Somerville Community Invited to Enjoy Free Outdoor Film Screenings

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites the Somerville community to kick back and enjoy free outdoor movies this summer. The City of Somerville’s annual SomerMovieFest returns this year with a series of seven family-friendly films being shown in parks around Somerville. 

Red Cross offers safety tips for Fourth of July

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals across the country. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 | 5:00–6:30 p.m. | Bow Market (upstairs level, indoors)

Celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass by reading one of his most famous speeches together. The event will be followed with a discussion led by our Project Scholar, Kyera Singleton. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend and participate. Please RSVP through this link to receive updated details and information.

Beginning Monday, June 26, contractors will institute an eastbound traffic detour on Highland Avenue between Central Street and Hamlet Street to install utilities as part of the ongoing Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. For more information, visit: https://voice.somervillema.gov/springhillsewer

The City of Somerville and Pathways for Immigrant Workers will host a free immigration legal information session for small employers and lower-wage workers on Wednesday, July 13, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Connexion located at 149 Broadway.

Black residents accounted for the largest increase in opioid overdose death rates

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts increased by 2.5 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, with rates among Black, non-Hispanic residents making up the largest increase, according to preliminary data released today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).   

The specialized energy code is scheduled to go into effect on July 1.

By Ana Celerier Salcedo

The Office of Sustainability, Environmental, and Inspectional Services Department of Somerville held an informational meeting for the public regarding the new energy codes. The specialized energy code was recently adopted by the city with the goal of putting in motion a building energy code that would impact energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy requirements for residential and commercial building projects, including new construction, alterations, and renovations.

Update: Due to inclement weather forecasted for Saturday, June 24, the Somerville Family Fun Day event has been canceled. 

Kickstart your summer and join the City of Somerville Parks and Recreation Department for the annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday, June 24 (no rain date – event will be cancelled for inclement weather), from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Trum Field (541 Broadway).

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Massachusetts is a tough state to make ends meet. That’s why I started driving for Uber and Lyft. Now my financial livelihood could be destroyed by labor-backed bills seeking to rewrite the rules for rideshare and delivery drivers like me. I balance caring for my ailing mother while working as an independent contractor between her medical appointments. Some people want jobs with rigid 40-hour schedules but being an “employee” does not work for everyone.