It has been confirmed that Tony LaFuente is running for Ward 4 Alderman. It’s a crowded field of challengers for current alderman Walter Pero, who we hear will also face a lady from Dartmouth Street  who we hear is a member of the Progressive Democrats, we hear she works for a nonprofit. That would make two candidates running against Walter Pero who has served Ward 4 off and on for many years. We understand that there is possibly another candidate thinking of running in Ward 4. So far though Ward 7 has the hottest race, with two opponents stepping up to challenge veteran Alderman Bob Trane, and we hear there is a possibility of a third challenger in. Appears so for that Walter and Bob have their work cut out for them his year, could be very interesting, plus rumors still come at us regarding a challenger in Ward 6. Now if we could only get challengers for the School Committee from private sector individuals that might be good in the long run here in the city.

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Happy Birthday to a special person: former waitress of the year Denise Racicot Kallis who has twice won the award for “Somerville’s Best.” Denise is very popular lady here in Somerville,  her wit and charm can be caught every Sunday serving Breakfast at Kelley’s in Ball Square, many happy returns to her and hope she has a special week, she’s a true Somerville native. Some of us remember her back in her college days and remember a lot of fun, she made going to school something to look forward to and get a bunch of laughs same time, she’s never changed over the years and her friends know that.

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Also Happy Birthday to another long time Somerville resident Elio Lorusso , a great guy who works in his family business on George Street working hard as 24/7 like all private businessmen do just to get by in this economy,  his business is  “Somerville Ornamental Iron Works.” He’s a great family guy who is also active here in Somerville as well. If you need some metal work done he’s the one, he’s local and you can’t beat his rates.

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Special little Happy Birthday also out to another long time (6years old) Somerville resident Michael Gabriel the son of Maria Curtatone, Mike is a sharp kid, we know because he loves The Somerville News especially the weekly cartoon.  Have a great birthday Michael from all of us at the News.

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Big Congratulations and best wishes for a speedy recovery  to one of Somerville’s finest  Sergeant Billy Rymill will be promoted to Lieutenant on the police force. He’s also in the hospital for some surgery,  good guy and well known here in Somerville, we know he does a  great job already,  this promotion will make two Rymill’s as Lieutenants, his brother Gerry is presently one.

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Congratulations to Somerville High School’s Kelsey Garrity who reached her 1,000 point mark milestone in gift’s basketball on Friday evening at a SHS home game against Wachusett. We wish her all the best for all her hard work to get to 1,000 points.

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Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira was recently nominated for the America’s Most Wanted  All Star Award.  Each week for the next seven weeks a winner is chosen.   At the end, seven finalists will remain. They will then pick a final winner.  The winner gets a trip for two to NSCAR in NC and a check for $10,000 from John Walsh on live TV.   Our Somerville community members have to go on line to www.AMW.com (America’s Most Wanted website) and click on All-Star Award and vote for our own  “Mario Oliveira.”  They need to do this once a day every day for the next six weeks or so to count.  The director thinks that he has a great chance of winning but said unless his family, friends and community are voting-online, he won’t win.    Mario’s profile should be up on www.AMW.com so check it out and cast your vote for our local hero!  You might remember Det. Oliveira was shot point blank range five times in the line of duty back in early November.

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Get well to another Somerville native Flora Pignatiello who wasn’t feeling well this past weekend. She’s resting and we wish her well for a speedy recovery.

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Our Condolences to the family of Cam Toner and Bobbie Toner on the recent passing of  Helen Casazza. She was sister in law to Cam and aunt to Bobbie, a nice person and will be missed.

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Congratulations to the following SHS track athletes who were selected by the coaches to be All-Stars: Nicole Genard for Hurdles and dash and Michelle Meranda for the 300, Sasha Garczynski for 600, Laritza Menjlvar for the mile, Pristine Mei for the 2-mile, Taija Clark for the high jump and Ashley Murphy for the long jump. All were selected by the coaches to the Greater Boston league All Star team. Also freshmen high jumper  Tajia Clark qualified for the state finals on Saturday along with Nicole Genard and he relay, her jump of 5.1 was one of the top 12 performances.