Best of luck in the new year to our almost new Board of Aldermen. A grand total of five new aldermen were installed into their positions this past Monday evening, January 1. We wish the new government here in the city the best of luck for 2018. Congratulations to Ward 7 Alderman Katjana Ballantyne, who was elected by her peers to be President of the Board for this coming year, along with Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin as the new Vice President. We congratulate them, as well the School Committee members and its new Chairman, Andre L. Green. And finally, to Mayor Joseph Curtatone. We hope he has a successful term in office, with this being the beginning of his eighth term. Incidentally, if you’re interested in reading the full transcript of the mayor’s inauguration speech, we have it posted on our website: www.thesomervilletimes.com.

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Thank you to the DPW’s Tom Barry for organizing the three or so plow trucks out on the Christmas mini snow storm that amounted to about four inches or so. Was it poor planning on the DPW commissioner’s (Stan Koty) part? We’re not sure, but we do know that good thinking Tom Barry is in the shadows. Let’s hope with the snow storm this week that we have more of them out there on the streets plowing. By the way, please remember: ODD SIDE PARKING DURING SNOW EMERGENCIES THIS YEAR.

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Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Zac Zasloff, the all-around nice guy from Prospect Hill, as well as Chairman of the Condo Review Board. Zac has gone through a lot recently with his fall, but the good people at MGH took good care of him.

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Our condolences to the family of Florence Lewis, who recently passed away, Florence was very active in the Grace Baptist Church locally until it was sold. Florence leaves many family and friends that admired her and thought the world of her. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, January 7, 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 3 Winn Street, Woburn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial Street #19, Malden, MA 02148.

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Happy birthdays this week to some of the locals: A happy birthday to Jamie Sue O’Leary, from Winter Hill, who is celebrating this week. We hope she has a great birthday. Happy birthday to our good and longtime friend, Pam Gee, of RLS (RE agents should know her). She is celebrating this week as well. Happy birthday to another former Winter Hill person, Tom Oliverio, who is a great guy that loves to travel, but he still loves his home in Somerville. Happy birthday to Lisa Ludwick, who is also celebrating this week. Happy birthday to Mark Norton, who is celebrating this week as well. Birthday greetings to a one time Somerville resident who became famous for his appearance on Jeopardy, Evan Nolan. Happy birthday to Bob McWatters, whose son Rob will be graduating this spring from Harvard Business School. We wish him a very happy birthday and many more. He works like his father – it’s in the genes. Finally, to the best, or one of the best, teachers and popular all-around nice lady, we salute Sophia Carafotes. If you see her this week make sure you wish her a big happy birthday and tell her you heard it here. To the many others celebrating here in Somerville – or have Somerville in their hearts – we salute and wish you a happy birthday as well.

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Our good friend Irving E. Johansen from Winter Hill suffered a heart attack recently and was taken to MGH where he spent a few days. He’s now home and were glad he’s doing good.

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A special happy birthday to Finn Hart, who celebrated his first birthday this past weekend. An overflowing crowd of family and friends of the family were present to wish Finnegan a bright and happy birthday. With a mom like Rachael, and a family like the Harts, he can’t fail. Finn is the grandson of Dick and Mary Hart, of the famous Hart family.

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The WSNS Winter Concert will be held on Friday, January 12, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. You are invited to see what the students have been learning so far this year. Listen to performances about land, sea, space, and more by: K-6th Grade Classrooms; 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Strings and Band Ensembles; 7th and 8th Grade Chorus, World Percussion, and Orchestra. Contact Mr. Darrell with any questions at: adarrell@k12.somerville.ma.us.

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Somerville STEAM Social (S^3) Night (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, & Math) is a night out for parents and community members interested in supporting STEAM activities in Somerville schools. Come share your ideas at Greentown Labs’ new location. Thursday, January 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Greentown Labs, 444 Somerville Ave. in Somerville. Sponsored by the Somerville Education Foundation. For up-to-date information, visit their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/317072365366518/. Questions? Contact: Marian Berkowitz at marmb2@gmail.com or Greg Nadeau at gnadeau7@gmail.com.

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Diva Indian Bistro in Davis Square has closed its doors. They posted a letter on their front door saying, “Now as we move on to entail new ventures, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Diva.” They went on to say how grateful they are to have had the people of Davis Square welcome them with open arms.

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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Health and Human Services Department and the Somerville Public Schools announce the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration event, entitled, “Growing Our Community,” to be held on Monday, January 15, in observance of national Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The annual event will be held at the East Somerville Community School, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event is organized in cooperation with the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services Department, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Somerville Public Schools, and the Somerville Human Rights Commission. For more information, please contact Nency Salamoun at 617-625-6600 ext. 2323, or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.

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If you have announcement or something you’d like us to mention, send an email with your request to donaldfnorton@gmail.com.