So, Patriots’ Day came and went this week with little fanfare and fuss, and no Boston Marathon, all because of the social distancing requirements cause by the coronavirus threat. We understand the importance of keeping everyone safe, yet we can’t help but miss these grand old traditions that most of us look forward to. It’s unfortunate that we have to give up so much for now, but these events and special occasions will return. For now, be safe and ride this thing out with patience and good humor. After all, what’s the alternative?

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Given the COVID-19 crisis, Porchfest cannot take place in its traditional form, instead they would like to continue with Porchfest virtually as CouchFest. This year, bands or individuals will post either prerecorded videos or plan to do live stream performances on May 9. If you have registered before, you’ll remember there is specific directions in the registration process. This year they are requesting you to determine if you can do a live stream performance or, if you have the resources, they encourage you to get your band together virtually for premiere performances. There have been some great examples. Check out this video by the great local outfit Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band: https://youtu.be/WjMzSkSU1Ng. Or post a prerecorded live video. Bands/individuals will still perform during the time slot assigned to their zone (just like prior events) except there will be specific times for the live events. The zones and time periods are: West of Willow Ave. is “west” and will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.; the area between Willow Ave. and Central St. is “central” zone and will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.; and the area east of Central St. is the “east” zone and will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Registration will remain open until May 7. For details and registration process go to: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest.

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To those celebrating their birthdays this week: Happy birthday to former Alderman Jack Connolly, who is celebrating this week. Happy birthday to a lady everyone in Somerville knows, Julie Phelan Brady. We wish her a great day on this her birthday. Happy birthday to a hard worker, Jim Cook, who is celebrating this week. Happy birthday to Bob DiGuardia, who is also celebrating this week. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Benjamin Holmes, Paul Stanford, Celia Miller-Saltman, Jim Ospenson, Susannah Buzard, Tina Kneeland, Sylvia Cabrera, Kimbap Jones, Joey McEdmunds, Angelmarie Dinunzio, Debbie Shansky Murray, Kate Sherlock Guiliano, Dom Panzino, and Norma Egana 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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Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Wayne Snow, who passed last week. We will post the full obituary when it becomes available, but in the meantime people are sharing their memories on the Facebook page Remembering Wayne Snow. Wayne will be greatly missed.

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Project SOUP is looking for donations. They are looking to stock up with plastic bags, pasta and rice (normal sized bags) this week. Hours of operation and times to drop off deliveries are provided on their website https://www.somervillehomelesscoalition.org/food-security/. Please arrange to drop off or have deliveries sent to our food pantry during their hours of operation. Their address is 165 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145. The telephone number during hours of operation is 617 776 7687.

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In response to COVID-19, the Somerville Winter Farmers Market will be a pre-order only market held in the Armory parking lot from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and have extended their season through April 25. You can order from several of their vendors this week, and then pick up your goods on Saturday. This is a great way to support vendors, especially smaller vendors who do not have the capacity to set up their own delivery systems at this time. Please consider purchasing some of their delicious products. To preorder or for more information, go to https://www.somwintermarket.org/vendors SNAP/EBT are accepted. Market pickup is outdoors and all social distancing guidelines will be followed, including line management and no touch transactions.

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Fast and Furriest 5K will be held virtually. Between now and Sunday, May 31, you can run, walk, or wag with your dog to help animals in need. Choose your course: on the road, in the park, on the trail, or even on your treadmill. Choose your pace: whether you run, walk, hop, canter, skip, or jump, what matters is that you are helping animals. Ask friends and family to support your effort. Once you register, you’ll be able to fundraise, helping the MSPCA-Angell continue providing essential services to homeless, sick, or injured animals in need. Raise $100 and we will send you a race medal for you and your dog. Raise even more, and you will be eligible for great prizes. Now more than ever, the animals need you. Every dollar you raise will make a difference. Register now at www.fastandfurriest.com. Use code FBEVENT to save $5 when you do. Questions or interested about sponsoring the event? Contact fastandfurriest@mspca.org.

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Support local business and enjoy the best of Somerville’s culinary scene by ordering takeout or delivery during this difficult time. Check out https://www.somervilledelivers.com for a list of restaurants accepting orders now. Don’t see your restaurant listed? Add it here: Somervillema.gov/covidbizhelp.

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Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is accepting masks. The link provided here offers a pattern and provides more details. Thanks to many local sewers who have already been hard at work on this. The link for CHA’s Call for Masks is: https://www.challiance.org/about/newsroom/personal_protective_equipment_ppe_homemade_donatio_1180.

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To contact us at The Somerville Times during these closures, please go to news@thesomervilletimes.com. We are still up and running but will be working remotely.

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The Ryan Harrington Foundation is honored to be hosting their 5th Annual Just One Run in Memory of Neil Naugler. Please join them on Sunday May 31, at 10:00 a.m. for the Just One Run with a free Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. The Ryan Harrington Foundation is a group dedicated to helping people with the disease and struggle of addiction while raising awareness and funding. The Foundation maintains the simple message: If we can help “JUST ONE” individual find and maintain their recovery, we have succeeded. This 5k race will start and end at the Blessing of the Bay Boat House in Somerville, looping around the Mystic River on Rt. 16 to Medford, through the Mystic River Reservation, and back over the Wellington Bridge to the finish. Shirts are guaranteed to the first 200 registered and to all kids registered prior to race day, 12 years of age and under. The event includes a free 1/2 mile Kid’s Fun Run, post-race refreshments, music and family activities! Informational stations provided by local resources. Online registration fees for the 5K race are $30 for participants ages 13 (plus processing fees). Participants for age 12 and under are $15. Adult registration fees increase to $35 on race day. Kids 12 and under are welcome to come and run at no cost, but please register your child. For more information about the Ryan Harrington Foundation and its mission, please visit http://www.ryanharringtonfoundation.org/the-foundation/

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Explore food from around the world at the 11th Annual YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City on Thursday, June 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. VIP reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. at The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville. The evening will include tastes from local immigrant-run restaurants, entertainment, a cash bar, and an awards presentation honoring the important work of José A. Palma from the National TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Coalition and Sabrineh “Sabi” Ardalan from the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical at Harvard University. YUM promotes immigrant-run local restaurants, highlighting contributions of the city’s immigrant communities. Want an opportunity to mingle with our award recipients before the Yum event? Join them at 6:00 p.m. for a very special VIP Reception. Complimentary wine and beer will be provided at this time to our VIPs in addition to delicious hors d’oeuvres. Tickets for the VIP Reception are $100 and include entry into YUM. Students are welcome. Email ben@welcomeproject.org for the 50% off student promo code. This event is sure to sell out so get your tickets early. For ticket info visit YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City Facebook page.