The Annual Mayor’s Senior Picnic is today Wednesday, at Powderhouse Park. As usual, a huge turnout is expected. Lots of food, entertainment and gifts for the day. Every year since Mayor Brune’s days this event has gotten bigger and bigger. We wish everyone a great time today.

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Last week we mentioned here that a rumor was flying around about a certain School Committeeman talking about running for Alderman At Large next year but would at the last minute switch to run for the Alderman’s seat in his ward. Well, apparently the rumor was true. Well, at least half true. As you can see, the pressure was on for Ward 5 School Committeeman Mark Neidergang  (*see Letters to the Editor) to come out and clarify the rumor. Mark claims in a Letter to the Editor here at The News that he is a candidate against incumbent Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan next year. In all our years a 15 month announcement is probably the earliest announcement on record for a Ward seat.    Alderman O’Donovan has had major opposition in the past and has handily beaten back his opponents. It’s because, as Sean would tell you and it’s true, he’s paid attention to the wants and needs of all his constituents. We think Alderman O’Donovan will beat once again any opposition whether it’s Mark Neidergang or anyone else.

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Many happy birthdays in the ‘Ville this week. Happy birthday to Lisamarie Tauro this week. Happy birthday to Somerville Attorney Rich DiGirolamo, Happy birthday to Diane Snow and two year old Hailey O’Connor is celebrating here in the ‘Ville. Also, happy birthday to our good friend Regan McGovern who is celebrating his birthday here in the ‘Ville as well!

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Is it just us or does anyone else see how the Russell Disposal trucks drive around the city? Sometimes going down side streets so fast, it would be almost impossible to stop before hitting someone. How about the backing up of trucks on various residential streets? Maybe the drivers also double as rodeo cowboys.

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We’re awaiting confirmation, but Senator Scott Brown will be coming to Somerville, spending time with The News and going around visiting various businesses as well as meeting and greeting residents. If you’d like to have a question asked let us know.

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We tried IYO, the new coffee, yogurt and stuff cafe in Davis Sq.  First day the coffee was ice cold but when we brought it back the clerk was more worried about how long ago WE had bought it (2 minutes) than providing the replacement. We tried the second day and managed luke warm service and coffee. Good luck, folks.

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Dulock butcher shop (natural meats), it looks like Mike is almost ready for an opening day on Highland Avenue.

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If there is anyone who helps out local charities more than Bob at Redbones, we haven’t found them…and the food is still amazing. While we are on charitable folks, Carla at Johnny D’s is always helping out someone in our city. They will soon be opening their “green” bakery next to the popular club. Not a lot of seats but we’re willing to bet on some fine baked goods.

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Representative Tim Toomey, who represents all of Ward 1 here in Somerville, and one present in Ward 2 has two challengers this year.  One democrat challenger and one Republican challenger.  Tim Toomey is the ultimate State Representative who has to know, we believe, what it is to represent his constituents. We’ve found in the past that Rep. Toomey never takes the voters for granted. He’s a hard worker.

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Speaking of hard workers, Rep. Denise Provost is also not taking a challenger lightly. She’s out there all over the district, we hear, working very hard to let people know where she stands.

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The residents of Ten Hills are going to be having work done on the various streets. The developer of the Assembly Row project, Federal Realty Investments Trust, contracted with Cranshaw Constructions to manage the rehabilitation of existing antiquated sewer and storm drains along Shore Drive. Work begins on tearing up the streets August 13 and is estimated to be done by Thanksgiving.

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How about the Fire Department running those hydrants around the city? The water all nice and rusty.  A few residents of Winter Hill had to thoroughly run their hot water tanks over and over to get the rust out.

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We hear that Sean Fitzgerald, who ran in the Alderman at Large race last year, is definitely in it again next year.

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Mark your calendar for August 24 at Dilboy Stadium starting at 7p.m. The Somerville Boxing Club is hosting a Fight Night. Special announcer Jay Connolly calls the shots at this exciting boxing event presented by Mayor Curtatone, Somerville Recreation, and the Somerville Boxing Club & USA Boxing. Price is $20, with $10 for young people and free if less than 12. A great event which will hopefully attract a large crowd here in ‘Ville. Lots of people are promoting this event, a great organization here in the city now for many years.

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The Hungry Tiger Street Festival transforms Union Square into a bustling outdoor night market this Saturday from 6 p.m, to 11 p.m. The festival  will feature foods from around the globe served by local Union Square restaurants. Mingle with street performers, soak in live music and marvel at fire throwers and spinners. The festival is also an opportunity to check out Nibble, the Somerville Arts Council’s new book about food and culture in Union Square and beyond. Buy a copy and participate in Nibble activities like “Test Your Nose” and an interactive global food stories map. Restaurants will charge various prices for their food, yet the festival itself is free.