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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On Sunday, July 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., visit the Arts at the Armory for the Wicked Good Aht Market. The Aht Dept. would like to invite you to join them for a day of artistic celebration, community spirit, and fun activities at the Somerville Armory. See what your community’s artists have to offer. This free event will feature 25+ local art vendors. More info available on their website: https://ahtdept.com/events.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to Leeann Rollins. We wish her the very best for her birthday. Happy birthday to Richard Nilsson. We wish him a very happy birthday. Happy Birthday to Somerville School Committee member, Andre Green. We wish him a great birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Paul Burke, Joey Sainato, Christine Desrochers-Broderick, Richard Spinosa, Joseph Cottier, Joanne Ruggiero Contaldi, Nancy McCarty, Susanne Sordillo, Cheryl Chaille Horan and Alice Galvin 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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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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The Somerville Homeless Coalition is dangerously low on inventory for diapers sizes 4, 5, 6 and they need your help to keep their little clients dry and clean while they’re on the go with their families this summer. Any and all donations to support their baby clients and their families is greatly appreciated and can be made directly through our Amazon Wishlist: bit.ly/SHCBabyNeeds. Already have diapers to donate? Please drop off all diaper donations at our food pantry located at 165 Broadway, East Somerville. Check their hours https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/food-security/.

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Heat safety tips and ways to keep cool in and around Somerville are available in multiple languages on the city’s Keeping Cool in Hot Weather webpage at somervillema.gov/keepcool.

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The final “Slice of the City” takes place Monday, July 22, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Trum Field Playground, 1 Franey Road (at Cedar St.). Drop-in style. The mayor, City Council, and city staff will be present to mingle with residents. Join them to celebrate Somerville’s open spaces, engage with the city outside of formal meetings, and of course – enjoy some pizza. For more information and rain locations, visit: https://www.somervillema.gov/slice.

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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 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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The Department of Public Works and Somerville Public Library (MA) are hosting a Touch a Truck in West Somerville on July 19 and a DPW Truck will visit in East Somerville on August 14. More information: https://somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/.

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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 The Mummy (1999) this Thursday, July 18, at Lincoln Park – Argenziano School at 8:30 p.m. All screenings are free to attend and will begin at dusk. Closed captioning is available. For exact times and to learn more, visit https://www.somervillema.gov/moviefest

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) are pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for nine income-restricted apartments at The Guild, located at 154 Broadway. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1. All applications will be reviewed by Maloney Properties. To download an application and learn more, please visit The Guild’s website https://www.maloneyaffordable.com/rental-properties/the-guild/.

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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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Moth Night at the Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Tuesday, July 23, 7:45 – 9:30 p.m. Join Earthwise Aware at the Growing Center to help celebrate Moth Week with a nighttime moth count. As part of the EwA participatory science program studying local pollinators at the Growing Center, this is a special survey after dark. For more information, visit the EwA Urban Nature Participatory Science site: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ewa-urban-nature-participatory-science-1116609.

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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 began on 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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Join Femmechanics from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., July 18, for “grrreasetime” Night at The Dojo. Femmechanics is a group of FTW (femme/trans/women/non-binary) people who bike in the Boston area. Femmechanics is dedicated to building community, teaching and learning from one another, and creating safer, inclusive spaces for FTW folks to empower themselves within the bike world. Join Femmechanics for an open shop time, called Grrrease Time, where you can come learn more about working on your bike and help others do the same. This space is open to everyone who identifies as femme and/or trans and/or women and/or non-binary, not just feminine of center folks! Located at The Dojo, 15 Properzi Way, Somerville.

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Check out the free summer meals for Somerville youth through August 16. Argenziano/Lincoln Park, 290 Washington St. Breakfast around 9:30 a.m. Dilboy Pool Parking Lot, 324 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Lunch Starting 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Lunch10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Founders Skating Rink at Conway Park (near the basketball courts), 570 Somerville Ave. Breakfast and lunch 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Foss Park, 49 Fellsway W,.Lunch starting 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.

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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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Somerville Flea is back. Opening day will be held August 4 at 52 Holland St. Join in as they celebrate their 12th year smack dab in the middle of Davis Square. Vintage vendors, artisan makers, farm stand and DJ. Find that treasure you never knew you even existed. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sundays, August through October.

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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 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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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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