City buildings will be closed Monday, January 2, in observance of the New Years holiday.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites all to join the city’s annual  kick off for the New Year on Sunday, January 1, 2023, with a ceremony for the anniversary of the Grand Union’s flag-raising at Prospect Hill Park. A processional that all are welcome to join will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at Prospect Hill Park from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to join this family-friendly event, and anyone who wishes to is encouraged to don Colonial-style or Colonial-inspired clothing (see below for links to how to make a tricorn paper hat or neck ruffle).     

— Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Somerville

The Somerville Kiwanis club teams up annually with the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) Head Start Program to supply much needed gifts to eligible Head Start children. Now in its 23rd year, the gift program has changed a bit due to Covid restrictions. However, given the Kiwanians incredible generosity and “get it done” attitude, they were able to supply every single Head Start child, ages 3-5 years old, with a gift for Christmas this year. That’s almost 200 gifts. Kiwanis members purchased the gifts and gathered together to wrap every one of them prior to delivery to the Head Start staff for distribution. 

The City of Somerville and Pathways for Immigrant Workers will host a free immigration legal information session for small employers and lower-wage workers on Thursday, January 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School Cafeteria located at 50 Cross St. To register, email info@myimmigrantpathway.org. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

Two million in ARPA funding is available for area nonprofits to support programs that address gender pay disparity, particularly for women of color

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announces that the City of Somerville is now seeking proposals that aim to address the gender wage gap, particularly for women of color who face the greatest pay disparity. Programs that create and maintain employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income women residing in the city are sought. The grants are made possible by the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Job Creation and Retention Trust, city funds, and funds generated from development impact fees. Proposals will be accepted until January 31, 2023.

City buildings will be closed Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day. No street sweeping on Monday.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville’s Jingle Bell 5k Run took place on Sunday, December 18. Starting in Davis Square, the 5K run/walk wound through streets and squares of Somerville, ending back in Davis Square. The run was followed by a post-race party in several local bars. Congrats to the finishers of the 2022 Jingle Bell 5K Run and Walk! Results can be found at https://www.gsrs.com/results/4641.

Recent donations from PUMA North America, Cradles to Crayons, Boynton Yards, help stock SFLC’s Clothing Closet to support Somerville students.

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative’s Clothing Closet recently received a number of donations from local businesses and organizations, making it possible for SFLC and the Somerville Public Schools to distribute quality clothing, footwear, and other items to Somerville students struggling with basic needs. In Fall 2022, the Clothing Closet received large donations from PUMA North America, whose headquarters is located at Assembly Row, from long-standing SPS partner Cradles 2 Crayons, and from Boynton Yards.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

The Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations is back until January 2, 2023. Take a self-guided tour and enjoy the brightest holiday displays around Somerville. To access the map visit somervilleartscouncil.org.