Sophia Gordon Hall, the most recently built on-campus residence hall, was completed in 2006. Tufts plans a new residence hall, part of the university’s plan to increase the percentage of students living on campus. — Photo by Alonso Nichols

Taking advantage of historically low interest rates, Tufts borrows to fund construction of undergraduate on-campus residence hall and other projects

By Tufts University News Staff

Tufts University today completed a $250 million bond offering, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the construction of a high density, on-campus residence hall for undergraduate students on its Medford/Somerville campus, invest in dining infrastructure and expansion of dining capacity, and other capital projects that will strategically position the university for the future.

A walk-in clinic for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine will be held today, Friday, April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or until supplies run out, at the Tufts University Gantcher Center located at 161 College Avenue in Medford.

No appointment is necessary.

Any individual 16 years or older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, but please remember that anyone under 18 will need parent or guardian permission. If you need assistance, please call 311 (617-666-3311). 

Join in on Zoom for a conversation with pianist and composer Mina Cho as she opens a jazz dialogue between Asia Minor and East Asia and to view a documentary about the Project’s new album Greeting the Moon on Thursday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m.

Cho is a 2020 Somerville Arts Council Somerville Artist of the Month and contemporary music director at Somerville Community Baptist Church, where her husband serves as pastor. Cho is also a friend to the Somerville Museum, musically supporting its projects.

A two-car motor vehicle crash took place today at the intersection of Medford and Sycamore Streets. No injuries were reported. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As I was lamenting over the physical loss of sections of our beloved old high school, I was browsing eBay. I saw a 1929 copy of Somerville High School’s yearbook, The Radiator. It was right up my alley.

The City of Somerville will resume booting and towing vehicles with five or more overdue, unpaid parking tickets starting Monday, May 3. Booting and towing operations were suspended last year at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

The City of Somerville will be joining the State in relaxing outdoor face covering guidelines. Starting Friday, April 30, residents will not have to wear a face covering when outdoors if they can socially distance. Masks will still be required in public indoor spaces, outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible, at large events, and at any city-permitted activities, including outdoor fitness and yoga classes. At smaller gatherings in private homes face coverings are recommended but not required.

The Elizabeth Peabody House was honored with a citation commemorating its 125 years in operation during the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council.

By Joe Creason

The Somerville City Council held a regular meeting on April 22 to review orders of business and hear reports from the Councilor-led committees pertaining to the various sectors of municipal management.

Thursday’s meeting began with a citation submitted by Ward 4 Councilor Jesse Clingan and the mayor, commending the Elizabeth Peabody House on its 125 year anniversary. The organization has been a long-standing advocate for education and affordable childcare in the community.

Cake4Kids is looking for volunteer bakers and agencies with underserved kids.

By Denise Keniston
tw:@denisekeniston

Cake4Kids is a nonprofit that provides custom birthday and celebration cakes to underserved children. They have delivered thousands of cakes to kids all over the country and Boston is ready to get in on the sweetness!

Professional pastry chef Tali Pinnolis is the ambassador for the new Boston area chapter. She says a lot of families struggle to celebrate birthdays. “Imagine growing up never having a birthday cake. For the majority of us, the thought is difficult, if not inconceivable, to imagine,” says Pinnolis. “With the COVID pandemic, especially, many families are so strapped for time, money and energy that celebrating a child’s birthday is out of reach.”

Urban Axes of Somerville has been hanging on while awaiting the further lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

By Alex Reidy

Axe throwing is quickly being made popular by Urban Axes across the country, and here in Somerville, with a fun business model that caters to the young, the old, the amateur and the expert by providing an entertaining and unique experience like no other.