Dear Friends of Arts at the Armory,

Like many non-profit and arts organizations, small businesses and individuals, the Center for Arts at the Armory will bear a significant financial impact due to COVID-19 and does not have a contingency budget for emergencies like this one. The Center for Arts at the Armory relies almost exclusively on revenue generated from hosting events and running our Café. In response to COVID-19, we have had to cancel events indefinitely, close our Café, and lay off staff. We have a streamlined core of administrative staff working to lay the groundwork for Arts at the Armory’s future, which will only possible with your support.

~Photo by Doug Holder

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.

On Monday, March 23, Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a stay-at-home advisory, effective through Tuesday, April 7, outlining social distancing and public health safety protocols like stopping unnecessary travel and staying home except for necessary errands. Public health experts have said that minimizing contact with others is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential businesses were also ordered to stop in-person business through April 7.

Dear Community Members,

Update: Emma has been located and is home with her family.

Somerville Police Department is currently searching for a missing 15 year old girl, Emma Fraser who was last seen on Lowell Street in Somerville. She is described as a White female, approximately 4 feet 9 inches tall last seen wearing a black and white zippered hoodie, black stretch pants and black sneakers. Police believe she voluntarily left the Lowell Street area, family have not been able to locate her.

Anyone with information should contact Somerville Police 617-625-1212 Thank you for your assistance.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Holland St. and Irving Rd. last week on reports of a motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, a group of people standing at the intersection flagged down the officers and stated that the vehicle was on Irving Rd.

Support local business and enjoy the best of Somerville’s culinary scene by ordering takeout or delivery during this difficult time. Check out https://www.somervilledelivers.com/ for a list of restaurants accepting orders now.

Don’t see your restaurant listed? Add it here! Somervillema.gov/covidbizhelp

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Update: The Somerville Construction Advisory issued on Monday, March 23rd, remains in full force. The City of Somerville had previously issued Construction COVID-19 Safety Guidelines to allow construction to move forward with site-specific safety plans ensuring social distancing and following state and federal safety guidelines for COVID-19.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Remember the good old days when we were able to leave our houses and go out? As many of us have been binge watching TV and movies, I’ve dug up some true tales of yester-Ville. Here are some stories of how some of us occupied our spare time growing up in Somerville in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

Dear Somerville Public Schools Families and Staff,

We are streamlining our district communication and will be sending out these district updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Toward the top of each update, we will list any new resources or information. The lower section will include reminders and links to information that we have already shared and which you may be accessing regularly. Each Friday we will also be highlighting some of the great work that our educators and students are doing to help students stay connected to their learning, or to support the community during this health crisis. Our hope is that these small changes will be helpful to you as you continue to adjust to new family schedules.

If you’ve recently lost your job or part of your household income due to COVID-19 impacts (or other reasons), you may be eligible for unemployment benefits as well as other cash assistance. We’ve compiled some information below to help you get started.