John Shea

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

John Shea says his plays feature dozens of characters talking over and around each other because after growing up in Somerville he is used to hearing lots of voices at once.

“I find writing with a large number of characters quite easy. If I’m stuck on one plot line, I can always introduce another character and that story until I can work my way around again. It’s like having a room full of people, there’s always someone to talk to and something to do. Writing one and two character plays is far more difficult and takes a lot longer. I like crowds,” he said.

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.)

If you have to drive through Somerville in order to get to work, or drop the kids off at school, or to make a run to the store, it is usually an adventure to say the least.

Somerville commemorates Veterans Day
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Alderman Jack Connolly placed the wreath at Somerville's Veterans Day ceremonies, assisted by World War II veterans John O'Leary and Joe DiMartino. - Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran.

By Elizabeth Sheeran

A veteran is a veteran every day of the year. But November 11 is special.

“It’s a day to honor our veterans. It can’t be more special than that,” said Joe DiMartino, who fought with the infantry during the second Normandy invasion in World War II, and now serves as the chaplain for the Somerville Allied Veterans Council.

“It’s the one day that’s set aside to recognize all veterans, no matter when or where they served,” said Allied Council President Bob Hickey, who served over 12 years’ active duty in the Marine Corps, including during the Persian Gulf War.

By George P. Hassett

A shoplifter detained inside Home Depot threw punches at loss prevention officers who tried to stop him, according to police.

Sandor Vega, 34, allegedly stole 13 items from Home Depot Nov. 4. He grabbed items off the shelves and walked past the cash register without paying, police said.

By George P. Hassett

A man arrested on an outstanding warrant was hit with new charges as he was being booked after police found pills in his socks, police said.

Kenneth McAuley, 49, of 49 Marshall St., Nov. 6, 4:14 p.m., was arrested and charged with possession of a class C drug and warrant charges on Nov. 6. Police spotted him on Medford Street and stopped him in connection with warrants for shoplifting and larceny over $250.

By Jesa Damora and Bill 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.)

“Somerville has a lot of thoughtful organizations but not a lot of crazy people. We want to be the crazy inspiration that gets people asking what they can do creatively, for themselves and for their community.”

This is Gui Cavalcanti giving his take on how Artisan’s Asylum sees itself. Artisans Asylum is Somerville’s new and rapidly mushrooming non-profit community workspace. 

By William Tauro

After being discharged earlier today from Massachusetts General Hospital for multiple gun shot wounds, Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira upon arrival to his home in Billerica via police motorcade was rushed directly back to Massachusetts General Hospital.
City spokeswoman Jackie Rossetti said Oliveira’s sutures became loose and he returned to the hospital. Oliveira has been re-sutured and sent home by doctors said Jackie Rossetti.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone speaks to the press at the release of Det. Mario Oliveira from Mass General. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

(Statement from Detective Mario Oliveira, read by Acting Somerville Police Chief Michael Cabral at  Mass General Hospital earlier today)

Before I begin, I would like to pay my respect to the Krister family and offer my condolence for the loss of their son.  Their family as well as my family, has been forever affected from this tragic incident.

By Mike Rubin

Thayrone Miranda is only a freshman, but he's managed to lead the Somerville High Boys Soccer team to an impressive season ending run.

Not long ago, the Somerville boys soccer team suffered a heartbreaking loss to Madison Park High School.

As a monsoon wreaked havoc among the region, another of some sorts occurred on the Madison Park Turf Field in Monday afternoon’s Division 1 North Quarterfinal match.