Somerville’s Council on Aging St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon takes place on Thursday, March 13, starting at 11 a.m. at the George Dilboy Post, located at 351 Summer Street. $10 per person. Join in for a performance by the Rebecca McGowan School of Irish Dance and a special meal (corned beef and cabbage). Reserve your spot for the event and lunch by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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The Rás na hÉireann USA 5K, takes place on Sunday, March 16, at 11 a.m. Rás na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic. Everyone is invited to Somerville, all runners and walkers, to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars. To register, visit: https://www.theraceofireland.com/.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: a big Happy Birthday to Dennis Fishman, you can enjoy his book reviews published here every other week. We hope Dennis has a great birthday. Happy birthday to former Alderman and a great guy, Jack Connolly. We hope he has a great birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Peggy Stevenson-Mayo, Denize Ramos, Donald Coutoumas, Kiette Murphy Jones, Jim Halloran, Okie Oconnell, Patrick Fitzgerald, Kristin Gore and Maria Parziale Pacheco a very happy birthday. To all those that are also celebrating this week, we wish them a happy birthday.

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Liam Mannion, proprietor of Sally O’Brien’s, and former City Councilor Bob McWatters invite the public to celebrate Irish Heritage and hoist a pint of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave. Sally’s will have plenty of corned beef and cabbage, Irish music, and pints of Guinness flowing all day. Stop in and hoist a Guinness with Liam and Bob in honoring the patron Saint of Ireland. All are welcome to join the festivities.

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Municipal scholarships are available for high school seniors. Seven $1,000 municipal scholarships are available for high school seniors graduating in 2025 through the City of Somerville Municipal Scholarship Committee. Applicants must be residents of Somerville who have been accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution. Students are asked to complete a profile and answer three short essay questions by March 31. Learn more and apply: https://www.somervillema.gov/somerville-municipal-scholarship-2025

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Women’s Movements Event on March 15. Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Central Library. Activities include a documentary viewing on women’s movements and the history of protests and make your own protest sign. Plus, meet Patrice R. Green, Curator for African American and African Diasporic Collections at the Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America. This event will be held on Saturday, March 15, at Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more and register to attend: https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/

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Calling all members of the Somerville music community! Join the Somerville Arts Council for two meetings to discuss the future of our local music ecosystem. From venues and rehearsal spaces to recording, come together to find solutions to these critical issues. Meeting 1: March 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Somerville Music Spaces, 1060 Broadway C101B. Meeting 2: March 31, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at The Jungle, 6 Sanborn Court.

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Somerville Little League 2025 Spring registration is open. Go to www.somervillelittleleague.org to register.

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On Friday, April 25, GLOWBALL will transform the Armory Performance Hall into an immersive Glow-in-the-Dark Rave created by DJ Adam Gibbons with hypnotic visuals by Jay Medina, all in support of The Center for Arts at the Armory. GLOWBALL is an anti-gala–there will be no speeches, formal presentations or auction. There will be pop-up performances by SambaViva and Sidy Maiga on djembe. This year’s honorees: Rachel Strutt, Lifetime Achievement Award; Clay Fernald, Community Arts Advocate: and Nelson Salazar, Outstanding Artist. GLOWBALL tickets include complimentary international bites, glow-in-the-dark accessories and face painting by Arty Mari. This will surely be Somerville’s most illuminating party of 2025. https://artsatthearmory.org/glowball/

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The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtBeat 2025 Calls for Talent are now available. The Somerville Arts Council invites musicians, street performers, circus artists, installation artists, buskers, craft vendors, and more to participate at ArtBeat 2025. Festival date and new time: Saturday, July 19, 1 – 9 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, July 20), Davis Square, Somerville. The main festival will take place from 1 to 7 p.m., but music and food will continue in Seven Hills Park from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/artbeat/calls/.

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The Somerville Police Department (SPD) has produced a list of unclaimed bicycles that are currently being stored at SPD headquarters located at 220 Washington St. Any owner of an unclaimed bicycle who seeks to reclaim it is encouraged to contact Somerville Police at 617-625-1600 as soon as possible. Bicycles remaining in the possession of SPD after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, will be treated as municipal property and will be disposed of in any manner consistent with city surplus property and MGL c. 30B § 15, including but not limited to disposition at less than fair market value to a charitable organization.

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Save those milk/juice and other ½ gallon cartons! The Somerville Community Growing Center needs lots of these recycled containers as material for art projects for events, such as Festa Junina hats and pollinator puppets. Please rinse out and cut off the top and bottom to flatten. Contact Yumi at yumiisu65@gmail.com for drop-off arrangements.

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The Somerville Community Growing Center is holding DIY Milk Jug Greenhouses on Sunday, March 16, 1 – 2 p.m., 22 Vinal Ave. There is still time to get a head start on planting by doing some winter sowing of hardy, cool season plants. Growing Center volunteers will walk you through the process of making and planting your own mini greenhouse to take home. Seeds, soil, and empty jugs will be provided.

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The Somerville Homeless Coalition’s Amazon Wish Lists are updated monthly with the most requested items from their food pantry to meet the needs of their clients experiencing food insecurity. If you would like to learn more and donate through our wish lists, please see the link here: https://bit.ly/SHCLinks.

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Looking for some fun this April Break? Join the Somerville Recreation Department for an action-packed April Vacation Program filled with games, arts and crafts, sports, and a field trip to Chunky’s Movie Theater by registering on their website. Located at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, the full day program begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Spots may fill fast, so don’t miss out and sign up today for a week of friendship and nonstop fun: https://somervillema.myrec.com/info/default.aspx

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Community Health Worker Division Hours are held every other Thursday at Connexion (149 Broadway, Somerville, MA) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will provide hygiene kits, snacks, and referrals to internal and external partners for the following services: ESL, Housing, SHC, SNAP and MassHealth. Next hours will be held on March 20.

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Reminder: Return Your 2025 City of Somerville Census. Last month, Somerville’s 2025 census made its way to resident mailboxes. Annual participation in the census is essential for keeping an accurate population count and it updates or maintains your status as an active voter for upcoming elections. The 2025 census form also includes an application to vote by mail in Somerville’s preliminary and city elections this year. Completed census forms can be returned via the postage-paid return envelope included in the mailing, by scanning the form and emailing it to census@somervillema.gov, or in person at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.). Please call 311 (617-666-3311) with any questions.

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The Somerville Commission for Women (SCW) seeks five members, and Somerville residents are encouraged to apply. The SCW serves as a centralizing force in the City of Somerville and the community which will deal with all women’s issues providing information, referral, guidance, and more to public agencies and organizations engaged in activities and programs intended to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against women because of their status as women or minority women. All applications are due Friday, March 21. Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest by email to sflythe@somervillema.gov or by mail to Steven Flythe, Deputy Director, Department of Racial and Social Justice, City of Somerville, 167 Holland Street, Suite 208, Somerville, MA 02144. Please contact Steven Flythe at 781-808-7502 or sflythe@somervillema.gov with any questions.

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Senior Fraud with the Deptartment of Homeland Security takes place on Tuesday, March 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the Holland Street Center. Sean Garvey, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigation, will be giving a presentation on common frauds and will be available to answer questions on senior fraud. RSVP by calling Molly Pagliuca at 617-625-6600, ext. 2318 or email Molly at mpagliuca@somervillema.gov.

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Subscribe to the Somerville Public Library’s email newsletter for monthly updates about the goings-on at the library. Subscribing takes less than five minutes, and if it turns out to not be your thing, unsubscribing is easy. Visit the linktree in our bio to sign up.

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State health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be affecting wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. Here are precautionary steps you can take: Avoid handling birds and other wildlife and keep dogs and pets leashed and away from wildlife. Learn more and stay up to date on state guidance. https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-provide-updated-guidance-on-suspected-avian-flu-cases-reported-across-massachusetts.

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Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait – call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.

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Join the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., for their monthly recurring events this March. Somerville Winter Farmer’s Market (Hall), Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Smut Slam, the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Nova Comedy Collective’s Nebula Night (Cafe), Friday, March 14, at 8:00 p.m. Atomic Comedy Indie Improv Night (Cafe), Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Show Me Your Bits Comedy (use code “arts” for 25% off ticket) (Cafe), Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. More info available for each event on their website. https://artsatthearmory.org/upcoming-events.

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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.

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The Somerville Homeless Coalition invites you to join them for a special celebration on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m., in the Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Sq., as they commemorate 40 years of service to the Somerville and Greater Boston community. Enjoy specialty cocktails, delicious delights from local favorites Redbones and Dave’s Fresh Pasta, and vibrant live music to sway to by West of Willows and The Loomers. https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/events/.

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You can download a helpful packet of Know Your Rights resources and information in the language of your choice below. Somerville Public Schools have also created a list of resources on the One Somerville Resource page, which can be found here https://somerville.k12.ma.us/district-departments/somerville-family-learning-collaborative-sflc/one-somerville-resources.

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SCES is teaming up with City Fresh Foods to offer a five-pack of frozen home-delivered meals. This new meal delivery option is ideal for consumers who want the convenience of home-delivered meals but are not able to be at home each weekday to receive deliveries. Meal recipients can choose which weekday they would like to receive the frozen meals, with up to five meals in each bulk delivery. Each meal comes with bread, milk, and a dessert. Current SCES clients who are interested in receiving meals should call their office at 617-628-2601 or contact their case manager for more information.

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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.

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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. This program is for ages 14 to 17 years.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 is available on their website: https://www.somwintermarket.org/.

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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 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. For additional information or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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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.