Are you interested in starting a garden? Already have one, but want to take it to the next level?

The Somerville Public Library and Green City Growers have partnered to offer gardening workshops over nine Saturdays this season.

— Photo © Meena Kumar / @mekudesigns

Today many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers.

Many of the team members at Pilot Pen are parents, too. Below, they share some fun and creative ways you can use the power of the written word to help create special moments for kids while imparting valuable lessons.

Launches 10,000 mask drive for homemade cloth masks – distribution will prioritize seniors and other vulnerable populations

Starting this week, the City of Somerville will be distributing 100,000 civilian three-ply masks with a focus on getting masks to people most vulnerable to COVID-19. Because these masks can only be reused a limited number of times, the city is also putting out a call for donated cloth masks that can also be distributed to residents.

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.

 City Buildings to Remain Closed and Street Sweeping Delayed Until May 18

City buildings will remain closed to the public until at least May 18 and the beginning of street sweeping will be delayed until at least May 18. Further delays in reopening city buildings and starting street sweeping are possible and updates will be provided as they are available. You can still access many services through the city’s website (www.somervillema.gov) or by calling 311. More information on how to access services is available under the “City Services Status” tab on www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

Dear Community Members,

“EHawk” by mixed media visual artist Liz LaManche, one of the dozens of Somerville artists participating in last weekend’s virtual SOS.

By Isabel Sami

Last weekend, the annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS) event took place, but not in its traditional form. The citywide art event happened online from noon to 6:00 p.m. on the SOS website, featuring virtual galleries by 336 artists, and also on the SOS YouTube channel, where nearly 30 artists posted videos of their work and studios. During the event, six artists held Zoom livestream tours of their studios for virtual audiences.

After approval of safety plans, a limited number of essential projects to be allowed to restart May 18, others to phase in during June and July

In anticipation of the easing of statewide stay-at-home restrictions on May 18, the city is preparing for a phased resumption of construction under strict COVID-prevention protocols. In preparation for May 18, the State has also eased some restrictions on non-essential businesses and is seeking feedback on how to safely reopen the economy.