We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Stan Koty, who passed last week. He served the city for many, many years, most recently as DPW Commissioner, and will be missed.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with Donald and Patty Norton, who are both home on hospice care. They are very grateful for all the well-wishers that have called and made visits to their home. We wish them the best and hope they stay strong.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to Mary Jo Rossetti, who is a lifelong resident and a hard working Councilor At-Large. We wish her a very happy birthday. Also this week, we wish another local person Conor Brennan, the owner of PJ Ryan’s in Teele Square, the very best on his birthday. Happy birthday to a lady whose family has deep roots here in Somerville, Donna Prio-Andon, who grew up in Magoun Square, we wish Donna the very best. Happy birthday to Helen Yutkins Berry, who also is celebrating this week. We missed Juscelia LoRusso last week, not sure how but we hope she had a wonderful birthday, she is the best! I wonder how made her a cake? If we missed you here, we wish you a happy birthday as well.

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What the Fluff? 102 Anniversary Fluff Festival will be held on September 21 in Union Square. What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Invention is presented by Union Square Main Streets as part of the Somerville Arts Council/ArtsUnion. Join in the celebration of the 102nd anniversary of Fluff, invented right here in Somerville’s Union Square in 1917 by Archibald Query. This madcap, fun-filled festival draws approximately 20,000 people and is cited as one of the reasons why Lonely Planet named Somerville in the top 10 “Best In The US” travel destinations for 2016. The 14th annual What the Fluff Festival will feature musical performances, a cooking contest, Fluff-themed games, activities, antics and fun for every age, and Fluff treats of every sort. This year’s theme, Fluff Travels: All Roads Lead to Fluff, celebrates one of the most culturally rich cities in the nation, paying homage to the many roads traveled to Union Square from all over the world. With 50+ spoken languages in its schools, Somerville is home to a mix of neighbors from El Salvador, Haiti, Portugal, Brazil, and beyond. So bike, boogie, scooter, roller skate or jetpack to Union Square as Marshmallow Fluff journeys round the world and back again with deliciously diverse food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. For more information, please visit: http://www.flufffestival.com.

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Did you know that the U.S. Census impacts federal funding over the next decade? If you or someone you know is interested in ensuring accuracy and equity in the 2020 Census, all interested persons are encouraged to apply to serve on the Complete Count Committee, especially persons and representatives of organizations and institutions with strong connections to hard-to-count populations. The application deadline for the Somerville Complete Count Committee has been extended to September 23. More info: somervilleMA.gov/CompleteCount.

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Ball Square Festival is back for its second year. Join local businesses, artists and musicians in the square for an amazing local event. The event will be held on September 22 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. There will be a beer garden, tastings, local flavors, crafts, music and more.

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The Somerville Garden Club is holding its yearly plant sale on Saturday, September 21, in Davis Square. Discover the perfect plant to enliven your garden or windowsill at this popular yearly sale. High quality perennials, house plants, herbs, shrubs, and groundcovers will be available for sale. Choose from hundreds of plants donated by both Somerville Garden Club members and community friends of the Club. Visit the Connoisseur Table for that unique specimen, or find a tried-and-true favorite among the many sun and shade perennials – there’s something for everyone. Horticultural books, decorative containers, and garden tools will also be for sale. And the littlest gardener in the family will enjoy the Children’s Table. Proceeds benefit the educational programs and public plantings of the all-volunteer, non-profit Somerville Garden Club.

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Please join the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen on Monday evening, September 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for a community meeting to discuss the plan for the Central Hill Campus (Phase I). The meeting will be held in the Somerville High School cafeteria, 81 Highland Ave. Phase I of the Central Hill Campus Master Plan includes the renovation of Central Hill Playground and the installation of Memorial Walk East, a celebratory walk for the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, and a new Service Memorial. This will be the second in a series of meetings to discuss the plan. For more information about the project, visit www.somervillema.gov/departments/central-hill-plan, or contact Cortney Kirk at ckirk@somervillema.gov.

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The Committee to Elect Mary Marshall is hosting a fundraiser for her at Sally O’Briens, Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 5:30-7:30 Please come support Mary in her race to become the next Ward 3 School Committee member.

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Attention shoppers and those that have frequented the several food establishments in Ball Square: Letting you know that the square is not that difficult to get to, especially since the bridge has been out. All the businesses would appreciate you still dropping by to shop, eat, or just say “Hi” – it would be very welcome. The Ball Square Café, Sound bites, Kelly’s Diner – or almost everyone’s favorite, Victor’s Deli – don’t forget Lyndell’s Bakery and, of course, True Grounds are open for business as well. Traffic around the square is good, with plenty of parking. So there’s no excuse for not shopping there.

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The Somerville City Club manager Donny Johnson is looking all the time for new members to join the club, if you think you’d be interested give him a call at 617-623-9340. It’s a great local club for the residents of Somerville, and has been around now for over 40 years, their location on Innerbelt Road. Call and ask for details at 617-623-9340.