Attention shoppers and those that have frequented the several food establishments in Ball Square: it’s the second week of the Ball Square Bridge being closed. Letting you know that the square is not that difficult to get to, especially since the bridge has been out. 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.

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The rumor out there is that four others are thinking of running for City Council. There are going to be three vacant seats on the School Committee. But the biggest surprise we heard is that the mayor may have an opponent. We’ll keep our ears to the ground, let you know who may want that office.

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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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It’s almost budget time for the city. Make sure you follow it on TV if you can’t make it to City Hall when they have the budget meetings with the various department heads. Also, notice that your taxes just might be going up again. Homeowners are in for another shock this year. We heard that the Somerville Residential Tax rate is going be huge. For many years they kept telling us Assembly Square would help to reduce the tax burden on homeowners. Maybe we need more commercial than residential? After all, it costs a lot to hire all these new people and create jobs for them at City Hall and DPW, doesn’t it? The city can’t even sit down and negotiate a contract with the real workers at City Hall and DPW. Instead of hiring more or giving raises, use the money to give to the real workers of the city.

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To those celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Bruce Rollins III, who is celebrating this week. We wish him a good week. Happy birthday to lifelong resident and former city ISD Director Pat Scrima, a nice guy who we hope has a great birthday as well. Happy birthday to one of the nicest lady real estate agents, Ida Fasano, who has been selling houses in Medford and Somerville for over 30 years. We hope Ida has a great birthday. Happy birthday to Mike Dilulio, formerly of Winter Hill, whose heart is still here in the city. We hope he has a great birthday. Happy birthday to Chris Pedersen, a popular guy and family man from East Somerville. We hope he has a great birthday as well. Happy birthday to Talt Gregory Shackelford, who is celebrating as well this week. Happy birthday to Linda Rock Coutoumas, who is the lovely wife of Donald here from Somerville. May she have a great birthday, and oh – by the way – Donald had leg surgery and we hope he is on the mend and be back as a Shriners clown soon. Happy birthday to Sissy McWatters-Ankenbauer. We hope she has a great birthday as well. Happy birthday to Steve Mac, of the city. We wish him the very best on this his birthday as well. Happy birthday to Cheryl Constantine Leatham, another celebrant this week. Happy birthday to local realtor Winslan George, who is celebrating this week as well. To those that are celebrating this week, and we didn’t post, again we wish you the best of birthdays.

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A third East Somerville Reunion is set for this year. Dan Rogovich has let us know he is once again planning it. Lots of people who grew up in East Somerville have missed the last two but wanted to have a third. Thanks to Dan, who is an East Somerville lover, managed to get the Somerville City Club booked on Saturday, June 15. Dan and his assistants worked hard on the past two and they will do the same this year to make it a success. Many here at The Times are from East Somerville and we will be there, and we have already reached out to others. A small group of “down backers” behind the Bucket who grew up there in the 60’s will all be there. They meet every four or so months to talk about old times and great times. Help make this a success. Go online to Facebook to check it out. Ask Dan what you can do to help. He is looking for the food, entertainment and just plain East Somerville fun. Charlestown line to McGrath Hwy., is considered East Somerville, which includes Glen Park, Florence St. Park, Prescott School, Seven Son’s Restaurant, Trina’s on Washington, Steve’s, Tip Top, S&S Subs on Cross Street, Avenue’s, Broadway show, lower Broadway, Tufts St., Murray St. and Charles St.

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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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Earth Day is April 22 this year and Sustainability Champions at city schools will be promoting recycling and sustainable practices throughout the week. For local events, check out the schedule for SustainaVille Week which starts on Saturday, April 27.