This morning, Wednesday, September 18, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce is having its Government Affairs Breakfast with George Proakis, AICP  Director of Planning, City of  Somerville, 8:00–9:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street.

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We proudly dedicate our new/old newspaper name to our loyal friend and mentor, former Publisher Bob Publicover who loved Somerville so very much. He would be very happy the tradition continues to another era.

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This week we have seven local candidates having campaign kickoff rallies and events. On Monday night Jack Connolly, Alderman At large, had one at the East End Grille. Candidate for Ward Three, Matt Desmond, the son of retiring Alderman Bruce Desmond, held one at the Burren in Davis Sq., and then candidate for Ward Seven Alderman, Joe Capuano, had his kickoff at Rudy’s. Our sources said all three were well attended. Tuesday night was candidate for Alderman At Large Mary Jo Rossetti’s at the Old Magoun Saloon in Magoun Square, and candidate for Ward Three Bob McWatters at Sally O’Brien’s in Union Square. This Thursday on the 19th, candidate for Alderman At Large Sean Fitzgerald will be having a fundraiser at Sally O’Brien’s starting at 5:30 p.m.

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Happy Birthday to some of our fans here in the Ville and elsewhere, wherever they may be spread around the place. First of all, a big Happy Birthday to our good friend David Lebahn. He’s getting older. To Phil Jeffres, formerly of the Ville. We wish him a big time HB and hope that frog problem he was having is over with by now. A Happy Birthday to Mary Jo Rossetti, the current chairperson of the School Board, representing Ward 7 for many years now, and is busy running for Alderman At Large. We hear she’s going to win! We wish for her a win in November as her present. You can vote for four, so make sure she is considered for one of your four votes. Happy Birthday to PJ Ryan’s pub in Teele Square, run by popular saloon keeper Conor Brennan. To a good friend who grew up here in Somerville. Joe Bordonaro, who lives near Washington D.C. We wish him a good day. Big Happy Birthday to Donna Piro-Andons, the daughter of former Alderman Peter Piro. A great family that has done a lot for the city over the years.    Many Happy returns to Marsha Hamel McGlashing here in the Ville.

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Regarding the sign controversy, we agree with candidate Joe Capuano and think that political signs are divisive, ugly, and when elections are over in the past would be left up for many months if not years. We remember a political sign on the Washington Street Bridge that was up for many years before it just rotted away. It’s also costly and pits one neighbor against the other. Back in the 80’s all the candidates sort of had an unwritten agreement not to do signs and in our opinion it’s a shame they are being used again.

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Here are our predictions – and they’re just that – for the Primary Election on Tuesday September 24. Remember, only three wards have a primary: Ward One Alderman race, Ward Three Alderman race and Ward Five School committee race. This is not an endorsement, but in Ward One we predict Maureen Bastardi and Elio LoRusso, in a very close election, they both will nominate. In the Ward Three Alderman race where there are four candidates, we see Bob McWatters and Matt Desmond nominating, but also see a close third with Bremer. Finally, for Ward Five School Committee we predict Caroline Shea Rosas and Laura Pitone to nominate. Again, only three wards have races for the primary next Tuesday on the 24th.

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At the local Machu Picchu restaurant here at 307 Somerville Avenue tonight, Wednesday, September 18, beginning at 6 p.m., they are offering Peruvian food and will be hosting their 10 year anniversary with an evening of good food and great company in celebration of our Peruvian students. Join in for a three course dinner and a presentation of AlliancExchange Program in Peru. There will be Peruvian and Ecuadorian Goodies for sale and much more. Register here: http://www.alliancexchange.org/Donate.html. Admission: $35.

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Happy Anniversary to Stan and Gay Koty, who are celebrating their wedding anniversary. We wish them many more.

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This Friday night is the St. Clements football home opener against Pope John. The game will be at Dilboy field on the 20th, beginning at 7 p.m.

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Somerville Adult Evening School Registration, Tuesday and Thursday nights on: September 10, 12, 17, & 19, 2013, from: 6:00-8:00 p.m. at: Somerville High School Main Office, 81 Highland Ave, Somerville. Register for Somerville Adult Evening School courses including a 5 week Drivers Ed for the teen in your life. Classes will start September 24 and run for 10 weeks on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and include: Ballroom Dancing, Zumba, Sewing, Knitting, Choral Workshop and show tunes for the American Idols. Also, Jewelry Making, Pastels or Watercolor Art and Acrylic Painting, Computers, Culinary, How to Manage Multi Family Homes, Casting and Mold making, Furniture Making, beginner Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, French and ESL (English as a Second Language). Or if you already speak another language, why not consider The Art of Medical Interpretation. New Resume and Professional strategies, Real Estate Licensing, Know Your Legal Rights (A DIY dealing with Civil or Criminal Issues), Hypnotherapy or YOGA at a bargain. Pick up course catalog at any school, library or coffee shops while they last. Register in person at SHS or online. Contact: Principal Sophia Carafotes @617-628-2594 or register now online at with your credit card at: www.somerville.k12.ma.us/eveningschool.

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The First Annual Somerville Diaper Drive will be held from Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, September 29. Did you know you can’t buy diapers with food stamps or get them through WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)? Many families struggle to afford the $100 per month it costs to buy diapers, and babies sitting in soiled diapers for extended periods of time leads to both stressed chlidren and parents. The Somerville Moms (and Dads!) Yahoo Listserv Group has therefore decided to host a diaper drive to benefit the Somerville WIC program. The Somerville WIC office will screen applicants so the diapers go to those that need them most. Diaper Donation Boxes will be placed throughout the city from Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, September 29. The WIC office will accept diapers from opened packages, so this is a great way to donate any diapers that are now too small for your child. Various daycares in Somerville will also be collecting diapers. Please email SomervilleDiaperDrive@gmail.com if you are interested in collecting diapers at your office or daycare. If you are unable to drop off diapers, but would still like to help, you can buy diapers on their Amazon or Diapers.com registries and have them shipped directly to them. Cash donations may also be made through Paypal to SomervilleDiaperDrive@gmail.com.