In response to updated CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance on indoor masking, the Somerville Board of Health will hold a special meeting to discuss the local indoor mask mandate. The meeting will take place virtually on Thursday, March 3, beginning at 6:00 p.m. For information on how to join the meeting, please visit somervillema.gov/BOHMarch3

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A walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic for initial doses and boosters will be held March 4 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Argenziano School, 290 Washington St. The Pfizer vaccine will be available for all people five years and up, and boosters will be available for all people 12 years and up. Walk-ins are accepted. The clinic is free, regardless of immigration status or health insurance. Identification is not required. Can’t make this clinic, but need a vaccine? COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the walk-in CHA Somerville Vaccine Center at 176 Somerville Ave. Please visit somervillema.gov/vaccine for more information. If you need assistance in your language, please call 311 (617-666-3311).

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Happy birthday this week to the following: A very big happy birthday to our own great guy and great Editor, Jim Clark. We wish him a very special day, and we hope he has a great year ahead! Happy birthday to C21 North East real estate agent and long-time resident John Pratti. We hope John has a great birthday. Happy birthday to another nice guy, Eddie Nuzzo. We hope he has a great one. Happy birthday to Nick Kondilis, a long-time real estate agent. We hope he has a great birthday. And to Donald Coutoumas, of the Somerville Coutoumas family, we hope he has a great birthday. We wish Mike Browne a very happy birthday. Mike is a great guy we wish him the best. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such Bill Roy, Laureen Chirichiello, Sarah Colestock Berson, Matt Smith, Barbara Neachtain, Susan Mangherini Griffin, Scott Naugler, David Rudolph Betsy Bragg and Bob Schofield a very happy birthday. To all those that are also celebrating this week, we wish a happy birthday.

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The Somerville Arts Council and Nave Somerville present From the Inside Out Exhibition at Nave Gallery, 155 Powder House Blvd. through March 5. Our world shrunk during COVID. Like others whose work or schooling moved to their living spaces, many artists turned their focus inward. Some, fearing possible contamination of shared studio spaces or public transportation, moved their creative practice into their homes as well. It was a time of reflection. Relationships between interior and exterior shifted. New perspectives affected artist’s work and lifestyle. For more information visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org.

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Join in this Thursday, March 3, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a virtual tour of Taza Chocolate hosted by Taza Chocolate, the Somerville Museum and Bittersweet exhibition curators José Falconi and Santiago Montoya. This event is part of the museum’s Bittersweet exhibition’s Chocolate Stories Salon series. Free and open to all. RSVP https://www.eventbrite.com/e/275978468027.

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Liam Mannion and Bob McWatters invite the public to Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave., on March 17 to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and Irish heritage. Corned beef and cabbage are on the menu as well as pints of Guinness and Irish music. All are welcome to stop by Sally’s for a festive time.

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The CHA Somerville Vaccine Center is now accepting walk-ins, as supply allows. The center is open to all, five days a week and some Saturdays. You can get booster shots for ages 12+ and initial vaccines for ages 5+. The vaccines are free, regardless of immigration or health insurance status, and you don’t need to show ID. Full hours and details are here: challiance.org/vaccine. You can still make an appointment at tinyurl.com/metronorthvaccine. If you’re a CHA patient you can also make an appointment through MyChart: challiance.org/mychart. If you need assistance finding a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you can call 3-1-1 (617-666-3311).

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The Democratic Ward Committees of Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Somerville will hold virtual caucuses at the same time on March 5 at noon to select delegates to the convention. The caucuses will use the same Zoom link, and everyone will split into their wards in Zoom breakout rooms. RSVP to receive the Zoom link and get updates on the caucus process: https://www.somdems.org/2022_dem_caucus_1_2_4_5_6 The Massachusetts Democratic Party’s State Convention will be held on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4. Delegates will gather virtually and at the DCU Center in Worcester to endorse candidates for statewide office, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary, Attorney General and Auditor, ahead of the Democratic Primary this September.

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Massachusetts has established a temporary program requiring employers make paid leave time available for employees impacted by COVID or who have side effects from vaccination. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-temporary-emergency-paid-sick-leave-program.

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MassDOT will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, March 2, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the Superstructure Replacement of Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue over the Orange Line and MBTA/BMRR project. More information can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/event/bostonsomerville-superstructure-replacement-of-maffa-way-and-mystic-avenue-over-orange-line-and-mbtabmrr-project-2022-03-02t180000-0500-2022-03-02t200000-0500

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The Somerville Historic Preservation Division invites you to take home a piece of Somerville history. Designed by local artists, this historic collection of Somerville stickers and magnets tell a unique story of Somerville’s history. Purchases help support local organizations and small business, and display the Somerville pride. Visit the Somerville Historic Preservation Division website to find out more about their historic events, education, and preservation efforts: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/ospcd/historic-preservation.

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If your child or teen is struggling with stress or anxiety, you can help by reaching out, listening, understanding, offering support, and connecting the student with key staff at school. Learn more about the #SomervilleTogether campaign for youth mental health at http://bit.ly/3s5uMfu.

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Looking for a way to practice social distancing but still remain connected to other people? Look no further than the Somerville Council on Aging’s Friendly Phone Caller program. They have many wonderful volunteers who are waiting to give you a call. Whether you are looking to make a new friend or would just like a friendly chat to look forward to every week, this program has you covered. Call Natasha at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317 to learn more about the program and to sign up.

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Rent a space at the Arts at the Armory’s unique spaces. Are you looking for a unique and memorable venue for an event? Their historic and spacious Performance Hall, intimate and charming Café, and comfortable and functional B5 meeting/classroom/rehearsal space are all available to rent. For more information, please contact events@artsatthearmory.org.

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An outdoor, in person sing at the Somerville Community Growing Center will take place on March 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. They will have a propane fire pit and marshmallows to toast. Other snacks are welcome. https://www.facebook.com/somervillecommunitygrowingcenter.

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Prepare for the 2021/2022 snow season by reviewing parking rules and signing up for alerts. Because this winter begins in an odd-numbered year, snow emergency parking will be on the odd side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Check streets signs in your neighborhood so you know where you can park ahead of winter weather. You can also learn more about the city’s snow policies at somervillema.gov/snow.

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Somerville’s Winter Farmers Market takes place Saturdays, 9:30 – 1:30 p.m., through April 16, at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Offering the best locally grown and produced agricultural items and more. They offer a diverse range of local and New England produce, as well as cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, pastries, chocolate, and wine. They feature rotating guest vendors each week, as well as live entertainment and activities. Check out the schedule and map at www.somwintermarket.org. They accept SNAP/EBT & HIP, CREDIT and DEBIT cards. $15 SNAP match for EBT customers.

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After a long three-year hiatus, the Somerville Homeless Coalition is very excited to announce that its Spring into Action event is returning the evening of Thursday, March 24. This year they are bringing the fun and energy to the Somerville Theatre’s newly refurbished Crystal Ballroom. Join them for an evening of cocktails, live jazz, passed apps, local bites and live music. All proceeds from this event will benefit Somerville Homeless Coalition clients facing homelessness, eviction and food insecurity. They look forward to sharing news about their work in the community and how you help them to continue advancing their mission of finding everyone a home. Single ticket price: $125. Discounts are available for bulk ticket orders. For more information, visit their event page https://igfn.us/e/TRWwTw.

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If you are unable to access a COVID-19 vaccine due to transportation challenges, but otherwise are able to leave your home, please call 3-1-1 to get connected to transportation assistance.

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The Somerville Council on Aging hosts Bingo, Tuesdays at Ralph & Jenny Center and Thursdays at Holland Street starting at 10:00 a.m. Grab and Go lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov.

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