Other personnel news from the city this week wasn't so cheery: a mass firing of about 70 janitors. It appears the administration tried to work out an agreement with the union asking them to make some cuts and they refused, therefore they got axed and now a private company UNICCO will be doing the job for less money. It's too bad but layoffs and outsourcing appear to be a sign of the times. The city has to deal with several unions, maybe this sets the stage for them to realize that cuts have to be made, that taxes and fees can't keep going up to pay for personnel and their health plans. Hopefully some of the union members realize this and come to their senses. We hear that several pink slips are ready and set to be sent out to various other departments here in the city. Maybe selling off the sacred cow, you know, the Brown School, will finally be on the block, rather than more job cuts.

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

On the bank front, we hear through sources that a major investigation regarding a bank employee here in Somerville, who may have dipped into customers' personal accounts to the tune of about $200K. Expect this to break real soon, and look online to the News for the full story.

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

Congratulations to Somerville's Bob Hickey. Bob just became the District 5 commander for the American Legion and is the President of the Somerville Allied Veterans Council. We wish him the best in his new position, he's a good guy.

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

The city had a lot of downed trees and the DPW did a great job in removing the many trees, thank goodness the situation wasn't worse.

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

Sunday at the Somerville Community Baptist Church on College Avenue a surprise 65th Anniversary party was given for lifelong residents Irving and Peggy Johansen of Winter Hill who were married on June 3 1945. Both members of the church and both active in the community, Irving and Peggy are well known to a lot of people here. Irving is a member of the Masonic family here in Somerville and a retired banker. Peggy use to work in the School Department at the High School Cafeteria. The Women's Fellowship Committee led by Kim Wagner-Tammaro and Heather Roderick ran the function, which featured lobster rolls made by Irving and Peggy's daughter Donna, a beautiful cake from Patsy's Bakery and Mike's restaurant provided outstanding cold cuts. All had a great time, especially Irving and Peggy.

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

Happy Birthday to Paul Caroll of Carroll Roofers of Somerville who will be 71 years old next week, Paul is a great guy from a great family here in Somerville, we wish him many more.

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

We hear that Former Mayor Dot Gay's husband has come through his surgery and is resting, he's at home now and hopefully on the mend. He had some heavy surgery having to do with the removal of one of his lungs, we are sure he would appreciate a letter or card, let him know you wish him the best.

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

Another Somerville movie star sighting recently over at Twin Cities Mall, which apparently is well known to the Hollywood set, remember we told you about Ben Affleck's movie there last fall? Our sources tell us that the movie producer himself with his soon to be star of the film, who's not a stranger to the area, were both seen there working out last week and blending in among the everyday gym customers trying not to attract any unwanted attention. It also looks like last week's sources about rumors of movie scouts around the plaza must be true. Any aspiring actors might want to check it out, maybe??

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

Alderman Dennis Sullivan will close up his spring mobile office hours with stops in Ward 6 and 7 this Saturday June 12. He'll set up his mobile office at Stature Park in Davis Square at 9 a.m. and then bring it to Teele Square. Dennis tells us he's done over 100 stops across the city since he started doing these mobile offices. Wouldn't it be nice if the entire Board of Aldermen got together and did this at the same time out in the neighborhoods? Maybe once or twice a year?

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

Taste of Somerville was last night at the Holiday Inn. Another great Chamber of Commerce event showcasing all the great restaurants, shops and bakeries in Somerville.

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

This past weekend the State Democratic Convention was held this past weekend, Somerville had a good contingency of elected delegates at the recent Democratic state convention, only about eight didn't show up. But what was interesting to more then one at the convention was the fact that the citywide Democratic Chairperson Kate Chang showed up,registered and didn't bother to cast a vote on any of the issues or candidates running — she simply was there and then disappeared. Some were very suprised that the chairperson couldn't bother to cast any votes. We think maybe she was there doing some work for her boss, Congressman Mike Capuano? Or maybe she was preparing for all the various parties that were held? You decide but if you're there to do a job, then do it, like we said more then one Somerville Democrat observed what happened.

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

The Center for Teen Empowerment is hiring Somerville residents between the ages of 14 and 21 to work as youth organizers this summer. Youth applicants should be interested in making a positive impact on their community and organizing events focused on issues youth face. Youth hired will work approximately 12 to 15 hours per a week, at an hourly rate of $8 per hour at the program's 236A Pearl Street office. To apply, please call 617-628-0710 and leave a clear message with your name, age, and phone number. For more information about Teen Empowerment visit www.teenempowerment.org/somerville.