The city is continuing its reopening plan with Phase 3 kicking in next Monday – if all goes well. Remember to get out there and support our local businesses as they open their doors for the first time in months. Let them know you care about keeping them going and how much you appreciate what the contribute to our community. Of course, stay safe by wearing your masks whenever appropriate and keep practicing that social distancing. We can make this work if we all work together!

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ArtBeat 2020 continues citywide until July 18. This year the festival theme is “Chance,” which explores all things fluky, unexpected and unplanned. For a full schedule if the remaining events visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2020.

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Celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to a lifelong resident Judy Podymaitis, who celebrates this week. We wish her well, with many more to come. Happy birthday to Cheryl Chaille Horan, of Green Cab fame. We wish her the very best. Happy birthday to well-known local Eileen Costa. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Joanne Parziale, Corinne Brune Dellanno, Muzi Dunn, Christine Desrochers-Broderick, Richard Spinosa, Heide Lee, Joey Sainato, Joanne Ruggiero Contaldi, Andre Green, Joe Cottier and Millie Allwood 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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As part of the Green Line Transformation (GLT) program, work is continuing on the Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation project, in which the MBTA is rehabilitating and replacing track on the historic, concrete arched structure. Marine mobilization has begun and starting Wednesday, July 15, construction access will require utilization of property adjacent to Education First. For more information, contact GLT@MBTA.com.

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The city is reminding residents not to set off fireworks this summer. Along with being illegal in Massachusetts, fireworks pose public health and safety threats. Fireworks can start fires, which can spread quickly through our densely populated neighborhoods. The noise from fireworks can also be traumatizing to those with post-traumatic stress disorder and can be very upsetting to animals. Throughout the summer, everyone is being reminded to be a good neighbor and not set off fireworks.

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The City of Somerville’s newly formed Memorialization Committee, which will name public assets like buildings, streets, and parks, is accepting applications for two resident positions. The Committee will also develop policies and procedures to follow when choosing names. The committee will meet when needed to name a public asset. Appointees will serve a two-year term and must be confirmed by the City Council. If you are interested in applying, please send a statement of interest to memorial@somervillema.gov by Friday, August 7.

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Yard waste, e-waste, and household hazardous waste drop-offs at DPW have been suspended until further notice. Curbside yard waste and textile recycling (in the pink bags) collection is happening on a regular schedule.

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The Somerville Public Library is now offering contactless pickup at all three branches. Patrons can request Somerville library materials online using their Minuteman account. Library staff will then notify patrons by either email or phone when their items are ready to be picked up. Pickup appointments will be scheduled by using the Library’s online appointment system on somervillepubliclibrary.org, or by calling the Somerville Public Library at 617-623-5000.

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On July 30, The Center for Arts at the Armory we will be hosting their first major fundraising event and virtual gala as they celebrate the organization’s ten-year anniversary as a home for the arts in Somerville. General admission tickets are $25 and $100 VIP tickets are 25% off through midnight on July 22. Please use promo code VIP25OFF. VIP ticket holders will receive a special ROOTED/Arts at the Armory canvas tote bag in advance of the event containing a Fork on a Road cocktail spice packet and non-perishable vegetarian meal kit, accompanied by recipes. The virtual gala will begin with a culinary immersion experience with Fork on a Road Founder Suman Shah demonstrating both recipes. In order to receive your gift bag in time for the gala, orders must be received by midnight on July 22. The virtual gala program will also include performances by Puerto Rican cuatro player Fabiola Mendez, Haitian contemporary dance company Jean Appolon Expressions, Esh Circus Arts, and a short film by Karen Aqua. The event will honor U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley MA-07 and State Representative Denise Provost. Visit https://www.classy.org/event/arts-at-the-armory-10-year-anniversary-gala/e291058 to learn more.

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The state has passed vote-by-mail provisions. It will allow everyone to vote in a safe, socially distanced manner. For more information on what you need to know in order to cast your vote by mail visit somervillema.gov/elections

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Healthy, local food is important. The Farmers Markets are open again in Davis Square (www.massfarmersmarkets.org/davis) and Union Square (www.unionsquaremain.org/2020-season). But this year they will be different. Both markets will encourage only one person per household to do the shopping, incorporate social distancing guidelines and allow a limited amount of shoppers in the space. Please sign up for a shopping spot in advance at the market websites. SNAP and HIP benefits are accessible for shoppers in both markets. No gathering or socializing is allowed in the markets.

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Free COVID-19 testing is being offered at Somerville Hospital. The Somerville Board of Health strongly urges all residents to be tested for COVID-19. The more people that get tested, the safer our reopening will be. You do not need to have symptoms or a doctor’s referral. To sign up for free COVID-19 testing for Somerville residents, call 617-665-2928, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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