In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month, the City of Somerville invites community members to a candlelight vigil and flag planting on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) in memory of residents whose lives were lost to opioid-related overdose in 2025 and years prior. Somerville Prevention Services staff will host events and trainings to distribute free overdose prevention information and harm reduction materials such as nasal spray naloxone (Narcan), Fentanyl test strips, CPR face shields, and syringe disposal boxes. To register for an in-person training, visit the SPL website https://somervillepubliclibrary.org/. For more information on the vigil and flag planting, visit somervillema.gov/news.

********************************

The State of Massachusetts will hold its Primary Election on Tuesday, September 1. This election will narrow the candidate pool before the November Election on Tuesday, November 3. Offices on the ballot include: Governor, Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, District Attorney, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Councilor, Senator in General Court, Representative in General Court, and Register of Probate. Eligible voters may vote one of three ways: on election day, via early voting, or vote by mail. More information for the State Primary Election is available at somervillema.gov/elections. You can also call 311 (617-666-3311) with questions. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling location at somervillema.gov/mysomerville.

*******************************

Happy birthday this week to several locals: Happy Birthday to our own Bob “Monty” Doherty, who is celebrating this week. You can enjoy his historical columns in our paper every other week. We wish him the best. Rep. Christine Barber is also celebrating this week. We wish her a great day. Happy birthday to former City Councilor Judy P Neufeld. We wish her a great day. Happy birthday to Marilyn Publicover, the sister of our former publisher, who is celebrating this week. We wish her the very best. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Kathleen Goss, Louise Cruz-Partee, Ellie Loder Chute, John McDermott, Bob Baxter, Cheryl Endicott-Ribeiro, Michael Madden, Leesette Bengar, Isabel Mercauto, Donna M Morabito, Thomas B Mercier, and Andreza S. Moon, a very happy birthday. We hope everyone has a great day. To all the others we may have missed, we sincerely wish them the very best of birthdays.

*******************************

The Strummerville Ukulele Club meets every 4th Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rooted Café inside Arts at the Armory. Whether you just picked up a uke or you’ve been strumming for years, all levels are welcome. Come for the music, stay for the community. This month’s event is August 26, 6 – 9 p.m., Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.

*******************************

Somerville Arts and Culture invites community members to apply as panelists for the 2027 LCC Grant cycle. Panelists review grant applications, learn how the local funding process works, and help support artists and cultural projects across our community. Whether you’re an artist, educator, cultural organizer, or community member who cares about arts and culture, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by October 1. https://somervilleartscouncil.org/lcc/lcc-panelist-application/.

*******************************

Orange Line service will be suspended between Oak Grove and Back Bay for infrastructure upgrades from Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 30. Riders can use shuttles between Oak Grove and North Station, and the Green Line between North Station and Copley/Back Bay. MBTA.com/OrangeLine. Bluebikes riders can get a free$10 credit to help get around during the planned MBTA Orange Line closure. Just enter code BCBSMAORANGE26 in the Rewards section of the Bluebikes app to redeem. Available while supplies last. Ride when you need it, where you need it. For more info on Bluebikes, visit bluebikes.com.

********************************

Visit our tab on our website, “Campaign Releases.” Go there to see the latest endorsements and campaign info for this year’s election candidates.

********************************

SAC & the Inside-Out gallery (CVS Davis Sq.) present the “Power of Print” Viva la Revolution! If you missed its debut during ArtBeat, you still have plenty of time to check out this prolific exhibit. This showcase features linoleum relief prints by 64 artists from our local community. To find out more, visit https://somervilleartscouncil.org/events/power-of-print/.

********************************

Join Mayor Jake Wilson and Somerville’s Council on Aging for the annual Mayor’s Senior Picnic at 11 a.m. at Trum Field on September 10. Call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319 for a free ticket by September 4. Enjoy good food, music, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends.

********************************

This year’s Gilman Square Arts & Music Festival is Saturday, September 12. This annual neighborhood celebration will feature local art, food vendors, acrobatic performances, children’s activities, plus live music and a beer garden. The festival will take place at Ed Leathers Park, from 12 to 5 p.m., and it’s completely free to attend. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, hang out, and enjoy some tunes.

********************************

Early Bird Registration for SHC’s Somerville 5k is still open. Every step taken on October 3 supports the community’s most vulnerable, helping raise the critical funds needed to tackle housing and food insecurity. Lock in the early bird price for SHC’s 31st annual 5k Road Race by midnight on 8/31. Register today to run and claim your race t-shirt. For more information, visit https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/.

********************************

Intercambio Fall 2026 applications are now open. Looking for a welcoming space to practice English or Spanish, meet new people, and connect across cultures? Join in for eight weeks of conversation, cultural exchange, interactive activities, and community. At Intercambio, everyone has something to learn – and something to share. Applications are open through September 21 at noon. Learn more and apply through the link here: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/intercambio/intercambio-fall-2026/.

********************************

Moving season is here, and the City of Somerville is welcoming new and returning residents with a guide to getting settled, finding city services, and becoming part of the community (it is the Year of the Neighbor https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/office-mayor-jake-wilson/year-neighbor after all). Have a question about city services and aren’t sure where to begin? Start with 311 (617-666-3311), available 24/7 to answer city-related questions, address service requests, or to connect you with the right department. Find the full guide to get additional information on moving permits, trash and recycling schedules, signing up for city alerts, and more: https://www.somervillema.gov/news/new-somerville-start-here.

********************************

ESMS’s biggest fundraising event of the year is almost here. East Somerville’s Foodie Crawl 2026, Tuesday, September 15 (rain date: September 16), 6 – 8:30 p.m. Join them for an evening of delicious food, local discoveries, live music, and community connection while supporting the work of East Somerville Main Streets. For more information, visit: https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/foodie-crawl-2026.

********************************

This fall, Somerville Recreation is offering all that and more. Residents can explore youth sports and enrichment programs, adult fitness classes, aquatics and swim lessons, seasonal special events, community celebrations, and much more, including a range of new programs. www.somervillerec.com.

********************************

On August 27, stop by for another secret title 16mm film screening at Ed Leathers Park. Mutant Fish Men, an ecological disaster, with Doug McClure, and this happens to be one of only a handful of 1980s horror movies directed by a woman. Runtime is about 84 minutes. Killer score by an Academy Award-winning composer. 8 p.m., bring a chair or a blanket. (Some chairs are available). The film is 84 minutes long, suitable for audiences PG13+.

********************************

Somerville Firefighters Local 76 announced their annual Davy Fitz Memorial Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Monday, September 14, at Hillview Golf Course in North Reading, MA. Registration is due by September 1. Players can sign up as a foursome or individual golfer. For any interest in playing and/or sponsorship opportunities, contact VP Jay Kenney at 266 Broadway, Somerville. Enjoy a great day of golf, a catered function, raffles/ prizes, and help support Somerville Firefighters.

********************************

Eat Your Way Around the World at Nibble Kitchen this summer. The City of Somerville’s Nibble Kitchen is serving up a rotating lineup of Peruvian, Guatemalan, and Ethiopian cuisine this summer at Bow Market in Union Square. The tiny space offers big rewards for diners – and chefs. For more information and the complete schedule, visit nibblesomerville.com.

********************************

It’s the Year of the Neighbor in Somerville, a reminder that looking out for one another is what makes our community stronger. If you see someone who appears to be in distress, needs support, or may be at risk of harming themselves or others, knowing how to respond can make a difference. Learn more at somervillema.gov/howtohelp.

********************************

PICK UP! Somerville Museum Calling fundraiser, September 10, 6 p.m., Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre. Inspired by Somerville’s role as the site of the world’s first residential telephone call, and the Somerville Museum’s “Let Freedom Ring” public art project for America’s 250th, this year’s fundraising event celebrates connection between the past and the future and to one another. Jimmy Tingle (pun intended) will entertain us with his comedy and emcee the program. Sambaviva Brazilian dance ensemble will perform a medley of telephone-themed favorites. TJ the DJ will keep the music going throughout the evening. Mix and mingle over passed appetizers while exploring interactive telephone exhibits! For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.somervillemuseum.org/.

********************************

The Mission Church of Christ, 130 Highland Ave., will be hosting a free health fair for the community on September 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with many vendors. Contact MC Allied Health & Professionals Group at mcahpg130@gmail.com.

********************************

Somerville Flea is back. Stop by Sundays through October, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 52 Holland St. Discover the area’s best collection of artisan makers and vintage vendors. With 13 Sundays running from August through October, there’ll always be something new to explore. Support local businesses, shop one-of-a-kind finds, and uncover that treasure you never knew you needed or even existed.

********************************

Somerville’s Elm-Beacon Connector Project is underway. After over a year spent engaging community members, analyzing traffic patterns and signal options, testing emergency and public transit operations, and finalizing plans, the city has begun the Elm-Beacon Connector project to implement a new, safer street design. Installation should be mostly complete by November. Regular updates on installation progress will be available on the project webpage at somervillema.gov/elmbeacon, or get even more details by signing up for the city’s Construction e-newsletter at somervillema.gov/subscribe.

********************************

Somerville’s annual Water System Flushing Program continues through late October. This program consists of flushing pipes at high velocities to clean water mains and maintain the highest possible water quality. Temporary drops in water pressure and/or discolored water can occur. In these cases, though the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. Until the water runs clear, it is advisable to avoid washing laundry, especially white fabrics. To find out when your neighborhood will be affected and to learn more:  www.somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing.

********************************

Somerville Firefighters Local 76 will be hosting a UDS Cancer Screening Event at the Dante Club on September 8, 9, and 10. Cancer continues to be one of the greatest threats facing firefighters, killing far too many of our brothers and sisters. Early detection is one of our best weapons in the fight against this devastating disease. Dante Club, 5 Dante Ter., Somerville. For questions, call 646-553-5803.

********************************

Raise a glass to Union Square as What the Fluff? turns 21! This year’s theme – Legally Fluff: A Toast to Union Square – is an ode to 21 years of fluff-filled fun for all ages. Put on the party hats, blow up the balloons, grab a bubbly bev, and celebrate Somerville’s signature sweet spread in style. The 21st Annual What the Fluff? Festival, Saturday, September 19, 1 – 5 p.m. in Union Square.

********************************

The Powder House, Milk Row Cemetery and Prospect Hill Tower will be open to the public on select dates and times through October, as part of History on the Line, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville. History unlocked: Drop-in chat on select Thursdays, 6 – 8 p.m., and select Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For dates and more information, visit https://www.somervillemuseum.org/.

********************************

Join Union Square Main Streets and 60+ of your favorite local food producers for the 22nd Annual Union Square Farmers Market. Shop local Saturdays through October 31, except July 4 and September 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. They continue to offer our SNAP matches. Check the market webpage for the latest info and to see which vendors accept SNAP. To get the latest updates about the Union Square Farmers Market, visit www.unionsquaremain.org/2026-season.

********************************

The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market has returned for the 2026 season. The market brings fresh, affordable, local produce to four city locations Thursdays through Saturdays and runs through October 31. All produce is sourced from local farms and priced affordably to make healthy, fresh food accessible to all. The mobile market accepts cash, debit and credit cards, SNAP, Fresh Connect, WIC Farmers Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. All are welcome. For the full schedule, weekly produce updates, and more information about programs and events, visit the market’s website at somervillemobilefarmers-market.org.

********************************

Assembly Row Farmers Market is being held at 375 Assembly Row, Somerville, on Fridays, 3 – 7 p.m. The market will run from June 12 to October 9. Each week, you’ll be able to find goods from nearly 30 New England-based farmers and producers. Expect a great mix of seasonal produce, baked goods, dairy and eggs, meats and seafood, honey, jams, specialty foods, and more. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the weekend, discover local favorites, or simply enjoy a fresh Friday visit to Assembly Row. https://marketspread.com/market/37299/assembly-row-farmers-market/.

********************************

The Davis Square Market has opened for the 2026 Season. The market will run every Wednesday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., through November 25, at 44 Day St., Somerville. This long-running market features over two dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers offering a vibrant selection of delicious produce, protein, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals, alongside a host of other locally made products. The market accepts cash, credit/debit cards, WIC/Senior coupons, and EBT cards and offers a weekly $15 SNAP Match. Visit https://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/davis.

********************************

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Arts Editor, Doug Holder, for setting up a GoFundMe campaign for The Somerville Times. With the cost of printing going up and a lack of businesses having the resources to advertise, free papers feel the effect. We sincerely thank all who have already contributed and thank any future contributors. If you are interested in helping, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-somerville-times. Or if anyone is interested in advertising, please contact Bobbietoner@aol.com. We offer great discounts to help our advertisers be able to advertise. Thank you all so much for your support!

********************************

Don’t forget, if you would like to subscribe to receive a digital edition of our paper, go directly online to our website, on the right side, and enter your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper.