By Jim Clark

A plain-clothes stakeout was undertaken last Friday in response to complaints from residents of the Franklin and Flint Streets area of an individual’s “blatant disregard for narcotics laws,” according to police reports.

Investigators almost immediately observed what they termed as suspicious activity by the suspect under surveillance, according to police.

Somerville Police are seeking to identify the suspect who robbed a local convenience store.  On June 6, at about 9:15 p.m., the Pick and Go Convenience Store at 349 Highland Avenue was robbed at gunpoint.  The store surveillance video shows the suspect entering the store and walk up to the counter where he calmly pulls out a semi-automatic pistol and demanded cash.  The suspect then fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

By Carrie Stanziola

Saturday’s Bizarre Bazaar featured local as well as out of state talent, craft fair veterans and first-timers alike.  Some impressive displays of Massachusetts-based artists were offered by Bellyache Press, Survive Design and egg-a-go-go.

Only a few days are left until the deadline passes to take out papers to run for any of the local elections. A recent stop at the election department found all the incumbents certified on their signatures with only a small handful of challengers. Monday, June 27, by 5p.m., is the last chance to obtain nomination papers. You will need to certify only 100 for local School Board and Ward Alderman. The only ward races are now in Ward 4 and 7 with 6 possibly running for alderman at large needing 150 signatures.

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In Ward 7 it looks like Joan Puglia has delivered the first blow with her recent literature drop throughout the ward having to do with the fines that are being charged by the city. It was a well-written piece. Keep an eye on Ward 7. We hear that Bob has been door to door himself. This won’t be the first time he has a run in a tight race.

The East Somerville Community School’s new look will be modern, while incorporating natural elements such as a vegetated green roof and plenty of natural sunlight.

By Harry Kane

The East Somerville Community School located at 115 Pearl St. is set for its grand opening just days after New Years in January of 2013. They have maintained the original structure or shell of the building that was constructed in 1972 and are now in the final stages of cleanup. Michael Marcella, the Senior Project Manager of Gilbane Building Company stated, “Reconstruction of this Community School begins in three weeks.” For now there appears to be a lull as the demolition comes to a halt and the bidding for trade contractors begins.

Engraved bricks from the Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation Engraved Brick Campaign will grace the walkway leading to the atrium entrance of Somerville High School.- Photo courtesy of the Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation

By Cathleen Twardzik

The Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation Engraved Brick Campaign is now upon us.

The foundation invites community members to purchase a memorial brick.  Each brick will be permanently engraved with the names of families, students, alumni, teachers and friends.  They will grace the walkway leading to the atrium entrance of Somerville High School.

~Photos by Donald Norton

By William Tauro

Mayor Joseph Curtatone, the City of Somerville, and Veteran’s Services conducted a long awaited and well deserved street dedication this past Saturday afternoon to honor the seven Ciampa brothers of Somerville. The brothers were born and raised at 66 Pearl Street in Somerville, five of which became veterans of WWII, one of Korea, and one who became a well known local doctor.

Picture the scene: members of a local homeowner association taking action against a resident who would have the nerve to mar the orderly image of their neighborhood by brazenly hanging wet laundry outdoors for all the town to see. The day is saved, however, by the valiant efforts of the politicians who step in and prevent the overbearing antagonists from denying the “right to dry” to the downtrodden victims.

Sound familiar? Is it an old Ma and Pa Kettle movie? Maybe an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies? No, the Clampets have not hit town, and the above-described scenario is not fictional. Our own state legislature is currently studying a proposed measure that would indeed prohibit such homeowner associations and similar bodies from restricting a resident’s right to put up and use a clothesline.

By Jim Clark

An assault victim reported to police that he had been struck with a guitar while walking to work on Kent Court last Thursday.

The victim stated that a man confronted him and yelled for him to get off of “his” street and then allegedly twice struck the man with a guitar. The victim reportedly fell to the ground, dropping his cell phone, which was then picked up by the assailant, who then left the scene, police said.

(L-R): Team “Big O” Winners Matt Buckley, Jason Grossfield, Frank Wright, Lori Massa, Melisa Tintocalis, Bob Collins, Brad Rawson, David Shapiro, Orazio DeLuca, and Angela Allen with Mayor Joe Curtatone.

Mayor Curtatone announced the winners of the 2011 Mayor’s Fitness Challenge last week. The Top 6 Individual Winners are: 1 – Nahomi Carlisle; 2 – Orazio DeLuca; 3 – Bob Collins; 4 – Michael Meehan; 5 – Andy Metzger; 6 – John Harding. The Team Winner was Team “Big O,” comprised of City of Somerville employees from Law, OSPCD, and Purchasing.