Union Square - Somerville Community Blog

One of our local heroes here in Somerville got some big news recently. Carmelo Mula has been named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the president of France. The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 - we're talking something special here!

Mr. Mula has been bestowed this honor for his noble service during World  War II, during which time he contributed to the liberation of France.

Carmelo Mula served in General George Patton's Third Army. Through his heroic endeavors he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for the European Theater of Operations, three Bronze Battle Starts for the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory medal.

He also earned his corporal stripes during the Battle of the Bulge. Now that's something to be proud of!

We are so happy to see a great man like this honored. The Greatest Generation is dwindling in numbers and need to be honored while they are still with us!

This serves as a reminder for our community: freedom isn't free. It seems that many of us have managed to lose that concept.  It's kind of striking when you think about it - we have men and women fighting for us overseas - but collectively, we go on with our daily lives like nothing has changed.

How soon we forgot the horror of 9/11 - just like the terrorists predicted. 

Mr. Mula's service, along with 9/11 is something we should carry with us every day. It's the concept of sacrifice that we need to pass on to future generations. If those before us didn't to it - where would we be?

Next time you're here in Union Square, whether it be grabbing a bite to eat or getting your Somerville auto repair - stop and thank a veteran. After all, if it wasn't for veterans - you wouldn't be here!

Hat's off Mr. Mula! And most important of all - thank you! 

What a victory for small business!

The Zoning Board of Appeals have ruled in what can only be called a tremendous upset! Dipti and Umesh Mistri have won approval to move their specialty market, Little India, to a new location.

This was a battle of biblical proportion - one to tell the grandkids! The Mistris have operated Little India here in Somerville since 1985. They have always dreamed of expanding. However, they were nearly stopped in their tracks.

In another instance of big business trying to crush the little man, the proposed move of Little India to a bigger space just diagonal from its current Bow Street home, was challenged by its much bigger neighbor - Market Basket.

The Mistris were shocked! (Weren't we all.) Market Basket - afraid of Little India?  The new location is right next door, but still....

Thankfully, the Mistris had local attorney Rick DiGirolamo on their side. Rich fought on behalf of the Mistris and delivered a major win!

We understand that Market Basket was concerned about parking - I mean, who isn't? But really, this is Somerville. Parking has always been and will always be an issue. We see it here in Union Square all the time (thankfully we have our own lot).

If you want to run your business in the city, then get used to city life.

Never mind, a small family-owned grocer named Little India? I don't think Market Basket is going to lose too much business. And as far as parking goes, Little India doesn't have any now - it's a specialty store. Note to Market Basket: that's not high volume! Talk about blowing something out of proportion.

Penny-pinching titans with a scorched earth policy - we don't need 'em!

Somerville is synonymous with small business and it is about time little guys like us stand up to the corporate behemoths! Whether it's Somerville car repair, or international groceries, the little man is alive and well in Somerville. And he's just getting ready to fight!

Congrats, Mistris! Can't wait to see the new place!