Tonight (Wednesday) is the public hearing on the Powder House School. Now that Tufts is out of the picture, let’s hope the city now does the right thing in finding a real developer that will build something that the city can benefit from both in looks and taxes. The meeting is in the Tufts Administration Building on Holland Street (Old Western Junior High for those Villens out there) at 6:30 p.m.  Make your voices heard on the proposals – or lack of them. Don’t let hired outside planning department employees dictate what they want.

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Enjoy an afternoon with Irish storyteller Joe Keane. He will be weaving a collection of his own work with tales for the past as he offers deeper insight into the magic of Irish traditions and landscape. The event will be held Sunday, April 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.

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Agassiz Preschool is an arts-based, parent cooperative, where all children can learn to fully be themselves. Join the kids of Agassiz, their parents, teachers and neighbors from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 12, on the corner of Spring and Summer streets for a dynamic and creative event that showcases local and “repurposed” art in a fundraiser to help fund enrollment of local, preschool-aged children at the school. Enjoy live music, sample delicious fare from a variety of Somerville’s culinary masters, sip tasty local brews and exchange your monetary donation to the Agassiz Scholarship Fund for fabulous artworks and arts-related services provided by the artists, artisans, and “amateur collectors” in the community in a fun and relaxed silent auction. Afternoon events include crafts for kids, a photo booth (appropriate for all ages!), and a drawing to win a grand prize food and drink package from local vendors and restaurants. Come nourish the development of creative, independent minds and a sense of community while supporting local businesses and buying great art!

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“The Duhamel Education Initiative” will be having its 18th annual Pancake Breakfast this SATURDAY, MARCH 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 89 College Ave. (enter through the side door). The suggested donation is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children 10 and under (or $25 per family). This is an effort to raise funds benefit to students at Somerville’s public schools. Paul Duhamel was a School Committee member who was active in the community and devoted to the welfare and wellbeing of students. Please, come one, come all. No reservations are needed. If the weather is bad, contact Doris McDaniels at 857-205-8374 for any changes of date.

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Next Wednesday evening (April 2) at Giggles Comedy Club (Prince of Pizza) on Route 1 in Saugus, the local Masonic organization is sponsoring another fun-filled evening open to the public. Doors open at 630 p.m., and the price of $25 per person includes all the pizza and salad you can eat and a couple of hours of laughter with professional comedians. The event will be hosted by our own Jimmy DelPonte, who needs no introduction to us here in the Ville. He has a reputation of being a comedian himself.   Tickets will be sold at the door. The money raised goes to the HMTA building association, which hosts Somerville’s only Masonic Lodge King Solomon’s Lodge.

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Also coming up in April on the 12th is the annual open house for the Masonic Lodge at 125 Highland Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come and view the historic building and get answers to any questions you might have about Masonry in general.

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Starting next week the city begins its street sweeping program. Sweeping begins Tuesday, April 1, and runs through Dec. 31. Check the posted signs on your street for dates so you don’t get that ticket. Who knows? Maybe the city can cut here, so instead of twice a month, maybe just once a month street sweeping?   Might save money and definitely save on tickets. Who knows…maybe cut back on payroll in the T&P department?

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Happy birthday to some of our fans here in the Ville and some whose hearts are still here in the Ville. Big-time happy birthday to Rachel Hart-Adams, who is celebrating this week. Our good friend Brendan Ruiz celebrates this week, as well. And how can we pass up saying birthday greetings to Ed Bean, who is well known throughout the city for his math skills. We wish him the very best and many more. Happy birthday to Jimmy Halloran, who works at UMass and is also a good guy. His family is well known throughout the city. And to our good friend and great tax preparer and accounting lady Diane O’Brien, who has her offices on the second floor in Davis Square over Mike’s, We wish her the very best of birthdays. She’s a great lady, fantastic at the numbers and a great advisor. And to our former writer and Editor Andrea Gregory, who is celebrating this week (as is her son, who just turned 17 last week as well), we wish them both a happy birthday and many more to come. Andrea is a fine person and a great writer.

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The annual Somerville High Scholarship Raffle is being planned by the committee for May 16 at the Highlander Café. Like every year since 1990, the raffle is limited to 250 tickets at $100 each. The grand prize will be $10,000. Get your tickets early and support this fine organization that helps to give students at the high school scholarships.  Make check payable to the SHS Scholarship Foundation and mail to the following: S.H.S. Raffle c/o Joseph Favaloro, P.O. Box 440275, Somerville MA 02144. Upon receipt of your check, your ticket will be mailed to you. Or you can call Gene Brune at 617-628-5835.

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The Mount Vernon Restaurant , 14 Broadway will play host to the newest comedy room in Massachusetts called “The  Joke is On You” on Saturday night March 29 at 8:30 pm.
Paul Nardizzi (appearances on Conan O’Brien), Gary Leavitt (“The Wizard of Stars”/celebrity impressionist) and the “Wicked Funny” Dan Miller will be performing opening night. Doors open at 7:30 with an optional Dinner/Show package available. For reservations you can call the Mount Vernon at 617 666-3830. For more info email gary.leavitt@comcast.net

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A reunion of sorts for all those that grew up in East Somerville. If you spent your teenage years growing up in East Somerville in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, there is a call out to attend an event at the City Club (across from Holiday Inn) Saturday, July 12, from 7 to 11p.m. Food, entertainment and the best part -come and meet all your friends you grew up with and had a great time. East Somerville was a special place: Everyone knew everyone else; we all had our special place we hung out at but we also were proud of the fact we were from the best section of the city. Check out the Facebook page created for all who are interested called “East Somerville Reunion.” This has been started by Dan Rogovich, who is also on Facebook and has worked hard to get this going. Growing up at Glen Park, Florence Park, Down back, Bucket of Blood, Prescott School, Tin Roof, Tar Pits, Cross Street, Lower Broadway, Franz Diner, Tin Roof, Benedicts, The Avenue, State Spa,   and plenty of other places we all know. It was an exciting place, and we all have some great memories and stories. Go on Facebook and let them know you are coming. They are also looking for donations to cover expenses, and all donations go directly to cover the event for the night. For now, If you don’t have Facebook, contact Donald Norton at 617 623-6600, ext. 11.

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The PTA 40th Anniversary Scholarship Dinner Dance is coming up May 2 at Anthony’s in Malden. Set aside the date and contact PTA Council Chairperson Donna Romeo. Tickets can be purchased at the schools.