Election day is quickly coming for the local elections, Tuesday, November 8. The hot spots will be in Wards 4 and 7 even. Although in Ward 3 there will be a small one, we expect incumbent Alderman Tom Taylor, who recently has come home from the hospital again, to once again top the ticket. In Ward 4 Tony LaFaunte and Christine Barber are both out there working hard, knocking on doors and setting up for a final push. Tony is having an old fashioned rally on Winter Hill on Saturday, November 5, with an outdoor barbecue and a “bluegrass band” in the afternoon. We were told more information will soon follow. Meanwhile, up in Ward 7 incumbent Bob Trane has been working extremely hard canvassing door to door every day rain or shine. We hear his opponent is out there as well.

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

The Alderman At Large race has seen a lot of work recently, more so by the challengers. The incumbents are feeling secured properly and will be sending out their usual last week blitz mailings. Challengers like Mike Nionakis, Todd Easton and Sean Fitzgerald are out there meeting and greeting voters and putting up signs.

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

Candidate Sean Fitzgerald, who is running for Alderman At Large, is having a fundraiser/get together at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Avenue, this Thursday night, October 27, from 6 to 8. Join Sean and his supporters to show your support. Sean is a nice guy and has been around here and involved in the city for many years. Some may recall him from Former Mayor Dot Kelly Gay’s administration while others might remember him when he worked for former Senator Charlie Shannon.

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

Eugene Brune the popular former Mayor and present Registrar of Deeds is said to be retiring at the end of his term next year and already another popular Alderman is going to be running. Sean O’Donovan, long time Ward 5 Alderman and successful practicing attorney, is letting it be known he’s going to run  for Gene’s seat if Gene isn’t running. We think Sean would make a great choice to succeed the popular Eugene Brune. Sean would definitely be a favorite here from Somerville with his successful runs for Ward 5 Alderman and winning re-elections by large margins. It shows he’s doing a great job for Somerville.

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

The local masons are having their monthly “Trowel Club” meeting which is open to any male as well as any Mason here in Somerville. This month’s meeting is Thursday, October 27, at 6:30 p.m. A small dinner and Trivia Night is also planned this month. The location is 125 Highland Avenue (rear), Somerville.

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

Happy Birthday to our co-Publisher Donald Norton who is celebrating this week with his wife Pat here in the ‘Ville.     Also happy birthday to Somerville Deputy Chief Dave Salvi. Dave has worked for the city Fire Department for almost 40 years. A big Happy Birthday to former Alderman James F. McCarthy who turns 72 years old. Jim was the former chairman of the School Board and President of the Board of Aldermen, not to mention that he used to sing at various weddings in his day. He’s a great guy and lifelong resident of the city. Others celebrating this week is popular real estate agent Clifton Verdieu of East Somerville, as well as Alderman At Large Dennis Sullivan. Well known good guy and great ‘Villen Richard Hart also celebrates this week. Sal DiMaggio also this week along with Nancy Maloney formerly of Somerville, and finally Ginny Azulay Roache we wish her the best for the day.

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

Best wishes and congratulations to Emily Pero, daughter of Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero, who married Mike Perone, a Somerville Police officer. The wedding was at St. Ann’s church. We wish the happy couple a long and prosperous life ahead for themselves.

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

Congratulations to our good friends Jenene Snow and her fiancé Patrick Donnelly on their recent engagement. We wish them both the best.

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

Bob Publicover, our mentor and former Publisher, went back into the hospital recently and underwent some more surgery. He is resting and hopefully heading home real soon. He’s having a hard time, but were certain a lot of his friends citywide will send best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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

Another person in our thoughts is our own co-publisher Billy Tauro who felt some chest pains and was rushed to the hospital over at Mt. Auburn. We wish him a speedy recovery as well. We’ve been assured that the paper will be delivered to all the spots by our trusted guy Jimmy, because if anyone can do it on his own, its Jimmy.

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

On vacation for these two weeks is lovely Diane Blouin who works very hard throughout the year at her job and decided to take two weeks off. Ross had better get creative with the meals, doing three a day. She’s decided not to go anywhere, but rather stay home and recline and rest up for the winter months. Diane is one of our biggest fans and has been since the beginning.

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

Good news for Alderman Tom Taylor!  He’s back home and on the road to recovery, just in time for Election Day. Both Tom and his daughter Rachel will be celebrating him being home. It’s their birthdays and we’re happy for the entire Taylor family.

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

Where wondering with all the dedications here in the city, why nothing has been done to memorialized the former Senator Dennis McKenna, who represented Somerville in the Senate for many years until his retirement in the early 80’s. Dennis was certainly a colorful figure here in Somerville. He served us well, getting a lot of work done on behalf of the city. We think something should be done to recognize his many years of dedication to Somerville.

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

Remember that empty lot with a hole in the ground on Cross Street in East Somerville that once belonged to a the head of the ZBA board the chairman Herb Foster? He sold it finally to a developer and we hear through the grapevine that the city stepped in and purchased the property from the developer. Now mind you, it’s a rumor, but more than one person has told our Newstalker that this is what is going on down there. We wonder what is going to be done there, and so are a lot of neighbors that have been upset over what has happened there for many years, especially with the barriers blocking the sidewalk for a few years now.

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

Congratulations to Ed Reed who celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct 4. Ed is a lifelong resident of Somerville. Best wishes Ed from all your friends.

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

NOSFERATU, the original Vampire silent-film classic with an original score by Brendan Cooney will be performed live at the Armory Center for the Arts on Oct 28 at 8 p.m. $10.

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

Performers needed for Holiday in the Ville show!  They are looking for former, and current  Somerville High School Students and teachers to perform in the show, Holiday in the Ville.  The show will be held on Saturday November 26th at The Somerville Theatre. If you are interested in performing, contact Jimmy DelPonte at jimmydel@rcn.com or call 617-625-6600 extension 2626.