and dancing and singing along with the bands. There were groups of people going from one section of the city to the next, getting entertained in driveways and porches. After we finished, I was driving toward Arlington and saw at least three more groups entertaining small crowds of music lovers. It was great!

On Sunday, Somerville’s annual Memorial Day Parade was perfect. Police motorcycles escorted buses that raced through Davis Square before the parade started. They were headed up to the parades’ end where they would pick up exhausted marchers. This year’s parade was so cool. For me. These were the highlights: The Gold Star Mothers; the hand painted wall of US soldiers who died since 9/11; the bus full of residents from the Soldiers’ home in Chelsea; our brave police officers and firefighters; the representative’s of all our veteran’s organizations; the mayor, aldermen, school committee members, and state representatives; The Shriners mini-trailer trucks; the super talented and dedicated Somerville High School Music Department staff, and their well dressed and great sounding musicians. I was sitting down commenting on the parade with Tom Champion for cable television and I was melting with the heat. Everyone who participated in that parade marched in the hot sun and entertained thousands of people. Thank you all! I was just like a little kid watching one of the most exciting parades ever. I was not only proud to be an American, but also proud to be from Somerville.

The past holiday weekend acts as the unofficial start of summer. So we are off and running. Even though it seems like we went from winter directly to summer with no spring, we are finally into some nice weather.

We still have the fireworks celebration. Art beat, the Outdoor Summer Movies, The Sunsetters and much more to enjoy. Pop onto the City of Somerville website to stay aware of all that is going on in Somerville this summer. There are summer sports, music, and camping programs that you can check out online. http://www.somerville.gov/.

One of my favorite events is the Mayor’s Annual Senior Picnic. Not only do I get to see a lot of friends, I love the boxed lunches.

So go out and enjoy what Somerville has to give you. And as you are enjoying our beautiful parks, such as Powder House, please keep your dog leashed. When these huge dogs come charging at me I freak out. Their owner is saying, “Aw, he won’t hurt ya!” By that time my heart skipped two beats, and that can be very dangerous. I would rather get my exercise on my bike than by being chased by a 200 pound Siberian Wolf hound at the park.

Summer in Somerville is always very cool. I have a feeling this one is going to be Some-thing else!