Was nice to see a bigger and more enthusiastic crowd at Monday’s Patriots Day ceremony, everyone waited anxiously for Paul Revere and his horse. Great work put on by  Brandan Wilson of the Historical committee, everyone did a fine job. Old friend Bob “Monty” Doherty was also present to help with the preparations.

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Speaking of the Foss Park ceremony, this year several politicians showed up as usual. We were surprised to see Alderman At Large Bill White there since we hear that he’s just tired and sick of the political game and since he’s got his house up for sale, we keep hearing he’s not running for re-election. Maybe if someone keeps saying they’re tired of it, then they should retire, shouldn’t they? Still noticeably absent was our Senator Pat Jehlen, she just keeps giving the impression that she’s so anti anything patriotic. We know she’s not a fan of small businesses here, she’s proposing a bill right now in the Senate that will require all small businesses to give seven paid sick days no matter how small the company. Imagine you are running a small company with five employees and you have to by law give them seven paid sick days a year, that would be 35 paid days and who pays the owner of the small company? Another example of someone who has never had a “private sector” job in her life, since the early 70’s she’s been a political hack.

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By the way our good old friend and former Ward 1 alderman (not to mention he use to sing at weddings) Jimmy McCarthy straightened us out regarding the name of the park down on Glen Street. Everyone from East Somerville knows it as the old Glen Park (used to ice skate there in the winter) not to mention some wild gang members hung over there. Well apparently the kiddy park next to the school is still Glen Park, but the soccer field next to the Capuano School was named the James F. McCarthy Soccer Field. We got it now but remember Jim, it’s hard when you’re originally from East to change names of places. We wanted to make the corrections because Jim is a nice guy and a person who has contributed to this city many times over, thank you Jim.

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We keep hearing rumblings in Ward 4 that either Ricky Spinosa or even Laurie Foley might just jump in the Ward 4 Alderman’s race. Up in Ward 7 Joan Puglia is definitely in the race, she’s got some big time support up there we hear some old names that have volunteered to help her. We are still not sure of School Committee member Mary Jo Rosetti but wouldn’t be surprised either way, Bob Trane doesn’t appear to be upset, he now tells some of his friends he’s going to work very hard and run on his record of accomplishments.

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George Hassett our Editor until the end of this week has announced his departure from the News, giving us his notice.    He signed a book deal with a publisher and wants to work on the book full time, something to do with gangs.     We certainly wish George the best in his new endeavors and much success on his book, he’s been a vital part of the News here off and on for the past six years.   We know he will be successful and again we wish him the best.

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Congratulations to our friend Bob “Monty” Doherty who recently retired from the Somerville Fire Department where he served many years of dedicated work. He was and still is a wealth of information when it comes to Historic Somerville Trivia, look for him soon here at the News where he has written for us in the past.

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Another local hero was honored on Patriots Day at the Corner of Wellington & Walnut streets, Chief Daniel Foley known to everyone here in the city as Bill, the intersection was named the Daniel Foley Square. A large turnout of family and friends showed up to pay homage to his memory and to his service to his country in WWII.

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Rumor has it the guy who’s been over aggressively tormenting  a lot of us Somerville residents with overwhelming trash fines has been fired from the city, he was allegedly caught in the act of stealing over $2,500 in  gas from the city yards on the city gas card.

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Nothing new on the Council on Aging front, Cindy not back to work yet, but we hear that the Board of Aldermen or the city is in the process of changing policy regarding the dept. Lady J hasn’t swiped any more papers (at least we didn’t notice gone at the building). We’re working hard to stay on top of this one.

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Happy Birthday to Alderman at Large Jack Connolly who’s been a dedicated public servant for over 40 years now, he runs the Insurance Agency down on College Avenue, nice guy and we wish him many happy returns.  Another Happy Birthday this week to Herb Vargas aka secret squirrel, Herb’s been seen more and more around the city lately, as well as Happy Birthday goes out to Kathy Webber, wishing them all the best.

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Cambridge vs. Somerville, the ongoing debate/ feud on who’s more interesting!  It’s really a no brainer or competition at all!  Somerville wins hands down.  This all started when Cambridge City Councilor Ken Reeves made a comment that Cambridge was more interesting than its neighbor Somerville. Mayor Joe immediately jumped right on it and took exception to the comment, firing back with a long list of reasons Somerville is definitely more interesting.      Apparently Councilor Reeves didn’t realize making an off the wall comment about Somerville would go unanswered, someone should have reminded him that a Newton City councilor made the same mistake back a few years ago.   Nothing negative about Somerville is going unanswered with Joe Curtatone as Mayor; he is by far the best and positive thinking Mayor we have had in over 20 years.     What do you think of the controversy?    Post your comments on our blog.

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Louisa Barron, a Somerville City worker at Traffic and Parking was diagnosed with stage four cancer.  A fund raiser was held in her honor last Saturday at the Dilboy post. The hall was packed wall to wall with the many family and friends, our hopes and prayers are with Louisa and we wish her all the best.

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The light that shines on the flag has been out for a short while at the Henry Oliver “Hank” Hanson Memorial Park that’s located on Medford Street. Hanson, a Marine, in WWII was at Iwo Jima and was one of the original flag raisers. Thanks to DPW’s Frankie Santagelo who was on top of the situation, upon a phone call from the News pointing it out, saw that the light was immediately repaired and continues to shine bright to honor this home town hero.

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Condolences go to the family of Kathleen Mary Cuff here in Somerville, Kathleen was a lift long resident passed away recently after a lengthy battle with cancer.   She was 57; she worked as an administrative assistant for most of her career, most recently for the City of Somerville.  She was the Mayor’s scheduler before becoming a program analyst, contract coordinator and Davis Beacon compliance officer in the office of strategic planning and community development.  She will be missed by all that knew her.

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Our good friend Jeremy Gross a resident of Winter Hill this past Sunday had to depart with his beloved 200lb dog, “Hagrid.” Doctors found a tumor in his throat, and had to be put down.   Hagrid was a former therapy dog and important part of Jeremy’s life.   We send our condolences to Jeremy.

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Condolences to the Doane  family, younger brother Ronnie passed away suddenly last week; The Doane’s have been residence here in the city many years and are a popular family, our sincere sympathy to the entire family for their loss.

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Latest license plate to hit the streets is “villen” can anyone guess who was quick on the draw to get the plate? Hint, he had a boat, look on face book for the picture.

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Tickets are out and this year the Somerville High Scholarship Foundation is once again highlighting its annual to raise money for a worthwhile cause our students. Only 250 tickets will be sold at $100 each ticket, the first prize is $10K with 24 second prizes of $100 each, and several door prizes will be given out at the drawing May 20 at the high school. You can send your check for $100.00 to SHS Raffle c/o Eugene C. Brune PO Box 440275, Somerville 02144, upon receipt of your check they will send you back a ticket and who knows you just might be the lucky one to win the first prize but then it’s a good cause, they do a great job.

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First one into the News this year already is Somerville High Class of 1966, 45th year  reunion which is to be held at the Somerville City Club on October 15 2011. If you graduated from this class and want to go contact by email Classof66shs@yahoo.com or call 781-246-0742.

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A special get well greeting goes out to our good friend Betty Ann Newcombe who is recuperating after surgery!  Betty is a wonderful lady and not to mention one of our biggest News Fans!  We wish her all the best for a speedy recovery from all her friends here at the Somerville News.

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Spring is in the air, you can tell when Eugene Brune announces his annual Breakfast this year the 27^th Annual Breakfast to be exact, Sunday May 22 2011 9a.m. to 11a.m. over in Malden at Anthony’s Restaurant. Cost is only $20.00 per person, Breakfast Sponsor is $100. Every year it’s great to see who is running for office, because everyone knows that Gene is a popular guy and very popular Registrar of Deeds. We will be there, will you?

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Don’t forget  Tuesday April 26th Alderman Bill Roche is having his time at the Mt Vernon in Somerville from 6-8pm. It should be a good time!