Michael Knoblach met me at my usual table at the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square. He is a big man, with thinning shoulder length hair, and a deep but somewhat hushed voice. He is what I would call a renaissance man, a man with an eclectic range of interests and sensibilities.
A graduate of Tufts University, the former Somerville resident still conducts much of his business in the ‘ville. Among other things Knoblach is an antiques dealer and used to do a lot of business with “Poor Little Rich Girl” when it was still in Somerville.

Arrests
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Rita Smith, 34, of 8 Dartmouth St., Nov. 22, 5:32 a.m., arrested on Broadway and charged with unarmed robbery and conspiracy.

Michael McGann, 50, homeless, Nov. 22, 5:40 p.m., arrested on Hawkins Street and charged with drinking from an open container and disorderly conduct.

Willard Philbrook, 59, of 17 Banks St., Nov. 23, 11:40 a.m., arrested on Highland Avenue on warrant charges.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone will lead the celebration for Somerville’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Thursday, December 2nd. The event originally had been scheduled for the previous evening, but has been moved due to rainy weather in the local forecast.

The event also will feature a special visit from Santa, caroling by the Somerville Community Chorus, holiday music by the Somerville High School Band, the kickoff for the Toys for Local Children campaign, festive fun and holiday refreshments. All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend as the City ushers in the holiday season.

By William Tauro

Neighbors  worried and voicing their concerns over hundreds of motor vehicles that continuously park at the abandoned Star Market located at 299 Broadway.

Abutters of the vacant property are concerned over alleged drug deals and teenagers just hanging out in vehicles day and night amid the parked vehicles that park  in that lot on a daily basis.

One abutter said” you can’t tell the good guys from the bad guys, what cars are allowed to park there and who’s partying!”

By Mike Rubin

The Somerville Highlanders cruised to a 34-6 win over Matignon in Thursday's Thanksgiving Day showdown.

Joshua Scarry saved one of his finest performances for last.

The senior running back rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown and Devon Hairston added two scores as the Highlanders coasted to a 34-6 win over Matignon in Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day match-up at Dilboy Field.

By Mike Rubin

St. Clement’s running back Michael Julce emerged from last week’s Thanksgiving Day game with more than a full stomach. Julce rushed for a touchdown and Tim Rezendes added a pair as St. Clement rolled to a 31-14 win over Trinity Catholic in Thursday’s match-up at Daly Field. With the win, the Anchormen finished the season at 5-6 overall.

Embattled Middlesex County Sheriff James DiPaola was found dead in Maine today from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound.

The Boston Bruins Alumni Team led by Rick Middleton will join Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Police hockey team to support Somerville Youth Hockey at the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Rink on Somerville Ave. on Saturday, November 27^th.  Middleton’s team will include Terry O’Reilly, Ken Hodge, Ken Linseman, Bob Sweeney, Don Marcotte, Bruins broadcaster Andy Brickley, Hall-of-Famer Brad Park and Bruins legend Ray Bourque.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The Bloc 11 Café’s Year of Music Anniversary special will be held on December 1 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

The café “will pull out all stops” by “flaunting a new sound system,” as well as have a cash bar, at which wine and beer will be available.  Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Bloc 11’s catering branch.

Moreover, that night, rock out at the following artists’ performances: One Happy Island, Kristen Ford Band, Audrey Ryan, Kevin Byrne, Charlie Cover, Colin Kelly  and Abbie Barrett.

Somerville Community Growing Center offers fresh evergreen wreaths for the holidays.

By Cathleen Twardzik

This year, the Somerville Community Growing Center will again offer fresh evergreen wreaths for the holidays – all of which are artistically hand-decorated, by volunteers or by community partners, such as Gaining Ground in Concord.

The adornments include dried flowers, berries and pine cones – and, to top it all off, an attractive bow.  Further, the wreath base was purchased from Wilson Farm.