The City Charter is somewhat like a local Constitution, it governs the structure and functions of our local government. Members of the Somerville community are encouraged to join the virtual hearing on Wednesday, May 10, at 6:00 p.m. to share their thoughts on proposed updates to the City Charter. All residents are invited to testify at the virtual public hearing or to submit written testimony. Register to attend at: https://www.somervillema.gov More information on the city’s Charter Review, including prior meetings’ minutes and agenda, can be found here: https://bit.ly/CharterPublicHearing

****************************

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the City of Somerville, and the Somerville Arts Council invite you to take part in this year’s PorchFest on Saturday, May 13 (rain date: May 14). Acts in West Somerville (west of Willow Avenue) perform from noon to 2:00 p.m., bands in central Somerville (Willow Avenue to Central Street) perform from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and musicians in East Somerville (east of Central Street) perform from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. To learn more about the lineup and see a map of performances, go to somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest.

****************************

To those celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Melissa Hurley, who is celebrating this week. A nice person, we hope she has a great birthday. Happy birthday to Donald Chamberlain, we wish him the best. Happy birthday to Caroline Shea Rosas, who is also celebrating this week. Happy birthday to local attorney Neil Berman. We hope Neil has a great birthday. To another great local attorney, Edwin Smith, we wish him nothing but the best as well. A great guy, and one of the best real estate attorneys here in Somerville. A big happy birthday to Shannon Henry who is celebrated this weekend. We wish her a very happy birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Karen Dupont, Lisa Dervishian, Janet McLaughlin-Hanscom, Paul Curley, Ann Kane-Peters, Mary Ellen Myhr, Jordan Harris, Diane Murphy Sullivan and Donny Caprigno 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.

****************************

The mural ride is back. Join the Cyclopolitan and ESMS on Sunday, May 21, for the third annual mural bike tour through East Somerville and Assembly Row. This is a free event. Registration here: https://forms.gle/8gzxznT696s5Ho6Y7.

****************************

May is Preservation Month, and each year the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission partners with local organizations to honor Somerville’s history and historic assets. Celebrate with us all month long by attending an event. Choose from a series of docent tours, talks, and walking tours. All events can be found on the city’s calendar at somervillema.gov/calendar. To learn more about Somerville Historic Events and Education, visit: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/ospcd/historic-events-and-education.

****************************

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bob McGowan. Bob was a great guy and will be missed by many.

****************************

Stay in the loop with the latest news on Somerville’s art spaces. Sign-up for the Art Space Updates from the Somerville Arts Council at tinyurl.com/SACArtSpace. To read past updates go to our website: somervilleartscouncil.org/artspace/updates.

****************************

On May 23 join East Somerville Main Streets at American Flatbread in Davis Square, 45 Day St. for a night of bowling, pizza, and drinks. Portions of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to East Somerville Main Streets.

****************************

Tufts Camp Kesem is holding their annual Make the Magic event. It is their annual fundraising event for children whose parents have cancer. You are cordially invited to Camp Kesem’s Make the Magic Ball at Seaport on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Omni Boston Hotel. The evening will include a truly inspirational program, compelling speakers, and an opportunity to support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. It will also be a chance for you to interact with other members of the community, such as dedicated healthcare professionals, some of the most esteemed professors at top institutions, and many others. To purchase tickets for the main event, please click on or paste into your browser the following link: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0013c00001obpjKAAQ/events/vevt:8afe585a-373f-4c3f-ad90-4d98429e5e3e/home/story.

****************************

Join The Somerville Museum and the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission for an engaging afternoon with General George and Mrs. Washington. Special afternoon tea will be served from 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Featuring Sandy Spector, Historic Interpreter, and John Koopman III, Historic Re-enactor. Learn the top 10 things you may not know about Martha Washington. Purchase a signed copy of John Koopman III’s book Admission: $5 for Somerville Museum members; $12 for non-members RSVP: Space is limited, and advance reservations are required. Reserve your spot by emailing Brandon Wilson at bwilson@somervillema.gov Sunday, May 21, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., 1 Westwood Rd, Somerville.

****************************

The Free Lockboxes for Seniors Program is intended to provide police, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) access to your residence in the event of an emergency where you are unable to open the door. A key to your residence will be stored in a secure metal storage device, like a realtor’s lockbox, at your residence. The access code to the lockbox will only be available to police, fire or EMS personnel and used only during an emergency. The program is targeted towards Somerville residents who live alone and are aged 65+, or those who are disabled and/or suffer from major medical issues at any age. Individuals living in apartment complexes or other facilities with maintenance staff are not eligible for this program. For more information, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.

****************************

Assembly Connect is hosting a Bike Breakfast happening on May 11 at their Assembly Connect Office, 330 Canal St., Assembly Row, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Assembly Connect is also establishing their first Bicycle User’s Group at Assembly. Join the group to share your ideas for bicycle amenities, services and roadway improvements you would like to see at Assembly, and to share your experiences as a rider.

****************************

Musicians, where do you rehearse and perform? As part of their ongoing art space initiatives, the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) is interested in understanding where musicians rehearse and perform. If you are a Somerville musician, please fill out this short questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/g/0iMCFX5fUR.

****************************

Join Union Square Main Streets and 50+ of your favorite local food producers for the 19th Annual Union Square Farmers Market, a catalyst for vibrancy, healthy community, and economic vitality in Union Square.The Market provides visitors and residents with top-quality, fresh, and local produce at fair prices; encourages active lifestyle values; educates consumers about farming and locally sourced foods; and gives customers opportunities to interact directly with farmers. Shop the Square Saturdays by picking up the freshest foods from your local farmers. Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., May 13 – October 28, 66-70 Union Sq.

****************************

Next Wave/Full Circle is turning 50 this year and you are invited to the birthday celebration. Join the family-friendly event on May 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy food with friends, buy a T-shirt, and watch slideshows of NW/FC over the years. RSVP to nwfc50thcelebration@gmail.com.

****************************

The Welcome Project is excited to announce the 14th Annual YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City on June 7 at 6:30 pm. The event will be virtual. Please join in to celebrate the work of immigrants across the Boston area and highlight local restaurants that reflect the diverse and beautiful community Somerville has become. If you would like to be a sponsor of this event or purchase tickets, please use this link: https://bit.ly/YUM2023

****************************

Attend in-person or virtually to hear proposed Fiscal Year 2024 water and sewer rates on Monday, May 15. The information session will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library auditorium (79 Highland Ave.). Written testimony will be accepted until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, and can be emailed to water@somervillema.gov or mailed to: Water and Sewer Department, ATTN: Hearing, 17 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145.

****************************

Don’t forget, if you would like to subscribe to receive a digital edition of our paper, go directly online to our website over to the right side and fill out your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper.