Throughout the month of May, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) partners with other local organizations to host events honoring Somerville’s history and historic assets. All events are open to the public, ADA accessible, and FREE.

 May– October. Launch of Volunteer Docent Program. Three Historic Sites: Prospect Hill Tower, Milk Row Cemetery, and Old Powder House.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Boston metro region this Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, and community members are urged to take precautions. High temperatures and significant humidity are expected both days. To stay safe, review the following heat safety tips and ways to stay cool in Somerville. Most importantly, do not leave children or pets in a vehicle even if the windows are open, drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and limit your outdoor activity. If you need a place to cool off, Somerville Public Libraries will be open and air-conditioned during their regular hours this weekend.

Open Positions: Five;Term: Three years 

The City of Somerville seeks five members for the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC), and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community.

— Photo by Bethanie Hines

The Center for the Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA is excited to announce the return of their annual fundraising gala A Night in Bloom on Friday, May 20. Celebrating with the Arts at the Armory will be renowned composer, violinist and educator Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR).

(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)

The remaining businesses in the Arts at the Armory building since Eminent Domain will be coming together for a Town Hall Meeting in the next couple of days. Councilor Beatriz Gomez-Mouakad will be spearheading the meeting, while meeting logistics will be thought out through further discussion with her, the tenants, and Councilor at Large Willie Burnley, Jr. The Town Hall meeting will be held through Zoom, and details about the time of Town Hall Meeting will be released soon by the City Clerk.

Join the Community Design Team on Saturday, May 21,  3:00 –6:00 p.m., Union Square Plaza, to provide feedback on design ideas for Union Square’s public spaces.

By Kyle Dante

Covid-19 remains an issue in the community, especially in the schools. Rapid testing still remains in effect in the Somerville school system. In addition, if one tests positive, the isolation time sits at five days as of this time. An additional five days of masking is required to prevent spreading the virus. Masks will continually be provided to residents and students. To participate in sports, a Covid-19 vaccination is required.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

This year’s edition of Somerville’s annual PorchFest event took place last Saturday on porches, in driveways, and across front lawns across the city. Local musicians showed off their skills and appreciative onlookers took it in, danced to it and sang along.