The information session for proposed Fiscal Year 2024 water and sewer rates took place on Monday, but 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. The information session and public hearing will rebroadcast on GovTV (channel 13 on RCN, channel 22 on Comcast) and on the City’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/SomervilleCityTV.

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In honor of Haiti’s Flag Day, the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Haitian Club will be hosting a parade and official raising of Haiti’s flag on May 18. The parade will start from Somerville Public Library and end at Somerville City Hall. Immediately after the parade there will be remarks from Mayor Ballantyne, Leptune Paul, Haitian Services Coordinator, and other community leaders. At the end of remarks, the Haitian flag will be raised. Participants are asked to meet at the Somerville Public Library (79 Highland Ave.) at 2:45pm to walk to City Hall (93 Highland Ave.). For questions or more information, please reach out to Leptune Paul at lpaul@somervillema.gov

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Celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Feargal O’Toole. We wish him the very best on this his birthday. Happy birthday to Vinny Vicente. We wish him the best. Happy birthday to Brian Roche. We hope he enjoys his day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Kevin D. Downey, Ken McIntyre, Helen Martino McCallum, Karen Keenan McCann, and Rick Driscoll 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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This week’s City Hall Community Meetings will be in Ward 7: Thursday, May 18, at West Somerville Neighborhood School (177 Powder House Blvd.) Join in person from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. to ask questions and get updates from the mayor and city staff. Swing by early at 6:00 p.m. for pizza and refreshments. Learn more at somervillema.gov/communitymeetings.

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The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission will be hosting Researching History of Your Family and Old House, at the West Branch Library, Davis Square, 40 College Ave., on Wednesday May 17, at 7:00 p.m. Other events this week will be the May 18 Docent Opening Milk Row Cemetery at 438 Somerville Ave., next to Market Basket, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Burials, Restoration, and Civil War Monument Talk at the Milk Row Cemetery, 438 Somerville Ave., on Tuesday, May 23, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.; and Spark for the American Revolution – Raid on the Old Powder House talk at intersection of Liberty Ave. and Powderhouse Terrace. For more information, visit somervillema.gov/departments/ospcd/historic-events-and-education.

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The Mystic Learning Center, Inc. is hosting its 13th Annual Spring for Children Fundraiser on Thursday May 18, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The event will include silent auction items, raffle baskets, music, delicious food, and a limited open bar, all in support of Mystic Learning Center, Inc.’s mission to improve the lives of low-income children and families who live in the Mystic Public Housing Development and surrounding neighborhoods. This year’s fundraiser theme is in memory of a dear friend of the MLC community, Stephenson “Hollywood” Aman. Can’t make it to the event but still would like to donate? Text ‘SpringforChildren23’ to 44-321. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

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Each year, Somerville celebrates our urban forest with a special Arbor Day event. This year, Somerville Arbor Day will be celebrated on May 20, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Playground at Glen Park (150 Glen Street, Somerville, MA).

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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.

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Join the Somerville Public Library (MA) for their third annual Comix Con, a fan-themed day with programming from your favorite fandoms, stalls with local artists and vendors, cosplaying, and more. This event is free to attend and will take place on Saturday, May 20, at Somerville Public Library (79 Highland Ave.) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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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.

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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.

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The Somerville Museum will host a Youth Comedy Workshop, Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., One Westwood Road, Somerville. Show Me The Funny: Stand Up Comedy Workshop (Somerville Edition) is led by Cedric Arno and will review the history of comedy while encouraging confidence and skills. Open to teenagers 16-24 years of age. Admission: Free. Sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council. RSVP: Space is limited, RSVP with link or by calling 774-253-01131.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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