Tonight, Wednesday the 14th, Mayor Joe Curtatone is having his Second Annual Fall Reception and Wine Tasting at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets at the door. A great time was had last year, and it looks like a great new tradition has been established right here in the ‘Ville. Suggested contributions are at the door.

********************

This Saturday, November 17, at 12 noon, don’t forget there will be a public meeting at the Winter Hill Yacht Club located at 78 Foley Street, directly next door to the Assembly Square Job site behind the Big K-Mart store. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and address any alleged potential hazards, concerns and harm that the dust particles from the Assembly Square Construction site that might affect one’s health or property. Representatives of the developers Federal Realty, EPA, City of Somerville and the Governor’s office were asked and are expected to attend. Neighbors, abutters and the general public are all invited to attend as well.

********************

A reminder to save the date for a benefit fund-raiser for our good friend Rick Barletta to help support the recovery from his horrific accident where he sustained permanent injuries in a near fatal motorcycle crash this past May. The benefit is to help raise money to help with care for him and his family. Rick is a very strong willed person and has what it takes to overcome this tragic situation. His benefit will be held on Saturday, November 24, at the Winter Hill Yacht Club located at 78 Foley Street in Somerville (Assembly Square by the river), from 6 p.m. with a $20 cover charge that will include admission, dancing, buffet, DJ, cash bar and a raffle to help Rick and his family with the cost of his care as he heals and tries to get rolling again. Any donations for the raffle would be greatly appreciated. Please contact, Jeaneen Barletta, at jeanen.barletta@facebook.com or Billy Tauro at 617 293-2016 or wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com for more information.

********************

It seems like the Holiday Inn has been re-borne here in the ‘Ville. Last week’s Chamber of Commerce dinner the function room had a brand new look. Nothing like the old one. Congratulations to the Inn. Looking nice!

********************

Saturday, November 24, is also National Shop Small Day. It’s the day that we are all asked to shop small local business that make up the backbone of our nation’s economy.  So remember to shop at all our small local shops right here in Somerville and help to support the community as a whole.

********************

Congratulations to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt on their recent Grand Opening on October 26, located at 260 Elm Street right here in Davis Square. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is self serve with 35 toppings. We welcome them to Somerville and wish them all the best for a successful business here in the ‘Ville.

********************

Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development are hosting Somerville by Design station area planning here at Gilman Square, Lowell Street/Magoun Square and Ball Square stations. It’s a great opportunity for our community to have input into the new stations. Wednesday, November 28, Open Studios 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Public meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. meet city planners and designers to share your ideas. Also, Thursday, November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Art of Station Area Planning 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. All of this is happening at The Armory, 191 Highland Avenue. Call 617-625-6600 or go to www.somervillebydesign.com.

********************

Happy Happy Birthdays this week to some of our friends – not all but some – to a good friend, Mario Brum as well as Rob Dubois, we hope they both have a great day. Well known local Attorney Michael Dwyer is also celebrating. Who doesn’t know that great realtor Betty Levin, who’s been around a few years and remembers when houses locally were well under 50K. A Happy Birthday to our good friend from The Somerville Fire Department the District Chief Dennis Murphy. To Alan Nissenbaum, another local realtor and a guy who is very involved here in the community, we wish him the best.

********************

Our sincere condolences to the family of Ricky Severino who grew up here in East Somerville, graduated from SHS and lived here most of his life. He was known as “Sub” back in the day. A nice guy and very nice family. We extend our deepest sympathy.

********************

Also passing recently was Josephine Marci, a long time resident passed away. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

********************

The ladies and gentleman working on election night at City Hall worked very hard to make sure the voter results were in and accurate. We salute the entire Election Commission Office. Everyone there deserves a thank you.

********************

Our good friend Bob Publicover is home and not doing too well. He’s looking forward to seeing a lot of his old friends stop by his home over the holidays at 47 Madison Street here in Somerville.  Bob’s been a very active person throughout his years here in Somerville and has devoted himself to many charities as well.

********************

The Somerville High Class of 1975 is holding its reunion this coming Saturday on the 17th, but this is a little unusual. They are opening their reunion up and inviting anyone who graduated from SHS in the two classes before 1973 and 1974 and the two classes after 1976 and 1977 to come and attend as well. This Saturday at the Line Steak and Brew in Everett located at 10 Woodland Avenue, starting time is 7 p.m. This is by word of mouth but it sounds like a great idea. Maybe more classes should do the same.