The Somerville High School Athletics Department invites community members to attend a dedication ceremony for Kevin Raymond on Thursday, June 13, at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.) at 3:00 p.m. A bench in front of SHS will be dedicated to Kevin at the ceremony. Light refreshments will be served inside the high school following the ceremony. For any questions, please reach out to Nicole Viele, Supervisor for Health and Physical Education, at nviele@k12.somerville.ma.us.

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FY25 Budget Hearings continue the next meeting will be Monday, June 17. Cut night is Tuesday, June 18. You can view the meeting live and find meeting materials at the following link: https://somervillema.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

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Join the city’s Mobility Division and the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee to learn the basics of urban biking, map out your commuter route, and join a group ride. Ownership of a bike is not required – free BlueBike codes will be available. This event will be held on Thursday, June 13, at the Somerville Public Library Central Branch (79 Highland Ave.) from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4lqAOaxl_HH4vOEoSr3lMeCL81k2Ld-beDrIG_JN5lt4ozg/viewform?usp=sf_link Link can also be found on the city’s website.

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Celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Steve Mirabella. We wish him many more. Happy birthday to Linda Spinosa, who celebrates this week. We hope she enjoys her day. Happy birthday to former Somerville resident Gail Chambers, who is celebrating this week as well. We hope she has a great day. Happy birthday to one of our former writers, Jack Nicas. As always, we wish him the best. Happy birthday, Jack, hope you have a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Al Sharpe, Amanda Esteves, Donna Amenta, Stephanie Hirsch,Donna M. Quinn, Shawn M Lynch, Rebekah Gewirtz, Gretchen Ann Graham, Martin Janet and Pindi Singh 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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Our condolences to the friends and family of Stanley M. Koty, III. Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Thursday, June 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Chip will be celebrated in St. Clement Church, Somerville, Friday morning June 14, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends please meet at Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chip’s memory can be made to: Herren Project, P.O. Box 131, Portsmouth RI, 02871. Full obituary can be found here: https://www.dohertyfuneralservice.com/.

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Festa Junina: Brazilian Harvest Festival takes place this Saturday, June 15. Festa Junina is a traditional harvest celebration in Brazil. This Growing Center event will include craft stations (root printing, lantern making, making dance accessories), participatory Quadilha dancing, traditional foods and music by Trio Let’s Vamos. It will also feature numerous Kamishibai created and presented by Yumi Izuyama, interweaving her Japanese and Brazilian roots. Supported in part by funding from the Somerville Arts Council, a local commission supported by the City of Somerville and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Somerville Community Growing Center, Saturday, June 15, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., 22 Vinal Ave. Rain Date: Sunday, June 16.

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Join Union Square Main Streets for the Keeping Small Strong Reflect & Refine Community Workshop on Thursday, June 20, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10 Prospect St. on the 7th floor. This culminating event allows you to: Share your thoughts on what will ensure Union continues to thrive, hear from neighbors like you about what their priorities are, learn more about what USMS has been up to this past year with the ARPA-funded, keeping Small Strong pilot all while enjoying delicious foods + real conversations with your neighbors. For free tickets visit https://www.simpletix.com/e/keeping-small-strong-reflect-refine-commun-tickets-172069

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A Docent Tour of Prospect Hill Tower will be held on Thursday, June 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at 68 Munroe St. From May through October, three historic sites in Somerville, Milk Row Cemetery (Somerville Avenue), Prospect Hill Tower (above Union Square), and Old Powder House (Nathan Tufts Park), are open to the public on certain days and evenings. Inclement weather cancels any event. For full schedule and more information on the Docent Program: https://www.somervillemuseum.org/docent-program

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Over 80 Somerville union members and community supporters gathered at Somerville City Hall on Thursday, May 30, just prior to Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s fiscal-year-2025 budget presentation. Frustrated by low wages and resulting short staffing, Somerville municipal employees and firefighters called on Mayor Ballantyne to come to the table and negotiate with city employees for better wages, local hire, and an end to expensive subcontracting. To continue to build pressure, SMEA members and supporters will do the following: hold a rally on Tuesday, June 18, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave). The city councilors will cut items from the mayor’s proposed budget that same night at 6:00 p.m. You can RSVP and get involved at SupportSMEA.org.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) invite community members to attend the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, June 18, on the City Hall concourse (93 Highland Ave.) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The flag-raising will also feature an African Drumming performance and photo display by The Art of Black Dance & Music, as well as remarks from Somerville youth, local leaders, and activists.

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Love games? Drop-in at East Branch Library and enjoy a variety of games: Apples to Apples Junior, Blokus, Checkers, Chess, Connect4, HeadBanz, Jenga, Mancala, Parcheese, and more. This event will be held on Monday, June 17, at Somerville Public Library East Branch (115 Broadway) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Community members are invited to join the Somerville Big Gay Dance Party in Union Square on Saturday, June 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This year’s theme is DINOSAURS! Bring your most rawr-tastic outfits. Sounds by DJ Live, Drag performances by Amanda Playwith and Lily Rose Valore, LGBTQ+ organizations will be tabling. This event is free and open to all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

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Beginning in July, public charging stations will charge 25 cents per kilowatt-hour. Fees will be used to directly support the city’s electric vehicle programs and expand our station network. For more information, reach out to SustainaVille.ma or visit somervillema.gov/electric-vehicles.

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Tuesday, June 18, at the Ralph and Jenny Center, Somerville Cambridge Elder Services will host their annual cookout. Featuring cheeseburgers, hot dogs and a variety of salads. Bingo begins at 10:00 a.m. with the cookout to follow. This is a free event and space is limited. Please RSVP to Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov Bingo cards are sold $1 for 3 cards.

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Parkour Generations Americas is hosting the 2024 American Rendezvous (ARDV) event on Friday, June 21, to Sunday, June 23, 15 Properzi Way. An annual gathering and one of the most influential parkour events in North America. Several portions of the event will be hosted in Somerville. This is a great event to work with coaches and participants from across the globe for a weekend of shared experiences and great training. Some things participants can expect: Meet and Greet session to kick off the event on Friday. Two and a half days (16+ hours) of coaching from some of the world’s most experienced parkour instructors from around the world, discounted food from local restaurants and vendors. A “Kids-only” setup and schedule for ages 8-13 years. More information on the event can be found at americanrendezvous.com.

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On Saturday, June 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., The Dojo is hosting a Vendor Pop-up Shop. The event will highlight local businesses and artists from the Greater Boston area. There will also be fun activities such as Bingo and trivia with exciting prizes. Stop by The Dojo at 15 Properzi Way, Somerville, to have fun this weekend and see what The Pop-up Shop is all about. Other upcoming events: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Somerville Bike Kitchen, a volunteer-run bicycle repair cooperative, hosts open-shop nights at The Dojo. Go to maintain your bike or learn more about cycling. Upcoming Bike Kitchens: June 13, 18 and 20.

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This year’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration will take place Thursday, June 27. Join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Arts Council for the Anniversary of 4th of July Fireworks Celebration with live entertainment at Trum Field. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m., with DJ Philip Tan spinning some tunes. There will be live music performance by funk band Search Party. There will be food vendors like Nibble Kitchen, Italian Wizard and can’t forget the fried dough!

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The Gallery at Somervile Public Library presents The “Paint Your Pride” Tiny Art Show, Saturday June 15, Central Library, 79 Highland Ave 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Stop by anytime in June to take a look at what our community has created, but we especially join them for this reception to celebrate the artists and their work.

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The city’s Inclusionary Housing Program has two income-restricted rental opportunities at 205 Beacon Street. One apartment will be offered to households with an annual gross income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and the other apartment to households with an annual gross income within 51 and 80% AMI. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m. Learn more and apply at somervillema.gov/inclusionary.

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The Somerville High School Track Team needs help to go to Nike Nationals this year in Oregon. There is a GoFundMe account organized by Marcus Odilon. The team has qualified for the nationals once again and would love to see their hard work pay off by performing nationally and representing the school. Go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-somerville-tracks-trip-to-nationals.

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As the weather changes 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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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 their Con. Please fill out this form to be considered for a spot in their Artists Alley: tinyurl.com/splccvapp.

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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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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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Call to Artists for Somerville Art Council’s Inside-OUT Gallery. The ArtBeat 2024 Wild Exhibit deadline is June 20. Exhibit Theme: Wild. To view submission guidelines and apply, go to the Google Form Application here: https://forms.gle/CrsDHsagUFmrQ58a7 To accompany this year’s ArtBeat 2024 festival, Somerville Art Council’s Inside-Out Gallery in Davis Square invites Somerville based artists of all ages, Somerville residents, and/or artists maintaining work spaces in Somerville to submit work for a group exhibit that fits their interpretation of the word, ‘WILD’.

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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 on 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. SNAP customers get $1 for $1 match up to $15. See the Market Manager tent for more info.

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Davis Square Farmers Market is now open. Every Wednesday through November 22, 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. visit the Davis Square Farmers Market, across from American Flatbread at 44 Day St. Visit: www.massfarmersmarkets.org/davis. This long-running market features over two dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers offering a vibrant selection of delicious produce, protein, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, alongside a host of other locally made products. The market accepts cash, credit/debit cards, WIC/Senior coupons, and EBT cards and offers a weekly $15 SNAP Match.

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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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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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