Join the Assembly Row Development team, the City of Somerville, and Ward Councilor Matt McLaughlin for a virtual neighborhood meeting. Wednesday, August 21, 6:00 p.m. Dial-In Info: Zoom meeting: https://frit.zoom.us/j/96871731950?from=addon In this meeting, the development team will present the conceptual design(s) for Block 9 at Assembly Row. There will be an opportunity to discuss ideas and feedback. Contact Councilor McLaughlin at mattforward1@gmail.com or Sarah Lewis at slewis@somervillema.gov if you have difficulty accessing the virtual neighborhood meeting.

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Register to Vote by Saturday, August 24. You can register one of three ways: Online at somervillema.gov/registertovote, in-person at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave.), via phone by calling the Elections Department (617-625-6600 ext. 4200) and requesting a voter registration form. Or by calling 311 (617-666-3311) and they will connect you to Elections. The registration deadline is Saturday August 24, at midnight online or in person by 5:00 p.m. You also may mail in your form, but it must be postmarked by August 24.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy Birthday to our own Bob “Monty” Doherty, who is celebrating this week. You can enjoy his historical columns in our paper every other week. We wish him the best. Happy birthday to State Representative Christine Barber, who is also celebrating. We hope she has a great day. Happy Birthday to Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld, who is also celebrating. We hope she enjoys her day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Amy Sarro, Pat Lane, Pam Keith, Debbi Hession, Alicia Marie, Arthur Copeland and Bob Osborne 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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Early Voting for the September 3 Election will take place at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave on the following dates and times: August 25 – Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., August 26 – Monday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., August 27 – Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., August 28 – Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., August 29 – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., August 30 – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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School is nearly back in session and this year the Somerville Homeless Coalition is asking for crucial donations of school supplies for their young student clients and their families. Right now they are in urgent need of essential supplies such as backpacks, binders, notebooks, highlighters and more. Please check out their current needs list here: https://bit.ly/School4SHC For any donation inquiries please reach out at info@shcinc.org.

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The Somerville Fire Department’s annual fire hydrant inspections began on August 12, and will conclude on Saturday, August 24. This annual fire hydrant maintenance program helps keep our community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly in the event of a fire. 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: www.somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing.

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Save the date: Somervile Dog Festival will take place on Sunday, September 8, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Trum Field.

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10th Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival takes place on Saturday, September 7, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., rain date Saturday, September 14, at Union Square Plaza in Somerville. This Arts Union event will feature rappers, singers, spoken word poets, dancers, and visual artists from the Somerville community and surrounding cities. This showcase of hip hop music, dance and culture displays immense creativity throughout the region. There will also be live art, interactive activities, craft vendors and local community groups.

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Upcoming events at the at the Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave.: Foraging with Sage, Sunday, August 25, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sage McTaggart will teach us how to identify some edible and medicinal plants on walks in the Center and nearby. Wednesday, August 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Plant Walk with Mo at the Central Library, 79 Highland Ave. Come for an exploratory walk around the Somerville Central Library neighborhood to observe and learn about the plants with host Mo Katz-Christy. What is growing now, what are some of the names and stories of some of the plants in this urban residential neighborhood? Film Shorts: Pollinators, Wednesday, August 28, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Enjoy short environmental films and lively discussion in a garden setting. Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org.

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This year, the 29th Brazilian Independence Day Festival will be held September 3 – 8, and there will be plenty of activity. Massachusetts is home to one of the largest and most organized Brazilian communities in the United States. They will raise the Brazilian flag at Somerville City Hall on Thursday, September 5, at noon, and at Boston City Hall on Friday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. The center point of the week is our outdoor Festival in Herter Park in Brighton on Sunday, September 8, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Alongside food and craft vendors, the afternoon will feature face painting, pony rides, children’s storytelling, and live performances. The Science Museum will be donating tickets and exhibiting special attractions from its collection, the New England and the Boston Red Sox will donate items to our raffle, includes two round-trip tickets Brazil. For just $10, these prizes may be yours.

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Somerville Flea is back at 52 Holland St. Join in as they celebrate their 12th year smack dab in the middle of Davis Square. Vintage vendors, artisan makers, farm stand and DJ. Find that treasure you never knew you even existed. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sundays, August through October.

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East Somerville Main Streets is looking for vendors for their Halloween Block Party on Saturday, October 26, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Chuckie Harris Park. Please sign up through the form (https://forms.gle/BvSwZX8YYUeg3rGB7) for more information. Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun and meet the community.

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Somergloom is back for the 4th year, bigger and gloomier than ever. August 23 and 24 at Arts at The Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Somerville. Bands are coming from North and South, plus with heavy hitting local talent and art vendors. For tickets and more information visit artsatthearmory.org.

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The Gilman Pop-Up Park is an outdoor public space and is accessible between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. every day. Through September 8, 350 Medford St., Somerville. Use it like you would any other public park. During select hours, they have events, entertainment, and games. For a list of events visit https://culturehouse.cc/projects/gilman-park/.

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Docent tours take place from May through October at three historic sites in Somerville: Milk Row Cemetery (Somerville Avenue), Prospect Hill Tower (above Union Square), and Old Powder House (Nathan Tufts Park). They are open to the public on certain days and evenings. Inclement weather cancels any event. For full schedule and more information on the Docent Program: https://www.somervillemuseum.org/docentprogram.

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Foodie Crawl 2024 is back and better than ever. On Tuesday, September 17, East Somerville Main Streets invites you to Broadway to embark on a culinary journey around the world. They will highlight tastes from El Salvador, Brazil, Italy, France, Mexico, Portugal and more. For tickets and more information visit https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/event-details/foodie-crawl-2024.

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The 2024 Somerville Rock + Roll Yard Sale is happening on Sunday, September 8, at Union Square Plaza. with a rain date of Sunday, September 15. They have 40 of the best locally sourced record / vintage / handmade sellers on board to bring you the awesome and eclectic mix of goodies you can always expect at the Rock + Roll Yard Sale, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Union Sq Plaza.

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The Somerville Arts Council is issuing an open call to artists working in various genres for this year’s Ignite Festival, an evening celebration of global culture and all things illuminated. They are seeking proposals for: cultural performances, roaming performers and light installations/performances. Submit your proposal by filling out the application form: https://beta.somervilleartscouncil.org/ignite-calls-2024 Application deadline: August 23.

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The City of Somerville is alerting all registered voters that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has begun mailing a pre-addressed, postage pre-paid Vote by Mail application to every registered voter before each statewide election. If you have already applied to vote by mail for the upcoming election, you will not receive an additional application. Voters who prefer to apply online may do so at VoteInMA.com.

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The City of Somerville is currently seeking two general public volunteer members for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). All Somerville residents are welcome to apply. The CPC identifies funding priorities for approximately $3 million per year in affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects through Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenues. Interested residents can apply by completing the online application form by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30. For questions, please contact Roberta Cameron at rcameron@somervillema.gov. To learn more about the Community Preservation Committee, please visit somervillema.gov/cpa.

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This month, the library is pleased to display the artwork of local artist Jael Whitney Brothers in the Gallery @ SPL with her exhibition: Pixels of Somerville. Please join us for a reception celebrating the exhibit this Saturday, August 24, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., 79 Highland Ave. Pixels of Somerville showcases Glitch Art by Jael Whitney Brothers created by glitching photographs of areas around Somerville and the Greater Boston area into new digital landscapes.

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Somerville Public Schools has lots of openings for educators, classroom paraprofessionals, administrative staff, and an opening for their next Chief Financial Officer. Find a list of open positions and apply here: https://somerville.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.

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Visit the Somerville Bike Kitchen, a volunteer-run bicycle repair cooperative, hosting open-shop nights at The Dojo (15 Properzi Way, Somerville). Come maintain your bike or learn more about cycling. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. join Parkour Generations Boston for Teen Jams at The Dojo. This is a flexible time for teen community members to use the pop-up training space at The Dojo @ Somernova and connect with fellow community members in the process. Join Parkour Generations Boston for the monthly, free Community Jam at The Dojo from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. All movement backgrounds are welcome, such as CrossFit, climbing, obstacle course racing, yoga, Pilates, circus arts, boxing, weightlifting, dance, gymnastics, couch-sitting, and anything in between – meet-ups have something for you. No registration is required.

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Save the date for the 19th annual “What the Fluff Fest” A Tribute to Union Square Innovation, a madcap festival honoring the invention of Marshmallow Fluff. It celebrates Somerville’s proud tradition of innovation with live music, fluffalicious feasts, sticky games, zany happenings, and much more. The Festival is located in Union Square, Saturday, September 21, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. For more info on the events and offerings at the festival, visit www.flufffestival.com.

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The Somerville Public Library will be hosting an open mic night in the Central Library Auditorium. You’re welcome to bring and read your own poetry or a work by another poet. Registration is encouraged. August 22, 7:00 p.m. 79 Highland Ave.

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Somerville Greekfest 2024, indulge in mouthwatering, authentic Greek cuisine and heavenly pastries that’ll make your taste buds dance. Groove under the big tent to live music that’ll get your feet tapping and your heart singing. Sip on cold beers and fine wines as you soak in the electric atmosphere of the biggest Greek food festival in town. September 6 and 7 from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 8, from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 29 Central St, Somerville.

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To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Powder Alarm on September 1, the Somerville Museum is partnering with the City of Somerville to produce a re-enactment of the historic event, followed by a living history fair. The fair will include docent tours of the Powder House, activity tables, and even a scavenger hunt of the park. What was the Powder Alarm? Learn more about the events leading up to September 1, 1774: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3vfBQiV93c. The re-enactment will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m., followed by a living history fair and docent tours from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. For details, see http://www.somervillemuseum.org/calendar-events/powder-alarm.

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recently detected West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito samples from Cambridge. While no human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been reported, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. For tips and information, visit: mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Council on Aging invite you to the annual Senior Picnic on Thursday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Trum Field, 541 Broadway in Somerville. Please call Connie Lorenti at the Council on Aging, 617-625-6600 ext. 2319 for your free ticket. There is limited transportation available – please request transportation prior to September 5.

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Join Union Square Main Streets and 50+ of your favorite local food producers for the 20th Annual Union Square Farmers Market, 6670 Union Square. Shop local on Saturdays through October 26, except September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. The market provides visitors and residents with top-quality, fresh, and local produce at fair prices; encourages active lifestyle values; educates consumers about farming and locally sourced foods; and gives customers opportunities to interact directly with farmers. For more information about the Union Square Farmers Market, visit unionsquaremain.org/2024fmseason. SNAP customers get $1 for $1 match up to $15. See the Market Manager tent for more info.

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Davis Square Farmers Market is now open. Every Wednesday through November 22, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. visit the Davis Square Farmers Market, across from American Flatbread at 44 Day St. Visit: www.massfarmersmarkets.org/davis. This long-running market features over two dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers offering a vibrant selection of delicious produce, protein, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, alongside a host of other locally made products. The market accepts cash, credit/debit cards, WIC/Senior coupons, and EBT cards and offers a weekly $15 SNAP Match.

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The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market opened for the season on Thursday, July 11, selling fresh, local produce through October 26. The mobile market accepts cash, debit cards, SNAP, Fresh Connect, WIC Farmers Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. All are welcome. Find the Mobile Farmers Market at the following locations: Thursdays: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Clarendon Hill Towers (1372 Broadway), Fridays: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Council on Aging (167 Holland St.), 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., East Branch Library (115 Broadway), Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Mystic Housing Development (25 Memorial Rd.).

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The COA is offering free taxi rides to Somerville residents over the age of 60. Rides are available to go to the grocery store, farmer’s market, and pharmacy in Somerville and routine medical appointments in the surrounding communities. To best accommodate the needs of everyone in the city and to maximize the use of our funding, they will be capping the number of rides per week. To ensure the health and welfare of every resident of Somerville, exemptions will be made for chemotherapy and radiation appointments. To find out more information or to schedule your ride, please call Connie Lorenti at 6176256600 ext. 2319. All rides must be booked two business days in advance. This program is funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding.

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Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging is now able to provide Durable Medical Equipment at no cost to Somerville residents. Residents with a documented need for medical equipment must be over the age of 60, or have a permanent disability, and must be otherwise unable to afford or access needed medical equipment. They currently have available: Commodes, Bath Chairs, Bath Benches, Rollator Walkers, Incontinence Supplies and Transport Wheelchairs (wheelchairs are intended for transport and are not self-propelling or self-breaking.) For additional information, or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 6176256600, ext. 2321.

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