Have you heard about Spirit of Somerville? Well you’re about to. It’s the name of the book that has been written by one of Somerville outstanding good guys, former mayor and recently retired Middlesex County Registrar of Deeds, our own Eugene “Gene” Brune. He’s finally done it. Gene has penned his book that is being released soon, Spirit of Somerville. It’s all about his growing up here in the city he has loved, his family, his political carrier of over 40 years right up to his recent departure at the Registry of Deeds. Frankly, we don’t know how he found the time to do this with all the volunteer work he has done here in the city with many of the nonprofit organizations, helping to raise funds to support them and their causes, especially if it’s about Somerville and its residents. Gene has made a point to be present at several book signings this coming September, so get ready and get in line. It seems like everyone has been touched by Gene Brune in this city over the years, so now we all get to see if he’s mentioned you in his book. The first signing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, at the Arts at the Armory on Highland Avenue, from 7-9 p.m. If you miss that then be at the Mount Vernon Restaurant on lower Broadway on Tuesday, September 10, again 7-9 p.m. The third signing will be Wednesday, September 18, at The Book Shop, Ball Square. Gene is a great guy, and has given so much here in the city to a lot of people. His book covers decades of life here in Somerville. We’re going to be at one of the signings, are you?

There has been a lot of discussion lately regarding the highly debatable pros and cons of the many city sponsored outdoor events taking place lately.

Many argue that the profuse number of street closures occurring to facilitate the foot races, festivals, etc., place too much of a burden on a significant number of residents who would rather see these events moved to other locations.

The old Post Office building at 237 Washington St. will be decommissioned by the Postal Service once the new Bow St. facility is put into service. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The United States Postal Service building in Union Square will close their doors and a smaller, nearby shop will replace the traditional post office with a downsized storefront. This transition has not begun yet, but once renovations on the new site are finished, the modern Post Office will be relocated to 16 Bow St.

Ted Ollier, one of several “lo-fi” photographers exhibiting at the Washington Street Art Center show, proudly stands before his works on display. – Photo by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

The last thing that many people expect from an exhibition might be the one that is filled with blurred and fuzzy pictures made by lo-fi cameras. Certain Somerville photographers disagree, however. In fact, they prove to people that toy cameras, or even cellphone cameras, can make art.

Brian Coveney of Somerville is the happy winner of “The Bruins Cruiser.” Brian purchased his winning ticket at Bostonian Florist on Highland Ave. in Somerville during the “Seize the Summer” event on July 28. Pictured here is the lucky winner with Ada Tauro, owner of Bostonian Florist, and Matthew Madden, a resident of Auburndale, MA, and a member of the Boston Bruins Foundation Pan-Mass Challenge Team. All proceeds from the raffle went to the Boston Bruins Foundation/Pan- Mass Challenge team.

Everything And Everyone performed at Radio bar in Somerville – Photo by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

If you are a fan of indie pop or surf rock, the Massachusetts native band, Everything And Everyone is for you. Based in New England, Everything And Everyone performed at Radio bar in Somerville on Wednesday night, August 7. Supported by friends and local residents, the band gave out free copies of their debut album, Hard To Try, as well as sunglasses with their name printed on them. The show also featured another local band, Fantastic Liars.

The Somerville Homeless Coalition’s annual fundraiser road race is set to take place on October 5, beginning at 9 a.m. in Davis Square.

Voted one of New England’s top 80 races in 2010 by New England Runner magazine, the race is a highly anticipated event drawing runners from near and far to participate in the challenge.

Somerville artist Pauline Lim walked into the Sherman Cafe with a very  focused stare and joined me at my usual table. She told me that she just finished meditating in preparation for our interview. After wiping the few remaining crumbs of my luscious oatmeal scone from my table ( A  staple of my morning for years now), we began to talk about her  work and life as an artist.

Dennis Daly  is an accomplished poet.  He is the author of a couple of books, including his poetry collection The Custom House ( Ibbetson Street Press).  He is also an occasional  contributor to The Somerville News, and a member of Somerville’s  “Bagel Bards.” Here he writes of days of yore…

Moderate structural damage and light personal injuries were sustained by the blaze which broke out on Banks St. Tuesday morning. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

A house fire in Somerville Tuesday morning displaced eight tenants, according to Deputy Chief Patrick Sullivan III. Firefighters responded to the three-alarm Porter Square fire after receiving the call at 5:05 a.m.