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Racial & Social Justice Dept. and the Somerville Museum take you through a thought-provoking panel discussion on the impact of Black history on arts and culture and the importance of preserving Black narratives in our community. Hear from community organizers, activists, and City library staff as they share insights and experiences.

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.