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 pm 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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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 pm until 10 pm with dynamic projected visuals from Digital Awareness lighting up the building’s facade. The event will kick off at 2 pm 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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Celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Carolyn Pedersen. We wish Carolyn a great day. Happy birthday to Suzanne Bremer. We hope she enjoys her day. Happy birthday to Beth Chamberlain. We hope Beth has a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Richard DiPinto, Dell E. Fisher, Paul Harvey, Roz Cummins, Nicole Alves Bairos, Chris Argeropoulos, Elizabeth Rodrigues Fula, Charlie McCarthy, Gavin House, Len Tower, and Betty Casazza 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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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott, and city staff invite you to a community meeting to discuss the Somerville Avenue quick-build improvements between Elm Street and Bow Street. Come hear an overview of the project, learn more about the opportunities in quick-build projects, and share your questions and feedback on Monday, June 9, from 6 o 7:30 pm on Zoom. Register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U_rcyaiyTR6gTRh6gDETVQ.

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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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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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Join The Somerville Arts Council for a Volunteer Picnic on Wednesday, June 11, from 6 to 7:30 pm at Powder House Park (right of the stone fieldhouse, near the Powder House rotary). They will have light snacks, friendly faces, and a chance to chat with their board, staff, volunteers, and neighbors. Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or just curious about the upcoming events like ArtBeat, SomerStreets, or Ignite, they would love to meet you. It’s also a great time to sign up to volunteer. They always need extra hands and new friends.

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Congratulations to Somerville High School Social Studies teacher Beatriz Thomas on being named a 2026 MA Teacher of the Year Finalist. She is being recognized for “making a positive impact on student learning and well-being; using student-centered, innovative approaches to teaching and learning; and demonstrating lead-ership within and beyond the classroom.” This process has gone from nomination to a video entry of her philosophy and classroom instruction, and most recently, a classroom visit from DESE. The winners will be announced in the fall of 2025.

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@followers, the latest exhibit at the Inside-Out gallery in Davis Square celebrates the multifaceted creativity of Central Street Studios. For nearly 40 years, 57 Central Street has hosted artists of all genres. Within its un-assuming walls, there is a bustling energy of visual artists, filmmakers, writers, and musicians who hone their craft, creating a unique vibe that feels distinctly Somerville – quirky, creative, and fun. With over 20 studio spaces, this showcase is just a mere glimpse of the eclectic array of talent that dons the halls of Central Street. Meet the Artist on June 6 from 6 to 7 pm for Central Street Studios Artist Exhibit – Meet & Greet.

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Somerville Fireworks will be held on Wednesday, June 25, with a rain date of June 27 at Trum Field. Join the Council On Aging (COA) for an evening of music, celebration, and spectacular fireworks. If you would like to join the COA in their reserved seating area, please contact Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600, ext. 2319. Limited transportation available, transportation must be requested by June 18.

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Mayor Ballantyne and the City of Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) invite community members to attend the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Monday, June 16, on the City Hall Concourse (93 Highland Ave.) from noon to 1 pm. Alongside the flag raising, hear from local leaders and advocates, and free ice cream will be available. This event’s rain date is Tuesday, June 17, from 4 to 5 p.m. City buildings will be closed.

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The next monthly Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day at DPW (1 Franey Rd., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) is Saturday, June 14.

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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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Riverside’s Early Head Start (EHS) program prepares children to successfully enter preschool and helps families learn important parenting skills. To introduce families to the program, they are holding a free community baby shower on Wednesday, June 11, at 474 Broadway, Somerville, from 4 to 6 pm. Pregnant women and parents with infants up to three months old are invited to this unique event where they can form connections with other parents and community service agencies. Attendees will receive important resources, enjoy snacks, develop new parenting skills, and celebrate this transformative time in their lives. Everyone at the baby shower will leave with a goodie bag designed to support newborns. Call 781-516-2922 or text “SHOWER” to register today. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.riversidecc.org/child-family-services/early-childhood/

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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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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 enter-tainment, 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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Artist Talk + Q&A with Joshua Sariñana takes place on Tuesday, June 10, from 6–8 p.m., at the Somerville Armory, 2nd Floor, Suite 2A. Explore the intersection of art, AI, and neuroscience through Mental Mapping: The Art of Exploring Connections. Learn how cognitive mapping, interviews, and AI-generated visuals come together to examine identity, place, and belonging. Don’t miss this immersive conversation and multimedia experience. RSVP is appreciated: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/events/mentalmapping/.

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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 Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 12 pm, Milk Row Cemetery, Thursday, June 12, 6 – 8 p.m., Prospect Hill Tower, Thursday, July 10, 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 is open for the 2025 Season. The market will run every Wednesday from 12 noon to 6 pm, 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 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? Nomination papers for Mayor, Councilor at Large, Ward Councilor, and School Committee are 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 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 mes-sage 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 essen-tial 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 under 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.