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

The 11th annual What the Fluff? A tribute to Union Square Invention is happening less than three weeks from now, on Saturday September 24 (rain date September 25). As they prepare for their biggest festival yet, they’re excited to share some delectable updates with their biggest Fluff fans. All happening in Union Square.

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

A CAAS Fundraiser is happening at Slumbrew Taproom, 15 Ward Street, Somerville, on Thursday, September 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. You can have fun and support the work of the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), our local anti-poverty agency, by purchasing a ticket to their Fall Fundraiser at Slumbrew. Drink a beer, eat some delicious food, enjoy a private brewery tour and win awesome raffle prizes. To learn more about CAAS, visit www.caasomerville.org.

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

Happy birthday to a lot of our friends and fellow Villens here this week: Big happy birthday to our good friend and former Ward 7 Alderman, the ever-popular Bob Trane. The ever-popular Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente is also celebrating. We wish him a happy birthday. Another alderman is also celebrating her birthday this week, a nice lady who works hard for the city, Mary Jo Rossetti. We wish her a happy birthday. Happy birthday wishes to a nice lady we have been getting to know in the past few years, Jodi Gallo, who is celebrating this week as well. Her husband is the one and only Jimmy Mastromatteo. They own All Vent Cleaners and are constantly seen around the city. A great lady and couple.

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

At the water hearing last week, about 40 to 50 residents showed up and overall they expressed their disapproval. Along with the residents, all aldermen were present except for the one from Ward 1. Some of the residents spoke at length as to how they were upset and how this was done in the dark. One resident asked if it could be rescinded and the Acting Water Commissioner said “no”… to which even some of the aldermen present were upset about it. Sources tell us that the DPW Commissioner, Stan Koty, Mayor Joe, Acting Water Commissioner and the Finance Director for the city planned this added fee months ago. They mentioned a previous public hearing that was dated back on June 20, but in reality that was the usual meeting were they talk about the rates, and normally the public doesn’t show up. They then implemented a $60 additional FEE on every water bill that comes to $180 annually in additional monies to the Water Department. Now, the city collects and pays to the MWRA about 45% of the bill you get and the other 55% goes to the Water Department. The Board of Alderman held a meeting last night, Tuesday the 13th, to look into it further. But according to sources, the Board of Aldermen gave away their right to regulate the Water Department over 20 years ago. So now they have no authority to withdraw the fee. Oh, and by the way, they mentioned that they were saving residents a hike in the water fee, but then mentioned that the sewer fee was going up 5 percent. Isn’t that nice?

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

Arts Union Fall Walking Tour is September 25 (rain date, October 2) from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Meet at the Public Safety Building. Learn more about the history of Union Square with ArtsUnion and the Somerville Historic Preservation Committee at Tracking Progress; How Somerville Yards – Rail, Stock and Brick – Have Shaped Union Square. Juliet will host the complimentary ending session.

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

There’s a new website in town. Check it out at www.somervillema.com. The Somerville Times is on the site. Also check out www.medfordma.com. Someone asked online why we keep these two websites in Newstalk. We guess it’s because we like them.

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

For those that might be interested in obtaining certification for firearms should look up the Lawrence Rod & Gun Club. They provide an extensive program at the end of which you receive certification for Massachusetts/NRA Certified Firearm Safety Classes. They run a class once a month, which is limited to 10 people and we hear that this is the place to go to learn safety when handling guns. Email gunclub@earthlink.net for more information and or go to their website at www.lawrencerodandgunclub.org and read up about the course. We’ve been told that the course has seen a major increase in people applying for it, especially women. We can tell you first hand here that it’s a great course and quite thorough. The same goes for this in Newstalk. The club has informed us that many residents of Somerville have called or gone to the club to find out about certification.

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

Our condolences and sympathy goes out to the Ryan family after the recent loss of Robert L. Ryan, Sr. He passed away last week and services were held at St. Catherine Church on Summer St.

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

Don’t forget one of the best hamburgers in the city can be found at Sally O’Brien’s in Union Square, on Somerville Avenue. There’s different entertainment every night and lots of fun every time we go there. You never know who from the Ville is there, and besides, the owner and host Liam is a great guy as well.

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

Congratulations to all the winners in last week’s primary. Senator Pat Jehlen won with a huge victory with about 80% of the vote. Also, congratulations to Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters who headed up the campaign locally for Sheriff of Middlesex County Peter J. Koutoujian. He easily swept the city and county to earn re-election. Alderman McWatters also successfully headed the Somerville campaign of Governor’s Councilor Terrance Kennedy, who won huge here in the city as well. And yes, we were disappointed in the loss of long time State Representative Tim Toomey. We wish him well. He is still a Cambridge City Councilor.

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

Don’t forget to vote in the November 8 election for public officials, both statewide and nationally. If you need to register to vote call the Election Department at 617-625-6600. The registration deadline is soon.

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

Great news: after two years, the Gilman Street Bridge is open both ways to traffic. Many residents are happy about it. Now, when does the old Monarch Building get taken down?

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

Making music is an important part of the Somerville Public Schools learning experience and their commitment to supporting the whole child. Visit http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/district-departments/music/instrument-instruction-and-rentals to learn more about Instrumental Instruction in the Somerville Public Schools and upcoming instrument rental and instrument loan opportunities (for qualifying students) in September.