The Labor Day holiday is Monday, September 2. City offices will be closed. Trash pickup will be delayed by one day for the full week. We wish everyone a safe happy Labor Day weekend!

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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 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. Have a vote-by-mail ballot? Ballots must be received by the Elections Department by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, September 3). All info at www.somervillema.gov/elections.

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Today, Wednesday August 28, is the first day of Somerville Public Schools for grades 1–12. Wednesday is an early release day. There is no school Friday 8/30 and Monday 9/2. Visit SPS district website calendar for more information: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/events/calendar. Visit the 2024–2025 School Year Calendar page for an English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole calendar to print: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/schoolyearcalendar.  Visit the Food and Nutrition Services Department page for school meal menus. Breakfast and lunch are free for all students: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/fnsd.

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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. Rep. Christine Barber is also celebrating this week, we wish her a great day. Happy birthday Patty Oppedisano. We wish her a happy birthday. Happy birthday to Marilyn Publicover, the sister of our former publisher, who is celebrating this week. We wish her the very best. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Bob Baxter, Cheryl Endicott-Ribeiro, Michael Madden, Leesette Bengar, Isabel Mercauto, Andreza S. Moon, Thomas B. Mercies, Donna M Morabito, Mary Casavant, Dennis Kacoyanis, and Len Glionna 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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Starting on August 31, the City of Somerville will plant 14 purple flags on the Highland Avenue side of City Hall, representing the 14 Somerville residents who passed away from an opioid-related overdose in 2023. One larger flag will also be planted, representing all those lost in prior years. Purple lights will also light up City Hall in recognition of Recovery Month. The flag and light displays will remain for the entire month of September. Somerville Prevention staff will host Narcan Distribution Events and trainings to distribute free overdose prevention information and harm reduction materials. These include the overdose-reversing nasal spray naloxone (often referred to as Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields, and syringe disposal boxes. For more information and a list of events visit https://www.somervillema.gov/

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House of Kebabs in Ball Square is closed for good. Bishnu would like to thank everyone for the years of patronage. If you’re already missing it you can find him at Makalu, just off the Bikeway in Arlington by Spy Pond, and there’s word of a new place in the works up in Burlington. House of Kebabs will be replaced by The Blue Elephant Thai, coming soon. Any speculation on when they might open is probably premature, but they seem to be moving fast. Their website seems like a work-in-progress, but we’ll  update when things are looking closer.

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On Monday, September 9, the West Branch Library, 40 College Ave., will host Bad Art Night. Let your enthusiasm run wild and create with no expectations. They’ll provide a variety of materials and then you can go wild creating your masterpiece. This month’s theme is “Back to School.” This program is intended for adults. Learn more and register at https://tinyurl.com/bddznau9.

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School is 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 Community Baptist Church at 31 College Avenue (two blocks from Davis Square) will hold a Flea Market on Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., both outdoors and indoors, rain or shine. They will also be selling refreshments and lunch. If you would like to rent a table to sell your wares, please call the church at 617-625-6523.

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Save the date: The 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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The SPL and Green City Growers are partnering to offer organic gardening workshops for all ages at the Central Library Demonstration Garden. A Green City Growers farmer will leaf hands-on workshops designed to teach you when and what to plant, and how to maintain, fertilize, and harvest successful crops. The next session is on September 7 at 10:30 a.m. 79 Highland Ave. Learn more and register https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/.

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The Intercambio Language and Culture Exchange Program is starting up again in Somerville. Visit somervilleartscouncil.org/intercambio to learn more about this exciting opportunity to practice a language and connect with others in your community.

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The 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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The city has started on the first phase of some planned improvements in the Ball Square area. In this phase they’ll be removing the “slip lane” on Boston Ave., extending the sidewalk to narrow the crossing between Neighborhood Produce and the T station. This will help level the sidewalk making it more accessible, and eliminate the conflict between people crossing and right-turning cars. The city will also reconstruct the existing curb ramp for the crossing Broadway at Josephine (unfortunately they will not be adding a ramp where one is clearly missing in front of Neighborhood Produce at this time). The bus stop bench and other street fixtures have been removed temporarily to facilitate these upgrades.  https://www.somervillema.gov/intersectionimprovements#broadway-boston

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Upcoming events at the at the Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave.: 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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On September 6, the Somerville Foundation food festival is celebrating, creating and supporting community nonprofits in partnership with Davis Square restaurants. If you know anyone who loves music, food, and don’t have anything else happening. Please encourage them to purchase a ticket today: https://www.somerville-foundation.org/food-nation-celebration. All proceeds go to hiring a community nonprofit grant writer.

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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 the 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 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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The next monthly Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day is, Saturday, September 7, at the DPW, 1 Franey Rd., 9:00 a.m. – noon.

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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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Save the date for the Somerville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing on October 1. The Somerville Chamber of Commerce presents the 2024 GOLF CLASSIC, sponsored by the Winter Hill Bank. The event will take place at the Sandy Burr Country Club, 103 Cochituate Rd., Wayland MA 01778, 7:30 a.m. Registration, 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start (note early time). Lunch and awards to follow: 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. For golf (individuals, twosomes, threesomes, foursome welcome); and/or to sponsor – opportunities from $175 to $1,500. For more information or to help, email Joanne Haley: Joanne@somervillechamber.org.

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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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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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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Public Art Walk in East Somerville. Explore sculptures, murals and more as you discover our community’s rich cultural heritage. September 24, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Meeting Point: Symphony Park. Register at: https://beta.somervilleartscouncil.org.

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At 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.

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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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