After months of intensive work to identify ways to improve affordability for residents, small businesses, nonprofits, and artists in Somerville, the city’s Anti-Displacement Task Force (ADTF) is ready to share their recommendations with the community. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) invite all to join an online community meeting presenting ADTF reports on Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m., as well as to an in-person event this spring. For the link to the online meeting, online access to the reports, or to visit the ADTF SomerVoice web page, please visit www.voice.somervillema.gov/adtf.
*******************************
The Somerville’s City Council is holding a virtual public hearing in the Committee on Finance for community members to share Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget priorities on Thursday, January 30, at 6 p.m. online via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rPdxpa12QpeHOcf1TpLKQg#/registration. Please note that comments must be received by noon on January 30 to ensure that they are received by the Committee. Any comments received after the deadline will be submitted to the City Council at its next meeting. If you are unable to attend but wish to be heard, you may provide comments by email to the City Council at publiccomments@somervillema.gov. You may also send comments by U.S. mail or deliver them in-person to the City Clerk, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143.
*******************************
Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy birthday to Denise Cosby, a local real estate agent. Denise published her book, Murder at Harvard’s Kirkland House-A Mother’s Worst Nightmare, which tells the real story of the murder of her son Justin. Happy birthday to our good friend and a great guy, former Alderman Bob McWatters. We wish him the very best and hope he enjoys his day Happy birthday to John Arvantis, who is celebrating this week. Happy birthday to Jason Ribeiro. We hope he has a great day this week.. We hope he has a great day as well. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Cathy Palumbo Demasi, Edward Hardy, Michael Kennelly,Maria Nella Nunes-Rollins,Geraldine Nevaras,Paula Monaco-DiNitto and Simon Shapiro 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..
*******************************
The Somerville Warming Center is looking for donations for their clients. To see what is needed visit their facebook page or their Amazon wish list under Somerville Warming Center.
*******************************
Important tips for staying safe and warm in the current cold weather: Dress in layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible when outdoors. Minimize time outside, including for pets. Check in on family and neighbors. Follow all safety precautions if using space heaters. Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working and have fresh batteries. Learn more about carbon monoxide safety: mass.gov/info-details/carbon-monoxide-co-safety.Prevent frozen water pipes: somervillema.gov/frozenpipes. For more, visit: somervillema.gov/coldweather.
*******************************
Registration is open now for The Artist’s Way writing workshop. From January 23 to April 24, the group will meet at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. in the Lavender Room on Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. More info and registration available visit https://artsatthearmory.org/.
*******************************
On February 5 from 6 to 8pm, the Somerville Arts Council will be hosting a Volunteer Craft Night. A themed activity where people can design handmade cards which will be sent to the seniors at the Visiting Nurses Assoc. in Somerville. A wonderful way to meet other volunteers, have a few refreshments, and create art. Craft supplies will be available. While you are not required to make a card, we encourage people use their artistic prowess to make something wonderful for those in need. Since space is limited, please RSVP via the Eventbrite link https://tinyurl.com/bdfvmdpe. Location: MudFlat Pottery School, 81 Broadway,Somerville
*******************************
Join the Somerville Museum for an unforgettable night of music with The Muss. The Muss is a vibrant Nepalese folk rock group that blends the raw energy of rock with the soulful essence of traditional Nepali folk music. With their electrifying tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and stirring performances, they aim to unite generations and celebrate Nepal’s rich cultural legacy. Somerville Jatra! The Ultimate Nepalese Folk Rock Experience with The Muss, Sunday, February 9, 4 – 6 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue Somerville, Admission Free. RSVP https://www.somervillemuseum.org/.
*******************************
Know your rights as a renter and immigrant at the Somerville Movement Meeting. Register here: bit.ly/Somerville-Renters. Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in East Somerville (register for location). Masks will be mandatory when not eating or drinking. Registration will close at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 30. Space is limited. Childcare and breakfast will be provided. ESP: Protejamos nuestra comunidad de Somerville – Conozca sus derechos como inquilino e inmigrante. Regístrese aquí: bit.ly/Somerville-Renters.
*******************************
Abstract painter and Brickbottom Artists’ Building founding member Diane Novetsky has assembled a cohort of three inventive painters for a new exhibit of current abstraction at Brickbottom Gallery opening February 9 and running through February 28. Brickbottom Artists Association, 1 Fitchburg St., Somerville, MA. Paint/Cut/Fold/Stitch: Opening reception, January 9, 3 – 5 p.m.
*******************************
The Somerville High Trivia Team is competing on GBH’s High School Quiz Show this year. Congratulations Ella, Calla, Jack, Sam, Nate, Oliver, Coach (and SHS History Teacher) Theodore Blake and the rest of the SHS Team. Only the top 17 trivia teams in the state qualified for the annual tournament. Somerville’s first match will air on GBH and Youtube on February 22.
*******************************
Mudflat is now accepting submissions for its upcoming exhibition, The Mudflat Cup Show 2025. Artists are invited to submit original, functional, and food-safe cup designs completed within the last three years. Works must be priced individually (not as a set) with a maximum price of $180 and be ready for installation upon delivery. Artists may submit up to five entries, with one image per entry. No substitutions will be accepted. Apply by February 5. Apply at https://www.cognitoforms.com/MudflatStudio/TheMudflatCupShow2025JuriedShowApplication.
*******************************
Are you looking for a way to get involved? The City of Somerville needs board and commission members. Learn more and apply for current openings by visiting somervillema.gov/besomerville.
*******************************
Calling all artists! East Somerville Main Streets is looking for a talented artist to create the official poster for Carnaval 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, contribute to a vibrant community event, and gain exposure. Apply by February 10 by visiting their website www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org.
*******************************
A reminder that Christmas tree pickup is underway in Somerville through Friday, February 14. Trees can be placed curbside on your regular trash day after removing all decorations. Do not put trees in a plastic bag. Constituents should contact 311 (617-666-3311) if their tree has been out for over two weeks.
*******************************
The Somerville Theatre will screen a rare vintage crime melodrama with all-Black cast. The Flying Ace (1926), added to U.S. National Film Registry, is to be shown with live music. Can discrimination exist in an America where everyone is Black? That’s among the questions posted by The Flying Ace, a rare surviving example of movies produced early in the 20th century for Black audiences in segregated cinemas. The Flying Ace, named to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2021, will be screened in honor of Black History Month on Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m. at the Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville. Admission $17 adults, $13 members, $12 seniors/children. Tickets are available at somervilletheatre.com or at the door.
*******************************
On Friday, January 31, at 8:00 pm, join in the Armory ROOTED Cafe for Weathervane Playhouse and Max’s House Productions Present: Max’s House–The Seriously Silly Tour. More info and tickets available here: https://artsatthearmory.org/. Max’s House is a musical puppet show about reconnecting with the things that bring us joy (in this case, singing and dancing) and returning to the child-like curiosity we once had before making it a part of our career.
*******************************
Tweens and Teens are invited to join the adventure with Dungeons and Dragons at the Somerville Public Library. Each session, players will be treated to a new adventure by our Professional Dungeon Master, Dragoneye Zach. Everything you need to play will be provided.There are two sessions each month. Registration is required and opens two weeks before each session. Register for the event here: https://tinyurl.com/3wy8fwtu. February 22, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 79 Highland Ave.,
*******************************
With the winter cold over the coming days, here are some important tips for staying safe and warm: Dress in layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible when outdoors, minimize time outside, including for pets, check in on family and neighbors, follow all safety precautions if using space heaters. Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working and have fresh batteries. Learn more about carbon monoxide safety: mass.gov/info-details/carbon-monoxide-co-safety. Prevent frozen water pipes: somervillema.gov/frozenpipes. For more, visit: somerville-ma.gov/coldweather.
*******************************
Low-income households may be eligible to receive help with winter heating costs through the Fuel Assistance Program. This program is part of the Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP) and serves residents of Somerville and Cambridge. Participants receive assistance with their heating costs between November 1 and April 30. Learn more about the program, check if you qualify, and apply for assistance today at somerville-ma.gov/heatingassistance.
*******************************
Somerville High School students are invited to bring their SHS ID to the Somerville YMCA on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. for free. There are free movie nights. On Sundays, students will have access to the basketball and exercise areas (including the weight room). Visit their website to learn more. https://somervilleymca.org/news/somerville-teens-after-hours/. Somerville YMCA asks that students go to their website to register before visiting and this program is for ages 14 to 17 years.
*******************************
City Alerts are a great way for those who live, work, or own a business in Somerville to receive important city information that affects your neighborhood. City Alerts provide information about emergencies (including snow emergencies), construction and road closures, water service interruptions, community news, and more. To sign up, visit somervillema.gov/alerts and click on the button for your preferred language. Step-by-step sign-up instructions are available at: somervillema.gov/alerts. Having trouble signing up? You can call 3-1-1 (617-666-3311) for assistance.
*******************************
With the days growing shorter and temperatures dipping colder, the Somerville Homeless Coalition is in critical need of new or lightly used jackets for their clients currently living outside. If you have any adult sized coats hanging in your closet that you don’t wear, please consider dropping them off at the Somerville Homeless Coalition admin office located at 255 Elm Street, Suite 204, during the hours listed below. Drop Off Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 5 p.m. Each coat donated provides warmth, dignity, and safety for our neighbors having to face the harsh New England winter conditions.
*******************************
If you want to adopt-a-drain in Somerville, perform light maintenance as needed, and give it a creative name. Sign up for the Adopt-a-Drain program today by visiting Somerville.mysticdrains.org.
*******************************
The Somerville Winter Farmers Market is back at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. from November 2 to April 12. The Center for the Arts at the Armory is proud to offer a weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods, including fresh produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, tamales, pastries, chocolate, skincare products, and more. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and HIP benefits. They also offer a $15 SNAP match to customers each week. More info available on their website: https://www.somwintermarket.org/.
*******************************
Is your teen looking to make some extra money? The city’s Snow Shoveling Program is hiring youth to assist shoveling seniors and homeowners with disabilities out after snowstorms this winter. Teens and homeowners are paired for the season. After each storm, the homeowner will contact their assigned youth to request shoveling services. Somerville teens ages 14 to 19 are welcome to apply. Looking for snow shoveling services? Apply online or contact Debby Higgins at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.
*******************************
Snow emergency parking is on the even side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Sign up for alerts or update your information at somervillema.gov/alerts. You can call 311 if you need assistance. Flashing blue lights at major intersections indicate a snow emergency. Snow emergencies are announced on the city’s website, social media feeds, CityTV, and via information shared with local media. For more information on the city’s snow policies, visit somervillema.gov/snow.
*******************************
Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging can 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. We currently have available: Commodes, 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.
*******************************
Don’t forget, if you would like to subscribe to receive a digital edition of our paper, go directly online to our website over to the right side and fill out your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper.