All city offices are closed on Independence Day, July 4. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day. We wish everyone a safe Happy 4^th!

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As you plan your next barbecue, picnic, or pool day, let’s work together to keep our community rat-resistant and maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone. Visit www.somervillema.gov/rodentsaway for more information. To report trash overflow and rodent issues/sightings, please call 311 (617-666-3311).

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The city is gearing up to release the updated Brickbottom Neighborhood Plan, an outlined vision for future housing, civic spaces, and commercial development possibilities. Attend a presentation of the updated Brickbottom Neighborhood Plan on Monday, July 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in-person at the Cafe at 100 Chestnut St. or online via Zoom. Learn more at www.voice.somervillema.gov/brick.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to our great friend and poet Doug Holder, a great guy. We hope he enjoys his day and spends it with great friends. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Carlton Soohoo, Rose Nash, Christine Dischino Leavitt, Tamara McAllister, Holly Dow, John Hughes, Maureen Pirone and Charles Zammuto a very happy birthday. We hope everyone has a great day. 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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The Red Cross’s regular blood drive returns to the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Wednesday. July 10, at 9:00 am – 2:00 p.m. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

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Attend the Tufts Street Community Open House. Over several months, the city’s Mobility Division has been collecting community feedback for a redesign effort of transportation and safety improvements on Tufts Street to make it safer for all users. Now, an updated design is here. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, and City of Somerville staff invite you to a community open house on Wednesday, July 10, at Glen Park Playground from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The outdoor open house will feature multiple stations describing different aspects of the street reconstruction project, including an upcoming wall mural.

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Join the Arts at the Armory for their monthly Café events. Upcoming events include: Songwriters in the Round, Wednesday, July 3 and July 17 at 7:00 p.m., Tunefoolery Coffee House, Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m., Pub Sing, Thursday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m. More info available for each event on their website: www.artsatthearmory.org.

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Applications are now available for an income-restricted homeownership lottery for one 3-bedroom affordable condominium unit through the city’s Inclusionary Housing Program at 9 Avon Place #9 in East Somerville. Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, July 9, at noon. Learn more and apply at www.somervillema.gov/inclusionary.

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ArtBeat, Somerville’s annual multicultural arts showcase, returns on Saturday, July 13. For this year’s theme, explore all that is ‘wild’ – the festival will feature 100 vendors and community groups, music, dance, theater, food, and much more. This event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. in Davis Square. For more information, visit the Somerville Arts Council’s website at www.somervilleartscouncil.org.

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On Saturday, July 6, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., join the Arts at the Armory for Select Markets’ Summer Vintage Pop Up Clothing Market. This free public event includes 40+ vendors, tooth gems, tats, live DJs, free yerba, and more. @select.markets was founded by two Northeastern students with a passion for clothing and music. Their mission is to create a vibrant event full of fashion-forward individuals, where you can buy clothes and meet new people! Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.

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Container Gardening Workshop with Green City Growers takes place at the Central Library, Monday, July 29, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 79 Highland Ave. In this workshop, learn everything you need to know to get started with container gardening. Topics will include how to determine how much light your location gets and how that impacts what you can grow; types of containers; soil and fertilizers; when and how much to water; plant spacing; as well as determining whether to direct seed or buy transplants. Stop by with questions and leave with a small container and plant.

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CultureHouse has its next pop-up space. They have been working with the City of Somerville to transform the vacant lot in Gilman Square (also known as the Homan’s lot) into a three-month outdoor community space. Gilman Park is a gathering space for local organizations, a hangout space for residents, and an opportunity for development for local businesses, artists, and creatives. The park will be open all summer from June 15 to September 9. Join in for lawn games, vendor markets, beer gardens, food, workshops and music performances. Keep an eye on the website for more information https://culturehouse.cc/projects/gilman-park/. CultureHouse is looking for artists, creatives, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to participate in collaborative programming at Gilman Park. Interested groups should fill out the Program Interest Form. For questions, email rishika@culturehouse.cc. Small Mart is hosting bi-weekly vendor markets all summer at Gilman Park. If you are interested in joining the market, please visit https://culturehouse.cc/projects/gilman-park/.

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Gallery @ SPL presents: Boston Street Photography with Troy D. Minkowsky. During the month of July the Gallery @ SPL will display the work of local photographer, Troy D. Minkowsky. This exhibit focuses on Boston street photography captured during the pandemic. Join the celebratory reception. This event will be held on Saturday, July 13, at Somerville Public Library Central Branch (79 Highland Ave.) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

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Mark your calendars for August 10 for the Somerville Arts Council’s annual citywide Yart Sale. Explore an entire city’s worth of front yards, driveways, and porches transformed into mini art galleries and bustling markets. Here’s what you can expect: paintings, photography, handmade objects, band merch, art supplies, art tools, collectible items, plants, art supplies, frames, vintage clothes, etc. Your purchases help support the vibrant local art community. This citywide event is fun for all ages, we highly encourage you to bring your friends and family. Interested in registering as an art vendor? Check out https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yartsale.

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Share your Growing Center Memories. Do you have any photos from your experiences over the years at the Growing Center, whether from 1994 or last week? Or maybe some images of plants that you got from the Center that flourished? Or know someone who was around during some of the early years who may have photos? You can email them in jpeg format to 30th@thegrowingcenter.org Or visit their website to other options www.thegrowingcenter.org

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Historic Somerville stickers are available. Collect all of the Historic Somerville Stickers. You can pick them up at local businesses, including Mudflat in East Somerville, 81 Broadway.

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The Somerville Arts Council is calling all local arts vendors, volunteers, businesses and community organizations for SomerStreets events. For information on how to table please visit: somervilleartscouncil.org/somerstreets. SomerStreets is an annual series that takes place one Sunday per month in the months of June through October. It’s the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally-renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles, and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and arts programing.

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Join Boston Lindy Hops on Wednesday, July 17, 608 Somerville Ave. for Somerville Stomp. They will kick things off from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Community Hour, hosted by Alexander Graber-Tilton. Come share a meal with fellow dancers, maybe grab someone to practice a few moves with. From there, we’ll have three hours of DJ-ed music with lots of space for dancing, and the opportunity to enjoy bar grub, spirited drinks, and good company.

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Docent tours take place from May through October at three historic sites in Somerville, Milk Row Cemetery (Somerville Avenue), Prospect Hill Tower (above Union Square), and Old Powder House (Nathan Tufts Park), they 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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Somerville Recreation is gearing up for a summer packed with weekly programming for local teens. There’s something for everyone – programs include pick-up soccer, volleyball and basketball clinics, pick-up flag football, open gym, and Friday crafting at the Powderhouse. Programming begins July 1, is free, and open to Somerville teen ages 12-18. The whole family can join the fun during scheduled events like National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6. Get the full Teen Summer Guide to sign up for a specific program or learn more about all programs and events https://somervillema.myrec.com/info/default.aspx.

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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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The Dojo at Somernova hosts Magic The Gathering Monday at The Dojo starts Monday, July 8 and runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just want to learn, everyone is welcome to come and play at The Dojo @ Somernova, 15 Properzi Way, Somerville. Play in small tournaments, win prizes, brag to your friends! Every Magic event is completely free, so gather your squad, build your decks, and let the games begin! All ages are welcome to participate. People can sign up here https://www.dojosomernova.com/.

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For 39 years, children, teens and adults have learned circus skills with the OPENAIR Circus of Greater Somerville. People of any age can learn new skills and join the circus community on Tuesday and Wednesday late afternoons at Prospect Hill and Powder House Park. Classes will be 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Prospect Hill and Wednesdays at Powderhouse Park. Classes started on June 25 and will end July 25, with rehearsals the week of July 29 and performances the first weekend of August. Equipment loans are also free so students can practice at home. Some items require measurements, so be sure to register in time to get your equipment. Register soon, or invite friends to register for free. A donation of $30 per child, $50 per family is suggested but not required and includes as many classes as the student wants. View the schedule below and register at www.openaircircus.org.

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Somerville Winter Farmers Market is hiring an Assistant Manager for the Somerville Winter Farmers Market 2024-25 season. This is a part-time position, and applications close on July 8. If you are interested in local food systems and community engagement, apply today. Send a resume and cover letter to swfm@artsatthearmory.org.

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The Somerville Public Library is encouraging our community to connect with nature and our collections. While previous adult summer reading challenges at the SPL have been bingo cards, this year, they are offering a raffle. With challenges like “Read outside,” and “Read a book about a particular animal,” you can live out this year’s theme through the library. Additionally, you can check out our curated book displays at the Central Library, or our booklists online for some inspiration. For more information visit https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/.

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Help stop black swallow-wort this summer. Have you seen this invasive weed in your area? Black swallow-wort (BSW) is an aggressive weed that’s harmful to native plants, butterflies, birds, and more. BSW has shiny green leaves that come in pairs, thin green pods, and small dark purple flowers that grow in clusters. BSW can often be found around fences and shrubs in late May and early June. If you see BSW, dig it up by the root and seal it in a trash bag.

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As the weather changes, 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 in-formation 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: somerville-ma.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: ti-nyurl.com/splccvapp.

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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. Hazardous Waste Drop-Off, Saturday, July 13: Next monthly Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day at DPW (1 Franey Rd., 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

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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 parksomerville.com.

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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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