On the political front, more than a handful of Medford residents and political leaders are hosting a reception for Democratic Candidate Bob Trane (the only candidate on the ballot by the way) this Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Tiki Island Restaurant Рacross from BJ’s and beside the car wash in Medford – from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Stop by and meet Bob and his wife Nancy Рfor more information you can call Bob’s headquarters in South Medford Square at 781-395-3008.

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According to sources, Register of Probate John Buonomo is very confident that he is going to win the Democratic Primary on Sept. 16 hands down, in spite of the charges filed against him recently by the District Attorney – stating that John allegedly took money from vending machines in the courthouse. We heard that all is not what appears to be and that John is also confident that he is going to beat the charges.

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Meanwhile, Alderman Sean O’Donovan is waging an unprecedented campaign to get on the ballot by having independents vote for him under the Working Families Party Ballot, that way he can face John in the November election. We heard that Sean has over 2,000 names so far committed to vote for him.

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has chosen to rename the Sandy Beach at Mystic Lakes on Saturday Sept. 13 at 10:00 a.m. – the rededication of the beach will be in honor of the late Senator Charlie Shannon, look for more information here next week.

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Seems like Princess Rebekah Gewirtz, Alderman from Ward 6 (herself a tenant) is pushing along with the same crowd at the Somerville Community Corporation to resubmit a newer version of the Condo Conversion Ordinance – it was submitted to the Committee on Legislation at the Board of Aldermen last meeting and Public Hearings should be held soon on this hot issue.

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Apparently the State Police arrested Richard Scirocco, former Mayoral Candidate and former Little League President, this past Monday in Revere for allegedly possessing a Class B substance (narcotics violation) with intent to distribute in a school zone. The story was first reported by Itemlive.com – he was arrested with a Scott Carty, Jr. of Somerville as well.

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Our condolences to the family of Reggie ‚ÄúBud‚Äù Foster, lifelong resident of East Somerville, who passed away this past weekend. Reggie was a good man who was extremely well-liked  – who worked hard as a truck driver for many years and was a dedicated family man as well – he will be missed. He was very involved in the final years of the Grace Baptist Church on Cross Street until it closed its doors in recent years.

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Mayor Joe was off to East Brookfield for the entire weekend and the majority of last week on his annual football camp consisting of Somerville High School Football players. He worked them hard to get them ready for what we all hope will be a successful year.

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The Neighborhood Impact Team has been keeping the Inspectional Services Department and a few board-up companies busy last week. Apparently, following numerous complaints to the city from neighbors about squatters living in the abandoned house located at 47 Harrison Avenue, all the utilities were cut off and the house was completely boarded up for safety issues. Apparently the property’s owner had passed away and the city has been trying to track down the new owner for over four years. Another home located at 82 Pearson Avenue was also on the list Рthe homeowner in this case allegedly was renovating the property and ran out of money. Apparently as the property remained unfinished and vacant, vandals stripped it of all the copper wiring as well as all of the copper piping and got away clean. This house was also boarded up for safety reasons Рwe hear the city is planning on putting liens on both properties.

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Don’t forget this Friday through Sunday is the Annual Greek Festival at the Dormition/Greek Church at 29 Central Street Рthe event is a popular yearly event attracts the entire family.

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This coming Saturday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Rock & Roll Yard Sale with live bands playing will be held in the Union Square Plaza – following the yard sale and beginning at 8:00 in the same location, a 1929 silent martial arts movie with live music accompaniment will be shown.

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Also this coming weekend is the annual Festival of Saints Cosmos and Damian, this year it will be held on Warren Street and all the side streets on both sides of the Cambridge and Somerville line.

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Right before we went to press this week we heard an interesting rumor. It seems Prince Carl is putting out false information to the voters as his bid to hold onto his seat comes to a close. We heard the Prince told anybody who would listen (fewer by the day) that State Senator Anthony Galluccio was supporting his sticker campaign. We hear the Prince may have even circulated a flyer saying he had Galluccio’s support, when in fact Galluccio hasn’t endorsed anyone in the contest. Now, we hear, Galluccio is steaming mad about his name being thrown around and let Prince Carl have it in a very heated telephone call. We hoped Carl would stop fibbing after his fairytale about campaign papers being stolen was widely rejected.