Talking to long-time veterans in Somerville

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Nearly 10,000 veterans live in Somerville, and this Veterans Day they span nearly three quarters of a century, from the oldest of those who fought in World War II, to the youngest of the young men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Here, “veteran” veterans, who served in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, talk about serving their country and their thoughts for the newest veterans.

Joe Miceli

Joe Miceli enlisted in the Marines when he turned 18 in 1943, and fought with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was wounded in the battle for Peleliu in the South Pacific, for which he received a Purple Heart, and went on serve at Okinawa and in North China. He returned home in 1946, had three daughters, and served nearly three decades on the Somerville Police Force.

Elderly woman denied right to vote on election day in Somerville

(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.)

I must report an incident I witnessed on election day at the high school.

A frail, elderly Hispanic citizen of limited English requested help in translating her ballot. A poll worker told her there was nothing to be done to assist her. I volunteered to translate but was rebuffed by the poll worker.

The Somerville High Girls Soccer team qualified for the Division 1 North tournament for the third consecutive season.

By Mike Rubin

Meg Hennessey caused nightmares for the Somerville girls soccer team. The midfielder led the way for Winchester, recording a hat trick and an assist as Winchester erupted for five first half goals en route to a 6-0 drubbing of the Somerville Highlanders in Sunday’s Division 1 North preliminary round action at Knowlton Stadium.

By George P. Hassett

An angry and physically animated Mayor Joe Curtatone told aldermen Tuesday night he was “personally offended” by criticism of the city’s hiring practices in the fire department.

Curtatone told critics to “bring it on” and “I won’t be backed into a corner” during an impromptu speech at tonight’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Posters displayed in remembrance of Krister at a Lexington Park vigil last week.

Decorated officer wounded in shooting is recovering

By George P. Hassett

One night after 100 law enforcement officers held a vigil at Massachusetts General Hospital for a wounded Somerville detective in serious condition, another vigil was held at Lexington Park: to remember the 21-year-old man who shot the officer and died in the shootout.

Candles were lit, pictures passed around and stories were shared to remember Matt Krister in the wake of a shooting that shocked a neighborhood and left a decorated detective fighting for his life.

A big get well wish goes out to Somerville Police Officer Mario Oliveira who was shot in the line of duty last week. We hear Mario is up and recovering and getting back to his old self. Knowing Mario, he’ll be eager to return to the job but we hope he takes his time and focuses on his recovery. Mario is a very well known police officer here in Somerville and there are a lot of people in this city he has helped get through traumatic and frightening events. Keep working on your recovery Mario, we know you’re determined to come back stronger than ever.

- Photo by Andrew Firestone

Open house introduces youth organizers to the neighborhood

By Andrew Firestone

Teenagers aren’t usually the ones advocating for civic participation and social change but that’s not the case on lower Broadway.

Teen Empowerment opened its doors to the youth of Somerville Thursday inviting local residents and businesses o their new headquarters at 165 Broadway.

By George P. Hassett

A 20-year-old gangster wannabe was arrested Nov. 5 after agitating a crowd of 250 youths at a Glen Street function hall.

Darren Thornton, 20, of 392 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge, told police he was an “OG” and had tattoos to prove it as officers tried to clear the crowd. Thornton also bragged that he had been to jail, police said.

Michael Still, 32, of 293 Fayette St., Quincy, Nov. 2, 12:06 p.m., arrested on Joy Street on warrant charges.

Tara Churn, 29, of 76 Lowther Rd., Framingham, Nov. 3, 4:26 p.m., arrested on Edmands Street and charged with being present where heroin is kept.