The Boston Marathon is next Monday and will feature our own Mayor Joe and Lt. Steve Carrabino, who have been seen all over the city early in the morning running and training for it – we wish them luck.

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

The Irish-American Police Association‚Äôs 9th Annual Awards Dinner was very well attended by several from the Somerville Police Department ‚Äì showing support for Officers Dottin, Collins, Capobianco and St. Hillaire – as well as Det. Mario Oliveira (who all received awards). Also present that received an award earlier that day was Officer Warren Challie – who was recognized by SADD and MADD. Everyone there that night had a good time – the Chief Anthony Holloway and his wife, along with the Mayor were also present to congratulate everyone.    

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

Long time resident and popular man about town Scott Lucas (hehe class of ‘66) is resting comfortably at VA Hospital in Brockton after having major knee surgery Рif you know Scott you’re probably thinking that he has talked the ears off of a lot of Doctors and Nurses over there Рwe wish him a speedy recovery.

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

This past Sunday morning was the 24th Annual Gene Brune Breakfast over at Anthony‚Äôs in Malden – as usual it was very well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves. Popular Secretary of State Bill Galvin and his left (and right) hand man, our own Gerry Fleming, were also present amongst other notables. Everyone there sang a Happy 101st Birthday to Vera DeAngelis, who was present. By the way our own Jimmy DelPonte was at the microphone at the event and he had everyone in stitches – Jimmy‚Äôs family goes way back with Gene Brune.   

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

Happy 21st wedding anniversary to Somerville Police Captain Michael Cabral and his lovely wife Debbie!

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

Over $250K was raised on Saturday evening at a black tie fundraising event for the Little Sisters of the Poor! The event was a well-needed blessing for the Sisters of the Poor – in the past they have carried a $300K deficit – year after year! Congratulations to the Sisters and the residents.

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

That Spelling Bee that we mentioned last week here in Newstalk is quickly becoming a success – we‚Äôve been told that the teams are filling up fast – but if you want to get a team together, you still can at a cost of $300 – which goes to the Capuano PTA.     Contact Sean at seanjfitz@comcast.net or Cristin at cdlind@yahoo.com for information. Remember the date ‚Äì Friday, April 25th at the Holiday Inn on Washington Street ‚Äì come on out, even if you don‚Äôt have a team and enjoy the evening that‚Äôs not political (if we see politics going on at this event, we will report it). It is for a good cause and should be fun.

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

The 34th Annual PTA Scholarship Dinner Dance will be held on Friday, May 2 at Anthony’s in Malden. This year they’re honoring Mary Jo Rossetti, Steve Tuccelli, Joe Vilaine, Marie DiFava and the late Joe Mackey by presenting five scholarships to deserving seniors in the honoree’s names. All contributions to the program book and to the dinner/dance will be the source of the funds for the scholarships – any donations can be dropped off at any of the public schools – put “Attention PTA Dinner Dance” on the envelope.

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

Sympathies to the family of Angelo Mirabella who recently passed away – Angelo was a great guy who always cared deeply about his family – he will be missed by a lot of us here in Somerville.

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

Ladies Aid at Somerville Hospital meets at Noon on Wednesday’s in the cafeteria conference room. These ladies are an amazing help to the staff and patients of Somerville Hospital. Many of them have served for 20 years and more. We salute you, ladies!

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

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the New England Regional Unit, Boston Chapter of Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)® will host its annual Record-A-Thon from April 28 to May 3, at its studio at 58 Charles Street in Cambridge. The production goal is to have volunteer/readers staff all eight recording booths at the Chapter’s studio in Cambridge for 12 hours (8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.) during the six-day event. The event’s financial goal is $30,000. To participate in the 2008 Record-A-Thon, please contact Ron Wudarsky at (617) 577-1111 ext. 22, or rwudarsky@rfbd.org for more information.

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

Everyone knows of the Famous John McKenzie lunches – well, they are back and on Wednesday’s every week for awhile over at the College Baptist Church starting at 12 noon Рif you haven’t been lucky enough to be there for a nice hot lunch (priced right) yet, give it a shot, mentioned that you saw it here on Newstalk…

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

Congratulations to Tony Masci and his sister Suzanne who recently bought Maria’s Cold Cuts on Winter Hill (next to the Post Office) Рthey took over the store not too long ago and already we hear they have become a popular Winter Hill stop on the way to the Post Office.

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

Don’t forget this Friday night in the SHS auditorium is the Memorial Day Parade Committee Fundraiser Рdonation is $12 – staring Bova Productions and Comedian Jimmy Smith. It should be a great evening and the money goes to a great event. Frank Senesi, the popular Veterans Services Director, works hard every year to have a successful event and parade Рwhich this year is on May 25.

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

Beware of the Mad Meter Maid (or parking ticket technician, whatever they’re called). We hear a meter maid with the badge number 323 is slinking through the city, hiding behind trees and ducking under cover waiting for particular targets to overstay their meter by just a second so he can take out his frustration with the world and write a ticket. In one instance, a victim had their quarter halfway in the slot when the Mad Meter Maid furiously wrote a ticket. Beware.