So-called supervised consumption sites offer drug users the ability to take advantage of a clean, medically supervised environment, thus eliminating many risks while additionally offering support for getting clean.

Three virtual town halls are planned for July to further the conversation around opening a supervised consumption site (SCS) in Somerville. Each meeting will have a different focus to address various stakeholder perspectives. Each meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the schedule is as follows:

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 2 City Councilor J.T. Scott, Ward 3 City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, and the Union Square Community Design Team invite you to participate in a series of community engagement pop-ups to inform the future of Union Square’s public spaces.

ArtBeat is back and will be popping up at 7 hills Park on July 10. ~ Design by Stephanie Vecellio

Somerville Arts Council’s ArtBeat is back in person this summer to celebrate pop art. This year’s theme is “Pop!” so expect to see pops of color, eye-popping art installations, and a whole lot of surprises popping up all over Davis Square. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 10 (rain date July 11) from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. throughout Davis Square, with a kickoff parade featuring the School of HONK starting at 10:30 a.m. ArtBeat is free, but with a suggested donation of $3 you will get an ArtBeat dog tag. Please visit www.somervilleartscouncil.org for a full schedule of events.

Updated:The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Somerville Public Library West Branch planned for Monday, July 12, has been postponed. A new date will be announced as soon as possible. The Central and East branches will open for in-person visits July 12, and the West will continue to offer curbside services until further notice. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

History Teacher Adda Maria Santos, Students of Somerville High School’s Local History Club and the Somerville Museum Win 2021 AASLH Award of Excellence

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that Somerville High School history teacher Adda Maria Santos, the students of Somerville High School’s Local History Club, the Somerville Museum and museum professional Jodie Smith are the recipients of an Award of Excellence for “The Basement Project.” The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 76th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

Mayor Joe Curtatone talks about the high vaccination numbers in Somerville, but cautions the job isn’t done until everyone is vaccinated.

Sunday, July 11, is Somerville Vaccine Day. Three mobile clinics will be set up around the city to provide COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 12 or older. Clinics will be held at Holy Bible Baptist Church, 64 College Ave.; St. Anthony’s Parish, 12 Properzi Way; Brazilian Presbyterian Church, 212 School St.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

When the idea hit me, I started by looking up gimp. But I didn’t even know how to spell it. Then gimp came up as an app to enhance the use of photoshop on computers. I finally found the description of the summer activity that was enjoyed when we were kids at our neighborhood playground. Here is the definition found on the internet.

Public swimming facilities are at maximum availability through the hot summer season, bringing relief to locals looking to stay cool. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

Swim, spray facilities to the rescue from summer heat
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By Rachael Hines

If you’re looking to beat summer heat, pools are now open around the city. Check out www.somervillema.gov/SomerH2Omap for a full map of Somerville’s public pools and water feature parks.