Join city staff and the Gilman Square Civic Advisory Committee for a virtual meeting this Wednesday, February 1, at 6:00 p.m. to get updated on the newly published Flood Mitigation and Water Quality Master Plan, the status of the Community Path, and potential short-term activation of the site in the coming year. Learn more on the city’s website. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83497380624,Meeting ID: 834 9738 0624

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Join the city staff for a virtual community meeting to learn about the intersection redesign plans and upcoming construction schedule on Wednesday, February 1, via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. Learn more and register to attend at: https://voice.somervillema.gov/intersection-redesign.

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Due to the expected cold on Saturday, February 4, all Somerville Parks and Recreation programs are cancelled including intramural sports.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy birthday to John Arvantis, who is celebrating this week. Also, happy birthday to a good guy, Jason Ribeiro. We hope he has a great day this week. Happy birthday to our good friend and a great guy, Bob McWatters. We wish him the very best and hope he enjoys his day. Happy birthday to Eleanor Pye. We hope she has a great day. Also celebrating this week, Steve DeCarlo, Director of CityTV. We hope he has a great day as well. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Matt Sullivan, Karen Crane Brisbois, Sarah Martino, Alan Carvalho and Carolyn Dacey Corbett 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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On February 6, the Somerville Arts Council will be hosting a Volunteer Craft Night, a themed activity where people can design handmade cards which will be sent to the seniors at the Visiting Nurses Association in Somerville. A wonderful way to meet other volunteers, have a few refreshments, and create art. Craft supplies will be available. While you are not required to make a card, they encourage people use their artistic prowess to make something wonderful for those in need, or just simply stop in to say hello. They will also be collecting food donations for the Somerville Homeless Coalition. If interested, please bring a non-perishable item with you when you go. Since space is limited, please RSVP via the Eventbrite link https://tinyurl.com/533mzzvm Monday, February 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., MudFlat Pottery School, 81 Broadway, Somerville.

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The three finalists for the open Superintendent of Schools position have been announced. The Somerville School Committee’s Superintendent Search Screening Subcommittee announced that it has narrowed the pool of 27 applicants down to three finalists: Kevin McCaskill (Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, Boston Public Schools), Marisa Mendonsa, (Deputy Superintendent, Pittsfield Public Schools), and Jannell D. Pearson-Campbell (Interim Superintendent, Northampton Public School). To read more about the finalists visit our website for the full press release and interview schedule. https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/

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Calling all artists! USQ is asking for your help in building on USQ’s desire to celebrate and expand the role of public art in the Union Square Neighborhood. They have planned a 450-square-foot public-facing mural opportunity and are looking for your expertise and vision to bring it to life. All the details are available here: https://bit.ly/usqmural

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The Somerville Chamber of Commerce will host Virtually Somerville with City Council President Ben Ewen-Campen. Q&A with the new Somerville City Council President. February 7, 12:00 p.m. Join the Zoom meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85876886079?pwd=WHRkSkk4YmtIQjJ6dnZZdWl2N1hLdz09#success
Meeting ID: 858 7688 6079 The series is sponsored by Winter Hill Bank.

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Arts at the Armory is thrilled to announce their African Music Series with Kina Zoré on Sunday, February 5, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Author Pacifique Irankunda to open with book talk. Tickets are $10 at the door. More info here: https://artsatthearmory.org/pop/pop-african-music-nights. This event is a part of the Armory Performance Opportunity Program (POP) series.

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The Somerville Public Library will be hosting Beat the Librarians Trivia, Monday, February 13 at Remnant Brewing, 2 Bow Market Way. Think you’re smarter than the average librarian? Celebrate National Library Lovers’ Day and test your knowledge against a team of SPL librarians. Teams (typically up to six people) will be answering questions curated by Remnant Brewing’s trivia host Meredith.

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The search is on for crossing guards to help keep students safe on their walks to and from school. Apply: somervillema.gov/apply. More info: careers@somervillema.gov / 617-625-6600 extension 3300.

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The City of Somerville Department of Public Works has distributed sand citywide for residential use. Sand increases traction on icy surfaces and, since it is less corrosive than salt-based ice melt, helps maintain the conditions of our sidewalks and other infrastructure. For our full Winter guide, visit somervillema.gov/snow.

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East Somerville Main Streets is hosting a meet and greet session for the community to get to know our small business owners and shop their specialties. Saturday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Connexion, 149 Broadway.

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Somerville Homeless Coalition’s Spring Into Action Event will be returning to The Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom on Thursday, March 23. #FeelGoodFriday. For more information and to purchase tickets go to: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/01Y6qw?vid=wre5o

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Kids 10-18 years old are invited to the Half-Day Wednesday Video Game Hangout at Somerville Public Library (MA) Central Branch Teen Room every half day Wednesday. Starts at 12:15 p.m. Hang out with peers, play multiplayer Nintendo Switch games on the big screen, try Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Rocket League or bring your own games.

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This year’s Black History Month honors Black Resistance throughout history and today. Archivist, scholar, graphic novelist Dr. Rebecca Hall joins the Somerville Public Library virtually to discuss her groundbreaking graphic novel Wake. Saturday, February 11 at 2:30 p.m. Visit the SPL website to register. www.somervillepubliclibrary.org.

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The Arts at the Armory’s Performance Hall is available to rent for weddings, parties, and private work functions. With a new stage, aesthetic improvements to the space, and a capacity of 395, the Performance Hall is a versatile, conveniently located venue in the heart of Somerville’s Spring Hill neighborhood. Did we mention there is ample off-street parking? Learn more at artsatthearmory.org, and fill out the Event Contact Form to book the Performance Hall.

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Because this winter begins in an even-numbered year, snow emergency parking will be on the even side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Check street 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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