This year we hear so far that the Ward 2, 3, and 6 School Committee members will be retiring, therefore some people are now considering running. We hear that one lady who is very involved with the PTA and is popular, Mary Marshall, is going to pull papers in Ward 3. We heard that couple of candidates are going after the City Councilor At-Large seats. Some other people are looking at various wards to run in. Taxes are way up.

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Book it on Facebook. A third East Somerville Reunion is set for this year. Dan Rogovich has let us know he is once again planning it. Lots of people who grew up in East Somerville have missed the last two but wanted to have a third. Thanks to Dan, who is an East Somerville lover, managed to get the Somerville City Club booked on Saturday, June 15. Dan and his assistants worked hard on the past two and they will do the same this year to make it a success. Many here at The Times are from East Somerville and we will be there, and we have already reached out to others. A small group of “down backers” behind the Bucket who grew up there in the 60’s will all be there. They meet every four or so months to talk about old times and great times. Help make this a success. Go online to Facebook to check it out. Ask Dan what you can do to help. He is looking for the food, entertainment and just plain East Somerville fun. Charlestown line to McGrath Hwy., is considered East Somerville, which includes Glen Park, Florence St. Park, Prescott School, Seven Son’s Restaurant, Trina’s on Washington, Steve’s, Tip Top, S&S Subs on Cross Street, Avenue’s, Broadway show, lower Broadway, Tufts St.

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The Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, March 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street. The purpose of the meeting is to report back to residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the Union Square area on the progress of negotiations between USNC’s Negotiating Team and US2, the master developer for the Union Square Redevelopment Project. The Project covers 15 acres around the new Union Square Green Line station, and its 2.4 million square feet of development will cost at least $1.5 billion to complete over the next 15-20 years. The USNC’s Negotiating Team and US2 have been engaged in negotiations for a Community Benefits Agreement for the past seven months.  Some progress has been made towards an agreement, but much remains to be agreed upon between the two parties. While the USNC’s twice-a-month meetings have consistently included some reporting on the status of negotiations, this meeting will provide the latest and most complete update. There will be a short presentation and then the meeting will be open to questions and comments from those attending. All are welcome to attend.

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Somerville teen residents between the ages of 14 and 17 with an interest in environmental issues, gardening, agriculture, ecology, and other related fields are encouraged to apply for two open positions on the city’s Urban Forestry Committee. Members of the Urban Forestry Committee work with city staff on a variety of issues related to the city’s more than 12,000 public trees and shrubs, including maintenance, protecting existing trees and shrubs, updating the city’s tree inventory, and teaching the public about urban forestry. The committee meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. To apply, send a letter or email explaining why you would like to volunteer for the Urban Forestry Committee to Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner Dr. Vanessa Boukili (vboukili@somervillema.gov or 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143) by Tuesday, March 26. Please also include your contact information.

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Performing Fusion Theatre presents the Somerville Theatre Festival, an exciting five days of original short plays about human rights. Hosted by the Rockwell Theatre in Davis Square. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with cash/credit bar for drinks. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. sharp on all evenings and will showcase the same plays all five nights. Performance run time is one hour. There will be two performances on Sunday, April 21, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 50% off Easter tickets. Show dates: April 18, 19, 21, 26 and 27. The Rockwell, 255 Elm St. Tickets and information at www.performingfusiontheatre.com.

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The Duhamel Education Initiative (DEI) hosts its 23rd Annual Pancake Breakfast spring fundraiser on Saturday, March 30, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the First Church Somerville, 89 College Avenue. Funds from this annual fun family event support drop-out prevention as well as new and innovative programs in the Somerville Public Schools. The entire family is invited to join the fun and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast prepared and served by members of the Somerville School Committee. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, $5 for children, or $25 for a family. Reservations are not necessary, just come by to enjoy good food and wonderful camaraderie while at the same time supporting a great cause. In case of questionable weather, please phone Doris McDaniel at 857-205-8374 or Larry Siraco at 617-447-1529 to confirm that the breakfast will be taking place. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a contribution, a check made payable to “The Duhamel Education Initiative” may be sent to: The Duhamel Education Initiative; P.O. Box 440113; Somerville, MA 02144.

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We have someone damaging our boxes out there in the streets. So far, two have been destroyed lately. If you see someone doing it call us, no questions asked. A small reward be given for letting us know who it is.

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The city’s Historic Preservation Commission is looking for folks with a passion for history to be volunteer docents at some of Somerville’s most historic sites this spring. Docents show visitors around the Milk Row Cemetery, Prospect Hill Tower, and the Powder House in Nathan Tufts Park during public openings. If you’re interested in being a docent, please send a brief profile, statement of interest, and your contact information to Lois Greenbaum via loisg@comcast.net

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Are you retired and looking for part time work, and you’re experienced in sales? Give us a call here at The Somerville Times at 617-666-4010. We are looking for advertising telemarketers.