— Photo © Meena Kumar / @mekudesigns

Today many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers.

Many of the team members at Pilot Pen are parents, too. Below, they share some fun and creative ways you can use the power of the written word to help create special moments for kids while imparting valuable lessons.

Launches 10,000 mask drive for homemade cloth masks – distribution will prioritize seniors and other vulnerable populations

Starting this week, the City of Somerville will be distributing 100,000 civilian three-ply masks with a focus on getting masks to people most vulnerable to COVID-19. Because these masks can only be reused a limited number of times, the city is also putting out a call for donated cloth masks that can also be distributed to residents.

Normally there is an editorial from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in this space, but this week the city is instead sharing important information and updates about COVID-19.

 City Buildings to Remain Closed and Street Sweeping Delayed Until May 18

City buildings will remain closed to the public until at least May 18 and the beginning of street sweeping will be delayed until at least May 18. Further delays in reopening city buildings and starting street sweeping are possible and updates will be provided as they are available. You can still access many services through the city’s website (www.somervillema.gov) or by calling 311. More information on how to access services is available under the “City Services Status” tab on www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

Dear Community Members,

“EHawk” by mixed media visual artist Liz LaManche, one of the dozens of Somerville artists participating in last weekend’s virtual SOS.

By Isabel Sami

Last weekend, the annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS) event took place, but not in its traditional form. The citywide art event happened online from noon to 6:00 p.m. on the SOS website, featuring virtual galleries by 336 artists, and also on the SOS YouTube channel, where nearly 30 artists posted videos of their work and studios. During the event, six artists held Zoom livestream tours of their studios for virtual audiences.

After approval of safety plans, a limited number of essential projects to be allowed to restart May 18, others to phase in during June and July

In anticipation of the easing of statewide stay-at-home restrictions on May 18, the city is preparing for a phased resumption of construction under strict COVID-prevention protocols. In preparation for May 18, the State has also eased some restrictions on non-essential businesses and is seeking feedback on how to safely reopen the economy.

— Photo © SeventyFour / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Americans are spending more time at home, which means they’re likely spending more time online. While their attention is focused on staying healthy, they shouldn’t forget to stay vigilant about cybersecurity either.

The FBI recently warned that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the current environment to steal personal information and money. The scams come in various forms, including fake emails from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization claiming to offer new information on the virus; emails asking users to verify personal information for an economic stimulus check from the government; and emails selling counterfeit COVID-19 related products or treatments.

GLX and the Green Line Transformation (GLT) Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation Project are working concurrently to rebuild and restore historic structure for enhanced future service

Bus Replacement Service – Lechmere to North Station

GLX improvements will require Green Line service between Lechmere and North Stations to be interrupted for approximately one year beginning May 24, to remove, rebuild, and relocate a section of viaduct and construct a new Lechmere Station.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Arlington Chief of Police Julie Flaherty have confirmed the investigation into a fatal bicycle crash that occurred yesterday in Arlington.

On May 5, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Arlington Police responded to the intersection of Appleton Street and Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a crash involving two bicyclists and a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, police located two bicyclists, a 32-year-old female and a 27-year-old male identified as Charles Proctor of Somerville. Arlington Rescue transported Mr. Proctor to Lahey Hospital where he subsequently died from injuries sustained in the crash. The female victim was also transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.