Jimmy Del Ponte On The Silly Side (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.) I hope everyone had a nice Easter. I enjoyed a peaceful ham dinner with my daughter, her two dogs and my own pup. The rest of the kids joined us later.

We went across the street to my good friend Billy's house and celebrated a traditional Greek Easter. What a spread they put out. Every year it gets bigger and bigger. Lamb, pork, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, tons of colorful eggs, and of course ample beverages of every kind.

I have been on the street for 50 years and Billy's family came along shortly after. I told the story of my funny friend Al who is of Greek descent. He told me that "frackee" in Greek meant friend.

I tried it out on George and Aris, two mechanics I worked with. They looked at me very strangely. It seems "frackee" meant underwear! I was saying "hello underwear!" All I can say now is Yassou!

I 'm pretty sure that means good luck or hello or something positive! The only other Greek words I know are Telly Savalas.

I was very grateful to have such a nice Easter, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't mention a couple of gripes. I proved once again that you do not have to stand in line on Rt. 1 to buy a ham that costs about twice as much as a supermarket ham. The ham I got at Star Market was nine pounds and it was on sale. It cost me around $13.

It was just as good as the "fancy stand in line" ham. It passed the "sangwich" test with flying colors. It tasted great with mayo in between two slices of La Cascia's scali bread. (La Ronga's is just as good!)

I also stood in line for over half an hour to get four "mocha cakes." I won't say anything else other than, they have gotten a lot smaller and the price is like $2 each. I can devour one in two bites.

I am going to buy a jelly roll, some mocha frosting, plop a hunk of jelly in the middle, and make my own gigantic mocha cakes.

Oh. I almost forgot this little piece of information.

My father Fred was born in the house at 51 Elmwood Street. My uncle Joe DelPonte, and my aunts, Olga, Gemma and Gilda were also born in the house. Auntie Marie was the only one in the family born in a hospital. She made her debut at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Elizabeth is auntie Marie's middle name.

Anyway ,there will soon be a pole with a street sign on it at the corner of Elmwood Street. That sign will display the names of my grandfather Giuseppe, my father Ferdinando, and my uncle Joseph. It will also say "Del Ponte Square."

Grandpa served in World War I, dad served in World War II, and uncle Joe was in during the Korean conflict. My grandfather and my grandmother Concetta bought the house in 1920. In ten years it will be 100 years since that historic purchase.

On April 10, at 10 am, the Del Ponte family will be honored in a way that I could never have imagined. I know my grandfather, dad and uncle will be looking down from the heavens, along with the rest of our loved ones up there. Our own square in Somerville. What an honor! A special thank you to Frank Senesi , Kathy Carey, and Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane.

It's going to be my new hangout. I am going to see if we can get The Pine Tree, or The Railside to re-open!