By Erica Jones

Here is the latest “Inside the SMC studio,” a monthly blog post highlighting our members and who they are! This month, we hear from Doug Holder, one of the longtime movers and shakers here at Somerville Media Center. Doug has been producing his show, Poet to Poet, Writer to Writer for fifteen years and he dedicates his time to feature talented poets and writers from the local area. Learn more about Doug below!

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Board of Aldermen invite residents to the Spring 2018 ResiStat Community Meetings, a twice-yearly effort to share the latest city news, data, and neighborhood updates directly with residents and gather their feedback. ResiStat isn’t just a great way to get an overview of what’s happening in your neighborhood and around the city. A social half hour before the meeting and time after the meeting provide an easy opportunity to talk one-on-one to the mayor, your aldermen, other elected officials, and city staff and police – and to connect with your neighbors (they serve pizza and kid-friendly, healthy snacks to make it more fun to come and chat).

Elder Fair 2018 drew more than 300 guests on April 11, connecting local residents with organizations that support health and well-being.

Elder Fair 2018 has come and gone, and on behalf of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES), I want to thank everyone who helped make our annual health and wellness expo a joyous occasion.

Now in its 19th year, Elder Fair drew more than 300 local older adults for a morning of socializing and learning about organizations that support independence and well-being.

Recipients of Tufts Neighborhood Service Fund (TNSF) grants pose with Tufts University President Anthony Monaco and members of the TNSF board. (Anna Miller/Tufts University)

Thirteen local community organizations were awarded nearly $6,225 in grants from the Tufts Neighborhood Service Fund (TNSF). The TNSF collects donations from faculty and staff at Tufts University throughout the year and then awards small grants to community-based, charitable organizations that serve Tufts’ host communities.

The City of Somerville Tree Warden invites all interested residents and community members to a public hearing on Wednesday, May 2, to discuss upcoming tree removal as part of the rehabilitation of Prospect Hill Park. The hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Academy Room at the Public Safety Building, 220 Washington St. Any objections to their removal must be submitted in writing prior to or during the hearing. Written objections should be addressed to Somerville Tree Warden, and emailed to: trees@somervillema.gov, or mailed to: 1 Franey Rd., Somerville, MA. 02145.

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It’s been a good month buying and selling and other stuff. I finally figured out the Salvation Army’s 50% off promotion. A month ago, I saw a nice clock there for $100. If you pose with the item, post it on your Facebook page and tag the SA, you get the item for 50% off.

Members of the public are invited to attend the second public hearing hosted by the Board of Aldermen to discuss the updated proposal for a transfer fee home rule petition. The hearing will take place on Monday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m., at Somerville City Hall on the 2nd Floor in the Aldermanic Chambers.

Join the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee (SBAC) on Sunday, April 29, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler St., for a celebration to kick off Bay State Bike Week. The event will feature live music and a special presentation (at 2 p.m.) and book signing by nationally renowned urban planner, safe streets advocate, and author of “Walkable Cities” Jeff Speck. Additionally, more than 20 bike advocacy organizations, businesses, and agencies will be in attendance, including representatives from MassDOT, MassBike, Boston Cyclists Union, and more.

Another harsh New England winter has thankfully come to an end. As the colder time of year comes to a close, allergy season is right around the corner. Itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, coughing and sneezing, and pollen make for a difficult few months for many as we all try to enjoy the outdoors and warmer weather.