Preserving Black History: Somerville Museum Panel. RSJ and the Somerville Museum invite you to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the impact of Black history on arts and culture and the importance of preserving Black narratives in our community. Hear from community organizers, activists, and city library staff as they share insights and experiences. Light refreshments will be served. How to Join: bit.ly/BHM_2025 or email rsj@somervillema.gov for more details.

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Interested in learning more about upcoming bridge repairs and safety improvements on Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue? MassDOT is hosting a public information meeting to review the planned improvements and provide a look ahead to upcoming construction. February 26, 6 p.m. Somerville Central Library, 79 Highland Ave.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy birthday to City Councilor Kristen Strezo. We wish her the happiest year to come. She will be holding a Birthday Party Campaign Kickoff this Sunday, March 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Daddy Jones Bar (525 Medford Street, Magoun Square). Happy birthday to Eddie Nuzzo. We hope he has a great one. Happy birthday to Nancy Trane, we hope she has a great day. Happy birthday to Nick Kondilis. We hope he has a great birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as David Mangan, Lu Alves, Bill Roy, Laureen Chirichiello, Sarah Colestock Berson, Matt Smith, Barbara Ni Neac,  Susan Mangherini Griffin and Laurie a very happy birthday. To all those who are also celebrating this week, we wish a happy birthday.

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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 Somerville Police Department (SPD) has produced a list of unclaimed bicycles that are currently being stored at SPD headquarters located at 220 Washington St. Any owner of an unclaimed bicycle who seeks to reclaim it is encouraged to contact Somerville Police at 617-625-1600 as soon as possible. Bicycles remaining in the possession of SPD will be treated as municipal property and will be disposed of in any manner consistent with city surplus property and MGL c. 30B § 15, including but not limited to disposition at less than fair market value to a charitable organization.

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Name Change Clinic, March 2. Join Somerville Health & Human Services (HHS), the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, City of Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Cambridge Public Library to learn about the legal name change process. This event will be held on Sunday, March 2, at Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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Liam Mannion, proprietor of Sally O’Brien’s, and former City Councilor Bob McWatters invite the public to celebrate Irish Heritage and hoist a pint of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave. Sally’s will have plenty of corned beef and cabbage, Irish music and pints of Guinness flowing all day. Stop in and hoist a Guinness with Liam and Bob in honoring the patron Saint of Ireland. All are welcome to join the festivities.

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The Somerville Homeless Coalition’s Amazon Wish Lists are updated monthly with the most requested items from their food pantry to meet the needs of their clients experiencing food insecurity. If you would like to learn more and donate through our wish lists, please see the link here: https://bit.ly/SHCLinks.

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Starting to think about summer plans for your child? Join Somerville’s Summer Camp and Activities Fair on Thursday, March 6, at East Somerville Community School (50 Cross St.) from 5 to 7 p.m. Get information on Somerville’s summer camps, recreational activities, and learning opportunities. Pizza and fun activities will be provided. https://somervillehub.org/.

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Join Somerville author Cara Giaimo, and learn about her latest exploration of the magical world that we all share together on Tuesday, March 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Central Library Auditorium. From the bestselling authors of Atlas Obscura and Gastro Obscura comes a nature book like no other – a dazzling, over-the-top collection of the world’s most extraordinary wild species that takes you to all seven continents and beyond. It’s more than a field guide–it’s an adventure. Contact Tim at tdevin@somervillema.gov.

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The City of Somerville in collaboration with SomerViva (Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs), and the Somerville Public Library will be hosting a Know Your Rights Training. Learn about your and your neighbors’ immigration rights. Monday, March 3, 6 -7:30 p.m., West Branch Library, 40 College Ave. These trainings will be conducted in English, with interpretation into Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. To request this training in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Nepali, please contact us atsomerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 2 days in advance. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids or reasonable modifications should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.

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The annual Read by the River K–5 Literacy Carnival run by Tufts University Hillel is coming up on Sunday, March 9, 1:00–4:00 p.m., at the Joyce Cummings Center at Tufts University, 177 College Ave. Children in grades K–5 and their caregivers are invited to enjoy student-led literacy activities and meet a surprise guest.

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The city is holding COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics: Thursday, February 27, at the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs (42 Cross St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, at West Branch Library (40 College Ave.) from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Learn move and register here https://www.somervillema.gov/vaccinations.

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The Somerville Commission for Women (SCW) seeks five members, and Somerville residents are encouraged to apply. The SCW serves as a centralizing force in the City of Somerville and the community which will deal with all women’s issues providing information, referral, guidance, and more to public agencies and organizations engaged in activities and programs intended to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against women because of their status as women or minority women. All applications are due Friday, March 21. Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest by email to sflythe@somervillema.gov or by mail to Steven Flythe, Deputy Director, Department of Racial and Social Justice, City of Somerville, 167 Holland Street, Suite 208, Somerville, MA 02144. Please contact Steven Flythe at 781-808-7502 or sflythe@somervillema.gov with questions.

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The Rás na hÉireann USA 5K, takes place, Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m. Rás na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. Everyone is invited to Somerville, all runners and walkers, to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars. To register visit: https://www.theraceofireland.com/.

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On Thursday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m., join in for A Polyamory Discussion in the ROOTED Armory Café presented by Polyam Collaborative Community and facilitated by Carol Ann. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Discussion from 7 to 9:30 p.m. More info on their website: https://artsatthearmory.org/.

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On Friday, February 28, at 9:30 pm, Lizardsandgizmos Comedy presents The Duo Show at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. More info and tickets available https://artsatthearmory.org/.

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State health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be affecting wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. Here are precautionary steps you can take: Avoid handling birds and other wildlife and keep dogs and pets leashed and away from wildlife. Learn more and stay up to date on state guidance. https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-provide-updated-guidance-on-suspected-avian-flu-cases-reported-across-massachusetts.

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Join Somerville SEPAC – Special Education Parent Advisory Council on February 27 at 7 p.m. on Zoom to talk all things reading with Dr. Nadine Gaab of @Gaab Lab at HGSE. Translation available. Please register in advance and a Zoom link will be emailed to you: https://tinyurl.com/SSEPACNadineGaab.

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The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) and Families First are partnering to offer the Power of Parenting, a free 12-week program connecting parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 8. Learn about your child’s developmental stages and behaviors, strengthen your caregiving skills, and discover self-care techniques. Programs begin March 4. Learn more and apply now. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgFd1kLlE91KxC8QLMQYt01fWwQZEOJy6Irm185zecYVWmHw/viewform.

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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 1:00 p.m. 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 Barrington, 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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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 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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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 emergencies), construction and road closures, water service interruptions, community news, and more. To sign up, visit somervillema.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 closet 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 is available on their website: https://www.somwintermarket.org/.

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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. For additional information, or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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