The Somerville Memorial Day Parade kicks off at City Hall this Sunday at 1 p.m., running up Highland Ave., through Davis, up to Teele, and then to Clarendon Hill. It should be a great day for it and, as in the recent past, it is said to be the biggest. Somerville does rock.

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We heard through the City Hall walls that the Alderman who likes to yell at various department heads and city employees was at it again Monday evening at a committee meeting. Yelling and belittling various city employees – maybe he should relax and stop with the yelling and screaming tactics. He might get more respect, maybe. We heard he has a nickname now. We’re trying to find out what it is. We’ll keep you posted.

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Our condolences to the family of Ann M. Toland-Cooper. Ann was a very active woman here in Somerville in various charitable organizations, in particular the Somerville Boxing Club. She was well known and well liked. We know that everyone she touched over the years will, along with her family and friends, miss her.

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Passing away also recently was retired Somerville Police Officer James A. Lavalle. He joined the Somerville Police Department in 1965 and moved to Kennebunk, Maine, to become Chief of Police in 1982, he was a good guy. Our condolences to his many relatives and friends both here in Somerville and in Kennebuck.

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Many congratulations to several of our fans and readers on their birthdays this week. Happy Birthday to Portia Sumido who is celebrating this week, as well as Anne Joyce. Anne is a wonderful lady and we wish her all the best on her special day this week. Our good friend Brian Roche, who grew up in East Somerville and is now the executive chef in town at the Lolita Cocina, also celebrates. Also, to our good friend Feargal O’Toole, a good guy who is self employed – “Data for Donkeys” – look it up. If you’re considering running for political office he gives good advice. Also this week is Eric Gullage who is from the ‘Ville and is now in Medford. Another Happy Birthday to Paul Vardaro, who we hear is a good electrician. A big Happy Birthday to Ron Vitale former owner of Ron’s Amoco Service Station on McGrath. And to Ray Snow Jr. of Somerville Plumbing, who was out recently celebrating with his wife Diane and their kids.

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Big time congratulations to Robert “Bobby” McWaters who graduates from Harvard this week with honors. He majored in economics and will be starting a job right out of school at Boston Consulting Group. He’s the son of well-known Robbie McWaters, political guru and nice guy. We here at The News wish Bobby the best in his career. Who knows? Maybe someday he will be giving economic advice to future Presidents. We know his father and family are very proud of his accomplishment and high honors at Harvard.

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Also graduating, and we can’t believe how time passes by, is Jessica Trane, the daughter of Bob and Nancy Trane. Jessica just graduated from NYU. We remember Jessica in grammar school, growing up here in the city. It’s nice to see she did well away at college and is heading into the world of non-profits, working at Americor with kids.

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Retired Somerville Firefighter Cindy Snow just graduated from Suffolk University. Her studies were in Law. We wish her the best on her bar exam. We know she will do great.

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A get well soon goes out to our dear friend Anthony Cataldo, who was rushed in to the hospital last week. We wish him a speedy recovery.

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A big get well too to our friend Ricky Gilberti, a long time Somerville resident and police officer. Rick hasn’t been feeling well and was out while on the mend. He’s a great guy and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

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Lincoln Tech is having another fundraiser for the kids at the Somerville Boxing Club this Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Full body massages for $35. All money raised goes to the club for the kids. Call 617-776-3500 x 43886 to reserve a time for your massage appointment or come by for lunch (burgers and hot dogs). Take a chance on a raffle or buy a Somerville Boxing Club t-shirt for $10. It’s all 100 percent for the kids. Lincoln Tech is next to Home Depot at Assembly Square.

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PJ Ryan’s up in Teele Square, owned and operated by Connor Brennan, had their annual Golf Tournament this week. From all accounts everyone had a great time. We will know more next week about it.

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Last night Maryann Heuston had a large turnout for her campaign kickoff party. Over 100 attended at the Somerville City Club.

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Our condolences to the family of John F. “Jack” Prendergast, a life-long Somerville resident, who died recently at the age of 70. He was a lifelong resident of the city who worked at the MBTA. He left a lot of his family and friends behind and he will be missed.