This week, it’s the HONK! Festival 2019. The revolutionary street spectacle of never-before-seen proportions will take place October 11-13. The pre-HONK! Brass Band Blowout kicks off in Union Square on Thursday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., followed by an indoor concert at Aeronaut Brewing Company from 10:30 to 11:15 p.m. On Friday, the Lantern making workshops take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with parades departing at 6:30 p.m. from Hodgkins Park, followed by the official HONK! Kickoff Party taking place at Bow Market in Union Square from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. with an all-band revue where you will get to hear from the many bands in town for the festival. On Saturday, at 12:00 p.m., it’s the Opening Ceremony in 7 Hills Park. Come celebrate the official beginning of HONK! with the first horn blast, the HONK! Cantastoria, and the buzz and energy of over 20 brass bands converging on 7 Hills Park in Davis Square. The opening ceremony will be ASL-interpreted. The Sunday parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square will include over 60 bands and community groups. The theme this year is “We All Need a Home: Housing for All, Sanctuary for All, A Healthy Planet for All!” For more information on this year’s HONK! Festival, go online to http://honkfest.org.

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Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Patricia Norton, who passed last week. Patty was the wife of The Times’ own Donald Norton, who sadly was too ill to attend the funeral service on Tuesday of this week. Donald wants to express his sincere appreciation to all the friends who stopped by his house to offer their condolences after they attended the services. He is especially extending a thank you to Victor’s Deli for putting together the food on such short notice to cater his home after the funeral. Patty will be missed by the many who knew and loved her.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to local activist and good guy Ben Echevarria. We wish him well. From a great family and a proud Somerville guy. Happy birthday to Mike Buckley, another proud Somerville guy. We wish him a happy day. Happy birthday to one of our finest teachers here in Somerville, Scott Weaver. We wish him the very best. He’s a dedicated and good guy. Happy birthday to Mike Berry, formerly of Winter Hill, a nice guy who grew up here and lives now in FLA. We wish Mike the very best of birthdays. Happy birthday to the matriarch of the Moccias – the reason why Victor’s Deli and lunch is so successful – Rosa Moccia is celebrating and we wish her well. Happy birthday to another local, Kevin Shackelford, who is celebrating this week as well. To all former locals who are celebrating this week, we wish every one of them a very happy birthday.

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Join the City’s Engineering Department to discuss flooding issues on Perry, Dane, and Lake Streets at a community meeting on Tuesday, October 15. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Argenziano School cafeteria, 290 Washington St. The Engineering Department will also be discussing flooding issues on Richdale Ave. at a community meeting on Tuesday, October 29. Residents are invited to share their observations and concerns about flooding on their streets and learn about flood mitigation the city is working on. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Somerville High School auditorium, 81 Highland Ave.

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Candidate for Somerville City Councilor-at-Large Kristen Strezo is hosting a Halloween themed Meet-and-Greet and play date this Friday, October 11 at American Fresh Brewhouse in Somerville’s Assembly Square. Parents, caregivers, and children of all ages are encouraged to attend this free event. Costumes are welcome. Complimentary snacks will be provided as well as free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal. All She Wrote Books pop-up will also be present selling books by female, queer and non-binary authors to browse or purchase. The campaign invites anyone interested to find more information about the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/385195418801485/ or visit www.kristenstrezo.com.

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We were very sad to hear that an East Somerville favorite, Louie’s Ice Cream on Broadway, is for sale. Who doesn’t remember going there on hot summer days for a banana boat or frappe. Louie’s has been around for almost 40 years and is another long-time business that has closed up shop. Louie’s often provided free ice cream to special events including performances by our very own Somerville Sunsetters.

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All around good guy and former Alderman At-Large Dennis Sullivan and his very talented wife, Melissa Hurley-Sullivan, are celebrating nine years of marriage this week. We wish a happy anniversary to both of them.

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Join the City of Somerville and members of the SomerVision Committee on Thursday, October 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., for an Open House for the SomerVision 2040 plan. Since early 2019, the Committee has been working on the topic chapters for SomerVision 2040, which includes identifying our city’s strengths, challenges, and goals for the next 20 years. The Open House will be held in the Winter Hill School cafeteria, 115 Sycamore Street. There is no formal presentation but staff and Committee members will be available to answer any questions.

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Join East Somerville Main Streets on Saturday, October 19 (rain date of October 20) in East Somerville for the brand new Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and Costume Contest. Dress up your pet and parade around New Washington Street, then walk the red carpet in front of a panel of judges. Prizes are awarded for Best of Show, Best Owner and Pet Combo, Most Creative, Spookiest, Best Group and Best Local Representation. The parade starts promptly at 1:00 p.m. and continues right into the costume contest. Prize baskets featuring gift cards and goodies will be provided. There is a registration fee $5 for each participant who would like to bring a pet to join. It’s free for everyone who wants to come and all are very welcome. This event is supported by Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too, Zen Dog Training, Compass Real Estate, Last Hope K9 Rescue, Somerville Dog Festival, and Somerville Media Center.

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The City of Somerville Elections Department is seeking polling place workers for the Tuesday, November 5 municipal election. To be eligible to work in a polling place you must be a registered Massachusetts voter. Inspectors are paid $165 for the day and work from 6:30 a.m. until shortly after the polls close at 8:00 p.m. with a two-hour break. For more information, please contact Maria Pierotti at 617-625-6600 ext. 4200 or mpierotti@somervillema.gov.