Healing Together: Supporting Mental Health at Home, Wednesday, May 7. Join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Racial and Social Justice for a workshop to learn about mental health language. Featuring guest speaker Christopher Willard, Harvard Medical School faculty, author, and psychologist. This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, May 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. online via Zoom. Learn more and register. RSVP: bit.ly/HT_25.

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Support Somerville High School dancers. Join the SHS Dance Concert on Wednesday, May 7, at 5 p.m. and Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the SHS Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of performances that celebrate movement and community, featuring pieces from SHS Dance Classes, SHS Dance Company, Highlander Theatre Company, and the Multicultural Fair. Ticket Link: https://shsma.booktix.com/dept/main/e/DANCE25. All proceeds go towards their dance offerings.

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To those celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Melissa Hurley, who is celebrating this week. We hope she has a great birthday. Happy birthday to local attorney Neil Berman. We hope Neil has a great celebration. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Millie L. McCarthy, Eileen Schofield, Jason Mackey, Cynthia Saltman, Jill Marie, Jim Breath, Karen Dupont, Lisa Dervishian, Janet McLaughlin, Paul Curley, Mary Ellen Myhr, and Ann Kane-Peters 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.

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The “Slice of the City” spring meet-up series is an opportunity to connect and engage with city leaders and staff as well as neighbors, all while enjoying Somerville’s parks. All events run from 5 to 7 p.m. Pizza and refreshments will be served, and Somerville Recreation will have activities for children available. Wards 4 and 5 Slice of the city events have been postponed due to weather. These events will be rescheduled. Visit www.somervillema.gov/slice to stay up to date. This coming week: May 12, Ward 3, Prospect Hill Park, 68 Munroe Street, and May 13, Ward 6, Powderhouse Park, Broadway and College Avenue.

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The city’s Mobility Division has been collecting feedback for the Western Pearl Street Reconstruction project, part of Somerville’s Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program and an effort to increase safety for all. Now, preliminary design concepts are here. Community members are invited to an open house on Wednesday, May 7, at Ed Leathers Park (between Skilton Ave. and Walnut St.) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to learn more about the project, review concept design options, and share input. The event will feature multiple stations describing different aspects of the project, with staff ready to answer questions. Pizza will be provided. Learn more. Can’t attend the open house? Future opportunities to give feedback will be available after the open house at www.somervillema.gov/westernpearl.

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The Haitian Flag Festival will take place on May 17, from 2 to 6 p.m., 93 Highland Ave, weather date May 18, a vibrant celebration of Haitian culture and heritage, marking the creation of the Haitian flag. The event brings together the community to celebrate Haiti’s rich history, pride, and unity through music, food, art, and cultural performances. This special day honors the significance of the Haitian flag, which symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the spirit of independence.

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LGBTeen+ Book Club, May 9. Check out SPL’s newest book and social club. Join in for books and graphic novels, crafts, movies, and more. This book club is for teens in grades 7 to 12. This event will be held on Friday, May 9, at Central Library (79 Highland Ave.) from 3 to 4 p.m. Visit the Somerville Community Growing Center, Center22 Vinal Ave, on May 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and slow down, observe, and connect with nature through journaling. Begin by crafting simple journals using paper and watercolors, then step into the natural world to capture what we see, hear, and feel through words, sketches, or color. Afterward, you’ll gather as a group to share reflections over a soothing cup of herbal tea. This is a relaxed and supportive space for creative exploration, presence, and connection with like-minded individuals. For more info, visit Libby Curtis Webb’s website: https://libbycurtiswebb.com/.

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Pedestrians can now access the East Somerville Green Line (GLX) station via Inner Belt Road. You can find more information about projects and detours at https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-extension-glx

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Mystic River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge in-person public meeting, Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. Mass General Brigham, 399 Revolution Drive, Somerville. The Mystic River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge will connect the DCR Draw Seven Park to the Gateway Park trail and public boardwalk at the Encore Resort. This bridge will provide a vital missing link over the Mystic River, connecting the communities of Everett and Somerville, linking mixed-use paths with local amenities including Draw Seven Park, Assembly Row, and the Lower Broadway District. https://www.mass.gov/event/everett-somerville-mystic-river-bicycle-pedestrian-bridge-05-12-2025.

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On behalf of SEPAC (Somerville Special Education Advisory Council), families are invited to an upcoming workshop: Executive Functioning Workshop 8 at 7 p.m. This workshop will break down the specific skills that make up Executive Functioning and provide examples of observable behaviors parents and caregivers can look for to support understanding a child’s unique Executive Functioning profile. Content will include specific home and community interventions to support skill-building toward independence. Contact: Somervillese-pac@gmail.com.

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Join Union Square Main Streets and 60+ of your favorite local food producers for the 21st Annual Union Square Farmers Market. Shop local Saturdays from May 10 to October 25, except September 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. Thanks to our partnership with the City of Somerville and the Somerville Farmers Market Coalition, they are proud to continue to offer our SNAP match. Check the market webpage for the latest info and to see which vendors accept SNAP. For more information about the Union Square Farmers Market, visit unionsquaremain.org/2025-season.

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The City of Somerville’s Office of Emergency Management and Health and Human Services Department invite residents to attend a community listening session to discuss and provide feedback on the city’s 2024 – 25 warming center at the Cummings School. The meeting will take place on Thursday, May 8, at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. City staff will be present to facilitate discussion and gather feedback, which will be used to improve future operations.

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Join the School Readiness Playgroup for Somerville families with children 3 and 4 years old, who are brand-new to school. Mondays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. from May 5–June 16, Somerville Public Library, West Branch, 40 College Avenue. Register using this link: tinyurl.com/SFLCsupportandplaygroups.

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Join the Arts at the Armory for their monthly recurring music events in the ROOTED Café. Upcoming events for May include: Songwriters in the Round, Wednesday, May 7 and 21, at 7 p.m., Pub Sing, Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m., Tunefoolery Coffee House, Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., Strummerville Ukelele, Tuesday, May 27, at 6 p.m. More info available for each event on our website. https://artsatthearmory.org/upcoming-events/.

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The City of Somerville is launching Neighbors Talking to Neighbors (N2N), a new dialogue series designed to bring residents together for open, respectful conversations on important community topics. Led by the Departments of Racial and Social Justice and Health and Human Services, the series will focus on Race, Immigration, LGBTQIA+ issues, and Interfaith Relations. Each session is free, virtual, and professionally facilitated, with separate times for youth and adults. Space is limited. Learn more and register, visit www.somervillema.gov/rsj.

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Movie Day (Council on Aging), Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. at the Holland Street Center, 167 Holland Street, Somerville. The May movie is Back in Action. Pizza lunch is served after the movie. $2 cost per person.

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The City of Somerville invites all residents to join the waitlist. Rental units become available at 50%, 80%, and 110% of the Area Median Income. For example, the income level is $130,250 for a four-person household at 80% of AMI. If you would like to apply for the Consolidated Inclusive Housing Waitlist, visit them at one of our application events or go to www.somervillewaitlist.org and apply before May 30.

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Help celebrate e-mobility during SustainaVille Week, returning May 3 – 9, with a full lineup of events celebrating sustainability and climate action in Somerville. Community members are invited to participate in an E-Mobility Expo to showcase their own electric rides – whether it’s an e-bike, electric vehicle (EV), scooter, or some other electric transport. The expo will take place on May 9 at the Day Street Lot in Davis Square (44 Day St.) from noon to 6 p.m.

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This May, the Union Square Neighborhood Council is holding its bi-annual election for the USNC board. All members are invited to vote in the election, as well as run for a board seat. (If you have any questions about the USNC or what it means to be a member, please consult their website at: sites.google.com/view/usnc. The election will be held in person as follows: Day 1: Saturday, May 17, 8 am – 12 p.m., Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street. Day 2: Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., [TBA] Somerville.

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Thinking about running for local office? Starting May 5, nomination papers for Mayor, Councilor at Large, Ward Councilor, and School Committee will be available to take out. To begin the process, make an appointment with the Elections Department to pick up your nomination papers. A separate appointment is required to return them. Appointments are available from May 5 through June 9. Important deadlines: June 9 at 5 p.m., last day to take out nomination papers. June 11 at 5 p.m., deadline to submit completed papers to the Board of Election Commissioners. For more information, visit somervillema.gov/elections.

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Attend a School Committee Meeting. Dates and times for school committee meetings are listed on the SPS district website calendar. Visit the School Committee website for information and find meeting details on the City of Somerville Events page: https://somerville.k12.ma.us/events/calendar.

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Hazardous Waste Drop-Off, Saturday, May 10: Next monthly Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day at DPW, 1 Franey Rd., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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Street sweeping in Somerville resumed on Tuesday, April 1. Somerville’s street cleaning program is an essential public works program that not only keeps our city cleaner but also reduces the risk of flooding and icing due to clogged storm drains. Signs indicate the time and date of no parking due to sweeping. The street sweeping season runs from April 1 until December 31 each year. On designated street sweeping days, vehicles must be moved from the side of the street being swept, as noted on signs posted on each street. The penalty for not complying with street sweeping parking regulations is a $50 fine. Check the signs on the streets where you park and visit www.somervillema.gov/sweeper for more information.

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Somerville Animal Control is in need of towels/blankets/linens. They can arrange a porch pickup if you message them on Facebook or they can be dropped off at the police station at any time.

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You can download a helpful packet of Know Your Rights resources and information in the language of your choice below. Somerville Public Schools has also created a list of resources on the One Somerville Resource page, which can be found here https://somerville.k12.ma.us/district-departments/somerville-family-learning-collaborative-sflc/one-somerville-resources.

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SCES is teaming up with City Fresh Foods to offer a five-pack of frozen home-delivered meals. This new meal delivery option is ideal for consumers who want the convenience of home-delivered meals but are not able to be at home each weekday to receive deliveries. Meal recipients can choose which weekday they would like to receive the frozen meals, with up to five meals in each bulk delivery. Each meal comes with bread, milk, and a dessert. Current SCES clients who are interested in receiving meals should call their office at 617-628-2601 or contact their case manager for more information.

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City Alerts are a great way for those who live, work, or own a business in Somerville to receive important city information that affects your neighborhood. City Alerts provide information about emergencies (including snow emergencies), construction and road closures, water service interruptions, community news, and more. To sign up, visit somervillema.gov/alerts and click on the button for your preferred language. Step-by-step sign-up instructions are available at: somervillema.gov/alerts. Having trouble signing up? You can call 3-1-1 (617-666-3311) for assistance.

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Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging can provide Durable Medical Equipment at no cost to Somerville residents. Residents with a documented need for medical equipment must be over the age of 60, or have a permanent disability and must be otherwise unable to afford or access needed medical equipment. We currently have available: Commodes, Bath Benches, Rollator Walkers, Incontinence Supplies, and Transport Wheelchairs. For additional information or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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