Join Somerville Local First and more than 40 local artists and makers for their February market being held on Sunday, the 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Arts at the Armory. Just in time for Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day – take your pick) their market is built to spread the love. As always, you’ll be able to sip on drinks and snacks from the Armory while you peruse all the fabulous goods.

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A special happy birthday to our good friend Irving “Elmer” Johansen, who celebrates his 95th birthday. Irving has been a lifelong resident, a man who loves Somerville. He possesses a great memory and a great sense of humor. His church celebrated by throwing him a birthday party that about 80 members of his church attended after services on Sunday. Irving remembers when Republicans dominated the city and both the mayors and aldermen were all Republican. Of course, he realizes that times have changed, and guess what? He loves it. Like we said, he loves Somerville!

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Happy birthday this week as well to the following: Happy birthday to John Arvantis, who is celebrating this week. Also, happy birthday to a good guy, Jason Ribeiro. We hope he has a great day this week. Happy birthday to our good friend and a great guy, Bob McWatters. We hope he has a great day. Happy birthday to a young lady who grew up here and works at Endicott College, Eleanor Pye. We hope she has a great day as well. Happy birthday to Harry Vaughan (Jr), who celebrates this week. To all those celebrating this week who we may have missed, we hope you have a great day as well.

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Demets Donuts in Medford is getting very busy, but those donuts and the large variety are like the old Day’s Donuts, huge and tasty. Almost a sin facing you when you come in for just coffee. It’s hard to not get that jelly or lemon, not to mention the coconut donuts. The Somerville Times is available every Wednesday at the donut shop. Stop in, get a coffee and few of those delicious donuts, or maybe the real – and we mean real – egg sandwiches, from real eggs.

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We see that Alderman At-Large Bill White is proposing changing the name of the Board of Alderman to City Council. It’s about time. We’ve been in favor of this for a long time. We hope that this happens with the support of the entire Board of Aldermen and the mayor. City Council sounds a lot better than that old English word for “elders” – in many towns and cities in the old days they were supposed to represent a Board of Elders. City Councilor fits better for both the men and women of today representing us on the Board. Thank you Councilor White!

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Congratulations to a very good friend who retired last Friday, Diane Johansen has worked hard as a dedicated employee. We hope she relaxes and enjoys her retirement.

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Also, congratulations to Tony Sillari who retired last week after 29 years of dedicated service to our community as the City Plumbing Inspector. We doubt that he will disappear. We hope he enjoys his new venture.

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Glad to hear that Charlie Chisholm is now home recuperating from his many major surgeries. We hope he enjoys his new home fully this time. He’s been in hospital for several months.

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Don’t forget, if you miss the Board of Aldermen meetings on Somerville City Cable (Comcast 22, RCN 13) or online at https://www.somervillema.gov/video every other Thursday night you can view them in their entirety by going to http://somervillecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens. Watch your city at work and see how these dedicated members of our community are serving you, the public.

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We hear that our own Congressman Mike Capuano has some very strong competition from the other side of the district. A Boston City Councilor is considering running against him. We think Congressman Mike has done a good job, considering. We know for a fact his office is right here in Sullivan Square and he has a dedicated staff that will help with the many constituents’ issues.

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The Annual Meeting of the Somerville High School Scholarship Foundation will be held in the Library at Somerville High School at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12, when they will elect Directors to three-year terms. The meeting is for current officers, directors, and members. New members are welcome. For info, contact Noreen Santucci, correspondence secretary, at NFSLEARN@aol.com or at 617-448-0145.

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Over the next few weeks Somerville residents will be receiving the 2018 Annual City Census in the mail and the city urges everyone to fill out and return theirs. High census participation provides an accurate population count and helps the city plan municipal services and adapt as the population changes. The Elections Department also uses the census to help keep voting rolls up to date. Completed census forms can be returned via the postage paid return envelope included in the mailing, by scanning the form and emailing it to census@somervillema.gov, by dropping it off in a census box located in city buildings and libraries, or by faxing it to 617-625-5642. Contact 311 or 617-666-3311 with any questions.

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Non-profit organizations in Somerville are invited to apply for grants from the Tufts Neighborhood Service Fund (TNSF). The TNSF collects donations from faculty and staff at Tufts University throughout the year and then awards small grants to community-based, charitable organizations that serve Tufts’ host communities. All of the TNSF funds go to nonprofit organizations. In this way, TNSF supports not only community organizations but also the work of the many Tufts students, staff, faculty, and alumni who volunteer with them. Interested organizations should contact the Government and Community Relations office at Tufts University at (617) 627-3780 or obtain an application at http://go.tufts.edu/TNSF. Individual grants will be made in amounts ranging from $250 to $2,000. Applications are due by Friday, March 2, and awards will be announced before April.

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Don’t miss the Somerville High School musical production of Pippin. Great singing and dancing, animation, production, and more in this contemporary take on a young person’s search for purpose. February 8, 9, 10 at 7:00 p.m., and February 10 at 2:00 p.m. Purchase tickets and learn more at http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/district-departments/music/high-school-musical. All shows will take place at the SHS Centennial Auditorium.