Enjoy free pizza and start planning summer fun!

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Superintendent Rubén Carmona are inviting Somerville families to the 2025 Summer Camp & Activities Fair. 

Families can enjoy free pizza while exploring a variety of local summer camps, recreational programs, and learning opportunities. Representatives from regional camps and organizations including the Somerville YMCA, City of Somerville Recreation Department’s Somertime Program, and the Somerville Media Center, along with many others, will be in attendance. Language interpreters will also be available on site.

Time to get FROZEN! The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtBeat 2025 Calls for Talent are now available.

In addition to approximately 100 craft, community, and food vendors on the street, we’ll have two stages of music and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, in partnership with the Somerville Arts Council and an extensive network of artists, cultural workers, and community members, is proud to announce the release of the Somerville Cultural Capacity Plan (SCCP), the city’s first-ever comprehensive plan to strengthen, support, and sustain Somerville’s vibrant arts and culture ecosystem.

By Vincent Hicks, CPA

Q: Can I claim a dependent on my taxes if they’re not my child and don’t live with me?

A: Surprisingly, yes! Many people don’t realize that the IRS allows you to claim certain dependents even if they’re not your child—or even if they don’t live with you. But there are some key rules to follow.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne checks in with COA director Ashley Speliotis and resident Vanessa to chat about one of their many offerings for seniors: their new Virtual Reality program.

Interested in the VR or other COA programming? Just use 311 (617-666-3311).

Deano’s Fresh Pasta Mural. — Photos courtesy of The SomeSights Map

By Jeffrey Shwom

Google Maps is used by over a billion users globally. In Somerville, one of those users, a work-from-home 3D graphics programmer, spends his time outside walking around documenting and sharing all of the “odd” things that make Somerville interesting and historic. 

Don’t miss this year’s Maple Boil Down, coming up this Saturday.

All are invited! Join in the fun. As part of this project, a team of volunteers taps a swath of maple trees on the Tufts campus beginning in late January, collecting dozens of gallons of sap over a number of weeks. At the Maple Boil Down, coordinated by the Somerville Community Growing Center, we’ll boil it all down into real, true 100% hyper-local maple syrup. At this event, youth and adults alike will have a chance to learn about tree anatomy and physiology and experience the process – and aromas! – of making fresh maple syrup first-hand. Read more about the Somerville Maple Syrup Project here. 

John T. Connelly, affectionately known as JC, of Somerville, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital in Burlington on February 24, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born in Boston and raised in Somerville, John was the beloved son of the late William F. and Rita (O’Sullivan) Connelly. A proud graduate of St. Clement High School, John spent his life-giving back to the community he loved.

By Carlie Lombardi

On February 20, the Open Space, Environment, and Energy Committee discussed key environmental policies in Somerville, focusing on yard waste collection, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Yard waste collection debate

A proposal to extend yard waste collection beyond just December faced logistical challenges, as the Department of Public Works (DPW) Commissioner emphasized winter preparation and financial issues. Residents have raised concerns about yard waste collection timing due to changing seasonal patterns, noting that leaves are falling later in the season. Council members mentioned changing climate conditions and suggested shifting the start of weekly collection later in the fall rather than extending it. The commissioner agreed to consult with waste contractors. Some council members also raised concerns about accessibility for residents without their own private transportation, bringing up different pickup options for yard waste.