Tonight, March 1, a Live Virtual Design Public Hearing will be hosted at 6:30 p.m. on the MassDOT website below to provide an update of the design for the proposed Signal and Intersection Improvements at McGrath Highway (Route 28) / Mystic Avenue (Route 38) project in Somerville. Info on how to join: http://www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings. Register and submit public comment.

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Join Groundwork Somerville, @somervillegrowingcenter and @earthwise_aware for their upcoming workshop, The Way of the Maple. Guest presenter Claire O’Neill will discuss the life cycle of the maple tree along with the ways in which scientists depend on maples to assess climate change effects in our region. This workshop will be in-person and hands-on in which you will learn how to identify maples and document their seasonal development (phenology). This workshop is part of their Maple Syrup Project leading up to the Maple Boil Down. Saturday, March 4, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., 22 Vinal Ave. $5–15 suggested donation. Register online www.groundworksomerville.org.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: To top the list of birthdays this week, we wish a very happy birthday to our own great guy and great Editor, Jim Clark. We wish him a very special day. 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 all of our Facebook friends, such Bill Roy, Laureen Chirichiello, Sarah Colestock Berson, Matt Smith, Barbara Neachtain, Susan Mangherini Griffin, Betsy Bragg, David Rudolph, Bob Schofield and Scott Naugler a very happy birthday. To all those that are also celebrating this week, we wish a happy birthday.

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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 be featuring an Irish fare of corned beef and cabbage, spirits, Irish music, and appearances of local and state elected officials. All are welcome to join the festivities.

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SomerViva: Office of Immigrant Affairs, AILA, IFSI and Rian Immigrant Center is hosting a clinic on Temporary Protected Status for eligible Haitians. The clinic will provide updates on requirements and eligibility. Attorneys and volunteers will be available to help with filling out the TPS application. Morning appointments start at 9:00 a.m., afternoon appointments start at 12:00 p.m. Interpretation will be available in English and Haitian Creole. Saturday, March 4. Holy Bible Baptist Church, 64 College Avenue, Somerville.

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A new exhibition, Ukraine: Connected Histories & Vibrant Cultures, will open at Tisch Library, Tufts University on March 6 at 5:00 p.m. The territory of modern Ukraine was once part of the largest kingdom of medieval Europe, known as Kyivan Rus. The heart of that early medieval kingdom – the city of Kyiv – is today the capital of Ukraine. It features impressive monuments, as well as remarkable collections and archives that are endangered by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. This exhibition highlights aspects of the early history and cultural heritage of Kyivan Rus, demonstrating how expansive, well-connected, and diverse this region of Eastern Europe was during the medieval and early modern periods. Moreover, the exhibition addresses later transformations and manipulations of the historical and material record to advance certain narratives, especially during the Soviet era, and current efforts to document, study, and preserve the history and heritage of Ukraine. To view full details and to RSVP for the opening reception, visit: https://tufts.libcal.com/event/10319576.

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After several years of inactivity during the pandemic, the City of Somerville is reestablishing its Veterans Commission. The city seeks five motivated members to relaunch the Commission, and all Somerville residents are welcome to apply. Applications are due Wednesday, March 22. To apply, please submit a statement of interest explaining why you would like to serve and any relevant background experience, along with an optional professional resume, to veterans@somervillema.gov or by mail to: Attn: Veterans Commission Member Application, Somerville Department of Veterans Services, 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02145. Please contact the Department of Veterans Services at 617-625-6600 ext. 4700 or veterans@somervillema.gov with questions.

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SHS Spring sport registration started this week. Visit SHS sports: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/teams. Middle grades sports: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/mgathletics. Students who participate in a sport must attend a medical clearance event at the high school. SHS medical clearance dates: March 14 and 15. Middle grades medical clearance date: March 29, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Middle grades athletes are invited to try out for high school Boys Volleyball, Boys Tennis or Softball. Please visit the website to learn more.

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On February 13, more than 50 people, including 16 children, were displaced by an apartment block fire on Highland Avenue. Fortunately, everyone got out safely, but significant challenges remain for our neighbors and students who cannot return to their homes. More than 13 city departments and a half-dozen partner agencies mobilized to set up temporary shelter, food, and other supports, but your help is needed for what comes next. If you are willing and able, please donate to the Somerville Homeless Coalition’s Emergency Fund. Donations of any size will help rebuild our community, one family at a time. The fund is designed to provide immediate relief to the affected residents and will help other neighbors in need as they face future emergencies. You can donate at bit.ly/SHCEmergencyFund and select “Emergency Fund” to support these families, students, and residents.

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All Somerville residents should be on the lookout for the 2023 annual City of Somerville census in their mailbox. Upon receipt, please complete the brief form and return it to the city via mail, email, fax, or in person. High census participation provides an accurate population count, which helps the city plan municipal services and adapt as the population changes. The Elections Department also uses the census to help keep voting rolls up to date. Completed census forms can be returned via the postage-paid return envelope included in the mailing, by scanning the form and emailing it to census@somervillema.gov, by dropping it off in a census box at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.), or by faxing it to 617-625-5643. Contact 311 at 617-666-3311 with any questions.

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The Somerville Arts Council ArtBeat 2023 planning has begun. 2023 theme: Pulse. At this year‘s festival, they will explore everything that vibrates, pulses and suggests life. They invite artists of all kinds as well as community members to interpret the theme in myriad ways. Let’s delve into all that pulses – things like hearts, cities, lights and drumbeats. Online applications for craft vendors are now available. To apply, go to: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/2023

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The Somerville Public Library in partnership with the St. Mark Community Education Program is offering a free, 10-week U.S. Citizenship Preparation class. The class will prepare students for the citizenship interview including the 100 civics questions, the reading and writing sections, and interview questions based on the N-400 application. The class will be held in-person at the Central Library (79 Highland Avenue) on 10 Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from March 4 to May 6. Requirements: Basic level of English and 5 years as a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) or 3 years, if married to a U.S. citizen. Visit https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/ell-citizenship to register.

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Get your flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster at a City of Somerville clinic this winter. Visit www.somervillema.gov/vaccineclinics. The flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 booster dose are provided at no cost, regardless of health insurance or immigration status. Advance registration is required.

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The Fuel Assistance Program, also known as the Home Energy Assistance Program, helps low-income households pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Renters and homeowners in Somerville are eligible to apply if they meet federal income guidelines. Learn more and apply online at somervillema.gov/fuelassistance.

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The 13th Annual Somerville Winter Farmers Market (SWFM) is held every Saturday through April 8. The Center for Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. To learn more and for a complete listing of vendors, weekly specials, and live entertainment, please visit www.somwintermarket.org. You can find the market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SomervilleWinterFarmersMarket, and on Instagram @SomWinterMarket.

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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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The 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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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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