Demolition will occur for about two weeks between hours of 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

The Green Line Extension (GLX) announced today that demolition of the Lechmere Viaduct between the Gilmore Bridge and existing Lechmere Station in East Cambridge will begin on Saturday, June 6. The work will further advance the relocation and reconstruction of the new Lechmere Station now underway as part of the Green Line Extension project (GLX). The project, scheduled for completion in December 2021, will extend Green Line service from the new Lechmere Station along two new branches to Union Square in Somerville and to College Avenue/Tufts University in Medford.

The P-EBT cards provide cash assistance for groceries to many families with children in Somerville Public Schools. Many families have already received or will receive a 1) letter from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and a 2) P-EBT card in the mail by mid-June.

During these uncertain times we need to stand together as a community and embrace unity. Join the Somerville Arts Council in celebrating all LGBTQ individuals and allies.

The Somerville Arts Council and Health and Human Services presents a brunch and a pajama style dance party. DJ Stevie Psyclone will be spinning some tunes to get your dance on and a star drag performance by Amanda Playwith. We will be featuring a brunch recipe for you to cook up.

Please join the Boynton Yards development team, a joint venture between DLJ Real Estate Partners & Leggat McCall Properties, the City of Somerville, and Ward Councilor J. T. Scott for a virtual neighborhood meeting, Saturday, June 6,  2:00 p.m.

In this meeting, the development team will present a conceptual master plan for 6.5 acres in Boynton Yards. There will be an opportunity to discuss issues and potential impacts. The development team will use this feedback when preparing an application for a Master Plan Special Permit to be considered by the Somerville Planning Board.

Many white people want to heal racism in America. And most people of color agree. But it is impossible to heal America’s painful racist past without the pain and anguish that comes from sitting in the fire. Painful though it may be, healing our racist past (and present) begins when people commit to look directly at America’s long and tortured racial history. Join Somerville Media Center for Sitting in the Fire: A Virtual Race Retreat on Saturday, June 13 on Zoom over two sessions – Part 1 in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and Part 2 in the afternoon from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

— Photos by Kevin Carmichael

Protestors came together in Davis Square Thursday afternoon to peacefully express their feelings about the recent deaths African Americans such as George Floyd and others.

Normally there is an editorial from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in this space, but this week the city is instead sharing important information and updates about COVID-19.

Reopening Somerville

After a collaborative effort between the city and local salon and barbershop owners, safety requirements were in place for Somerville hair service providers to open June 1. Establishments must submit compliant safety plans to the city before opening, follow all safety requirements in the State’s reopening plan, and, until further notice, not offer blow-drying. In less than a week, a self-selected advisory group of hair service providers representing the roughly 70 providers in the city worked with city Health Department, Inspectional Services, and Economic Development staff to review various safety protocols announced across the nation, dig into existing research, review equipment needs and sources, and issue final recommendations that exceed the requirements of the Governor’s reopening plan. Salon and barbershop owners also worked together to set up information-sharing on issues like best practices, personal protective equipment sources, and tips and solutions to issues that arise. 

*
Full Circle School Virtual Graduation Celebration, June 3, 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Firefighters Memorial Sunday has been postponed. Local 76 plans to hold Memorial Sunday in the fall with the hopes that family and friends can attend as they have in the past. Please take a moment on June 14 to remember all members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Were you one of the lucky ones who saw The Beatles’ movie A Hard Day’s Night at The Meadow Glen Drive-In in 1964?

Drive-in theaters are making a comeback. The successful Mendon Twin Drive-In may be setting a welcomed new trend in the face of social distancing.