Appears that the Breakfast Wars in Ball Square have made it to another level: Ball Square Café and Victor’s have installed a new awning over their location, a first. They have also installed heaters for their waiting customers this coming winter. No more standing in the cold and freezing waiting for one of Omar’s delicious breakfast, you get that special treatment, they want their customers to feel appreciated.

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You could feel the excitement at the Third Annual Riverfest this Saturday evening and a great time was had by all. The fireworks were spectacular, thanks to Federal Realty who along with Mayor Joe Curtatone sponsored the event. A very large crowd showed up and it appears that all present enjoyed the evening.

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Congratulations to the recently appointed new firemen that were sworn in at the Board of Aldermen meeting recently, a very proud moment for themselves as well as their families and friends. One new hire was sworn in with his mother who is retiring and giving her son her badge.

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By the way, the Board of Aldermen have a procedure where any appointments by the Mayor go directly into “committee on appointments” where the person who is being appointed can answer questions by the aldermen and more importantly the aldermen themselves can ask particular questions pertaining to the process if they so choose. So wasn’t it interesting to see Ward 6 Alderwoman Rebekah not showing up for the committee hearing but because she was on TV, she decided to ask questions at the Board of Aldermen on the selection process, and who or how the decision to hire was done. All this in front of the newly appointed fireman, their families and friends, almost putting a damper on the process. No one has a problem with the questions but why demagog  the process and continue to disregard the rules you are supposed to follow as an elected official.

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While we’re on the subject did you happen to see Ward 6 Alderwoman Rebekah bring up her “resolution to support the Dream Act”? Why the Board of Aldermen is involved in the process that our Congressman, Mike Capuano, should be concerned with is unclear. This has nothing to do with the city, and the important issues that the city faces. Nice to see that Alderman President Jack Connolly put it in committee, guess Rebekah can address it there – if she goes, that is.

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We were told by our friend Tony Alibrandi the barber in Teele Square that one of his loyal customers over the years was celebrating a unique birthday,  Ed Reed of Somerville is going to be 99 years old on October 4 and we all wish him the very best. We’re trying to figure out his secret.

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Another special birthday wish goes to our Somerville News founder long time Publisher and of course a best friend Bob Publicover. Bob is celebrating his 60th birthday today, Sept. 29. Last we heard he was on the main streets of P-Town, but we’re sure he’s going to be around. Bob is one of the nicest guys here in Somerville who, no matter what adversity he faces, keeps coming back at you. We wish him a well and long life; he’s usually at the Café on Highland Avenue mid days. Stop and say hi.

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Registration for adult evening school is Tuesday and Thursday nights at the main office at the High School. This year Principal Sophia Carafotes is going all out to make all sorts of classes available to adults here in Somerville at a very reasonable price. Call her at Somerville Adult Evening School 617 625-6600 x6478 or email her for the list www.somerville.k12.ma.us/eveningschool.

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Thirty five days to go for November 2 general elections, a time that everyone needs to go out to vote, if you like the status quo and their voting record, great they will need your vote. If you’re sick of high taxes and big government and the arrogant elected officials refusing to listen to us, then VOTE as well.      We think it’s a great idea if the incumbents have an opponent then vote against all that are incumbent.

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Somerville High School’s Class of 1990 will hold its 20-year reunion Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Holiday Inn at 30 Washington St. Appetizers will be served. Tickets are $40. Make checks payable to Barry Mahoney, Box 274, Woburn, MA 01801. For more information, call Mahoney at 781-937-8307.

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Somerville Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly Business after Hours at the Mount Vernon, Thursday October 7 (always first Thursday of the month), 14 Broadway from 5-7 p.m. great opportunity to come and network together and talk about local business.

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Happy Birthday out to Joanne Crosby of Pat’s Auto Body shop, JoAnne’s a great lady who always greets you with a smile when you enter the shop down on Linwood Street. We wish her a great year and best wishes from her fans. Another Happy Birthday to Mary Murphy of Murphy’s Florist fame, Mary is a lovely lady, best wishes to her as well.

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Condolences go to the family of  Bobby LeBlanc who passed away this past weekend. Bobby grew up on Somerville Avenue and recently moved to Warren Street. Bobby was a great guy and will be missed by a lot of people here in Somerville.

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Rumor has it that the city has made a call to the Superior Police Officers’ Union President last week and offered a bonus: if any of the officers retire early they would receive an additional $15,000 per officer. At this point we wonder how many will take this offer?

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Congratulations to Somerville Police Captain Michael Devereaux who was recognized by the City last week for outstanding service in the community and for continuously reaching out to residents down at his former post at the police substation located on lower Broadway. Congratulations to former Somerville Police Captain James Tatosky Sr., who was honored last week for all his outstanding service to Somerville.

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The Nave Gallery is hosting its semiannual Flea Market on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Join us for some unbelievable bargains! Most items are $20 and under, including furniture, books, CDs, clothes, coats, lamps, housewares, pots, handbags, candle holders, belts, and much much more! Proceeds to benefit Nave programming. Nave Gallery, 155 Powderhouse Blvd. Somerville, MA 02144. The Nave Gallery is a 3-minute walk from Teele Square, which can be reached by the 87 and 88 bus. Check them out at www.navegallery.org.