Later today (Wednesday 24th) at the Somerville City Club on Innerbelt Road – across from the Holiday Inn – Union Square Main Streets will be holding its 5th Annual "Wicked Smaht: Somerville" trivia night. It starts at 6pm and should be a great time with plenty of entertainment – and you will learn a lot too – so stop by.

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A very happy birthday to one of Somerville's nicest ladies – Donna Alibrandi – wife of popular local favorite Tony. We can't say how old she is, but, we wish her the best and many more to come.

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Congratulations to Pescatore's Italian Restaurant in Ball Square, which was recently enlarged to accommodate seating of 30 people. The other night, a some Newstalk friends visited a local Italian restaurant in Magoun Square and were told it would be a 2 hour wait, so they went to Pescatore's and not only was there no wait, but the food was much better than the original destination. They all raved about the food, said the service was fantastic and said that it is definitely the best kept secret in Somerville. We love to hear stories like this – so we can share them with readers and hopefully local places like Pescatore's will see an increase in business.

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We heard that Patty (Hamel) Oppedisano, popular local waitress, has started a new job here in the 'Ville, but, we haven't verified that yet…when we do, the details will be reported here first.

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This Friday, Tufts University will host the eighth annual Presidential Symposium, an event that brings together local residents from Tufts' host communities with faculty, students and staff at Tufts to discuss ways to strengthen community-university partnerships. Tufts has proven to be a valuable asset to our community and look forward to the discussions brought up by the event this year.

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Somerville Recreation announced the 2010 Men's Softball League schedule for the spring/summer season (April to August). Coming up very soon (within the next two weeks), organizational and informational meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 2nd for returning teams and on Tuesday, March 9th for new teams. Availability for new teams is limited, and residency requirements will apply. The meetings will take place at the Recreation Building at 19 Walnut Street and both will start at 7:15pm. For more information, or to join a team, please contact League Supervisor Elaine Pieroni at 617-625-6600 ext. 2990, or EPieroni@somervillema.gov. Individuals wishing to join a team should note their name, phone number and address before the March 2nd meeting.

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The Little Sisters of the Poor will be holding their first Art Show on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 2:30pm – 4:30pm at the Jeanne Jugan Auditorium 186 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. The event is free to the public and includes wine, cheese and crackers. All pictures in the show are painted by the residents who live at the home.

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Can you believe it's that time of year again? The 6th Annual Memorial Day Parade fundraiser will be held on Friday, March 19th at 7pm in the Somerville High School Auditorium (81 Highland Ave.) – all proceeds will held support the City's Memorial Day Parade, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 30th this year. Tickets are available for $20 per person, and may be purchased by contacting the Mayor's Office at 617-625-6600 ext. 2100, or Veterans' Services at ext 4700. For more information, contact Kathy Carey at Veteran's Services.

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Also happy birthday to Michael G. Curtatone, who turns 5 this Thursday – his mother Maria is planning a birthday party for him to celebrate with all his little friends. Happy Birthday from The News, Michael!

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Shopkeepers on Bow Street are at it again and more persistent then ever to get more needed parking for their everyday customers. You might remember a few weeks back we mentioned the talk on the streets of converting the Summer Street dog park into a municipal parking lot, well now the big issue is the #85 Spring Hill bus stop that is located in front of 33 Bow Street. Store owners want it moved up about two hundred yards up Summer Street, so space can be made available for more cars to park closer to shops. The bus stop is taking up 5-6 much needed car spaces.

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Recently passing away was Gil Riberio – who was very well known throughout Somerville – our condolences go out to his family and Gil will be missed.

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Next week the ever popular Somerville Chamber Business After Hours will be held on Thursday March 4th – this time at the Olde Magoun Saloon – 518 Medford Street (off Broadway in Magoun Square) no cover, free appetizers, excellent networking for businesses here in Somerville.

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6th Annual Guns & Hoses Hockey Game will be this Saturday February 27th at 5pm at the Somerville Hockey rink – Somerville Police vs. Somerville Fire – proceeds to benefit Somerville Youth Hockey.

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Well it's the last week in February and March is coming up, which means winter is almost over and spring is around the corner – hopefully the snowstorms, both real and imagined, will come to an end and the city budget for will stop being drained every time one of them happens.

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Also condolences to the family of Anna Costa, who passed away recently – she was the owner of Moda Boutique in Davis Square – she was a very nice lady, popular and the sister-in-law of former State Representative Mary Fantasia.

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Over 250 supporters went out last week during the snowstorm to attend a fundraiser/rally for Sal DiDomenico, Everett City Councilor and Candidate for State Senate. Speaking of which, we have been told that over 45 signs of his are up on houses in just one precinct here in Somerville.