On the political side of things, we will be having the local elections for Mayor, Alderman and School Board members this year. Two years ago some races had some contests and hopefully again this year that will happen. We think competition is great for everyone, in the private sector as well as the public sector. We hope more will decide to jump in and run for office. So far this year we have heard that Ward Three School Board member Adam Sweeting is not going to seek re-election, leaving it a wide open seat. The first rumor we heard about someone running was former candidate for mayor and Ward Three Alderman herself Ms. Suzanne Bremer is thinking about testing the waters. Others are also considering running for the vacant seat. Again, we hope all the wards have more than one candidate running for office.

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The latest rumors around the city have former candidate and popular guy Sean Fitzgerald jumping in the race for Alderman, but is not sure yet if he’s going to seek the Ward Seven seat or At Large again. We’ll keep you posted. We’re sure he’s going to let us know soon.

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We heard that Elio LoRusso is jumping in again and is going to run for Alderman in Ward One, since he barely lost two years ago. He’s been out there and now we hear he is going to run a full campaign against current first timer Alderman Matt McLaughlin. In Ward 5, former Alderman Courtney O’Keefe’s name keeps coming up in conversation. Some think she’s going to run in Ward 5 again, and some say it will be At Large. We will keep you posted on this one. It could be interesting in Ward 5.

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Big Happy Birthday this week to both Vinnie & Louise Leone of the famous Leone’s Sub and Pizza fame. We wish them both the best of luck on this, we hear, is their 93rd birthdays. They exemplify hard work and dedication over the years, giving customers what they want and making it the best. Who doesn’t love getting a sub or pizza from Leone’s? Again, get well fast and return to the shop to Nick, who has been laid up.

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Ward Three Alderman – one of the best in “constituents services” – Bob McWatters, is becoming even more popular these days, making sure he returns all calls. We hear he has made believers of those that didn’t vote for him two years ago. He was out riding those snow plows in Ward Three last night, making sure all the streets in his ward are done.

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Big time Happy Birthdays this week to the many Villens both here and are also fans of The Somerville Times. Happy Birthday to our good friend Wayne Clarke, formerly of the Ten Hills. We wish him the very best. Happy Birthday to two of the nicest and most caring ladies here in Somerville, both celebrating together in sunny Florida this week, our own Dorothy DiMarzo and Lynne Lenoir. May they have a wonderful time together. Also, a nice guy and popular One Ward guy is Philip Ercolini. We wish him the very best of birthdays. Another popular lady who grew up here and still is seen around the city, Nancy Huber-Coutoumas, is celebrating this week. Our very best to one of the lady brokers at The Norton Group, Ms. Denise Cosby. We wish her the very best. One guy who not only grew up here but was and still is very well known, Jeff Cappello, formerly of Winter Hill, is celebrating. We wish him the very best. And finally, Ms. Katie Lathasha Harris is celebrating this week. We wish her a happy birthday. To the many others celebrating this week, we wish you the very best and hopefully the storm doesn’t stop you from celebrating.

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Have you noticed the prices down at Assembly Row? Is it us or is everyone down there having a 50% to 70% sale on items?

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Tom Taylor out of the hospital but is still in Florida, hopefully recuperating quickly. He and his family are grateful for all the concern and prayers being sent. They are working. Be sure to say hello on Facebook.

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The public hearing for the new zoning code proposal has been changed to Tuesday, February 10, most likely with a 6 or 6:30 p.m. start time. It was originally set for January 29. A press release will be issued with all the details. The website to review the new zoning is http://bit.ly/14vyFLY.

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Somerville High Adult evening school registration is this week and next week on Tuesday and Thursday nights, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Register for many of the courses offered at major discount prices, like the real estate license course which is offered at other places for around $400 per course, but at SHS Adult evening class only $175, less than half. Learn to take the test and become a Real Estate agent here in Massachusetts.

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Somerville High School (81 Highland Street) hosts the 2015 College & Career Night on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:30-8:30pm. Registration begins at 6:00pm. All SHS 10th and 11th grade students and their families are encouraged to attend to learn more about preparing for college and career success. The evening will include general information, and various workshops to help students prepare for the next phase of their educational and career journeys. For more information, visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/CollegeCareerNight2015.

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Tickets are on sale for this year’s Somerville High School Musical production of Aida. Three performances of “Aida,” an Elton John/ Tim Rice collaboration, are scheduled for February 2015 at SHS’s newly renovated Centennial Auditorium. Adapted from the four-time TONY award-winning hit, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida School Edition is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. Get your tickets before they sell out. For tickets and show information, please visit http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/musical. All performances will take place in the beautiful, refurbished SHS Auditorium, 81 Highland Avenue. · Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM · Friday, February 6, 2015 at 7:00 PM · Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:00 PM Purchase your tickets in advance and save! Ticket prices are: Adult: $10 advance purchase / $12 at the door. Students (PK-12 and any young child not in school requiring their own seat): $8 advance purchase / $10 at the door. Senior Citizens: $8 advance purchase / $10 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by mailing a check to Rosemary Sears at Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143) or by visiting www.ticketstage.com/SHS<http://www.ticketstage.com/SHS> (convenience fee applies to online ticket purchases). Make checks payable to SHS Performing Arts.