The city’s taxpayers got a chance to voice their concerns and advocate for their causes at a Public Hearing concerning the FY19 budget before the Board of Aldermen’s Finance Committee last week.

By Jim Clark

After weeks of deliberation, debate, and compromise, the City of Somerville FY 2019 budget has finally been voted on and approved by the Board of Aldermen.

The Clean and Open Elections Task Force made recommendation plans during one of its twice-monthly meetings, held on June 26.

By Shira Laucharoen

The Clean and Open Elections Task Force (COETF) met outside the Tufts Administration Building on June 26 to brainstorm recommendations for the city intended to enhance civic engagement. Ideas included generating more information on the campaign process, to attract a more diverse pool of candidates, and building on educational opportunities for young people.

The first annual SomerWellness Fair provided information on goods and services beyond the usual scope of traditional medicine. — Photos courtesy of Somerville Local First

By Ian Erlichman

Although Marijuana is not yet available for recreational use, there are plenty of other extracurricular activities available to the people of Somerville. Somerville Local First and Sira Naturals attempted to spread the word about some of these opportunities at the SomerWellness Fair 2018 on Wednesday, June 27, at the Arts at the Armory.

Happy Fourth of July to all our dedicated and loyal readers. We hope you have a great holiday. The fireworks that were cancelled last week are re-scheduled for Thursday, July 5, at Trum Field. We hope it’s a great time as it usually is. We hear the weather is going to be hot this entire week. Should be empty around our city this weekend, with so many making early escape long weekend plans.

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Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a fantastic selection of wurst. In this case we’re talking Currywurst, kielbasa, bratwurst and knackwurst, all made in house along with the sauerkraut and mustard. So grab a couple of friends and head to the Biergarten at Bronwyn.

By Donald Norton

This past Sunday, a private dinner party at Lucia’s Ristorante in Winchester was held to celebrate 50 years of marriage between Ida and Gennaro Fasano. About 100 of their family and friends were present to congratulate the couple. Married in 1968 in Gaeta, Italy, where they both are from, they immigrated to America and have become a success story.

The Fourth of July holds a special significance in the hearts of truly patriotic Americans. Not only is it a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it also happens to fall at the best time of year to make good times happen, summer.

Who among us doesn’t enjoy the occasion? Who can resist the warm glow of good fellowship between friends, neighbors and families as the “birthday” of our nation comes around?

Deborah DiRuzza

DiRuzza, Deborah “Debbie” (Netto) of Revere, MA and Freedom, NH passed away on July 1, 2018 at the age of 64.

Born and raised in Somerville to the late John and Virginia Netto. Beloved wife of 39 years to Joseph “Joe” DiRuzza of Revere and the owner and operator of Signarama in Saugus. Devoted mother of Danielle DiRuzza of Revere and John DiRuzza of Revere and the owner & operator of Motor Worx in Peabody. Adoring niece of Doris DiRuzza and her late husband Jack of East Boston and Jean DeMarco and her late husband Anthony of Revere.

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Somerville writer Ed Meek chimes in with this review of a new novel by local novelist L.M. Brown.