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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Community members are invited to attend a film screening and panel discussion to highlight the work of Somerville’s Anti-Displacement Task Force (ADTF) and continue the important conversation of displacement in Somerville. The event will be held on Thursday, June 12, at East Somerville Community School (50 Cross St.), at 6 p.m. To learn more and review the ADTF reports, visit: www.voice.somervillema.gov/adtf

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Celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to Steve Mirabella. We wish him many more. Happy birthday to Linda Spinosa, who celebrates this week. We hope she enjoys her day. Happy birthday to former Somerville resident Gail Chambers, who is celebrating this week as well. We hope she has a great day. Happy birthday to one of our former writers, Jack Nicas. As always, we wish him the best. Happy birthday, Jack. We hope you have a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Kevin Tortorella,Rand Wilson,Al Sharpe,Amanda Esteves,Donna Amenta,Stephanie Hirsch,Donna M. Quinn,Shawn M Lynch,Rebekah Gewirtz,Gretchen Ann Graham and Martin Janet 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 3 City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, and the City of Somerville’s Department of Veterans’ Services and Public Space and Urban Forestry Division invite members of the public to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Central Hill Veterans Vietnam and Korean War Memorial project. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 12, from 2 to 3 p.m. on the lawn in front of Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.).The Central Hill Veterans Memorials project was a component of the new Somerville High School campus design. Coming out of an extensive community process, the vision for the site includes a memorial walk with reflective spaces honoring veterans in chronological order. The first phase of the project includes the return of the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials to the lawn in front of Somerville High School. Belko Landscaping will begin installation work this summer. To learn more and for future project updates, visit www.voice.somervillema.gov/central-hill-memorials.

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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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Blast off into summer with Small Mart, a pop-up marketplace for all things local, handmade, and one-of-a-kind. They are touching down at the Crystal Ballroom on Saturday, June 14, for a stellar afternoon of vintage treasures, original artwork, handcrafted goods, and cosmic creativity from 40+ small businesses. Located just steps from the Davis Square T stop, the Crystal Ballroom provides the perfect backdrop, and their bar will be open for beverages while you browse. Small Mart at Crystal Ballroom, Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., 55 Davis Square, Somerville. Free entry, all ages welcome.

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Tour of the Secret Quarries of Somerville on Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join Somerville resident Robin Hazard Ray on a walk through Somerville’s deep past, beginning and ending at the Somerville Museum, One Westwood. The rocks underlying our city date to a time before the dinosaurs. We will explore the forgotten traces of rock quarries and look at how our handsome bedrock – the Cambridge Argillite – was extracted, shaped, and used in the city’s 19th-century fabric. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring some water. The event is free, RSVP https://www.somervillemuseum.org/.

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Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville, will hold a Festa Junina/Brazilian Harvest Festival on Saturday, June 14, 1:00 – 4:30 pm. Rain Date: Sunday, June 15. Festa Junina is a traditional harvest celebration in Brazil. This annual Growing Center event will include craft stations (root printing, lantern making, and making dance accessories), participatory Quadrilha dancing, traditional treats, and music. This year, the festival will also feature Bumba Meu Boi, combining music, dance, puppets, and costumes to symbolically resist social oppression and celebrate the cycle of life. Visit www.thegrowingcenter.org/calendar for more information.

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Union Comedy is now enrolling for its popular Summer Improv Comedy Camps, designed for teens (ages 13-17) looking to get creative, build confidence, and have a ton of fun. These week-long camps offer an exciting dive into long-form improvisation, guided by experienced instructors from Union Comedy’s year-round curriculum.: Ages 13-17, with or without prior experience. Week-long improv camp (Mon–Fri) with a final showcase. July 21–24, August 4–8, and August 18–22, Union Comedy, 593 Somerville Ave, Somerville. How to register: Visit www.tr.ee/unioncomedycamp.com. Spaces are limited and tend to fill quickly. Secure your spot today. Questions? Reach out to info@unioncomedy.com.

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Somerville’s Big Gay Dance Party takes place on June 21. Dance the night away in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride. The theme: Halloween in July. Enjoy live music, drag performances, and more. All LGBTQ+ individuals and allies are welcome. Featuring: Amanda Playwith, Lilly Rose Valore, and Tommy Boss. Costumes are highly encouraged, so come dressed to slay. This event will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Union Square Plaza (90 Union Square). Details: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/.

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Join the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to learn about the proposed project consisting of a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge crossing the Mystic River and connecting the path networks on the Somerville and Everett sides of the river at the Mystic River Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge Public Meeting. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 24, at the Highlander Forum at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more https://www.mass.gov/event/everett-somerville-mystic-river-bicycle-pedestrian-bridge-06-24-2025.

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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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For the 8th year, Union Square Main Streets and local businesses (https://www.unionsquaremain.org/good-food-for-all ) proudly present Good Food for All, a week-long community campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Union Square Farmers Market’s local SNAP match. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously Food Stamps) recipients often find fresh, local food at farmers markets inaccessible, yet these foods are vital for strong and healthy immune systems. To make your donation, visit : https://www.unionsquaremain.org/good-food-for-all.

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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 Somerville Museum presents Kaleidoscope: Reflecting the Moment through August 23. Kaleidoscope: Reflecting the Moment is an immersive,multi-sensory exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Flor Delgadillo that invites us to reflect on shifting ideas of home, family, neighbors, and community in a rapidly changing world. Blending opportunities for pause and reflection with moments of interaction and creation, Kaleidoscope explores how light transforms space, how sound carries memory, and how collective experience deepens our sense of belonging, connection, and resilience. For more information, visit: https://www.somervillemuseum.org/.

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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. Ward 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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Celebrate the start of summer and join the City of Somerville Parks and Recreation Department for the annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Conway Park (550 Somerville Ave.). In the event of inclement weather, activities will move indoors to Founders Memorial Rink (8 Garden Court). There will be fun for kids of all ages, including bounce houses, face painting, games, music, arts and crafts, and more. To learn more, please visit www.somervillerec.com or call 617-625-6600 ext 2980.

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National Night Out is back again. Celebrate bringing police and community together with fun activities for the whole family. Join in on Tuesday, August 5, at Dilboy Stadium, 110 Alewife Brook Parkway, from 5 to 8 p.m., for a fun night.

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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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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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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 their 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: www.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.