A short sale seminar is being held tonight, Wednesday, Jan.  19 at 7 p.m. at  The Norton Group Real Estate office at 699 Broadway, Ball Square. It’s free to any homeowner or homebuyer that wants to learn how it works.   Homeowners can learn how to sell for less than market value, pay no fees including real estate commissions. The event is free with no obligations.

***************

With all the snow piling up across the city, we can all see how well the DPW has done their job here, compared to other cities, we congratulate them.

***************

Happy birthday to a nice guy Bob Daut,  a resident here in the city for many years and a successful practicing attorney.

***************

Condolences to the family of long time Somerville resident Androniki (Topouzoglou) Kargatzis.   Many of you may remember Androniki from the Ocean Reef Restaurant that used to be located on Elm Street in Somerville.  Androniki was a wonderful woman and will be sadly missed.

***************

Massachusetts government lost a good friend last week.  Governor’s Councilor Michael Callahan lost his battle with cancer and passed away one hour before his predecessor was being sworn into office.   Michael was a great guy with a long history as a Public Servant who has helped many people over the years, especially here in Somerville.

***************

Another reminder for the Fundraiser for Det. Mario Oliveira who was shot last November here in Somerville. The fundraiser is to be held on Friday January 28 at the Somerville City Club, 7-10 p.m. cost of a ticket at the door is $20.00. We encourage everyone to fill up the place wall to wall with friends here in the city who has known Mario all his life here.

***************

Registration for evening classes at the High School for the upcoming semester is in progress. A lot of courses are being offered and at reasonable prices, check them out and register at the High School evening main office after 5 p.m.

***************

The Kennedy Pool is raffling off free swimming lessons every month through May to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Visit the Kennedy Pool online to learn more, www.somerville.k12.ma.us/pool.

***************

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston invite all interested community members to a neighborhood community meeting to review and discuss preferred design options for the Quincy Street Park Open Space.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 25 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the community room at the Public Safety Building (Union Square Police Station), 220 Washington Street. At the meeting, landscape architects will present three schematic designs for discussion. For more information on this meeting or other park renovation projects, please call the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) at 617-625-6600 ext. 2500.

***************

Plan ahead! Early childhood playgroup registration takes place February 7-8. Visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/playgroups to learn more about these free, weekly learning opportunities for Somerville’s youngest learners.

***************

The Council on Aging will be holding these upcoming events: on Monday, January 24, a dance at the Holiday Inn, Tuesday, January 25: Coping With the Holiday Blues and on Wednesday, January 26 they will be holding Supper & Bingo at Hanscom Air Force Base.  If you are interested in any of the  listed events, please call the Council on Aging office at 617-625-6600, ext. 2300 for additional information.

****************

Eat pizza and bowl for CitySprouts at Davis Square’s Flatbread Co. & Saccos Bowl Haven on Tuesday, February 1st. Every pizza sold that evening supports CitySprouts from the time doors open at 5pm until 11:30pm. For information email info@citysprouts.org, or call 617-876-2436.

****************

Fisher College in Boston, Massachusetts recognizes the following local students as achieving Dean’s List for the Fall 2010 semester: Marie Alcindor and Robert Bentti both from Somerville.To qualify for Dean’s List, students must achieve a minimum grade-point average of 3.3, earn at least 12 graded credits, and have no failing grades throughout the semester.

****************

Happy birthday to our good friend Robert Mason who is celebrating his birthday here in the Ville this week! We also heard that no matter where he celebrates his birthday, all the rounds are on him.