Last week a legend passed away, Ed Ciampa, a lifelong resident and a man who over the years contributed much to our Somerville. He was one of those good guys back in the days when Somerville had a reputation. He was first elected to the School Board back in 1963, served as the City Treasurer and then elected to the Board of Assessors. Ed was a great man who liked everyone, and always had a big smile when you came into his hardware store in Ball Square. He was active in many local groups here as well. To his very large family and many friends, we send our condolences. He will be missed. He was one of a kind.

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Another well-known Somerville resident, Donald Carriger Sr., passed away this past Sunday. His family was present when he passed on. This Thursday evening, May 28, 4-8 p.m., a wake will be held at Doherty’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday at 12 noon at Doherty’s with graveside services at 1:30 p.m. at Puritan Law. Donald was very active in the Masons, in particular John Abbot Lodge. He was also very active in his church on Winter Hill. He had many friends, was well thought of by everyone he touched throughout the years. Always smiling, he had a good heart and a good word to say to everyone. He leaves behind his family, his many friends, his wife Thelma of many years and his four children, Donald Jr., Douglas, Janice and Judy as well as 4 grandchildren.

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Next week the President of the Board of Alderman, Alderman at Large Bill White will be having his campaign kickoff party for his re-election, which is coming up this year. Wednesday, June 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cantina La Mexicana, 247 Washington Street (at the beginning of the plaza at Union Sq). Bill has been re-elected President of the Board now for three years in a row and it’s obvious to everyone he knows the rules and how to run an affective as well as productive meeting. Bill has served the entire city as Alderman At Large and wherever duty calls Bill is there, and on top of the issues as well. Just as importantly, Bill is a constituent’s Alderman, representing all of us here in the Ville. Bill does his job well and it’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t like him or appreciate what he’s done for the city. Help support his bid for re-election. Show up and let him know how much we appreciate his independent representation.

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CAAS’ Spring Party is coming up. This year it is at the Arts at the Armory on Thursday, June 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this event free of charge. Beverages and light refreshment will be served. Contact Kate Bamberg at kbamberg@caasomerville.org by May 28. CAAS is the local Community Action Agency here in Somerville, “working to end Poverty where we live.” Started back in the early 80’s, they do a lot of good things here in the city. For more information go online www.caasomerville.org or call 617-623-7370.

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City Councilor of Medford Adam Knight is having his re-election kickoff over in Medford coming up on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 35 on Winthrop Street. Adam won election to the city council over in Medford two years ago. He has a bright future ahead of him, and who knows, maybe someday will become the mayor of Medford. Normally we wouldn’t announce anything from outside the Ville, but Adam is well known here in the city from his days with Charlie Shannon’s office. Also, we found out The Somerville Times is read quite a lot by Medford residents.

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Taste of Somerville 2015 will be held in Davis Square this year on Wednesday, June 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $50, while for $75 VIP tickets will provide access to a tasting tent including craft cocktails mixed up by local celebrity bartenders and exclusive table-side food service. Tickets are on sale now at www.tasteofsomerville.com Follow them on IG @tasteofsomerville and Twitter @tasteofsomerville.

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The 6th Annual Carnival @ SomerStreets is coming up on Sunday, June 7 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. East Somerville Main Streets will partner with the City of Somerville to present Carnival @ SomerStreets. This event brings out more than 8,000 people to enjoy awesome music, performances from community groups and talent, activities for children and food from all over the world.

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Happy Birthdays this week to some of our Villen friends and just friends of The Times this week: Big Happy Birthday to Brian Roche who celebrates this week. Brian is doing what he loves. He’s Executive Chef at One Dock in Kennebunkport ME. If you’re up in Maine drop in and say. A huge Happy Birthday to Mary Hart of the famous Hart Family of Somerville. Mother of 10, grandmother of many, many, many, and she’s married to Richard. A nice lady and still working as a nurse over in Malden. We wish Mary a very happy birthday. She’s a great lady. Happy Birthday to Russell J. Smith Sr., who is embarking on a new career shortly. A nice guy who grew up in East Somerville, better known to his friends as Rusty. We wish him the very best. To our good friend and realtor Johanna Webster of CBRB in Andover. If you’re looking for a house, call Johanna. No one knows the Andover’s like her. We wish her a happy birthday. Another realtor and good friend, Nelson Zide, who is an owner of ERA Keys. He’s a realtor out of Framingham, a great guy, awesome realtor and mentor. We wish him the very best of birthdays. Happy Birthday this week to Florence Chickie Pero, who is also celebrating. Dan Rogovich, a well known Villen from East Somerville who started the East Somerville re-union last year and hopefully he’s planning another one next year. We wish Dan a big Happy Birthday and have a great week. To one of our newest friends, co-founder of and VP of Zintro Inc., Enrique Levin. We wish him a very happy birthday this week. And last but not least, to our own Editor’s wife Chrissie Clark. We wish her a very happy birthday this week and many more.

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Have you noticed that Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee has become watered down lately? And have you noticed that DPW crews are out there this past Saturday digging up sidewalks? Is that just overtime or double overtime because of the holiday? And finally, how many police officers does it take to do a one block detail? We saw three standing and chatting with each other on Main Street. How much an hour is that and who pays?

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Why is there a monster in the Healey School garden? And who is stealing all of the healthy lunches? Come find out in Wild Tales’ new play, “The Monster in the Garden: a silly play about Shape Up Somerville,” being presented on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Somerville Main Public Library. The program is free and a family friendly event. Wild Tales is a free after-school theater program for children ages 6 – 13, and open to the public. The program is made possible by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council. For more information call 617 628-6685.