Newstalk – August 17

On August 17, 2011, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Before all the progressives here in Somerville feel slighted and upset with us again, it’s been pointed out to us clearly that not all progressives are in tune with the Progressive Democrats of Somerville. Actually, the organization has been losing individuals lately because of the direction and ways the organization has been heading. Saying that, we hear that its Chairman, Marty Martinez, who was elected a few years back, is looking to resign. You remember him. He ran for office and lost three times. We feel bad here that he is looking to resign. Some of us think he’s doing a great job with the club.

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Last week’s Progressive Democrat meeting was held over at the Lowell Street VNA. A grand total of 18 people showed up to see the candidates they voted to endorse that night. Of course, their candidate, Ms. Barber in Ward 4, was recruited by them so it’s no surprise that she was endorsed. But were trying to figure out why the endorsement went with Ballantyne up in Ward 7 and not to Joan Puglia. At least Joan, we hear, never voted Republican, but Ballantyne  pulled a Republican ballot in 2006. We hear that she tried denying it when it was brought up, so we checked and, yes, she did pull a Republican ballot (nothing wrong in that, but it just goes to prove that those Progressives that seek out this phony self serving  endorsement will say anything, even fibs to get elected). That’s not a problem with the PDS, inside sources tell us. They were slated to endorse her before the meeting – a sort of in the bag type of thing, but we are still getting information, maybe more to tell next  week.  And then the Alderman-At-Large, the usual suspects of Bill White (who hitched a ride again we hear) and his neighbor Dennis Sullivan. To no one’s surprise the PDS endorsed them, another endorsement we  hear that was in the bag as well. Finally, a not so large crowd of 18 of the  Progressive Democrats attended the pre selected slate of candidates, FYI a record turnout of 18 is huge over the past couple of years. Before this meeting we we heard that they could have gathered in a phone booth, so to speak.

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So our good Friend Kenny Manzi and Edie got married a week or so back and had their reception at the Dante club. But certain long time friends didn’t get an invite although the Clowns did. As a matter of fact, we hear that a full table of Clowns were present. Best of luck and congratulations to Kenny and Edie. May they both have a long and happy life.  Just a footnote: Edie bakes some fine cakes for ceremonies. We hear she baked her own wedding cake.

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Happy Birthday to all those here and elsewhere in the ‘Ville, especially to Courtney O’Keefe who celebrates today Wednesday. Courtney is well known in Ward 5 and elsewhere in the city. To long time born here Maureen Hart Maguire who is celebrating this week. Ricky Clark who is a good guy here in the ‘Ville. Finally, to Aylssa DeSantis, who is celebrating her 8th birthday as well as Kenny Nichol his 7th here in the ‘Ville.

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Lots of controversy surrounding bicycle parking complaints at Market Basket on Somerville Avenue.  It seems that a local bicycle advocate group is making lots of noise, accusing that Market Basket doesn’t have enough bicycle racks for bike parking. After hearing this we paid the site a visit on our own and noticed about ten bicycles chained up to the racks with plenty of room for more. Some folks like drama!

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Speaking of drama, where’s the Drama Queen herself Joan the mouth been hiding? We heard a rumor that she’s hiding out on one of her daily trips to the Connecticut casinos planning out her next role of disruption while she’s still out on some kind of respiratory issue compensation claim with the city and breathing in all that smoky casino air at the same time!

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A get well greeting goes out to Somerville native, our good friend and one of our devoted fans of The News, Flora Pignatiello. Flora is a lovely lady and in the hospital with a broken hip after a bad fall last week. We wish her all the best for a speedy recovery.

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Steve Dalryple and the Medford Lion’s invite you to come down to Medford City Hall on August 27 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and see some gorgeous cars, motorcycles, and more at the Medford Lion’s Club Summer Auto Show.  The Lion’s Eyemobile will also be there doing free eye exams. Contact Steve at (617) 628-6251 to register your showcar.

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Congratulations to one of our own writers, Cathleen Twardzik,  on her recent engagement, The happy couple is planning an October wedding, we wish them the best.

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Don’t forget “Going Green on Rt. 16,” the City’s third installment of the 2011 SomerStreets series, is scheduled for Sunday, August 21st from noon – 4:00 p.m. along Route 16 (Alewife Brook Parkway), from Broadway to Dilboy Stadium.  For this unique event where “roads are closed to cars and open to you!” programming will extend along Route 16 in West Somerville, and will include live music, recreation programming, environmental exhibitions, sports demonstrations and much more.  This event will celebrate environmentally-friendly programs and policies and invite residents of all ages to learn more about what the City is doing in these areas, while having fun!   SomerStreets is the City’s Open Streets Initiative, which closes sections of roadways one Sunday per month to promote and support active living – walking, biking, running, dancing, etc.

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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone invites all community members to attend an interactive community meeting to discuss the results of the City’s Well-Being Survey, which was conducted earlier this year in conjunction with the annual City Census and via anonymous resident surveys. The final City report will be presented and discussed at a participatory community meeting on Tuesday, August 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Somerville High School Library. This qualitative anecdotal information will further inform our research. All are invited.

 

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