Union Comedy’s week-long improv camps for teens (ages 13–17) are back for Summer 2025 – offering creativity, big laughs, and the confidence to play outside the lines.

Union Comedy is now enrolling for its popular Summer Improv Comedy Camps, designed for teens (ages 13-17) looking to get creative, build confidence, and have a ton of fun. These week-long camps offer an exciting dive into long-form improvisation, guided by experienced instructors from Union Comedy’s year-round curriculum.

Practical leadership, Real Solutions, and a Stronger Voice for Ward 5

Jason Mackey today announced his candidacy for Somerville Ward 5 City Council. A local community advocate, entrepreneur, and experienced problem-solver, Mackey emphasized his commitment to pragmatic, results-driven leadership that will prioritize Ward 5’s unique needs and diverse community.

The Somerville Road Runners and the Pilotte Family will be hosting the 19th M.O.M.’s Run 5k on May 11 at the Dilboy VFW.   In 2024, the race donated close to $19,000 to charities, including Dana Farber and the American Cancer Society.

Union Square Farmers Market starts its 21st season this Saturday, May 10.

Union Square Main Streets kicks off the 21st season of the Union Square Farmers Market in Somerville this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Union Square Plaza. The market will be open rain or shine Saturdays through October 25, except September 20.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

We’ve all had a few brushes with greatness. One of mine went a little awry.

I did a character named Blanche on the radio back in the 90s. Soon, I was dressing up like this colorful bingo-loving Kresge’s Basement shopper and doing appearances. We were doing a live broadcast in Downtown Boston, and none other than Captain Kangaroo was to be our guest. Instead of trying to find someplace to put on my costume, I arrived at the broadcast location fully dressed (wig, lipstick, housedress, and pumps). Hey, a gig is a gig. I was standing around waiting for the rest of the crew to show up, and lo and behold, there was the recently widowed Captain Kangaroo in the flesh.

— Hilary Scott photos by Bobbie Toner

This past weekend, artists opened their doors for the annual Somerville Open Studios. This year’s event featured nearly 400 artists displaying their work at over 100 sites across the city of Somerville. If you missed the event or just want to follow up with an artist, visit their artist directory at https://www.somervilleopenstudios.org/. It will remain online throughout the year. The SOS artist directory is the best place for finding information about visual artists working and living in Somerville. The following are photos taken at the studios of Hilary Scott, Martha Friend, and Mudflat.

Update:The Western Pearl Street Open House has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at Ed Leathers Park (98 Walnut Street). Join us to discuss the proposed concept design options for Pearl Street between McGrath Highway and Medford Street.

The western segment of Pearl Street (between McGrath Highway and Medford Street) sits in the center of the Gilman Square Neighborhood, not far from Somerville High School, the MBTA Green Line Station, Community Path, and Ed Leathers Park. It is home to many residents, a variety of local businesses, and serves many different purposes.  

Currently, some of the sidewalks are in poor condition with cracked concrete panels, and the roadway needs to be repaved. Fortunately, this part of Pearl Street is prioritized for reconstruction through Somerville’s Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program (somervillema.gov/paving). However, instead of just rebuilding the street as is, the city is looking to reimagine it – prioritizing safety and accessibility. 

An update to the Somerville city charter has finally been agreed upon and awaits approval at the state level. — Photo courtesy of City of Somerville

City charters serve as a city’s local constitution, and after an intensive community process and collaborative work by the Ballantyne administration and the City Council, Somerville’s charter is getting a significant update. The new charter now includes greater transparency, more opportunity for public engagement, important resources for the City Council, and a pathway to ranked choice voting, as well as other modernizations, like officially recognizing women as voters. 

Somerville residents participated in a “walk audit” of Union Square recently with the aim of improving pedestrian safety. — Photos courtesy of PTAC

By Holly Simione

The Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC), in collaboration with the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), the Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets (SASS), and Groundwork Somerville, invited residents to participate in a community “walk audit” of Union Square. PTAC is a mayor-appointed body of volunteer community members who advise and collaborate with city staff to make walking and public transportation in Somerville safer, sustainable, equitable, and accessible.