In 2022, the Somerville community lost 22 residents due to opioid-related overdose. To commemorate our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who passed away, City of Somerville will place 22 purple flags on the front lawn of City Hall on August 31. One larger flag will also be displayed, representing all Somervillians who have been lost to an opioid-related overdose in the past. City Hall will also be illuminated purple in recognition of National Recovery Month. The flag and light displays will be viewable for the entire month of September.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 1 City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, and city staff invite you to a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, August 30, at 6:00 p.m., to learn more, share your experiences using Tufts Street, and discuss what changes you’d like included in its redesign. Learn more and attend at somervillema.gov/tuftsstreet.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to our own photographer, Claudia Ferro. We are very happy to have her as our photographer. We wish her a very happy birthday. Happy birthday Patty Oppedisano. We wish her a great day. Happy birthday to the sister of our former publisher, Marilyn Publicover, who is celebrating this week. We wish her the very best. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Michael Madden, Leesette Bengar, Isabel Mercauto, Thomas B Mercier, Donna M Morabito, Mary Casavant, Len Glionna, Dennis Kacoyanis, Len Glionna, Patty Oppedisano, Nick Stavre and Guillermo Hamlin a very happy birthday. We hope everyone has a great day. To all the others we may have missed, we sincerely wish them the very best of birthdays.

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September is also Recovery Month. Attend a virtual overdose prevention and Narcan administration training on Tuesday, September 5, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Follow this link to attend: bit.ly/odprevention23. Additional Narcan distributions will take place Thursday, September 14, at 165 Broadway and Thursday, September 28, at Statue Park in Davis Square, both from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit: www.somervillema.gov.

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Somerville Jr. Highlanders Softball is looking for more participants. Please email jrhighlandersoftball@gmail.com with any questions.

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The Somerville Council on Aging hosts Bowling at Flatbread Company/Sacco Bowl Haven in Davis Square. Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Free. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.

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Somerville Fire Department’s annual fire hydrant inspections have begun and will continue through Saturday, September 2. Disturbed water main sediment can potentially cause rusty or discolored water, but does not pose a health hazard. It could stain fabric, however, so residents are advised not to do laundry while water is discolored. This rusty condition will be temporary. Anyone with questions about this procedure may contact the Somerville Fire Department at 617-623-1700. Learn more at city’s website: https://www.somervillema.gov.

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Visit the Somerville Flea, Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., through October 29. Four dozen local vintage and artisan vendors, farm stand, live music, and DJ, all in the heart of Davis Square. The best local vintage purveyors and artisans are back. Come on out and support them and what they do. Shop small and shop local. Explore and discover that special thing you never knew you even existed but can’t live without. One hundred steps from the Davis Square T stop.

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A full sit-down Senior Picnic has been rescheduled for Thursday, September 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Trum Field. For any questions and to get a new ticket, call the Somerville Council on Aging at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville invite community members to provide public comments about rent stabilization at a third and final listening session on Tuesday, September 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Comments should address specific elements of Somerville’s proposed new rent stabilization rules. Attend in-person at the Armory building (191 Highland Ave.) or online via Zoom. Written comments will also be accepted until September 10. Learn more and register to speak at the session: voice.somervillema.gov/adtf.

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Take a Docent Tour at any of three historic sites in Somerville. Docent tours of Prospect Hill Tower will take place every second Thursday: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; except September and October 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and every third Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 68 Munroe St. Docent Tour of Old Powder House will be every first Thursday: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; except September and October 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and fourth Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Milk Row Cemetery, 440 Somerville Ave., every third Thursday: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; except September and October 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and first Sunday: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Inclement weather cancels any event. Call 311 (617-666-3311) for updates and check the city’s calendar: https://www.somervillema.gov/events. Sponsored by the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission and the Somerville Museum, www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation and http://somervillemuseum.org.

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Somerville students returned back to school today, this year school meals are free for all Somerville Public School students.

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The Project Outlook, Low Vision Group meets the fourth Thursday of each month starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center. Project Outlook is a group of residents with low or no vision who enjoy getting together for camaraderie and socialization. Project Outlook has been active for over 30 years. All are welcome.

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It’s time to fire things up with the 11th Annual Ignite Festival! The festival will be held on Saturday, September 30, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, October 1) in Union Square. Questions? Email: somartscalls@gmail.com.

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The Somerville 5K Road Race returns for a 28th year on Saturday, September 30 in Davis Square. Staff, clients, supporters, and local partners will come together once again to raise awareness and support for our most underrepresented neighbors. Help in the fight to end homelessness, hunger, and eviction? Whether you want to run, jog, or walk alone or with a team, your support will help is needed to go the distance for our clients. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/Somerville5KRoadRace.

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The Row’s most anticipated event, Riverfest, returns on September 16. Celebrate the end of summer with a bang – literally – during a free, fun-filled day for the whole family, all culminating with a spectacular fireworks show over the Mystic River. With live music, kids activities, an artisan market and so much more, you won’t want to miss our biggest event of the year. Visit their website for the full event details: http://assemblyrow.com/visit/events/riverfest-2023/.

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On Tuesday, September 19, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., East Somerville Main Streets invites you to Broadway to embark on a culinary journey around the world for the 12th annual Foodie Crawl. They will highlight tastes from El Salvador, Brazil, Italy, France, Mexico, Portugal and more. Come experience the best that East Somerville has to offer and find a new favorite restaurant (or five!). This year, ticket sales will be on a sliding scale, starting at $10 for children, $20 for students and $25 for adults. Purchase tickets here: https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/foodiecrawl.

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Another event coming up is the Somerville Greek Festival. Enjoy delicious, authentic Greek food and pastry, dance under the big tent to live music and enjoy a cold beer or wine while taking in the excitement at the largest Greek food festival in town. The festival will run September 8 and 9, from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 10, from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. Plenty of free parking. The menu will be posted ahead of this event, with plenty of vegetarian options. The Somerville Greek Festival is an annual event of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 29 Central St., Somerville. and open to the general public. It is a major fundraiser which allows the community of faithful to continue to serve the Somerville community through philanthropy, liturgical services, classes, youth ministries and much more. Visit dormition-church.org.

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Enjoy free outdoor movie, popcorn, candy, and fun at The Block at Boynton Yards, all summer long. Friday Flicks Outdoor Movie Nights at Boynton Yards will start at 7:00 p.m. with yard games and fun, followed by candy, popcorn, and movies once the sun sets. Bring a blanket and get ready for a fun-filled evening. September 15: The Little Mermaid (1995 version). Boynton Yards, 110 South Street.

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