Get ready for summer fun at the city and Somerville Arts Council’s Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy live music, food, and of course, a big, bold fireworks display. Head to Trum Field on Thursday, June 29, at 6:00 p.m. (rain date June 30). Learn more at https://somervilleartscouncil.org/fireworks. Due to large crowds and noise associated with the fireworks, the city recommends that attendees leave pets at home and avoid bringing unnecessary bags or backpacks, all of which are subject to inspection. For more information, call 311 (617-666-3311).

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The Reading Frederick Douglass Together event will be held Wednesday, June 28, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Bow Market (upstairs level, indoors). Celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass by reading one of his most famous speeches together. The event will be followed with a discussion led by Project Scholar, Kyera Singleton. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend and participate. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reading-frederick-douglass-together-at-bow-market-tickets-625603947247.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: This week a lot of local celebrities are celebrating their birthdays. Happy birthday to our former mayor, Joe Curtatone. We hope he has a great birthday for himself. We wish Devon Moos of East Somerville a very happy birthday. We hope he enjoys his day. Happy Birthday to our friend, Len Ferrari, of Century 21 North East, who is also celebrating this week. We wish him the best. Happy birthday, Lenny. Also this week, happy birthday to Andy Puglia. We wish Andy a very happy birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Dave Bertocchi, Peter Tsairidie, Leslie Phelan, Kristina Ann, Suzan Baltozer, John Correia, Suzan Baltozer and Rose Nash 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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Join Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., for a three-hour workshop on Thursday, June 29, at 7:00 p.m. to learn about theory and practice of Forró music and dance. Their approach will be introductory, active, and open to people of all levels and ages. To participate, just send us an inbox message on Facebook or simply come to the Armory Cafe at the indicated time. The investment is $20 at the door.

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The City of Somerville’s annual SomerMovieFest returns this year with a series of seven family-friendly films being shown in parks around Somerville. Screenings begin at dusk and the next screening will be Footloose, Thursday, July 6, 8:58 p.m. at Lincoln Park (290 Washington St.).

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Enjoy free outdoor movies, popcorn, candy, and fun at The Block at Boynton Yards, all summer long. Friday Flicks Outdoor Movie Nights at Boynton Yards will start at 7:00 p.m. with yard games and fun, followed by candy, popcorn, and movies once the sun sets. Bring a blanket and get ready for a fun-filled evening, July 14: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, August 11: Raiders of the Lost Ark and September 15: The Little Mermaid (1995 version). Boynton Yards, 110 South Street.

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In partnership with CAAS Community Action Agency of Somerville, the city is distributing 500 fully subsidized MBTA passes to low-income Somerville households. This program aims to fill a critical gap for low-income residents who don’t qualify for other transit benefit programs. Learn more and apply at: https://www.caasomerville.org/transit-program-form. For assistance by phone, call CAAS at 617-599-4185.

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As of Monday, June 26, contractors will institute an eastbound traffic detour on Highland Avenue between Central Street and Hamlet Street to install utilities as part of the ongoing Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. For more information, visit: https://voice.somervillema.gov/springhillsewer.

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There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks. The Red Cross is looking for donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors. By scheduling and keeping appointments right now, donors can help ensure patients relying on blood donations also get to enjoy their summer. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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Join Somerville Prevention and Repair the World at an upcoming Narcan distribution event. Each will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. over four Saturdays in July. Available resources include Narcan, fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields for rescue breathing, and syringe disposal containers. A brief overdose prevention training will also be available. For a list of places visit https://www.somervillema.gov/. This week’s will be held in Union Sq. Plaza in front of the Somerville Media Center.

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East Somerville Main Streets will be hosting a Summer Carnaval Block Party Series. The first block party takes place July 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. These block parties will take place at 115 Broadway (East Somerville Public Library) and on Illinois Ave. on Sunday evenings once a month. Enjoy live music, food, and activities for the whole family.

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With hot summer days ahead the Somerville Homeless Coalition is looking for essential supplies to help keep those without a home safe and cool. Whether it’s sunscreen or juice boxes, they have compiled an Amazon wish list with key summer items for clients. If you are interested in donating you can do so through the link provided or by dropping items off at their Engagement Center located at 1 Davis Square between Monday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for lunch). https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2S0DQDB857065?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR1ZHXC1YJnbbt36ZicxPnsR7pAEJ4dP1rODG5sNovyNzGE68py31ENo

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Housing Division are pleased to announce four affordable homeownership opportunities to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers through the city’s Inclusionary Housing Program at The Parkway 395 (395 Alewife Brook Parkway). Two 2-bedroom units with dens are available to households with an annual gross income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) at price tier P1. One 1-bedroom unit with a den and one 2-bedroom unit are available to households with an annual gross income between 81% AMI and 110% AMI at price tier P2. Applications are due by Friday, July 14, at noon. Learn more and apply at: somervillema.gov/inclusionaryhousing.

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