Somerville is working on multiple fronts to protect senior residents during the COVID-19 crisis.

L to R: Chief Charles Breen, Randy Oliver, Daniel Roche and Assistant Chief Christopher Major. — Photo courtesy of SFD

Probationary Firefighters Randy Oliver and Daniel Roche successfully graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Friday, April 24. Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, a graduation ceremony was not held. The newly graduated firefighters are seen along with Chief Charles Breen and Assistant Chief Christopher Major after receiving their helmet shields for their new assignments.

Dear Community Members,

Businesses should apply by Monday, May 11, at 3:00 p.m. to be considered

Applications are now open for the $1 million Somerville Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund, which provides forgivable loans of up to $10,000 to Somerville small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible applicants should apply online at www.somervillema.gov/BizRelief. Applications are due by Monday, May 11, at 3:00 p.m. Multilingual application support is available.

— Photo © monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

The transition from in-person to online learning isn’t easy, particularly when it comes to mathematics, a subject where many students benefit from classroom learning and individualized attention from their teacher.

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.

Two New Assistance Funds Launched, Applications Coming Soon
Last week, Mayor Joe Curtatone and the United Way announced the launch of the Somerville Cares COVID-19 relief fund, which will offer emergency financial support to Somerville residents and workers. Through the fund, support will be made available to help individuals and families with the greatest need: people who have lost their jobs or income, for example, and are struggling to cover basic needs like food, utilities, housing costs, healthcare, or child care. Funds will be available regardless of immigration status and eligible workers include those recently laid off from their jobs. The fund will be hosted by the United Way and administered by the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS). Because the fund was just started, it is currently only accepting donations. As soon as sufficient funds are raised, we will announce how to apply for aid. If you are able to donate to the Somerville Cares Fund, visit www.somervillema.gov/somervillecares.

Dear Community Members,

Somerville Public Schools nears 100% connectivity for families through targeted interventions, personalized approach

By the end of next week, Somerville Public Schools officials anticipate that close to 100% of families in the district will have internet access, thanks to intense and coordinated efforts by SPS and other city staff members, working in partnership with local service provider, Comcast. The district received a COVID 19 Assistance grant from the Somerville Job Creation and Retention Trust to support closing the digital divide for SPS students. This will allow students to access online learning while schools are closed for the rest of the academic year.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Chuck E Cheese, Laser Tag, and movie theaters like Chunky’s were where we usually held my two youngest kids’ birthday parties in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

My older daughter’s tenth birthday in 1992 was at the McDonald’s playground that used to be in Davis Square, and her twelfth birthday was a pool party at The Holiday Inn off Washington St. in Somerville. The boys had some parties at a place called Kids Playground and Laser Quest in Danvers for laser tag.

Plans must include provisions for cleaning, ending non-essential visits, and stopping gatherings within the building.

Today Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health issued an order requiring senior housing facilities to share existing COVID-19 safety plans or formally create plans and policies aimed at increasing the safety of and maximizing the protection of their residents, who may be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, as well as building staff. Building management must submit these plans within 48 hours of receiving the order.