Ball Square is not impossible, and traffic is not bad at all. It’s easy to get in and out, so don’t forget the many food establishments there. 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 Dinner – or almost everyone’s favorite, Victor’s Deli – don’t forget Lyndell’s Bakery and, of course, True Grounds is open for business as well. Traffic around the square is good, with plenty of parking. So there’s no excuse for not shopping there. Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang has done a great job in keeping residents and businesses up to date as to what is going on. We compliment him for doing a fine job.

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It seems like the present City Council – which recently changed its name from Board of Alderman – is considering shortening term limits for the various boards here in the city. Now five years, we heard they want to reduce it to three. Since we’re talking about term limits, wouldn’t it be nice if the City Council had term limits? Maybe three to four terms then out. While they are at it, maybe term limits for mayor? It would only seem right if they are in favor of board term limits then they should consider their own City Council and mayor.

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We support the hard workers at Stop & Shop and hope that residents here in Somerville do not cross the picket line. Read Our View Of The Times on the subject.

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Also, we were shocked to see only one cashier at Home Depot. Everywhere else it’s the self-serve scanner machines, which are taking jobs away. Please don’t use them, insist on a cashier.

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Nomination papers for local citywide elections open on May 6, and candidates have until June 12 to get signatures. We hear there might be a rush to take out papers. Remember, three seats will be open on the School Committee. We think a couple of the city councilors might have competition this year. We know of Councilor At-Large candidates and we heard that four others are thinking about it. Even the mayor might get a challenger, a lady from Ward 3, we heard. We will see. Remember, it’s a two-year term and the base salary for Councilor is $40K per year. Not bad for part time, right? Seriously, in the 70’s, 80’s and even in the 90’s, when no or little salary was involved, each ward would have anywhere from 4-5 challengers. At-Large would be double figures. What’s happening? With all the newbies taking over you’d think there would be some challengers. We also heard that some who were defeated two years ago are eyeing a challenge as well. Why not? Taxes are so high right now, and the city is so screwed up with construction everywhere you go. It makes you wonder who is in charge with all the construction citywide. When you call your Councilor to complain, all that these new ones do is just tell you to call 311. Like you’re bothering them, right?

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City Councilor-At-Large candidate Kristen Strezo invites the public to her official Campaign Kickoff party, Cray-skee for Kristen, at the Dark Horse, 499 Broadway, Somerville, on Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You can check out her website at www.kristenstrezo.com and you can RSVP on her Kristen Strezo for Somerville City Councilor-At-Large Facebook page. The skeeball lanes will be open.

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What’s going on at the old Rite Aid on Winter Hill? Lots of people who have been going there for years now have noticed that the same friendly people aren’t there anymore. Word is that the manager up the street has been letting people go and not being nice about it. Too bad, the staff at Winter Hill Rite Aid, from manager to general workers in the store and even the pharmacy staff were fantastic. Overall, we don’t see why they are now closing one, and both stores now will be handling long lines. We’re going to find out. Several of our Newstalkers live in the area and are frequent customers.

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Once again for the 7th year now, the Freemasons on Highland Ave. are hosting their annual Giggles night club with a great night of comedy and a silent auction. The event is on April 24, doors open at 630 p.m. at The Tower of Pizza on Rte. 1, Saugus, Giggles Comedy Club. This year, like the last, local comedian and great guy Lenny Clark will be there, and he’s bringing some of his friends. It should be a great night for laughs, all the pizza you can eat and over 20 baskets to bid on at the silent auction. The money raised is for the “insurance fund” for the Masonic Building at 125 Highland (rear) Somerville. Open to Masons, their families and friends, cost is only $25 pp. For more information, contact the President of the Association, Bobby Potaris, at potarisconstruction@yahoo.com or the Secretary of the Association, Mark Aubuchon, at markaubuchon1@gmail.com, or if you prefer just show up at the door.

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The Somerville High Scholarship annual fundraiser is set for May 17, 7:00 p.m., at the Somerville Lions Club, 9 Washington St., Somerville (behind the Holiday Inn). The drawing, with a top prize of $10K, is based on selling 250 tickets at $100 each. Several door prizes will be awarding and refreshments will be served. To buy a ticket, contact SHS Raffle c/o Joseph Favaloro, PO Box 440275, Somerville, 02144, or call Eugene C. Brune at 617-628-5835.

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To those celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to the President of the City Council, representing Ward 7 as well, Katjana Ballantyne, a nice down to earth person. Very smart, she’s going places. Maybe sometime soon to the 2nd floor office? Happy birthday to Mayor Stephanie Muccini Burke over in Medford, another nice person. She is doing great as mayor over there. Happy birthday to an old friend here, Krista Brazee. We wish her a great day. To those that are celebrating this week, and we didn’t post, again we wish you the best of birthdays.

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We hear both Patricia and Donald Norton are doing OK. Pat was just released from MGH recently and is home, as is Donald. Ms. Joan O’Meara is home after recently being at Mt. Auburn. We hope she is doing better. Ross Blouin is still taking dialysis, but is home and about. We hope he feels better soon.

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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. Plenty of parking and a very nice hall for rent, some say the best deal in Somerville. Call the hall and ask for details at 617-623-9340.