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

Lots of businesses are
slowing down in this recession – already the pinch is on for many
smaller businesses – some are even contemplating laying off employees
after the first of the year and that would be sad.

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

The
Ward 1 Democratic Committee held its Seventh Annual Holiday Party last
week (Christmas Party) – there was a great crowd of East Somerville
Democrats on hand to celebrate this past year. Many of the area's fine
restaurants donated food and several of the Aldermen were spotted there
– including the very popular Alderman from Ward 1 – Bill Roche and
Board President Dennis Sullivan. Other just as popular Aldermen like
Bill White, Jack Connolly and Bob Trane were also on hand. Funny how
none of the PDSers are ever spotted at a Christmas Party isn't it?
Maybe they have their own Secular Holiday Party – we didn't get an
invitation, did you?

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

Speaking of
Christmas Parties / Holiday Parties the Mayor's party on Monday night
at the Greek Church was jam-packed and everyone had a great time – it
was nice to see so many people there.

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

Our
condolences to a long time Somerville family member, retired Mass.
State Police Sergeant Desmond Howe – who recently passed away. The
entire Howe family have been extremely active and dedicated in our
community throughout these many years and continue to be seen around
the city, we are all sad this day for their loss.

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

Michelle,
Donna and Mary – the three "Charlie's Angels" of the Somerville Social
Butterfly Team are amongst the missing – these three never miss an
event until recently they haven't been seen in over a month. Rumor has
it that one of the "Angels" may run for a political seat in the near
future.

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

Don't forget if you need a
Christmas Wreath or Tree this year, head to Foss Park and support the
Next Wave/Full Circle Alternative Schools – they will be there until
December 21st – wreaths cost $12 and trees range from $9 to $49,
depending on size.

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

The year's Somerville
Public Schools Winter Concert will be held this Thursday, December 18th
starting at 7:00 pm at the high school Auditorium. This is truly a
special event that you should check out if you have never made it in
previous years.

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

The annual SHS musical
(Bye Bye Birdie) costs around $12,000 to produce – all from funds
generated by ad book and ticket sales. This year, the musical will be
staged on February 6th and 7th and if you want to purchase an ad and
support this wonderful production, then you need to get your ad into
Rosemary Sears (the Producer) before 12/31. You can contact Rosemary at
617-625-6600 x. 6109 or email her at rsears@somerville.mec.edu.

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

Auditions
for Klass Klownz – which is being coordinated by local friend to all,
popular guy, and Somerville News columnist Jimmy Del Ponte – have been
extended through tonight at 6 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood
School. Auditions are open to all 6th through 9th graders who can sing,
tell a joke or just be silly for one minute. Jimmy's been getting a lot
of attention lately. Don't forget about us when you're famous Jim!

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

The
Somerville Kiwanis recently donated three large flagpoles to the City
of Somerville and on Tuesday city workers were seen installing one of
them at the Winter Hill location of Broadway & Main Street.

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

There
are a lot of charitable organizations in Somerville which need our help
even more so than in the past, particularly now since we are in a
recession, please remember them and be as generous as you can be.

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

Get
well soon to Catherine Hart of Caspar on Highland Avenue – Catherine is
dedicated to making sure that everything runs smooth throughout the
year and many are wishing for her speedy recovery!

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

Recently
heard from is Claire Olsen, formerly of Highland Road but probably more
famous for being the founder of the Walnut Street Center – she's
retired now – she was the founder and for many years the inspiration
for the growth of the organization. Some of us miss her around the
city, but she's home in Winchester and hopefully feeling better by the
time we write this. A true life-long Somerville family person who did a
lot and looked for no recognition.