Last week Gov. Charlie Baker announced that starting Wednesday, May 6, face coverings will be required in public in all cities and towns throughout the state. The statewide order does not apply to anyone under the age of two or anyone who is medically unable to use a face covering. Last week Somerville officials put an order mandating the wearing of face masks in public. Everyone age 2 or older must cover their faces in any public indoor or outdoor space. A scarf, bandana or any clean cloth will meet the city’s requirement. The city may impose fines of $300 on those who “willfully refuse to comply” with the face-covering order. For more on face coverings, see the “Prevention and Preparation” section of somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

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In response to community requests, Somerville Winter Farmers Market have extended their pre-order only Farmers Market through May 16. Order ahead of time from our vendors, and pick up at the Armory on Saturday, between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., 191 Highland Ave. Market pickup is outdoors and all social distancing guidelines will be followed, including line management and no touch transactions. Find updates on Facebook or via the Somerville Winter Farmers Market website.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy birthday to Rosa Moccia, of the former Victor’s Deli in Ball Square. We hope she enjoys her day. Happy birthday to Aida Sousa-Braga, who celebrates this week as well. Happy birthday to Beverly Childers this week, we hope she has a great celebration. Happy birthday to Dennis Sullivan, of the Berkeley St. Sullivan’s. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Jack Costello, Karen Mancini, Millie L McCarthy, Jill Marie, Jim Breath, Cynthia Saltman, Karen Dupont, Virginia Fields, Carla Manganella-Cook, Lisa Dervishian, and Janet McLaughlin 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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Officer Ozwaldo Martinez is a well-respected 13-year Veteran of the Somerville Police Department. Since March 25, Officer Martinez has been fighting Covid-19. At only 35 years old, Ozzy has spent the last month in a coma and on a ventilator. He has been critical at points but he continues to fight. Whether you have known Ozzy for 10 minutes or 10 years, you know he is the type of person that brings positivity to your life. He treats all his friends like family, and we all know family is the most important thing to him. Ozzy is the most kind-hearted, genuine person most of us know. He is always a guy you can count on. He will always answer your call no matter what. He has gone out of his way for so many people. He lives to help others in whatever way he can, and now it is our turn to try and help him. Ozzy will have a long road of recovery ahead of him, however with our help we can make it a little easier for him and his family. Your donation big or small will go a long way in helping him get back on his feet. Ozzy is a warrior and will get through this, but he is going to need help. https://www.gofundme.com/f/ozzy-martinez.

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Pilot East Somerville Market takes place on Sunday May 10, Mother’s Day, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pre-order from participating businesses and then pick up your order safely on Sunday. Go to the Market website to learn more about the participating businesses: Deano’s Pasta, All She Wrote Books, Spoon Soup Co, Wild Fox Perogi, and PERILLAS. For more information, go to: https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/market.

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City buildings will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, May 18. The beginning of street sweeping has also been delayed until at least May 18. Further delays are possible, and we will share updates as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. As a reminder, all city-sponsored and permitted events are canceled through June. Many city services are still available online and 311 is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or for service requests. You can find more information on the city’s COVID-19 response at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

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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.

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East Somerville Main Street’s Dancing in the Streets will continue, however Salsa Night is moving to September 24. Featuring salsa dance instruction from Salsa y Control Dance Studio, Salsa y Control is Boston’s premier and one of the most beloved dance companies in the area. They offer top quality and easy to follow instruction to get you on the dance floor in no time. Their class will provide a fun and welcoming environment for everyone of all levels.

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Applications are open for the Somerville Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund. Businesses should apply by Monday, May 11, at 3:00 p.m. to be considered. Eligible applicants should apply online at www.somervillema.gov/BizRelief. Multilingual application support is available.

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The Somerville Cares Fund has so far raised more than $160,000, but the need in our community continues to grow. If you are able, please make a donation at https://www.somervillema.gov/somervillecares. And those who need assistance can apply at https://www.caasomerville.org/somerville-cares-fund-request.

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Everyone should also remember to please support our local businesses in any way they can. Even though restaurants closed and most are only available for takeout, you are encouraged to order out and buy gift cards at the restaurants and small businesses for future use.

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Project SOUP is looking for donations. They are looking to stock up with plastic bags, pasta and rice (normal sized bags) this week. Hours of operation and times to drop off deliveries are provided on their website https://www.somervillehomelesscoalition.org/food-security/. Please arrange to drop off or have deliveries sent to our food pantry during their hours of operation. Their address is 165 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145. The telephone number during hours of operation is 617 776 7687.

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To contact us at The Somerville Times during these closures, please go to news@thesomervilletimes.com. We are still up and running but will be working remotely.