Arts at the Armory is proud to welcome We Black Folk for a special showcase on March 20, 2026, as part of our Spotlight Series. Celebrating the depth, diversity, and brilliance of Black artistry in the folk and roots music world, this curated evening brings together six distinct voices – Cliff Notez, Tyler Donkoh-Halm, Tim Hall, Gabriella Simpkins, Dzidzor, and Alisa Amador – each offering a unique perspective melding acoustic roots with soul, poetry, and contemporary storytelling.

Artists, makers, and creative organizations: the City of Somerville has extended the submission deadline for the Somerville Armory leasing Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals are now due Wednesday, March 18, by 2 p.m.

Community members invited to submit nominations; Recipients to be announced monthly

As Cher almost said: “Can I hear a little commotion for the staff?” Mayor Jake Wilson is introducing the Somerville Service Award, a monthly spotlight to recognize the exceptional work of City staff who keep Somerville running. Whether it was getting a problem solved, listening and acting on your feedback, connecting you to a service, launching a whole new initiative, or just a helpful conversation over pizza at your ward’s Slice of the City, community members are invited to nominate City staff that you feel deserve recognition.  

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Dear Editor,

Once again, I am writing to thank the residents of Somerville for demonstrating their community spirit and commitment to sustainability by donating more than one million pounds of clothing and household goods to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries in 2025.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

My first cousin, who is more like a sister to me, now owns our paternal grandparents’ house off Holland St. between Teele Square and Davis Square.

Cha-Ching! Not so fast! We are a very passionate, nostalgic, and emotional bunch. Since her mom (my dad’s sister), who lived there her entire life, passed away at 94 years young, decisions had to be made.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville Community Growing Center’s annual Maple Boil Down took place Saturday, March 7. As part of this project, volunteers collect dozens of gallons of maple sap from trees at Tufts. It was then boiled down into real maple syrup. Youth and adults had a chance to learn about tree anatomy and physiology and experience the process of making fresh maple syrup first-hand. This year’s event included programming led by Indigenous storyteller Anna-Celestrya Carr, historic events manager at the Somerville Museum, shared a “Maple Syrup Creation Story.” This event plays a critical role in supporting their mission to engage the full population of Somerville while providing a welcoming space for community interactions, environmental education and awareness, engagement with nature and culturally enriching experiences. If you were not able to attend this event and if you have the means, consider making a donation to help sustain this type of programming budget, and every little bit helps. https://www.thegrowingcenter.org/

James A.Roache, – 74, of Somerville, passed away at home on Saturday, March 7th. Beloved son of the late James F. and Lorraine L. (Flores) Roache. Devoted brother of Kevin T. Roache and his wife Christina of Marshfield, Lorraine Watson of Wilmington, the late Mark Roache and the late Maureen Roache. Cherished uncle of Mark Watson, Robert Watson, Kevin Roache, Thomas Roache, and Christina Butler. Loving great uncle of Hannah, Ryan, Timothy, James, Mary, Elizabeth, Mikey, Fiona, Gillian and Benjamin.