Somerville Civic Day with local services, games, and food. — Photos by Keith Foster

By Keith Foster

Despite the wind, there was a lot of fun and learning to be had at Somerville’s Civic Day at City Hall last week. This was an opportunity for the local community to come out and enjoy a late summer night with food, games, and a fun, fair-like atmosphere to learn about local services. Food included pizza and ice cream from several different local Somerville businesses.

Looking for something to do? The Somerville Public Library had one of the tables. Upcoming events include craft nights, knitting and fiber arts clubs, and “Death cafés,” which, according to representative Liz Alverson, help people “learn about dying and moving on with tea, coffee, and cake.” And jokingly, “Lots of crazy events.”

The Touch-a-Truck returns for the kids.

There were games for the kids, including the Touch-a-Truck and connect four and a bean bag toss.

Another table was set up by the Community Ward and Housing Outreach. Their focus is community engagement, directing residents, depending on the ward they live in, where to sign up for housing or other needed resources. Finally, Lizzy Devane of the Somerville Community Corporation said her organization is “Working to keep Somerville equitable for all our neighbors.”

Local Police Officers, including one wearing a Paw Patrol mascot mask.

Staff at the Engagement and Neighborhood Services Division “ENS” table.