Join a public Community Meeting regarding 231-249 Elm Street and 6-8 & 12 Grove Street (the development project from the Burren to Dragon Pizza). Wednesday, February 12, at 6 p.m. Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave. The property owner and developer will be engaging in a discussion regarding the project. This is the 5th conversation and meeting notes from the previous four meetings can be found here: https://allevents.in/somerville/community-meeting-re-231-249-elm-street-and-6-8-and-12-grove-street/200027806790629.

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The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival celebrates 50 years. The fest returns to Somerville’s Davis Square, 55 Davis Square, February 12–16, with local premieres, visiting filmmakers, and 24 hours of genre favorites. Visit https://www.bostonscifi.com/2025festival.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy birthday to Donna Alibrandi, who is celebrating this week. We hope she has a great day. Also celebrating this week is Denise Racicot-Kallis. We wish her the very best of birthdays. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as JoAnn Bocca-Rivieccio, Rhiannon Riley, Anne Belcher, Diane Hill Melanson, Valerie Fitzpatrick, Phil Rudolph, Albert Piacentini, Dave Ortega, Joelle Hochman, Jeannie Malone DeMase and Dee Manuel-Raposo 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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Are you a landlord or realtor in Somerville? Join Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability on Thursday, February 13, in the Central Library Auditorium to learn about how OHS can support you, your tenants, and your clients. Register by clicking this link https://bit.ly/3CN5mej or visiting somervillema.gov/ohs.

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Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17: City buildings are closed. East Branch Library (115 Broadway) will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Join WCVB Channel 5 News Reporter Danae Bucci kick off the 5th Annual Rolling Lunar New Year Celebration at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue. A free community celebration for all ages, Sunday, February 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., doors open at 11:20 a.m. By Korean American Citizens League of New England. Enjoy live performances, Korean food, games, drummers, lion dance and more.

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The 2025 USFM Vendor Application is live. Interested in joining the farmers market this year? Head to https://www.unionsquaremain.org/become-a-vendor  Application deadline is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, February 16.

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The city is holding COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics: Thursday, February 20, at the Council on Aging (167 Holland St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs (42 Cross St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Learn move and register here https://www.somervillema.gov/vaccinations

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The Public Safety for All Task Force report is now live. The group is recommending that the city adopt a co-response model, implement body-worn cameras for law enforcement, consider utilizing civilians in SPD, and more. Read the full report or the executive summary at www.somervillema.gov/psfa

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Somerville’s Condominium Review Board (CRB) is seeking two new members. Both vacancies are for full member seats and are open to Somerville tenants.The CRB seeks two new members to serve three-year terms. The CRB is responsible for administering the city’s Condominium Conversion Ordinance, which governs proposed conversion of rental units to condominium units and substantial rehabilitation of existing rental units. Appointments include a $300 monthly sti-pend. Learn more and apply by February 18. Learn more and apply here https://www.somervillema.gov/news/join-somerville-condominium-review-board.

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The Somerville Warming Center is looking for donations for their clients. To see what is needed visit their facebook page or their Amazon wish list under Somerville Warming Center.

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Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait – call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.

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All Somerville residents should be on the lookout for the 2025 annual City of Somerville census in their mailbox. The 2025 census form also includes an application to vote by mail in Somerville’s preliminary and city elections this year. High census participation provides an accurate population count, which helps the city plan municipal services, apply for grants, and adapt as the population changes. The Elections Department also uses the census to help keep voting rolls up to date.It’s easy to take part in the census. Just fill out the short form, be sure to sign and date the form, and then return it one of three ways:mail it back in the provided postage-paid return envelope, scan the form and email is to census@somervillema.gov, or drop it off in person at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.). Contact 311 (617-666-3311) with any questions.

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Made In Massachusetts, a 3+ hour chronological journey through over 100 years of filmmaking in Massachusetts will screen on Sunday, March 9, at 1:00pm at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville. MIM features clips from over 200 movies and television shows shot in the state starting with films from the silent era and going all the way through 2024. Highlighting cities and towns from Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville to Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Great Bar-rington, and everywhere in-between. Featuring stars from James Cagney, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman to Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Kerry Washington, and all the Afflecks and Wahlbergs you can handle.Admission is free, with donations gladly accepted to support the Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston). Q&A with filmmakers Adam Roffman and Vatche Arabian to follow.

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Important tips for staying safe and warm in the current cold weather: Dress in layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible when outdoors. Minimize time outside, including for pets. Check in on family and neighbors. Follow all safety precautions if using space heaters. Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working and have fresh batteries. Learn more about carbon monoxide safety: mass.gov/info-details/carbon-monoxide-co-safety.Prevent frozen water pipes: somervillema.gov/frozenpipes. For more, visit: somervillema.gov/coldweather.

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The Somerville Public Library is starting a Seed Library at all three locations. They are offering the next “Seed Packing Parties” that they wanted to share: Saturday, February 15, 2-4 p.m. at the Central Branch. Hang with your fellow community members and help repackage native, herb, and vegetables seeds into take-home size packets as part of this new initiative. https://www.facebook.com/share/1EHpC2k1zB/.

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Join the Growing Center for the Maple Boil Down and experience the process of boiling sap into maple syrup. Learn the process from the tapping of maple trees at Tufts University to the making of maple syrup. Connect with other folks in the community. Get into the spirit and order your t-shirt ahead of time at bit.ly/fcgc-store. This event is free and open to all. Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville. Rain Date Saturday, March 8.

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The SHS Athletics Department honored Jerry Knight as the first inductee to the Somerville High School Athletics Ring of Honor. He was chosen for his amazing contributions to the Somerville High School athletic community. Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pk7OTtv7Es.

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Abstract painter and Brickbottom Artists’ Building founding member Diane Novetsky has assembled a cohort of three inventive painters for a new exhibit of current abstraction at Brickbottom Gallery, running through February 28. Brickbottom Artists Association, 1 Fitchburg St., Somerville, MA. https://brickbottom.org/.

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The Somerville High Trivia Team is competing on GBH’s High School Quiz Show this year. Congratulations Ella, Calla, Jack, Sam, Nate, Oliver, Coach (and SHS History Teacher) Theodore Blake and the rest of the SHS Team. Only the top 17 trivia teams in the state qualified for the annual tournament. Somerville’s first match will air on GBH and Youtube on February 22.

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LEGO® Brick’s 67th Birthday and LEGO Discovery Center Boston is celebrating by launching a brand-new event called LEGO Creativity Academy through March 3. Event URL and tickets: https://www.legodiscoverycenter.com/boston/whats-inside/events/creativity-academy/.

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Are you looking for a way to get involved? The City of Somerville needs board and commission members. Learn more and apply for current openings by visiting www.somervillema.gov/besomerville.

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The Somerville Homeless Coalition invites you to join them for a special celebration on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m., Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Sq, as they commemorate 40 years of service to the Somerville and Greater Boston community. Enjoy specialty cocktails, delicious delights from local favorites Redbones and Dave’s Fresh Pasta, and vibrant live music to sway to by West of Willows and The Loomers. https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/events/.

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SCES is teaming up with City Fresh Foods to offer a five-pack of frozen home delivered meals. This new meal delivery option is ideal for consumers who want the convenience of home delivered meals but are not able to be at home each weekday to receive deliveries. Meal recipients can choose which weekday they would like to receive the frozen meals, with up to five meals in each bulk delivery. Each meal comes with bread, milk, and a dessert. Current SCES clients who are interested in receiving meals should call their office at 617-628-2601 or contact their case manager for more information.

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COA’s Valentine’s Day Luncheon, Thursday, February 13, starting at 11 a.m. at the George Dilboy Post located at 351 Summer Street. $10 per person. Join in for an afternoon of music and a special meal (chicken parmigiana, pasta and salad.) Reserve your spot for the event and lunch by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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Low-income households may be eligible to receive help with winter heating costs through the Fuel Assistance Program. This program is part of the Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP) and serves residents of Somerville and Cambridge. Participants receive assistance with their heating costs between November 1 and April 30. Learn more about the program, check if you qualify, and apply for assistance today at somerville-ma.gov/heatingassistance.

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Somerville High School students are invited to bring their SHS ID to the Somerville YMCA on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. for free. There are free movie nights. On Sundays, students will have access to the basketball and exercise areas (including the weight room). Visit their website to learn more. https://somervilleymca.org/news/somerville-teens-after-hours/. Somerville YMCA asks that students go to their website to register before visiting and this program is for ages 14 to 17 years.

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City Alerts are a great way for those who live, work, or own a business in Somerville to receive important city information that affects your neighborhood. City Alerts provide information about emergencies (including snow emergen-cies), construction and road closures, water service interruptions, community news, and more. To sign up, visit somer-villema.gov/alerts and click on the button for your preferred language. Step-by-step sign-up instructions are available at: somervillema.gov/alerts. Having trouble signing up? You can call 3-1-1 (617-666-3311) for assistance.

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With the days growing shorter and temperatures dipping colder, the Somerville Homeless Coalition is in critical need of new or lightly used jackets for their clients currently living outside. If you have any adult sized coats hanging in your clos-et that you don’t wear, please consider dropping them off at the Somerville Homeless Coalition admin office located at 255 Elm Street, Suite 204, during the hours listed below. Drop Off Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 5 p.m. Each coat donated provides warmth, dignity, and safety for our neighbors having to face the harsh New England winter conditions.

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If you want to adopt-a-drain in Somerville, perform light maintenance as needed, and give it a creative name. Sign up for the Adopt-a-Drain program today by visiting Somerville.mysticdrains.org.

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The Somerville Winter Farmers Market is back at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. from November 2 to April 12. The Center for the Arts at the Armory is proud to offer a weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods, including fresh produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, tamales, pastries, chocolate, skincare products, and more. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and HIP benefits. They also offer a $15 SNAP match to customers each week. More info available on their website: https://www.somwintermarket.org/.

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Is your teen looking to make some extra money? The city’s Snow Shoveling Program is hiring youth to assist shoveling seniors and homeowners with disabilities out after snowstorms this winter. Teens and homeowners are paired for the season. After each storm, the homeowner will contact their assigned youth to request shoveling services. Somerville teens ages 14 to 19 are welcome to apply. Looking for snow shoveling services? Apply online or contact Debby Higgins at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.

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Snow emergency parking is on the even side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Sign up for alerts or update your information at somervillema.gov/alerts. You can call 311 if you need assistance. Flashing blue lights at major intersections indicate a snow emergency. Snow emergencies are announced on the city’s website, social media feeds, CityTV, and via information shared with local media. For more information on the city’s snow policies, visit somervillema.gov/snow.

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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 can 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. We currently have available: Commodes, 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 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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