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 di-al-in information, will be posted to the city website soon: visit www.somervillema.gov/calendar.

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Join Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) for its 21st annual celebration. Learn and discuss prevention efforts in Somerville and celebrate accomplishments with our dedicated youth leaders and community partners.This virtual event will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. online via Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87080851222?pwd=b61Re7QP7PpE6uYRBcJVEpoiIb9PZ9.1#success.

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Celebrating their birthdays this week: A big happy birthday to a special person who is celebrating this week, Chrissy Clark, our own Editor’s wife. We wish her the best and wish her a very special day. Happy birthday to a great guy, former City Councilor At-Large Bill White is celebrating this week. We wish him a very happy birthday. Happy birthday to State Rep. Mike Connolly, who is also celebrating this week. We wish him a great day. A big happy birthday to a wonderful person with a big heart, Mary Kane Hart. We wish her a special day, celebrated with her family and friends. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Patrick Courtney, John Gore and Mary Champagne Adamson. 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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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. The 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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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 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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The Kalajian Brothers Square hero plaque honoring veterans Harry, Michael and Peter for their service during WWII will be dedicated at 9 am on Sunday, June 1 outside their childhood home at 258 Beacon St, Somerville at the corner of Beckwith Circle (close to Star Market). It would greatly please the Kalajian family if you could join them at this Heroes Square ceremony.

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Celebrate World Portuguese Language Day with the Somerville Public Library. They have selected books and songs tailored to children up to 6 years old, but children of all ages are welcome, accompanied by their parents or caretakers. It’s fun for the whole family. After the storytime and sing-along, there will be a tour to learn more about the library and everything it offers. Entry is first-come, first-served, until venue capacity is reached. Registration is recommended so that they can better serve you. This event will be held in Portuguese. Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave. Registration is recommended. Please use this link to register: tinyurl.com/4ebebexv.

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The Somerville community is invited to get their dancing shoes on as SomerStreets: Carnaval returns on Sunday, June 1, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date Sunday, June 8) to kick off the 2025 SomerStreets season, which will include a series of three neighborhood street festivals across Somerville. SomerStreets: Carnaval celebrates the East Broadway Business District and community with food, music, and activities from around the world. Programming will extend along East Broadway from McGrath Hwy. to Pennsylvania Ave.

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The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities 3rd is holding their Annual Red Sox Event on Tuesday, June 3, 7:10 pm. Somerville residents who self-identify as having a disability can reserve free tickets for themselves and one guest by emailing ADAcommission@gmail.com. They are offering free transportation options, a classic Fenway Park meal during the game, and a Disability Pride Game Shirt courtesy of the Boston Red Sox.

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Pop-up, Cuban artist Janette Brossard Duhart, Reception, Friday, May 30, 2025,4 – 8 p.m., Somerville Museum, One Westwood Road, Somerville. The world as a supermarket is an exhibition functioning as a large installation, composed of various independent pieces presented in groups. This exhibition stems from my interest in showcasing society as a stage, with the main actor being financial capital. It explores the notion that we are increasingly immersed in a culture of consumption, posing a real threat to humanity.

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Jane’s Walk Somerville: Lost Histories of Central Street takes place Saturday, May 31, 2 – 3 pm, Somerville Museum, One Westwood Road, Somerville. Discover nearly all of Somerville’s history within a five-block radius. As development reshaped the landscape, much of Somerville’s natural environment and historic architecture were lost. Uncover the city’s rich, layered history through the stories of the families, historic homes, and pivotal moments that happened along and around Central Street. The tour will leave from the Museum at 2 pm. Leaves from the Somerville Museum, ends on Somerville Ave (must be able to walk up and down hills) https://www.somervillemuseum.org/

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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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Holly Simione, candidate for City Council At Large, is having her campaign kickoff Wednesday, June 4, from 6 to 8 pm, at Sally O’Brien’s in Union Square. Join Gene Brune, Dorothy Kelly Gay, Bob McWatters, and other very special guests as she officially launches her campaign. Complementary food, cash bar, and entertainment will be provided. All are welcome to attend.

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The Boston Academy of 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’s Slice of the City event that was previously postponed due to weather will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at Healey Schoolyard, 5 Meacham Street. For more information, visit www.somervillema.gov/slice

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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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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:  Milk Row Cemetery, Thursday, June 12, 6 – 8 p.m., Prospect Hill Tower, Thursday, May 29, 6-8 p.m. . For more dates and events visit https://www.somervillemuseum.org/historic-events-1.

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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. 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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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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Connect with fellow parents of LGBTQ+ youth at a supportive parent group. Participate in engaging discussions, share experiences, and have your questions answered by health educators from Cambridge Health Alliance.This event will be held on Monday, June 2, at West Branch Library (40 College Ave.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register. https://somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/parenting-queer-youth-workshop-with-cha/.

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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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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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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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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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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.