By William Tauro

Protesters picket in front of the Chambers Motorcars of Boston  located on McGrath Highway in Somerville on Friday.

The protesters  held signs stating “Workers Rights are Human Rights”  and demanding that the auto giant hire more local tax paying workers.

By George P. Hassett

Somerville vice cops busted two alleged hookers at the Holiday Inn Nov. 19, according to police.

Detectives followed up on an online listing advertising sex for money in Somerville and were led to Nicole Moynihan, 23, of Pawtucket, RI, police said.

By William C. Shelton

(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.)

In this space last week, Mayor Joseph Curtatone wrote a column entitled “Setting the record straight,” defending his administration’s failure to consider for appointment to its reserve firefighter force candidates Sean O’Brien and Jason Bonner, who were in first and fourth positions on the civil service list. His explanation is a compilation of misleading and sometimes false statements.

Melanie Demattia, Kung Choyang and Yenifer Velasquez (left to right) sample herbs in the Healey School garden, with Gardens Coordinator Tai Dinnan. - Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville school gardens sow the seeds of smarter food choices

By Elizabeth Sheeran

At lunchtime recess on a sunny fall day, the Arthur D. Healey schoolyard is swarming with third and fourth graders playing ball, tag, or just hanging out. Off to one side, a few kids pick leaves off an interesting-looking plant, and each takes a nibble.

Time to call Poison Control? No, they’re just getting a taste of the licorice-flavored herb anise hyssop in the Healey School garden, under the watchful eye of School Gardens Coordinator Tai Dinnan.

The Somerville Homeless Coalition's Annual Early Thanksgiving Dinner provided a home-cooked meal for over 50 homeless and low-income individuals. - Photo by Jen Merrill.

Local food pantries face challenge year-round

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Thanksgiving in the United States is traditionally a time to celebrate abundance in a land of plenty. But for many local residents, hunger doesn’t take a holiday.

The Greater Boston Food Bank reports that as many as half a million people in Eastern Massachusetts are now getting help from its regional network of food pantries, including as many as 170,000 children and teens. That means one in 10 area residents faces hunger on a regular basis.

- Photo by Winelle Felix

Teen activists give thanks

By Winelle Felix

Baby blue walls and dent in ceilings held a cozy Thanksgiving Dinner at the Somerville Teen  Empowerment with youths 14 to 21 165 Broadway Ave.

“At Somerville Teen Empowerment we approach teen issues at Somerville in positive ways,” said Nelly Thermitus, a 19 year-old employee. “We allow them ways to express their talents through activities like rapping theater and spoken words. it helps them workout the negativity from the cops.”

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.)

Everyone hopes that their Thanksgiving dinner goes off without a hitch. There are in-laws and future in-laws to impress, and hungry stomachs to satisfy.  If you are the host or hostess, there is a lot of pressure on you to present a flawless feast. But in reality, we know that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Here are some turkey  day testimonials by some of my friends about Thanksgiving dinners, gone bad.

By George P. Hassett

Police arrested two men accused of smashing a car window and stealing a GPS device in Davis Square on Nov. 18.

Michael Barnett, 30, of 500 Mystic Avenue, and Adam Leal, 26, of 500 Mystic Avenue were arrested on Broadway and charged with receiving stolen property over $250.

By George P. Hassett

Tax hikes passed unanimously

Taxes in Somerville are going up for residents and business owners, even as one aldermen points out that business profits and family savings are down.

“They’re not making money and we’re going up on taxes,” said Ward Seven Alderman Bob Trane at Tuesday’s meeting.