Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 5 City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, and the city’s Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry invite you to a virtual community meeting to learn about upcoming construction to improve and expand Somerville Junction Park.

Potential Candidates Learn More about Becoming a Somerville Firefighter at Upcoming Registration Events on August 17 and August 24

Interested in serving your community as a member of the Somerville Fire Department? Then join current members of the SFD, along with the City’s Human Resources and Racial and Social Justice Departments, to learn more and get on-site assistance with the application for the firefighter exam.

Martha Friend is preparing sculptures for her upcoming exhibit on the color blue.

By Maile Blume

Martha Friend’s glass-covered home is a community landmark in Somerville, evoking wonder and joy in people passing by. People are often drawn in by the expanse of blue sculptures, said Friend. “If I’m out gardening, people always stop and just start talking to me about blue and how much they love blue,” she said. The positive community response to her art and Friend’s own love of blue inspired her to curate a show on the color, for the Somerville Museum. The show will open on September 21.

Somerville Community Access Television, doing business as Somerville Media Center, has been ordered by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne to cease operations in its facility at 90 Union Square and vacate the building by August 31, 2023.

Yart Sale is a citywide event that will take place on Saturday, August 12, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., (rain date 8/13). Think of a yard sale but with ART! Don’t miss these featured artists: Jo Studio, Britt Jones Art, Robert Boyer Pottery, Amanda Claire, Cheat Death Tintype and Bulgihan Press.

The future of how the Armory will be operated is currently under study by the city and interested stakeholders.

By Ana Celerier

On Tuesday, August 1, a virtual public meeting was held to discuss the future of the historic Somerville Armory building. The Somerville Arts Council members were present to discuss the different approaches to the future of the historic building’s management. They said that creating a sense of belonging is essential for the artists currently involved in the space, and that for visitors the space needs to be inviting and inspiring. The Arts Council stated that the city currently owns the Armory and plans to remain the owner.

Planning for a new city at 217 Somerville Ave. is fully underway. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Cassidy Beek

The City of Somerville’s Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF) Division held a virtual town meeting on Wednesday, August 2 to discuss future plans for a new 6,500 sq. ft. pocket park at 217 Somerville Ave.

By Khoa Tong

The Somerville City Council met for a special meeting, per the request of Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, to discuss paying a $108,379 license agreement for the Tufts Administration Building (TAB) on Thursday, August 3.

Don’t miss this year’s Yart Sale, a citywide showcase of your art. Yart Sale is an opportunity for residents to sell from the comfort of their yards, driveways and porch. Think of a yard sale but with art. Yart Sale will take place on Saturday, August 12, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., (rain date 8/13). Time of event will vary on participants. Download a PDF with map information here.  Learn more at: https://somervilleartscouncil.org/yartsale