Somerville’s indoor mask mandate ended Saturday, March 5. But businesses can still set their own mask policies, so make sure to check before heading in. Masks are also still required for city buildings. Beginning March 14, masks will be optional for students and staff of Somerville Public Schools. More information, including where to find the latest health guidance can be found at somervillema.gov/maskmandateupdate.

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Meet Your Local Chocolatiers, Friday, March 11, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tylers St., Somerville. Join the Somerville Museum’s Community Curators, José Falconi and Santiago Montoya, for a night of chocolate and conversation. Joined by local chocolatiers, Mateo from Prophecy Chocolate and Eric from Somerville Chocolate, this event is part of the Bittersweet exhibition’s Chocolate Stories Salon series. This event is free to all with a suggested donation of $10/person. Donations support the operations of the Somerville Museum and events like this.

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The ArtBeat 2022 planning has begun. This year’s Artbeat theme is “rise.” Things are looking up, lifting, rising. At this year’s ArtBeat Festival we invite artists of all kinds and community members to interpret the “rise” theme in myriad ways. Literally, let’s think about what’s above us – the sky, stars, trees, cranes, birds, and buildings. And figuratively, how might “rise” resonate? What’s beyond us, what’s within reach? The online applications for both the community and craft vendors are now available. To apply, go to: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/resources/calls.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: 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 a former City of Somerville staffer, Nancy Ross Aylward. We hope she has a great day. Happy birthday to the senior Jim Halloran. We hope he has a great one as well. Happy birthday to Karen Love, of Magoun Square, a pleasant and always nice lady who greets you with a smile whenever you see her. Happy birthday to Antonia Digirolamo, who celebrates today. We wish her the best. Happy birthday wishes go out to Dennis Fishman, we wish him a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends such as Shu Tai, Diane Wong, Patrick Callinan, Jackie Levy Harrington, Denize Ramos and Donald Coutoumas a very happy birthday. To all those that are also celebrating this week, we wish them a happy birthday.

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Our condolences go out to the family of Jerry C. DeCristofaro who passed away on February 26. He was a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the father of Register of Probate, Tara DeCristofaro. He will be missed by many.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church where Jerry, a man of great faith, was a lifelong parishioner.

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Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is holding the Second Annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Campaign. Crossing guards are outside – rain or shine – to keep students safe during arrival and dismissal. If you think your crossing guard goes above and beyond for your school and should be considered for the Crossing Guard of the Year Awards. Nominate your favorite crossing guard. The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, March 23. please nominate them using this form https://form.typeform.com/to/ryDIzTVM?typeformsource=www.mass.gov&fbclid=IwAR2qs_TjOXz7Xw65hSSTeASUEkIjype6zebdYABdUXGC38jMiaE7CV3M_p0%20%20%20%20T. Thank you to all Crossing Guards.

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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 City of Somerville has an opening for its citywide Community Garden Coordinator position. In this role, you will be the liaison between each of the 11 Community Gardens and the city. The coordinator receives a $500 annual stipend paid quarterly. If you have any questions or are interested, please feel free to contact: Malik Drayton, Conservation Agent, Deputy Tree Warden, 617-625-6600 c2514, MDrayton@somervillema.gov.

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Book Fair at Bow is right around the corner. Join them on Sunday, March 13, for a day celebrating everything books. There will be book themed workshops in @remnantbrewing, a book seller and art market, and a cookbook swap on @sausatbowmarket patio. There will also be readings, poetry and an open mic at Wild Child. Bow Market, 1 Bow Way.

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The CHA Somerville Vaccine Center is now accepting walkins, 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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Calling all 6-8th graders interested in theater! The Middle Grades production of HONK! needs crew and cast members. Fill out the Google form to join: https://forms.gle/9dLG3phsFeN7mLxZ6. Email Music Teacher Ms. Schorr for more information: eschorr@k12.somerville.ma.us The All-City Theater of Somerville was founded in 2018 with the mission of creating after school opportunities for middle school students across all 8 Somerville Public Middle Schools to participate in extracurricular dramatic arts. Check out the website: https://bit.ly/ACTSsps.

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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/historicpreservation.

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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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Are you a Somerville High student with a passion for food, community, and justice? Join Groundwork Somerville’s spring Green Team internship program. You’ll earn school credit while making friends, working for social justice, and learning about sustainable farming. Apply here: https://forms.gle/4e5bAyLZ1pVAToMi6

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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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