It looks like long time Alderman Tom Taylor from Ward 3 will be serving as Board of Alderman President for 2012. Tom was voted unanimously, and he came in to the caucus in a wheelchair, seemingly pleased to be elected. We congratulate Tom for his recent victory and his being elected President again. He’s a good person and Alderman. His recent bout with cancer, we have been informed, is in remission and he feels confident that he can still do a good job for the residents here in the ‘Ville.

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Join the Chamber of Commerce’s Special Holiday Business After Hours Event 5-7 this Thursday night at the Center for the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland. Free appetizers, excellent networking, free business card drawing, and a cash bar. Guests are welcome to bring unwrapped Toys for Local Children. This month’s Chamber event is sponsored by the Law offices of Isaac M. Machado and Bonny Automotive. Hosted by Michelle Mulvena of Moschella @ Winston. For more information contact the Somerville chamber at smackey@somervillechamber.org

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Don’t forget this Thursday Mayor Joe Curtatone, along with the city government, will be having the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. It will take place on Thursday, December 1, on the City Hall Concourse, followed by a meet and greet with the early arrival of Santa at Somerville High School. It’s a great time for the whole family and everyone in the city is invited.

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This Saturday night, December 3, it’s the Sixth Annual “Toys for Local Children” to be held at the Somerville Holiday Inn from 6 to 10p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door so come support a great cause while having a ball! Fine Food, entertainment, live auctions, and more.

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Since our own former Mayor and present Registrar of Deeds Gene Brune announced last week that he was officially not running for re-election next year, a lot of speculation as to who might run is going on. We hear that two local women might be jumping into the race.   First of all, popular Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Houston, who presently works at Cambridge Health Alliance, is considering a run. Then there is Attorney Maria Curtatone, the sister of our Mayor, who is seriously looking at the seat. Maria is a popular lady in her own right. She was also recently voted “Best of Somerville ‘Somerville Attorney’” by the readers of The News. We’ll be watching what happens here, but there are rumblings of maybe a few others as well.

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We also hear some rumblings of some individuals that “might” consider a run for both of the local representatives’ seats and State Senator. If you keep track of the Beacon Hill Roll Call votes that appear every week in our paper you will notice one thing about the three present incumbents. They always vote the same way no matter what. It’s almost like they get together and are either told how to vote or agree on how they should vote the same way. That is speculation on our part, but we see that about 98% or so of their votes are alike. Maybe some independent voices might come out and run against one or all of them?

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Someone was in the Winter Hill Post Office recently and left behind on the counter some pictures of a young Marine in uniform. The ladies behind the counter saved them from being thrown out and have displayed them on their counter to see if anyone recognizes them. They have been looking for the owner of the pictures now for a couple of weeks. We can’t say enough about these lady Post Office employees. They are very nice and always smiling, plus they are very thoughtful.

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Birthdays here in the ‘Ville: Richard Gilberti, a long time public servant here in Somerville at the Police Department.   Ms. Linda MacLeod-Frazer another long time Somerville name. A special Happy Birthday goes out to our own Jimmy Veneziano, otherwise affectionately known has “Mr. Important.”Jimmy is a fixture here in the ‘Ville, as well as his Vermont home away from home. Happy Birthday, too, to another Somerville Public Servant, Police Captain Mike Devereaux who is also a nice guy. Another Winter Hill guy, originally a Townie, we wish Happy Birthday to is Peter Blaikie, who works here at the DPW. Another birthday this week is Charlene Harris, former School Committee person from Winter Hill. We wish her the very best. Charlene is a nice lady and is a long time ‘Villen that has raised a large family here and is still here. Nancy Moccia of “Victors Deli” fame is also celebrating; make sure you wish her Happy Birthday. Well known and local guy, not to mention a big fan of our paper, is Bill Murphy of Colony Realty, celebrating his 70th or so birthday – but he doesn’t look a day over 60.

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Condolences this past week to the family of Maria Teresa (Caruso) Bruno who sadly passed away during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Maria was a wonderful lady and will be missed.

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Former owner of the Good Times Emporium down at Assembly Square and all around nice guy Daniel Hayes passed away as well. Our condolences to his family and many friends for his loss. Dan is remembered by many for his countless acts of charity here in the ‘Ville. He donated many times his business premises to local charities.

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Our good friend, and long time former Somerville News Publisher, Bob Publicover is doing so well these days. It’s unbelievable, his courage and fortitude that he can overcome so much and get through it. He’s out walking and doing stuff that no one expected anytime soon. He is being seen at the Café at the Armory or down at the new place Three Figs, never mind out at the Mall. You can keep track of what he’s doing on Facebook. We do. We are very proud of his ability to bounce back no matter what. We are looking forward to his wedding with his long time partner David this coming spring.

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Congratulations and good luck to our friend Jeremy Gross of Winter Hill who will be installed as the new Master of the Masonic Lodge in Medford that was recently revived through his efforts, “Samuel Crocker Lawrence” Lodge. Jeremy was elected to the position and will be installed on Wednesday evening, December 14. The lodge currently meets at the Medford Elks Hall off Salem Street. If you’d like to attend email Jeremy at moly@sent.com for reservations.

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Rumor has it that the Board of Aldermen will soon be voting themselves, along with other appointees in the city, a pay raise very soon. Maybe right after the first of the year? The Mayor’s office is going to submit a request for the raises to the Board soon. How will that go over with the public? The taxes were just raised here in the city by the Board at the last meeting, so maybe it will be OK.

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There will be a Craft/Holiday Fair at the West Somerville Neighborhood School this coming Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. hosted by Lynne Lenoir and Margaret DiMarzo, two fine ‘Villens.

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We hear that the “Occupy Movement” may be coming to Somerville, in particular Davis Square. Locals in charge of this are planning on an event on or around the 10th here. Let’s see how this will go!

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Another star sighting in the ‘Ville this past week! Very reliable sources tell us that the band Aerosmith’s lead guitarist Joe Perry was seen coming out of Jerry’s Underground Hair Salon. He was reportedly spotted hurrying into a waiting SUV on Tufts Street! Jerry, the owner, is a lifelong East Somerville guy and has a salon at his home on Tufts Street – with some very impressive customers.