Attend the Tufts Street Community Open House. 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. Other opportunities for community members to share feedback will include an online survey, a street outreach popup planned for July 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and virtual office hours with Mobility Division staff on July 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For details on these engagement opportunities, visit somervillema.gov/tuftsstreet.

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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. Also, celebrate the release of the Pollinator Action Plan with art, activities, and planting/habitattips. Find “Pollinator Alley” all day on Dover St. at ArtBeat.

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Celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to lifelong resident and former mayor, Gene Brune. We wish him the very best, he is an amazing person. We wish him many more birthdays to come. Happy birthday to well-known local Eileen Costa. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Barbara Passero, David Figueiredo, Rebecca McLaughlin, Tom Fitzgerald, Linda Sauer McSorley, Janeen MobiliaDowling, Corinne Brune Dellanno, Patricia Jillson and Joanne Parziale, 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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The Red Cross’s regular blood drive returns to the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Wednesday, July 10, at 9:00 a.m. – 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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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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Somerville Community Growing Center is looking for weekend waterers. Help them keep the center green and growing through the fall. Flexible watering time around weekend events/weather. Commitment: weekly, 12 hours, sub list available. Need to have taken the volunteer orientation. Onsite watering training and written instructions given. Email paula@thegrowingcenter.org

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Join the Arts at the Armory for their monthly Café events. Upcoming events include: 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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The city’s annual SomerMovie Fest is returning with a lineup of six family-friendly films to be shown in parks around Somerville. Kick off the season and watch Wonka (2023) this Thursday, July 11, at Lincoln Park – Argenziano School. All screenings are free to attend and will begin at dusk. Closed captioning is available. For exact times and to learn more, visit www.somerville ma.gov/moviefest.

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Child and Family Tax Credit Information Session (In Spanish), Tuesday, July 16, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Did you know that some families can get extra money through tax credits in Massachusetts? The SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, in partnership with Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS), invites you to participate in this free virtual information session. Virtual Meeting Information: Meeting ID: 849 2580 6088, Passcode: 758983, Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/d5w5f6ma.

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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 popup 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/gilmanpark/. CultureHouse is looking for artists, creatives, nonprofit 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 biweekly vendor markets all summer at Gilman Park. If you are interested in joining the market, please visit https://culturehouse.cc/projects/gilmanpark/.

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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 internationallyrenowned 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/docentprogram.

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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 pickup soccer, volleyball and basketball clinics, pickup 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 kilowatthour. 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/electricvehicles.

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Femmechanics’ annual alleycat race, Babes Bike Boston, is taking place on Sunday, July 14. Babes Bike Boston is Boston’s alleycat for and by femme, trans, nonbinary, and women cyclists. This is a great way to explore Boston on two wheels and compete for awesome prizes. Race is limited to femme, trans, nonbinary, and women cyclists only, but everyone is welcome to the afterparty volunteers, riders, and allies. The race will start and end at The Dojo at Somernova located at 15 Properzi Way, Somerville, MA. There will be some space for day-of signups, but advance registration is preferred. More info at femmechanics.wordpress.com.

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AARP Presentation on the Six Pillars of Brain Health takes place on Thursday, July 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. It’s never too late to take charge of your brain health. In this session, you will learn about the six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle, share your brain-boosting activities and be inspired by others. RSVP by contacting Debby Higgins at 6176256600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at dhiggins@somervillema.gov Lunch will be served at noon.

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On Sunday, July 20, Boston Bouldering Project is hosting Summer of Climb Boston, a daylong celebration of all things climbing, presented by Arc’teryx and Jackalope. Get psyched for an epic bouldering competition, with $10,000 in cash prizes and an invitation for four winners to attend Squamish Academy in British Columbia, along with an artisan village, live DJ sets, local food vendors, and more! Those interested can register to compete at www.boulderingproject.com/location/somerville. Not competing, but still want to attend? Reserve a free ticket on the site to join in on the fun.

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A Poetry Reading: Celebrating Amy Lowell takes place on Saturday, July 20, 4:00–5:30 p.m. (Rain Date: July 21, 6:00–7:00 p.m.). Visit the Somerville Community Growing Center in celebration of the garden poetry of Amy Lowell, with readings from Jennifer Clarvoe, Lloyd Schwartz, and Denise Provost in a garden setting. Conversation and an open mic will follow. Presented by the NE Poetry Club. More info at nepoetryclub.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 their booklists online for some inspiration. For more information visit https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/.

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Help stop black swallowwort this summer. Have you seen this invasive weed in your area? Black swallowwort (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 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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ComixCon 2024: On July 20, the Somerville Public Library will host its fourth annual library-wide Comix Con, a free event for all members of the community. Join the SPL for a fan-themed day with programming from your favorite fandoms, stalls with local artists and vendors, cosplaying, and more. More information on programming and vendors can be found here https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/comixcon2024

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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 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, 6670 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/2024fmseason. 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 Somerville Mobile Farmers Market opened for the season on Thursday, July 11, selling fresh, local produce through October 26. The mobile market accepts cash, debit cards, SNAP, Fresh Connect, WIC Farmers Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. All are welcome. Find the Mobile Farmers Market at the following locations: Thursdays: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.: Clarendon Hill Towers (1372 Broadway), Fridays: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Council on Aging (167 Holland St.), 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: East Branch Library (115 Broadway), Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Mystic Housing Development (25 Memorial Rd.).

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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 6176256600 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 6176256600, ext. 2321.

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