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.

******************

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.

******************

Our own Billy Tauro (we call him “Scoop Tauro” around the front desk) is winding up his two years as King Lion here in Somerville. Billy has definitely made his mark with the Somerville Lions. He’s had some successful events and has also revived the Cambridge Lions. We know that he is tireless and he is one who gets involved and gives 150 percent. We are proud of him for all his hard work. He will officially retire this Friday night at the new installation of officers and president of the club.

******************

We want to be the first to congratulate Paul Carrol who will be sworn in this Friday night as the new President of the Somerville Lions Club. He will receive the gavel and we wish Paul the best of luck. At Rotary, Jean Scarpa of Century Bank will be taking over as president, and we hear that Patricia Ng of C21 Commonwealth will be taking over at Kiwanis Club. We wish all three clubs the best. They do a lot of charitable work here in Somerville.

******************

While we’re on the various clubs here in Somerville, a good friend of the Somerville Lions, the Boston Chinatown Lions Club, has a new president. Ada Lum, a good friend here in Somerville, was sworn in as their new president, replacing a very good friend Hung Goon last Friday evening. Another good friend is Ken Webber, who was installed as the Chelsea Rotary Club’s new President at an event held here in Somerville. Congratulations to all for a job well done.

******************

Happy Birthday to one of our biggest young fans, Steven Roselando, who just turned 7 years old. A great kid and a future scholar.

******************

Birthday greetings go out to Frankie Santangelo, who is known from border to border and beyond here in the ‘Ville. He’s actually got a license plate with the “Villen” on it. We hear he’s become a big fan of The News since he sold his boat. Happy Birthday Frank from all of us here.

******************

Senator Sal DiDomenico, a great guy who’s everywhere, is celebrating his 40th birthday. Again, a great guy even if he only represents one precinct in two wards here in Somerville. A lot of us feel like he’s our Senator. He always returns calls personally, not like another Senator from these parts who we hear only returns calls to those that are just as progressive. We miss Senator Charlie Shannon.

******************

Speaking of birthdays, our own Cam Toner will be celebrating her birthday this week. We wish her many more to come. She’s one of the best.

****************

The Trowel Club is meeting for a night of bowling over on Rte 2 this Thursday night at 6:15p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

******************

Joe’s Jazz & Blues Fest kicked off on Monday  and is making  its way through local hot spots during the week, and will close with an all-day free concert at Powder-house Park Saturday June 25, from noon until 7pm. The Somerville High School Jazz Ensemble will kick off the concert at noon, getting the crowd going with sounds ranging from American Jazz to Big Band. From then on, there will be non-stop music until 7 p.m.

******************

Also on Saturday enjoy the city’s annual Family Fun Day at Trum Field, from noon – 5:00 p.m. at (with a rain date of June 26) . The event will include free children’s activities, BBQ, watermelon eating contests, face painting, a Curious Creatures demonstration,  music and more. Take the family and enjoy the day.

******************

For the 18th consecutive year, Kmart encouraged its customers to help babies when they shop. This year the Somerville Kmart raised $7,274 for the March of Dimes.  Kmart customers and associates have raised a remarkable $90 million in 27 years.  These donations have enabled the March of Dimes to fund research, educational initiatives, community services, and advocacy efforts that positively affect the lives of parents and their babies.   In Somerville alone they have raised $44,049.39 in the past 5 years.  Donations raised through Kmart stores help support the complete range of March of Dimes efforts and help bring us closer to the day when every baby is born full-term and healthy.