To honor Black History Month, the City of Somerville is hosting free public programming throughout February designed to create space for reflection, learning, and community – including a wellness workshop, film screening, and a fireside chat with Somerville’s U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley. Programming is led by Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice, in partnership with local partners. For questions about any of the City of Somerville’s Black History Month events or to learn more about the specifics of each event, please contact RSJ at rsj@somervillema.gov or visit somervillema.gov/rsj.

*****************************

Virtually join the Small Business Office Hours, Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Join in to talk to city staff from Economic Development, Licensing, and ISD to discuss any questions regarding permits, licenses, or your business. Attendees will be held in a waiting room and admitted to speak with staff in order of when they joined the call. This week’s session will take place on Thursday, February 19. Use this link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86006892005?pwd=U2xsT2JvQmdTMmpoY2dtTk10SXNYZz09.

*****************************

Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy Birthday to Ball Square resident, Kyle P. We wish him the very best year to come. Happy birthday to Sean Fitzgerald, who is celebrating this week. We wish Sean a great day. Happy birthday to Christine Resmini. We hope she has a great day as well. Happy birthday to a great guy, Eamon Fee, who celebrates this week. Happy birthday to Celia Taylor. We hope she has a great day. Happy birthday to local realtor Sammy Alves, who is celebrating this week. We wish her a nice day. A big happy Birthday to Lauren Daddio. We wish her a very special birthday. Happy birthday to a good guy, Elio LoRusso, who is celebrating this week as well. Happy Birthday to Rod Kreimeyer. We hope Rod has a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Jeannie Malone DeMase, Joelle Hochman, Dee Manuel-Raposo, Barbara L Amaral, Sheila Borges-Foley, Jason Rabin, David Tiger Williams, Wayne Fournier, Ann Bourque, and Las Carolinas a very happy birthday. To all those who are also celebrating this week, we wish a happy birthday.

*****************************

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture unveiled a new inverted food pyramid that prioritizes protein and full-fat dairy, while putting whole grains at the bottom. This month, the Somerville Council on Aging will be looking at the new guidelines so that you can make the best possible choices for your health and wellness for the upcoming new year. Nutrition at Ralph and Jenny (Council on Aging) 9 New Washington St., Monday, February 23, 12:30 p.m., Holland Street Center, 167 Holland St. February 25, 10 – 10:45 a.m.

*****************************

Join Nibble Kitchen’s first-ever Paint Night in partnership with local Haitian Chef Maritza Jules and Haitian artist Marc Elie Mordan. To kick off the evening, Marc will share insights into his personal artistic style and the unique characteristics that define a traditional Haitian landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, you’ll be guided through a step-by-step process – starting with broad brushstrokes to build your background before layering on the vibrant details that make your piece pop. No painting experience or equipment is required. As you create, Chef Maritza will keep you inspired with a feast of authentic Haitian flavors, including crispy fried pork belly (griot), savory plantain fritters, and refreshing coconut mocktails. Nibble Kitchen at Bow Market, Sunday, March 1, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979368941788?aff=oddtdtcreator.

*****************************

On Thursday, February 19, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Holland Street Center, the Veterans Department, along with the Council on Aging, will be hosting Sgt. Daniel M. Clark, known as “The Singing Trooper.” He is a veteran (USMC) and a retired Massachusetts State Trooper. This is much more than a concert. As our nation approaches its 250th birthday, Sgt. Clark is weaving a story of our nation through stories and song. Lunch will be served following the performance. Please reserve your spot by calling Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

*****************************

Liam Mannion and Bob McWatters invite the public to join them on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, at Sally O’Brien’s, 335 Somerville Ave  in celebrating Irish heritage with music, corned beef cabbage, and a pint of Guinness. At Sally O’Brien’s on St Patrick’s Day, there will be plenty of laughter, libations, and many special guests coming by throughout the day to join in the festivities.

*****************************

The City of Somerville opened an overnight Winter Warming Center during the coldest months of the year to provide a safe, warm place to sleep for our residents experiencing homelessness. Open 5 p.m. – 7:30 a.m. daily through April 12. For questions about the Warming Center, call 311. If you need assistance getting to the Warming Center or after-hours assistance, please call (339) 242-4744. Email warmingcenter@somervillema.gov. The Cummings Building, 42 Prescott St.

*****************************

Are you a musician, artist, or creative? Do you care about art/music space? Go to the free Making Space for Art community meeting on March 2 at Warehouse XI, Somerville. Learn about what Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville have worked on regionally to protect the space we have and potentially create more. Free w/RSVP: https://bit.ly/makingspaceforart.

*****************************

The 2026 Maple Boil Down will be held on Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Weather Date: Saturday, March 14), Somerville Community Center, 22 Vinal Ave. Each February, a team of volunteers taps a swath of maple trees on the Tufts campus, collecting gallons of sap over a number of weeks. At the Maple Boil Down, they’ll boil it down into real 100% hyper-local maple syrup. Youth and adults alike will have a chance to learn about tree anatomy and physiology and experience the process of making fresh maple syrup first-hand.

*****************************

A reminder that the deadline for Christmas tree pick-up is Friday, February 20. Trees can be placed directly on the sidewalk on your regular trash day after removing all decorations. Do not put trees in a plastic bag. Any trees not collected by then must be removed and held until yard waste collection resumes in mid-April.

*****************************

Kennedy School Playground public community meeting will be held on February 26, 6:30 p.m. City staff invites you to attend a virtual community meeting for the Kennedy School Playground Renovations project. This session will share a preferred design, solicit the community’s input on the design, and discuss the schedule. A recording of the meeting will be posted afterward so residents who cannot attend can still share their feedback. Visit the Somervoice Posting for information about requesting interpretation and ADA access.

*****************************

Join the Somerville Homeless Coalition for a night of local love at The Crystal Ballroom featuring some of Somerville’s best. Their 2026 Spring into Action celebration on March 26 brings together local flavors and fantastic live music from West of Willow and The Loomers. Be part of it and celebrate their community with them. Save the date; tickets drop in February. For support or additional information, please contact mconlan@shcinc.org.

*****************************

When you apply for Somerville’s Inclusionary Rental Program, you’ll now apply just once and will be placed on the waitlist for units at many properties. The application will close on March 2, and after that, it will not be available for 1 to 2 years. So, the time to apply is now. Applicants can apply online at somervillewaitlist.org or in-person at the City Hall Annex (50 Evergreen Ave.) during regular business hours. If you have any questions or need help with your application, please get in touch with them by emailing inclusionary@somervillema.gov or calling them at (617) 625-6600 x2566.

*****************************

East Somerville Main Streets is inviting artists to apply to create the official Carnaval poster. This is a chance to showcase your creativity and help shape the visual identity of one of East Somerville’s most beloved community events. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your art featured and celebrated across the neighborhood. The deadline to apply is February 20. Apply now, visit: eastsomervillemainstreets.org/carnaval2026.

*****************************

Participate in a Community Forum About the New School Building. The city is planning a new building at 115 Sycamore Street and is looking for input from the community. Don’t miss the Community Forum on March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Somerville High School’s Highlander Forum, 81 Highland Ave. This event will be an opportunity for all community members to learn about the project and provide feedback. Somerville is currently applying for funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to help finance the project. Find information about the MSBA funding application process, schedule, and project updates on the City of Somerville’s new school page: https://www.somervillema.gov/newschool.

*****************************

Low-income households may be eligible to receive help with winter heating costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program. This program serves residents of Somerville and Cambridge. Participants receive assistance with their heating costs between November 1 and April 30. Learn more about the program, check if you qualify, and apply for assistance today at somerville-ma.gov/heatingassistance.

*****************************

Take steps to protect yourself and loved ones against COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses this winter. Somerville’s Health and Human Services Department is hosting free vaccine clinics at locations across the city. For more information, visit: https://www.somervillema.gov/vaccinations. Next clinic will be Thursday, March 12, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Council on Aging, 167 Holland Street.

*****************************

The Community Gospel Choir will present a free Gospel Concert in honor of Black History Month on Sunday, February 22, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue, near Davis Square. This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome. For more information, see www.ILoveSCBC.org.

*****************************

Apply today for Creative Space at Somerville’s Armory. All creative disciplines are encouraged to apply for open spaces now through March 11. The city is now accepting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from arts and creative enterprises interested in leasing space at the city-owned Armory at 191 Highland Ave. Full details on eligibility, available spaces, lease terms, evaluation criteria, and how to submit a proposal are available on the Armory Master Plan SomerVoice page, which will serve as the primary hub for this process: www.voice.somervillema.gov/armory-master-plan. Upcoming dates to learn more about the Armory lease RFP, connect with others, and receive hands-on support as you prepare your proposal.

*****************************

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, 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 help our advertisers be able to advertise. Thank you all so much for your support!

*****************************

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