Since the Covid-19 shutdown, Food Link has collected 100,000 pounds of food—about twice its usual amount. Use of the Tufts’ facilities will give the group extra capacity to temporarily store food until it can be distributed. — Photo by Ivan Basch

An anti-hunger coalition will have room to store and sort food for those in need

By Julie Flaherty/Tufts Now

Tufts University is donating the use of one of its dining centers on the Medford/Somerville campus to a coalition of Massachusetts food rescue organizations that have been working overtime to collect and distribute food to a growing number of people in need during the pandemic. The campus space will give the three nonprofits – Food Link, Food for Free, and Boston Area Gleaners – crucial extra capacity over the next two months.

Construction, hospitals and medical services, and curbside retail to reopen on state timeline

Citing regional differences in COVID-19 impacts, warnings from experts, and a need for greater clarity on issues such as worker protections, the city will review the remaining state reopening plan before implementation.

As previously announced, Somerville will adhere to a different reopening timeline than the general guidance announced today by Governor Charlie Baker. Some elements of the state plan will be enacted immediately, some will be modified, and some will undergo further assessment to make sure workers and residents are being properly protected from a potential increase in the transmission of the coronavirus – and that the local economic recovery is better insulated from a potential second surge of the disease.

Healthy, local food is important. The Farmers Markets will open next week at Davis Square (www.massfarmersmarkets.org/davis) on Wednesday, May 20 and at Union Square (www.unionsquaremain.org/2020-season) on Saturday, May 23. But this year they will be different. Both markets will encourage only one person per household to do the shopping, incorporate social distancing guidelines and allow a limited amount of shoppers in the space. Please sign up for a shopping spot in advance at the market websites.

William R.  Cahill – 64, Retired Somerville Fire Dept., Of Canton, formerly of Somerville passed away after a short illness on May 16, 2020.

Beloved husband of Deborah A. (Parker).

Loving son of the late Richard W. Cahill and Theresa (Lemos).

Note: this photo is from before the COVID-19 crisis, but it demonstrates a local street opened up for walking and biking.

In an effort to provide more walking and biking routes that allow for more social distance, the city’s Mobility Team has been developing a shared streets plan based on international best practices and customized to Somerville’s public health needs.

Street sweeping is set to resume on Monday, May 18. It is not mandatory to move your vehicle, though the city asks people to do so if they feel they can. Tickets will not be issued for vehicles in street sweeping zone, and the city will provide advanced notice before it starts enforcement in the future.

Dear Community Members,

Boost your skills from the comfort of your living room with #SMCxHome with these new ways to boost your resume.

Intro to Digital Photography – May 13
This course covers basic concepts and practice of digital photography, including understanding and use of the camera, lenses, and other basic photographic equipment. Sign up here.

Nighttime Work Advisory
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As a follow-up to the MBTA’s recent announcement that the Lowell Commuter Rail Line will be out of service until May 24, 2020, please be advised that the GLX project will take advantage of the additional track time to further advance construction along much of the rail corridor.

COVID-19 cases distributed throughout the city; local case counts still necessitate caution – New mobile COVID-19 testing unit to begin operation 

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the citywide state of emergency due to the threat of the COVID-19 virus will continue beyond Monday, May 18. Currently closed or restricted businesses and activities will remain suspended until restarting according to existing or forthcoming city-issued reopening schedules. The city’s suspension of all city-sponsored or -permitted events is now also officially extended through the end of the year. Further decisions for Somerville’s reopening efforts will continue to be made based on scientific guidance and the best available regional and local data.