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Only one of our state legislators was present at this year's Patriots Day event. Maybe it's because he has an opponent, you know Rep. Carl Sciortino only shows up to these things when he's looking for votes. When asked by a candidate for another office to sign his petition, we heard Carl refused. Funny how our own State Senator doesn't show up for any of these things…can anyone remember her name? There's still time to find a good candidate to run for that seat, and hopefully someone will.

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A good friend of Somerville and lifelong resident John McKenzie passed away this week quietly in his sleep, leaving his lovely wife Marjorie and daughter Joyce. John did the Wednesday lunches on College Avenue for many years, making friends with old and new residents alike. He was well liked, and will be missed by many whose hearts he touched over the years. Services are today, Wednesday, at Doherty's and Masonic service at 7 p.m. done by the officers of Somerville Lodge. John was a popular member of Somerville Lodge and King Solomon's Lodge here in Somerville.

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Jim Campano, who ran for Ward 6 Alderman last year, is running for the Democratic nomination for Governors Councilor. Lots of candidates will be running for this plum job that we think should be abolished. Also running is local guy Ross Blouin as an Independent candidate. Funny how the Democratic and Republican candidates for most offices only need 300 signatures but the Independent candidates have to get 1,000. Ross is a good guy and lives in Teele Square area. He's a first time candidate but he says he's committed to winning. If you would like to help Ross get signatures call him at 617 776-0044 he has only about a week to get his signatures. More and more people should jump in the various races so that no incumbent is running unopposed no matter what the race. Debate is good for everyone.

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Chamber of Commerce Business Town Hall Meeting next Wednesday April 28th at the Somerville Theatre, Mayor Joe will once again talk on the past, present and future of the city, as well as doing a Q&A for those present. To reserve a ticket and to make sure you get in, contact the Chamber office on Cedar Street or email.

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Somerville Lions charity breakfast is coming up on May 2nd held at the club house on New Washington Street (behind Holiday Inn) 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $10 or $16 for two. All proceeds go to local charities.

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Gene Brune's annual scholarship breakfast over at Anthony's in Malden is coming up as well Sunday May 9th 10a.m. to 12noon.

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First Time Home Buyers Seminar being sponsored by the Somerville Housing Authority is coming up. It will run three Thursday evenings in a row starting May 13th at the Tenants Association building on Mystic Avenue. To register for this course call the SHA and ask for First Time Home Buyers representative to register 617 625-1152.

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Alderman Mary Ann Hueston is doing what will become a yearly event, a Neighborhood Walk throughout her Ward 2 area, meeting and greeting all the residents and to hear their concerns. She asked us to print her walking schedule out so that neighbors would know she is in the area, Saturday 24 at 10 a.m. Corner of Concord and Beacon Streets, Saturday May 1 at 10 a.m. Conway Park play area on Somerville Avenue, and Friday May 14 at 6p.m. at Brickbottom and finally wrapping it up on Thursday May 20 at 6p.m. at the Lincoln Park tot lot. Maryann finds this an effective outreach to her constituents, not like some who just do coffee houses, this way it's for everyone.

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Happy 83rd Birthday to our old Friend Ed Ciampa. Ed was former Assessor and City Treasurer back many many moons ago, he's still very active at all the Lions events, a big supporter of Somerville charities and he's just an all around nice guy. If you want to hear about the old west days here in Somerville, he's got the stories. Ed is also the uncle of former State Rep and alderman at large Vinnie Ciampa who is also celebrating his birthday this week…the Ciampa family is a big part of the Somerville historical landscape, so wish them a happy birthday if you see them around.

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Adonai Bible Center, a nondenominational Church has asked us to put a plug in for them here in Newstalk. We hear they are devoted readers of the paper. The Church invites you to worship with them every Sunday at 10 a.m. and 3p.m. at the Lions club house, 9 New Washington Street on the 2nd floor. They have two services every Sunday afterwards there is fellowship with light collation. They also have a radio show which broadcasts every Saturday morning at 11:30 on AM 590. For information on what they do visit their website at www.adonaibiblecntro.org or call 617 718-0935.

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On April 30, thirteen immigrant-run Somerville restaurants will gather at Arts at the Armory to celebrate Somerville's vibrant immigrant community. Hosted by The Welcome Project, a Somerville non-profit dedicated to strengthening civic and community life by diminishing racism and empowering the city's refugee and immigrant groups, YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City will offer food, music and dance from Somerville's local global community.

The thirteen participating restaurants are also involved in The Welcome Project's YUM Restaurant Card initiative. Through the end of the year, each restaurant is offering a 10 percent discount on food orders of $25 or more to patrons who show the YUM Card.

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is inviting residents from across the state to nominate their favorite places. The nominations will be considered for a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts to be announced in May. This initiative will celebrate what is unique about Massachusetts, its communities, and its people. The deadline for nominations is April 15. Nominate your favorite place including those in Somerville, like Davis Square, Union Square, Prospect Hill, or Foss Park, at www.massvacation.com/1000.