Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services invite all community members to join in honoring local veterans and our nation’s fallen heroes at the city’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, May 25, rain or shine. Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. The parade will proceed west from Davis Square on Holland Street through Teele Square and onto Broadway, ending at the Veterans Cemetery between Alewife Brook Parkway and North Street. The Remembrance Ceremony takes place immediately following the parade at Somerville Veterans Cemetery (between Alewife Brook Parkway and North Street).

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Attend the FY26 Water and Sewer Rates Public Hearing. Attend in-person or virtually to hear proposed Fiscal Year 2026 water and sewer rates on Wednesday, May 28, at 6 p.m. at the Tufts Administration Building (TAB), located at 167 Holland St. Written feedback will be accepted until noon on Wednesday, May 28, and can be emailed to water@somervillema.gov or mailed to: Water and Sewer Department, 17 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145. More information about proposed rates and how to participate remotely, including dial-in information, will be posted to the city website soon: visit www.somervillema.gov/calendar.

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Happy birthday this week to several locals: We want to wish a very happy birthday to Magoun Sq. resident Pina Mingace. We wish her a special fun day. We send another special birthday wish to Shannon Henry, who is also celebrating her birthday this week. We hope she has a wonderful birthday. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Rick Driscoll, Shirley Valentine, Deirdre Grace, Iona O’Brien, Danielle Scrima, Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Tim Devin, Danny McLaughlin, Karen Ferullo, and Peggy Ryan Lookliss 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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Join the virtual office hour anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on May 22 to talk to city staff about your thoughts, preferences, feedback, and questions on the proposed concept design options for the Western Pearl Street Reconstruction. For more details on the proposals, please check out the following materials available at www.somervillema.gov/westernpearl: Register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6UHzfmhEScOTEIaLunkNgw.

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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 affect. We sincerely thank all who have already contributed and thank any future contributors. If you are interested in helping you 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 try to help out our advertisers be able to advertise. Thank you all so much for your support!

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Events taking place at the Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave., this weekend: Opera On Tap: Buzzing B’s and High C’s, Saturday, May 24, 2 – 4 p.m. Rain Date: Sunday, May 25. The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan, a celebration of the creatures who bring us the fruits and flowers, this educational event combines information on nature’s busiest bees and their friends with live performances of opera and musical theatre. Meet up with friends and learn about pollination and what we can do at home to assist our pollinator friends. To learn more, check out www.operaontapboston.com. Bumba Meu Boi Dance and Music Workshop, Saturday, May 24, 5 – 7 p.m. Rain date: Sunday, May 25. Would you like to learn to play some traditional Brazilian music and dance with a large ox puppet? A Brazilian dancer/musician will run a workshop for everyone to learn to dance and play music along with an ox puppet called Bumba Meu Boi, a tradition from the northern and northeastern part of Brazil. This workshop is part of a preparation for the Festa Junina (Brazilian Harvest Festival) which will happen on June 14 at the Somerville Growing Center.

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On Saturday, May 31, join the second annual New England Hong Kong Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Seven Hills Park in Somerville to celebrate the vibrant culture, food, and creativity of Hongkongers across the region. The event is free and open to all. Rain date is Sunday, June 1. Now in its second year, the community-run festival brings together more than 30 local vendors, artists, and community groups offering food, gifts, and interactive activities. Attendees can also enjoy over 15 live performances from bands, martial artists, and cultural performers, as well as free games, family-friendly activities, and photo ops, including a newspaper stand set and stamp stations inspired by iconic Hong Kong streets. For more information, including full event listings and vendor updates, visit www.newenglandhkfest.com and follow @newenglandhkfest on Instagram and Facebook.

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In partnership with Arts at the Armory, the Somerville Homeless Coalition is thrilled to announce SHC’s Echos Exhibition, a powerful showcase that features artwork created by clients from their Engagement Center. The exhibition will be on display from May 13 to June 30 at the Rooted Armory Café, 191 Highland Ave.

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The Boston Academy for Korean Traditional Arts (BAKTA) presents a Korean Festival Showcase featuring traditional Korean farmers’ festival music, dance, and drumming. Sunday, June 8, 4 p.m. at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue (2 blocks from the Davis Square T-station). Free admission, all ages welcome. For more information, see www.igji.org/bakta

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With spring in full swing, the City of Somerville is reminding residents that the season of growth is also the season of pollinators. As you shop for plants to fill garden pots or garden beds, you can play a role in feeding and sheltering the insects that keep our global ecosystem functioning. Somerville’s Pollinator Action Plan is your go-to guide for planting a beautiful garden and protecting the creatures that keep our environment blooming. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, seasoned gardener, or total beginner, the Plan is full of practical steps and inspiring ideas to help create a vital habitat right here in the city. Check out the full Pollinator Action Plan at: www.voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan.

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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 27, Ward 5, Trum Field Playground, 1 Franey Road (at Cedar St.), June 17, Ward 4, Healey Schoolyard, 5 Meacham Street.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Health and Human Services are inviting all community members to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month at the annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the City Hall Concourse (93 Highland Ave.). The event will feature remarks from Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, city LGBTQ+ Services Coordinator Izzy Starr, and youth representatives from Somerville’s LGBTQ+ community. Live ASL interpretation will be available. For more information about LGBTQ+ programming, events, and information, please visit somervillema.gov/lgbtq-services.

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The Somerville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the Taste of Somerville Festival on Wednesday, June 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Boynton Yards to benefit your favorite nonprofit, the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Returning for its 27th year, Taste of Somerville is the premier all-you-can-eat culinary and creative arts festival of Somerville with over 50+ food and beverage vendors, local artisans, live entertainment, lawn games, and more – all in the heart of Union Square at Boynton Yards. For more information and tickets, visit https://tasteofsomerville.org/.

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On June 7, the Somerville Organization for Multimedia Experiences (SOME) is proud to present SOMEDAY FEST, a day-long festival at the Boston Figurative Art Center featuring Somerville artists and musicians. With funding from the Mass Cultural Council, SOMEDAY FEST celebrates strictly Somerville-based talent with two stages (acoustic and amplified) and an array of local vendors and makers. The festival will transform BFAC’s loading dock into an outdoor stage showcasing the city’s top indie acts, performing from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. with dynamic projected visuals from Digital Awareness lighting up the building’s facade. The event will kick off at 2 p.m. with intimate, indoor performances from local folk-adjacent artists and vendor tables for visitors to shop around. Boston Figurative Art Center, 285 Washington St., Somerville. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/someday-fest-tickets-1359475139739?aff=oddtdtcreator.

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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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The Powder House, Milk Row Cemetery and Prospect Hill Tower will be open to the public on select dates and times from May 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. Next dates will be: The Powder House on May 22, 6 – 8 p.m., Milk Row Cemetery, Thursday, June 12, 6 – 8 p.m., Prospect Hill Tower, Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For more dates and events visit https://www.somervillemuseum.org/historic-events-1.

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Somerville’s annual Water System Flushing Program began on Thursday, May 15, and continues through late October. This program consists of flushing pipes at high velocities to clean water mains and maintain the highest possible water quality. Flushing will take place Mondays and Thursdays between 6 p.m. and midnight to minimize potential disruptions to water service. For program information and future updates, visit somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing.

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The Ginny Smithers Pool, 5 Cherry St. is officially back open. For more information on spring pool hours for Swim Lessons, Water Exercise, Lap Swim, Family Swim, and Open Swim. Please visit their website, https://somervillema.myrec.com/info/default.aspx, or email aquatics@somervillema.gov.

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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 Davis Square Market will reopen for the 2025 Season on Wednesday, May 21. The market will run every Wednesday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., from May 21 through November 26, 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, 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.

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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 to June 16, at the Somerville Public Library, West Branch, 40 College Avenue. Register using this link: tinyurl.com/SFLCsupportandplaygroups.

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10,000 Maniacs take the stage at Arts at the Armory on Wednesday, May 28. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the band continues to captivate audiences with the same independent spirit and storytelling that earned them a devoted following. It’s easy to see how their ability to make waves without bowing to the mainstream has developed into something of a cult-like legacy. Tickets are going fast, and with fewer than 100 remaining, they’re expecting a full house. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the music will start at 8 p.m. with a local opener https://artsatthearmory.org/.

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The Council on Aging’s Walking Club meets every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the entrance of Holland Street Center, 167 Holland St. Weather permitting,

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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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Join in on Sunday, June 8, 5 – 7 p.m. at Portico Brewing, 101 South Street in Union Square, to meet and mingle, share upcoming gigs, find a photographer, and get to know fellow creatives. Hosted by the Somerville Arts Council, Music Ambassador Ajda Snyder, and #ARTSTAYSHERE. RSVP is appreciated: https://somervillemusicmixer68.eventbrite.com.

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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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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.