Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is proud to announce the return of the ‘Free Summer Meals’ program, a program providing free meals to all Somerville kids and teens age 18 and under from Monday, July 7, through August 22, 2025. Breakfast and lunch foods will be distributed at youth-friendly locations Monday to Friday at locations citywide. 

The City of Somerville coordinates with nonprofit Project Bread on this program, and Somerville Recreation, with support from food service vendor RediPax, will distribute the meals. No registration or ID is required.  

Mindful Garden Experience with Sue
Tuesday, July 8, 7:00-8:00 pm
Looking for a way to slow down and unwind? Let Susan Novick, a certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, teach you how to do just that through mindful breathing, movements, and walking that will help you be present in the moment and connect with the natural world in new ways during this time at the Growing Center. 
Contact:  Sue at shnovick2@gmail.com 

The Somerville Museum is gearing up for a super-fun retrofuturist 100th Anniversary Party for the Somerville Museum on Thursday, October 23 at the Crystal Ballroom.  They are  looking for a Somerville artist to design the image for their invitation.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Sunday through Tuesday

High heat and humidity is expected in Somerville and the region over the coming days with actual temperatures in the 90s and feels-like temperatures between 95-100 degrees. At this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Sunday, Monday  and Tuesday . Community members are encouraged to review ways to stay cool and safe as the expected weather conditions can cause heat illness if precautions are not taken.  

With summer in full swing, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen are reminding community members to safely use and store grilling equipment to help prevent outdoor fires this summer. Most importantly, grills and smokers are not allowed on porches, balconies, fire escapes, or roofs. Remember to call 911 if you see uncontained flames or smoke. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas are also always prohibited in the city in all locations. 

City buildings will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day.

No street sweeping on Friday. All Somerville Public Library locations will also be closed on Friday, July 4. We wish everyone a safe, Happy 4th!

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

When I was a kid growing up in Somerville in the 60’s and ’70 s, we loved July 4th. We lit off firecrackers and sparklers, plus we got free Hoodsies. The aldermen would go to playgrounds throughout the city and hand out free Hoodsies ice cream cups to all the kids.

Arts stakeholders at the advocacy community meeting.

As a result of over two years of volunteer advocacy, this month the Somerville arts and music community celebrates two separate, yet connected wins for arts space. Simultaneously, stakeholders participated in two community processes: changes in zoning, led by the city and passed by the City Council, as well as a monumental Community Benefits Agreement and Project Labor Agreement agreed to by Rafi Properties and the Union Square Neighborhood Council and Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, respectively.