Tonight, Wednesday, March 2, A Very Somerville Birthday Party is being hosted by the city from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The city is marking Somerville’s 175th birthday all year, but March is an especially important month. It was in March of 1842 that Somerville officially separated from Charlestown and became its own city. Help celebrate by joining an informal party on Broadway near the Charlestown line and then heading to Mount Vernon Restaurant for appetizers and cake. There will also be a cash bar where Aeronaut Brewing Company is unveiling a special gluten free Somerville birthday brew: Municipal Freedom Gives National Strength. Free admission. Go to the Facebook page “175 Somerville” for more details and to let them know you might attend.

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Coming up on Saturday, April 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m., a fundraiser hosted by the Welcome Project, YUM a taste of Immigrant City, at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue. Ben Echevarria invites everyone to come and try out foods from different countries. Ben and his family have been very involved for many years here in Somerville. He’s a good guy and dedicated to many causes here in Somerville.

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The annual Somerville High Scholarship Foundation fundraiser is once again upon us, with the chance to win $10K CASH, plus up to 24 prizes of $100 each. Friday, May 12 at the high school’s Highlander Café. Tickets for the $10K drawing are $100 each and only 250 tickets will be sold. A great cause serving the students from Somerville. Over the years the foundation committee has raised over a million dollars and each year many students from Somerville High benefit from the generosity of the foundation and those that support it. Contact Eugene Brune or mail a check for $100 to SHS Raffle c/o Joseph Favaloro, P.O. Box 440275 Somerville 02144.

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Our sincere condolences to the family of Charlene Harris, who recently lost her battle with cancer. Charlene was a dedicated member of our community and served it well representing Ward Four on the School Board for many years. She advocated for many young people here in the city. She loved her work with the children and made many friends over the years. We here at The Times extend our sympathy to her husband Brian Harris and her large family and many friends. Funeral services at St. John’s in North Cambridge Thursday morning.

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Happy birthday to some of our friends and fellow Villens here this week: Happy birthday to Jim Halloran (the younger) who is celebrating this week. We wish him a very happy birthday. A happy birthday to Diane O’Brien, who is local business owner right here in Davis Square. A great tax lady and a nice person. We hope she has a good birthday. Happy birthday to John Gibbons, who is celebrating this week as well. Also to Paul Marino, who is celebrating. We hope he has a happy birthday.

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Congratulations to one of Somerville’s finest residents and public servant, Richard Johnson, who is a Massachusetts State Trooper, former Alderman in Ward One. He was recently promoted to Brigadier General in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Trooper Richard Johnson, it is well deserved. We thank him for his service to our community.

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Our publisher and great guy, Ross Blouin, is back home from his ordeal at Mt. Auburn. He’s resting and his lovely wife Diane is making sure he is comfortable. He’ll soon be on his feet again and back at work. We wish him well.

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The Highland Masonic Building Association will be holding its annual (now 5 years) Giggles Comedy Night on Wednesday, April 28, at Prince of Pizza on Rte. 1. Come join in and have a night of laughs and a chance to win any one of over 25 gift baskets. Every year over 100 locals gather and have a great night of comedy with 3-4 professional comedians, plus a few surprises again this year. Contact Donald Norton at donaldfnorton@gmail.com or Bobby Potaris at potarisconstruction@yahoo.com.

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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.

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It’s 2017 and Demet’s Donuts over on Mystic Avenue is the best. We’re noticing more and more Somerville residents over there getting their coffee and donuts to start the day. The ladies working there are fantastic and always smiling. If you’re in the mood for a huge, great tasting donut drop over early since they disappear as the day gets on.

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Yes, we’re big on the Mt. Vernon Restaurant, but we have to remark on the popovers. They are the best. Get a nice hot one out of the kitchen with some butter, you’ll be asking for more.

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Congratulations to Victor’s Deli of Ball Square on their 35 anniversary of service with friendly and good home cooking, with lots of customers turned friends over the years. Awesome mac and cheese, sauce and a great thick pan pizza are among some of the items that Rosa, Victor, Nancy and Jason cook up every day. If you haven’t been there, go for lunch, you won’t regret it. Mention you saw it here.

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Some fundraisers are coming up soon for Ward Two Alderman Maryann Heuston and Ward Three Alderman Bob McWatters. If you know of something going on in the city, let us know and we’ll post it.

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Spring can’t come soon enough, and the Duhamel Education Initiative is looking forward to seeing you at its 21st Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 1 at First Church Somerville, 89 College Ave. Suggested donation of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children, $25 for family. The Somerville School Committee will be cooking and serving the breakfast again this year. Reservations are not necessary. Just stop in, bring family and friends, and enjoy. Funds raised from this and other DEI events help support special programs that benefit Somerville Public School students. To honor Paul Duhamel’s memory DEI continues to support new and innovative programs in the district with a focus on dropout prevention. In case of questionable weather on April 1, please contact Doris McDaniel at 857-205-8374 or Larry Siraco at 617-447-1529 to confirm that breakfast is being served. DEI proudly celebrates its 21-year history and looks forward to seeing you at the Breakfast on April 1. Mark your calendars and plan to enjoy good food, lots of fun, and new friendships.