It’s not just another three-day weekend, folks. It’s a huge part of our national – and regional – heritage.

Patriots’ Day was established over 100 years ago to commemorate the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Re-enactments are staged and speeches are given, and a generally festive air of patriotic zeal pervades.

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This past week I found myself with 2 small bags of sweet peppers. When I have more peppers than what I know what to do with, I roast them and store in olive oil and garlic for a longer shelf life. They are great on sandwiches, in salads, frittatas, served along roasted chicken or any other dishes you like.

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Somerville Poet Laureate Lloyd Schwartz contacted me recently about a reading he has organized that will take place April 28, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at the Somerville Arts Armory in Somerville. I decided to interview him to bring attention to this important community event. The event is titled Somerville Poets Reading Their Own Poems and Poems They Love.

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Our poet writes: My name is Casey Moritz and I am from Dallas, Texas. I go to Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, majoring in Psychology and minoring in criminal justice. I am a sophomore and currently play on the Women’s Ice Hockey team at Endicott. I enjoy going to concerts, reading, and listening to music.

Today the MBTA announced a pilot that began yesterday, April 8, and will continue through May 3, 2024, to redesign bus stop signs in an effort to improve their accessibility and findability. The MBTA will also host eight pop-up events at pilot bus stops to gather rider feedback. This bus stop signage pilot comes in advance of anticipated bus service changes to come as part of the Bus Network Redesign (BNR) Program. More information is available at mbta.com/BusSigns.

— Photo courtesy of The Tufts Daily

The Tufts University Department of Music presents “Tufts Third Day Gospel Choir” in the Cohen Auditorium at the Aidekman Arts Center on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Join the 220-voice Tufts Third Day Gospel Choir as they perform under the direction of David Coleman. This event will be livestreamed at go.tufts.edu/musiclivestream.

The Somerville Bike Kitchen invite all cyclists to come and learn a few things about bike maintenance.

• Upcoming Bike Kitchen:  April 9, 2024. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 PM, the Somerville Bike Kitchen, a volunteer-run bicycle repair cooperative, hosts open-shop nights (15 Properzi Way, Somerville). Come maintain your bike or learn more about cycling.

Host, Sarah Fishman speaks with Ward 7 Councilor and Vice President of the City Council, Judy Pineda Neufeld.