What a great time last Thursday night at the city fireworks, the night was enjoyed by an estimated crowd of over 10,000. Entertainment was great and the fireworks were awesome, thanks to Mayor Joe and his administration. The News was there and scenes from the night are online. Now, did anyone notice anything strange this past weekend, especially after Thursday night? Deserted streets for the most part around the ‘Ville? It appears that everyone has headed for Summer Somerville either down the Cape or up to NH. There were very few cookouts that we could see but there were a few.

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Nice to see that Alderman-at-Large Sullivan is taking it upon himself to drive double to the board meetings, since his buddy Alderman White moved into the Ten Hills. They were spotted car-pooling on more than one occasion. Maybe that’s the reason White moved to the Ten Hills – to save gas?

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Happy special Birthday to our own Doug Holder who has been the longest consistent writer for The News over the years. He’s a great guy and if you see him down in Union Square at one of his favorite coffee shops make sure you say congratulations. We hear he’s like 39 and counting.

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Other well known ‘Villen Birthdays this week are Roland Racicot of Racicot Jeweler’s over there in Medford, Popular State Representative Carl Sciortino is celebrating his 30 something  birthday as well, along with Andrea Harris of the famous  Charlene Harris clan, and Rob Carroll of the famous local Carroll family. Shout outs, too, to Dellio Susi, Isabella Hosken, Anthony Tassinari’s, and that great guy Ed Tauro of the famous Pat’s Auto Body Shop. Let’s not forget a good friend of The News, Jeffrey Harrington, who recently passed both the Massachusetts Bar and Rhode Island Bar. And finally, good guy Tim O’Malley with the Winter Hill Bank and past president of Somerville Lions. If you see any of these ‘Villens say hi and wish them Happy Birthday.

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World renowned travel agent Mary Baker is planning a wonderful trip for 8 days to beautiful, green (and we mean 40 shades of green) Ireland in the early fall.   See the Baker Travel ad in this issue and give Mary (your personal escort) a call to learn more about the trip or to reserve your space.

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Professor Walker of Brandeis University has been spotted recently enjoying a quiet cup of coffee without a 2 foot high stack of papers to correct. We suspect the good professor is enjoying her summer.

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The new restaurant in Davis Square “The Foundry” is packing in a big crowd with good reason – the food is great. The prices are reasonable for both lunches and dinner. One of our “News Talkers” has recently been served by Woodsy as the waiter several times now and does a great job. We suggest you ask for him when you visit. Welcome aboard the new manager Alex. We think she’s doing a great job.

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Café Rossini became Café Lola and then Cafe Aroma – and is now about to become Café another owner. There is such a potential in that spot on Highland, for the folks in the neighborhood, but a business has to have someone who understands with it takes to run it. We hear the new owner plans on a lot of fresh bakery items. We hope there will also be a lot of fresh public relations to bring in the customers.

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Somerville Kiwanis will hold their tri-annual “Lucky K” drawing this Thursday at their regular meeting.  There are some good money prizes starting with a high one of $1,000.00. Only 500 tickets are sold and all the profits go to provide Somerville High School scholarships.

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There is a fine new Open Space community acupuncture clinic in Union Square (the old Police Station building) run by Daphne Jocknick. Finally, a sliding scale ($15.-$40.) which real people can afford.  Call Daphne at 617-627-9700 to make your appointment and mention you saw it here.

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Was that Dave Lebahn who was spotted on a boat to Provincetown this past weekend? Was that also Chip Koty waiting in that long line at Dunkin’ Donuts last weekend for his morning coffee down at Falmouth? We think so. You can’t escape the many “News Talkers” out there!

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Have you sent your donation to help out Bob Publicover’s Committee for a Response to AIDS? The group is now over 25 years old and is currently raising funds. The CRA helps out those with HIV/AIDS and also others in Somerville who need it. Donations can be sent to 47 Madison St. here in the Ville at 02143. Any amount will be gladly accepted.

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So long to another old Somerville family member. Rick and Carol Pye recently sold and have moved on to Methuen. We wish them the best. Both are very nice people.

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Our good friend Steve Dalrymple is back home here in the ‘Ville. He’s on a long road to recovery – we were told maybe up to 9 months. Again, it’s a good thing his great son Nick is carrying on the family business.

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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone  and the City of Somerville are seeking volunteers for the “Mystery Customer” program – part of the ACE (Accurate Courteous and Easy) customer service initiative.  Mystery Customers conduct real transactions with city departments, evaluate the quality of those transactions and provide the Mayor’s Office with valuable customer service feedback and suggestions for improvement.  The following are just a few examples of transactions that Mystery Customers can evaluate,  obtaining a residential parking sticker at Traffic & Parking,  requesting a dog license at the City Clerk’s Office, picking up a yard waste sticker from DPW, calling in a request for information or service to 311 and signing up for a library card. Evaluations can be submitted by using a simple online or phone survey that takes just a few minutes to fill out. The identities of Mystery Customers will never be shared publicly or with the departments/offices being evaluated. Mystery Customers will be rewarded with small thank you gifts (City tote bags, coffee mugs, etc.)—and improved customer service. If you are interested in serving as a Mystery Customer, please sign up online at somervilleresistat.blogspot.com, or contact ResiStat Coordinator Denise Taylor at 625-6600 x2103 or email: dtaylor@somervillema.gov.