We wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, which starts today, and a Merry Christmas this coming weekend. We hope everyone has an enjoyable and peaceful time, gathering with family and friends.

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The last formal Board of Aldermen meeting of the year was held last week, and it was the last meeting for Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero. He’s a nice guy who has served Ward 4 and Winter Hill well over the years. He’s been on top of the issues and has been accessible to everyone regardless of politics. We wish Walter the best in his retirement, and thank him for his many years of public service here in Somerville. His phone calls and emails on a daily basis will soon be answered by his successor, Tony LaFaunte, who will be sworn in right after the New Year.

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Apparently the city is being hit hard by the Fire Department, and an arbitration issue was handed down that could cost the city millions in back pay and raises. An executive session was held last night with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on how the city plans to deal with it.

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Happy Birthdays in the ‘Ville to Attorney Maria Cutratone, and to a good friend, Jim Henry, who looks good as Santa. Also to a great friend and relative newcomer here, Kevin Dickinson. Birthday greetings as well to former ‘Villens Paul Peddle and Pamela Jordan-Feffer who both grew up here and still have strong memories of early days in Somerville. Many others are celebrating this week and we, of course, wish them the best. It must be difficult to celebrate both their birthdays and the holidays. Happy birthday greetings also to out good friend Patrick Healey who is celebrating in the ‘Ville this week.

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Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bill Mosher who passed away this week. Bill was a nice guy and very popular here in the ‘Ville. His passing has affected his entire family and the many friends he leaves behind.

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Our condolences also to the family here in the ‘Ville of Michelle Pefine, who recently passed on. Our deepest condolences go out to her mother, Darlene, who works here in the Water Dept.

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On the political front, Rep. Carl Sciortino just may have a busy year coming up. We hear names like Sean Fitzgerald, who did very well up in Ward 7 in the elections last year, popular Alderman-at-Large Dennis Sullivan, and even Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane are seriously considering running against him in the Democratic primary later next year. Carl reportedly promised to stay out of a local ward fight this year but as soon as he said it he openly endorsed someone who lost the election. We hear that this might come back to haunt him. We also hear some names mentioned as possible opponents against Senator Jehlen. One possibility is Alderman Sean O’Donovan, who has reportedly been testing the waters. He wanted to run back a few years ago, but the redistricting of the district might be all he needs now that North Cambridge is part of the new Senatorial District. Another local politician (asked not to give their name right now) is seriously looking at Representative Denise Provost’s seat. Local favorite Attorney Maria Cutratone might just be the only candidate from Somerville now to run for Registrar of Deeds here in Middlesex County. That is if Gene Brune still plans on retiring. There’s been a whisper that he might run for re-election.

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Our good Friend Bob Publicover is having a hard time lately. He’s not doing too well, having shortness of breath, but at least he’s going to be home with his partner David quietly celebrating Christmas Dinner. We wish him the very best. He’s undergone a tremendously difficult time but he’s strong and we check in every now and then and say “Hi.” He posts to all his friends on Facebook often. Drop him a line and cheer him up.