Somerville’s Memorial Parade will step off at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 26, from the Davis Square rotary. The parade will go up Holland Street and proceed through Teele Square, ending on Broadway and North Street. The annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (on Broadway between Alewife Brook Parkway and North Street) will follow on Monday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. To learn more, visit somervillema.gov/memorialday. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the CityTV Facebook page (facebook.com/SomervilleCityTV) and broadcast after the event on GovTV (RCN channels 13 or 613; Comcast channel 22) and on the city’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/SomervilleCityTV).

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POP Presents: Somerville Youth Peace Conference. On Wednesday, May 22, at 6:00 pm, the Center for the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., will host the 14th Annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference. The event will include theater, speeches, spoken word, and dance performances https://artsatthearmory.org/events/pop-presents-somerville-youth-peace-conference/.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: A big happy birthday to a special person who is celebrating this week, Chrissie Clark, our own Editor’s wife. We wish her a very special day. We want to wish a very happy birthday to Magoun Sq. resident Pina Mingace. We hope she has a great day and a great year to come. We send another special birthday wish to Shannon Henry, who is also celebrating her birthday this week. We hope she has a wonderful birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Rick Driscoll, Shirley Valentine, Deirdre Grace, Iona O’Brien, Danielle Scrima, Breanna Lungo-Koehn and Danny McLaughlin 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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Somernova is hosting mobile office hours this week on Wednesday, May 22, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Conway Park. This is a great opportunity to provide feedback and have conversations related to the revised zoning proposal. More information can be found at https://www.somernova.community/. Additionally, those who would like to host a living room conversation regarding Somernova’s expansion can contact Somernova at community@somernova.com. This is a great opportunity to gather five or more neighbors to discuss the proposal and have your questions answered.

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Attend the FY25 Water and Sewer Rates Public Hearing. Attend in-person or virtually to hear proposed Fiscal Year 2025 water and sewer rates on Wednesday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the Water and Sewer Department Conference Room (17 Franey Rd.). Written feedback will be accepted until noon on Wednesday, May 29, and can be emailed to water@somervillema.gov or mailed to: Water and Sewer Department, 17 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145. Learn more about proposed rates, participate remotely, and get dial-in information. Virtually through the Zoom platform. Enter this link into your internet browser any time before the meeting: Meeting Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/87205176724, Webinar ID: 872 0517 6724, To dial in: +1 309 205 3325

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The final Armory Master Plan meeting held last week focused on “Future Governance”. For those of you who were not able to attend this community meeting, you can view the recording of the two-hour meeting here: https://artsatthearmory.org/about/armory-master-plan/ along with other information about the process and to participate in their ongoing survey.

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Somerville community members are invited to the “Slice of the City” spring meet-up series. This new series of family-friendly pizza parties in the park offers attendees a new way to connect and engage with city leaders and staff, local elected officials, as well as neighbors, all while enjoying Somerville’s parks. Events in each of the city’s seven wards will occur throughout the month of May from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. For more information and to find all event locations, visit somervillema.gov/slice. Upcoming meetings: Tuesday, May 28: Ward 2 at Lincoln Park, 290 Washington Street (near Argenziano School entrance). Ward 5 Slice of the City event has been postponed due to weather. The new date will be posted on the city’s website once the meeting is rescheduled. Trum Field Playground 1 Franey Road (at Cedar St.)

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The Curl Bar is celebrating their 3-year anniversary and 2nd anniversary of their Block Party. Come play games, enjoy entertainment, shop, eat and more on May 26. The Curl Bar Block Party is an annual event put on for the community with the goal being to connect different communities to other minority-owned businesses all while celebrating another year of business for The Curl Bar. This is a free event for the community aimed to provide a space for minority-owned businesses to thrive and network while also providing free entertainment and services to the community. Sunday, May 26, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., 92 Cross St.

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As the weather changes and we start to peel off jackets, hats, and gloves, essential items such as sunscreen, bug spray, and rain ponchos will become vital to keep the Somerville Homeless Coalition’s most vulnerable clients safe and healthy while they’re out in the unpredictable New England weather. Donations can be made through their Amazon wish list or by submitting a donation inquiry. For more information visit, Client Needs: https://bit.ly/SHClientNeeds.

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Somerville’s annual Water System Flushing Program began on Thursday, May 16, and continues through late October. This program consists of flushing pipes at high velocities to clean water mains and maintain the highest possible water quality. Flushing will take place Mondays and Thursdays between 6:00 p.m. and midnight to minimize potential disruptions to water service. Temporary drops in water pressure and/or discolored water can occur. In these cases, though the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. Until the water runs clear, it is advisable to avoid washing laundry, especially white fabrics. Learn more at: somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing.

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Union Square Main Streets and the Union Square Farmers Market community proudly present a celebration of 20 seasons of open-air access to fresh, nutritious food in the rear of Union Square. Shop your favorite market vendors and celebrate 20 years of gathering with your neighbors. Festivities will take place on Saturday, June 1, at the Union Square Plaza.

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Culture House is looking for artists, creatives, non-profit organizations, and businesses in and around Gilman Square to bring the Gilman Park to life through events from June through September 2024. They have funding available to compensate programming partners. Find more information about programming and how to apply visit culturehouse.cc/projects/gilman-park. They are working with the City of Somerville to transform a vacant lot in Gilman Square, Homan’s lot, into a three-month outdoor community space to open in June. Gilman Park will be a gathering space for local organizations, a hangout space for residents, and an opportunity for development for local businesses, artists, and creatives. The goal of this activation is to connect Gilman Square with the rest of Somerville, bring back vibrancy, and test out future uses for vacant sites in Somerville.

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Attention all artists, makers, and more in the greater Somerville area! Somerville Public Library’s Comix Con returns this July and they are looking for local artists to sell their pins, prints, unique art objects and more. They are celebrating fandoms of all types and want you to be a part of our Con. Please fill out this form to be considered for a spot in our Artists Alley: tinyurl.com/splccvapp.

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Arts at the Armory will host Groundwork Somerville’s annual Grow Gala on Thursday, May 23, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., 191 Highland Ave. Join them in celebrating GWS’s community, robust history, and exciting future. For more information visit https://artsatthearmory.org/events/groundwork-somerville-grow-gala/.

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There are still lots of open spaces for students interested in the Summer Music program, the Middle Grades Robotics program, and the Career and Technical Education middle grades program. Rising 9th graders should check out the Summer Success program to get ready for high school. All programs are run by Somerville Public Schools and are free. Learn more and register: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/summer.

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On Friday, May 31, The Dojo in partnership with Somerville Parks and Recreation’s Teen Program, is hosting the Teen Summer Fair. It’s a great opportunity to find a summer job or meet organizations looking for volunteers. There will be games, a bouncy house, photo booth, live performances, food and much more. The event kicks off at 3:00 p.m. Immediately following the Teen Summer Fair, Mystic Learning Center is hosting its Youth Party at The Dojo to kick off the summer. The event will continue the fun of the Teen Summer Fair with carnival games, food, prizes and fun. Come down to The Dojo when it kicks off at 6:00 p.m. or come at 3:00 p.m. and enjoy both. These are great events for Somerville teens to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer. Both events will be held at 15 Properzi Way, Somerville.

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Join the Somerville Growing Center for a few of their upcoming events. Help prepare materials for the June 15 Festa Junina at the Growing Center. Just show up and have fun. Portuguese language-friendly activity. Contact: Yumi at yumiisu65@gmail.com.

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Rescheduled: Civil War Monuments, Burials, and Restoration at Milk Row (lecture) has a new date of Thursday, June 20, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Learn about the series of preservation measures that restored much of Milk Row Cemetery, including gravestone and tombstone rehabilitation, landscaping, and conservation of the Civil War monument at the center of the cemetery. To register visit www.somervillemuseum.org.

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Save the date! SomerStreets Carnaval is back on East Broadway, Sunday, June 2, with a rain date of Sunday, June 9. Enjoy a day filled with our best local vendors, businesses, and organizations. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family, live music, art, and much more.

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The Somerville Junior Police Academy is back. Hosted by SPD and Somerville Recreation, the program will include Classroom Training, Hands on police tactics, physical training, and more. Registration is open at: https://somervillema.myrec.com/.

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A reminder that yard waste pickup has begun. Yard waste should be put out with your trash and recycling on your normal pickup day and be in either a paper bag or a trash barrel with a “Yard Waste Only” sticker. Get stickers free of charge at the DPW Building (1 Franey Rd.), at the entrance desk at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.), or by emailing 311updates@somervillema.gov.

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The 2024 street sweeping season has resumed and will continue through December 31. Check signs in your neighborhood for sweeping days. Visit somervillema.gov/sweeping for a full schedule and to sign up for complimentary street sweeping reminders by text, email, or phone. For more information on street sweeping procedures, visit park-somerville.com.

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Celebrate the Nepali cultural community in Somerville at the Somerville Nepali Cultural Festival. Explore the rich culture and practices of Nepali culture join on Saturday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. (rain date June 6) in Union Sq Plaza. For this event, they are collaborating with Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA NCC USA MA Chapter) and SomerVIVA: Office of Immigrant Affairs to showcase Nepali culture, cuisine, music, folk songs, cultural dances, arts and handicrafts to the community.

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Drop by the East Branch Library for Saturday Lego Club. Create your own design or try a challenge card. Ideal for children 5 years and up. This event will be held on Saturday, May 25, at Somerville Public Library East Branch (115 Broadway) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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Join Union Square Main Streets and 50+ of your favorite local food producers for the 20th Annual Union Square Farmers Market, 66-70 Union Square. Shop local Saturdays through October 26, except September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. 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. For more information about the Union Square Farmers Market, visit unionsquaremain.org/2024-fmseason.

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Visit ROOTED Armory Café for their upcoming events: Strummerville Ukelele Club, Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m.

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This May, join the Somerville Public Library and the City of Somerville Health and Human Services Department to “Paint Your Pride!” in a joy-filled series of community art events. For a list of upcoming “Paint Your Pride!” events visit https://somervillepubliclibrary.org.

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The COA is offering free taxi rides to Somerville residents over the age of 60. Rides are available to go to the grocery store, farmer’s market, and pharmacy in Somerville and routine medical appointments in the surrounding communities. To best accommodate the needs of everyone in the city and to maximize the use of our funding, they will be capping the number of rides per week. To ensure the health and welfare of every resident of Somerville, exemptions will be made for chemotherapy and radiation appointments. To find out more information or to schedule your ride, please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319. All rides must be booked two business days in advance. This program is funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding.

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The Somerville Museum is looking for a new Executive Director. Do you live in the Somerville/Greater Boston area, have experience with non-profits, managing staff/volunteers, and community programming? This might be the perfect fit for you. The application deadline is May 29. https://www.somervillemuseum.org/careers.

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Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging is now able to provide Durable Medical Equipment at no cost to Somerville residents. Residents with a documented need for medical equipment must be over the age of 60, or have a permanent disability, and must be otherwise unable to afford or access needed medical equipment. They currently have available: Commodes, Bath Chairs, Bath Benches, Rollator Walkers, Incontinence Supplies and Transport Wheelchairs (wheelchairs are intended for transport and are not self-propelling or self-breaking.) For additional information, or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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Somerville Public Schools is looking for substitute teachers. Join an amazing team of educators, earn $150/day, and play an important role in our schools. Learn more about job requirements and apply here: https://somerville.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=1146.

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