The shell game continues with the “New and Improved” Condo Conversion Ordinance being proposed by Princess Rebekah of Ward 6. First she misleads everyone into thinking that the Greater Boston Real Estate Board was in favor of this ordinance Рwhich turns out to be completely false – and now the administration is setting up an “Informational Session” on Oct. 16 at the High School. There will be NO question and answer portion of the session, which to anyone with half a brain is confusing if you think about it. A lot of people will think it’s a Public Hearing on the ordinance, but its not…we think it’s a waste of time. We also think it’s meant to confuse people, so that when it comes to the actual hearing Рthere won’t be a crowd like two years ago. Write this down Рas of now, the Pubic Hearing with the Board of Aldermen is set for Nov. 18 and that is when you can make your point for or against the ordinance and ask questions and (hopefully) get some answers. We want to know whose bright idea it was to have the informational session? Probably some paid staff person at City Hall?

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Great family night at the first annual fireworks down along the Mystic River at Assembly Square – the crowd was estimated to be well over 1,500 in total. Thanks to Federal Realty Investment Trust for sponsoring it along with the City of Somerville and Redbones for the delicious food. All afternoon and into the evening the crowd grew and grew until the waterfront was packed with folks ready to see the spectular fireworks. This is only the beginning of a long tradition here in Somerville, Mayor Joe worked very hard to get Federal Realty to have this, and according to the mayor, it will grow every year while the surrounding cities of Medford, Malden and Everett join in. Another job well done bringing Somerville closer together, we congratulate the mayor and his staff.

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Paul Senesi, son of popular local guy Frank Senesi (the city’s Director of Veteran’s Services), was promoted in September to the rank of SGT 1st Class (E-7) in the US Army. Paul is stationed at Camp Drum in New York with the 10th Mountain Division and will deployed for the third time to Iraq sometime in November. Congrats to Paul on his promotion and thank you for serving our country!

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Starting Oct. 23 through Oct. 26, the Regent Theater in Arlington is putting on a Halloween production to benefit Cradles to Crayons called, Once Upon… A Haunted Fairy Tale- Chapter 1: the Magic Pumpkin. The show is a Big Smile Entertainment production that features a seasonal take on classic fairy tale themes. In addition to watching the production, Massachusetts area children will have the chance to actually participate in the show! Parents can enter their children by sending a photo and letter to Big Smile Productions explaining why they would like to have the special honor.
Tickets are $12.50 each and all proceeds will benefit Cradles to Crayons in helping thousands of children throughout Massachusetts. Group tickets are available for $10/ticket for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be ordered online at www.regentTheatre.com or by phone at 781-646-4849 and are on sale now with a limited number of seats available.

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We hear that Herb Chambers the auto giant is going “green” here in Somerville Рright in Union Square we heard he’s planning on expanding his Vespa Moped Line into a dealership in the middle of the square.

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East Somerville Main Streets (ESMS), in cooperation with the city, this week announced a citywide call to residents and artists to capture unique characteristics of East Somerville through photos, for a chance to be featured in an exhibit at City Hall during the months of November and December. “Interpreting East Somerville” will feature photography of local residents, artists, and community members, displaying their impressions and ideas of the vibrant East Somerville neighborhood. Deadline for submissions is Monday, Oct. 20. Winning entries will be selected by a jury of East Somerville community members, and displayed throughout City Hall beginning on Nov. 6. Entrants do not need to have a professional background in photography. Email entries to interpretingeso@hotmail.com.

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Please join local Masons and neighbors on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Mystic Valley Masonic Lodge Blood Drive – they are located at the Arlington Masonic Temple, 19 Academy Street, Arlington, MA 02173. Give the gift of life – and help support a worthy cause!

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At www.thesomervillenews.com Рour new web site is finally here this week, the TypePad site will still be maintained for archival purposes and the new look of the paper will appear online. One thing we’re excited about is the Daily Poll, which will be on the website every day. Recently the paper had to increase printed copies by an additional 1,000 because we were running short in locations and more and more people called the paper looking for copies. We will be adding additional boxes across the city very shortly as well more distribution spots.

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Over 400 attendees at Ellie Blute’s retirement party last week and we hear through our Newstalkers there that it was an enjoyable time by all and Ellie was very happy about the turnout. Oh and yes, it did turn out to be a Dot Gay reunion of sorts Рbut we heard Cathy didn’t show up Рmaybe she didn’t get the voice mail? Or did she?

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Somerville Lions 75th Anniversary Dinner is right around the corner and tickets are still available. The event is Oct. 24 at the Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. The Lions are a great organization especially here in Somerville – they have been a major part of our community and have contributed to the well being here. For tickets call Tom Murphy at 617-666-8050.

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Happy Birthday to couple of nice kids who live here in the heart of the Ville!   Ms. Marissa Soares who turned thirteen this past weekend and also Happy Birthday to Ms. Olivia Richards who turned five years old this past week as well.

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Apparently the Board of Aldermen don’t have a whole lot of faith in the process done recently by the City of Somerville Historic Preservation Commission when they submitted a huge list of homes and other buildings that they wanted designated. The Aldermen are making sure that the process is going to be done fairly from now on. Each property owner will be officially notified Рand there has to be proof of it.

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Another burning issue of late is the Governor’s proposal to do away with the police doing detail work and replacing them with Flagmen in hopes of saving money Рbut we hear that’s not really true, we also heard that the some Police Officers said they would fight the proposal to the end to defeat it! We support the Police doing detail work here and think the Governor is making a huge mistake, it’s extra income to those that serve and protect us.

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The City of Somerville, in partnership with the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA), the Operational Services Division, and the Commonwealth‚Äôs Affirmative Market Program, the City will host a free educational opportunity entitled ‚ÄúDoing Business with State Agencies & Public Procurement.‚Äù  On Tuesday, October 21st, residents, community members and business owners are invited to attend the workshop in the Aldermanic Chambers at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.