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.

By Camille Andersen

The city of Somerville held a virtual panel on June 29 about keeping our kids safe and the COVID vaccine. The panel was moderated by Felice Freyer, a health policy and public health reporter at the Boston Globe, and featured three doctors, Dr. Ashish K. Jha, Dr. Julia Koehler, Dr. Treniece Lewis Harris, and one parent, Vanessa Meneses.

— Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On Wednesday of last week, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in conjunction with the OSPCD Mobility Division held a virtual meeting concerning the preservation of a bridge in the Somerville area.

By Joe Creason

The City Council Building Committee held a meeting regarding progress for the long-planned public safety project set to be constructed at 90 Washington Street. The City acquired the property on the corner of Washington Street and New Washington St in order to create an improved operations center for Somerville Police and Fire Departments.

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, eyepopping 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 see the attached PDF for a full schedule of events or visit www.somervilleartscouncil.org.

By Bella Levavi

The Somerville Land Use Committee held their final meeting before their summer recess on Tuesday, July 29. They approved four zoning amendments, and discussed four larger amendments the committee has been working on.

It seems as though we cannot get enough of the farmers market scene in Somerville. They have become time-honored traditions and perennial mainstays of alternative commerce in the city.

There is something special about shopping for fresh produce, discovering unique arts and crafts vendors, and enjoying live entertainment in the open air. We feel a sense of camaraderie, too, as we gather to take in the sights, sounds, flavors and aromas that permeate each market site.