Dear Somerville Public Schools Families and Staff,

As we continues to prepare for the next two weeks, we want to make sure that our families are aware of important resources and updates. In the weeks to come, we will be sending information out regularly via email. We are working as fast as we can to put measures in place to support students and families but we recognize there is more we can and will do.

March 14, 2020 – COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) Update

State Launches 211 Hotline for COVID-19 Information, Referrals

You can now call 211 from a cellphone or landline for real-time COVID-19 updates and referrals including:

• COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and symptom information
• Information about testing
• Guidance for people returning from travel

The 211 hotline is available 24 hours a day and can provide information in 150 languages. When you call 211 you will hear an automated message and should press 2-6 for COVID-19 information. You can also access 211 resources through the Massachusetts 211 website.

Dear Friends of Arts at the Armory,

As part of an evolving response to the COVID19 pandemic, we have made the decision to cancel all public events scheduled in all Arts at the Armory spaces (the main hall, mezzanine, Café and the B5 classroom) and close the Armory Café starting Saturday, March 13 through Sunday, March 29. We will make decisions about potential cancellations and closures post-March 29 in the coming days and share that information with you.

Jason James will be playing in the Once Upon a Time in Graceland show on Wednesday, March 18, at ONCE Lounge.

By Blake Maddux

With his own versions of classic and highly familiar songs like Folsom Prison Blues, Rocket 88, and Highway 61 Revisited, singer, pianist, and guitarist Jason James demonstrates that interpretation is a talent akin to songwriting itself.

The news regarding the COVID-19 has been developing rapidly. I wanted to take this moment to personally update you on Somerville’s actions to curtail the spread of the virus.

Dear SMC Friends,

Paralleling decisions by the City of Somerville and the Somerville Public Schools with regard to buildings and programs, SMC will extend its public closure through Tuesday, March 31st.

Councilor-At-Large Mary Jo Rossetti shared this message:
Last evening your City Council held discussion with the Mayor and Director of Health & Human Services as it relates to COVID-19. I have attached that portion of the meeting here for your viewing. As you are well aware, more important decisions are forthcoming. 311 is ready to assist in answering any questions you may have.

Local activist and past City Council candidate Kristen Strezo will fill the seat to be vacated by current Councilor At-Large Stephanie Hirsch. Strezo announced the news in a post on her Facebook page:

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.

 The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health agencies are still learning more about COVID-19 and the severity of the virus. Current information points to most COVID-19 illnesses being mild, but certain populations – including older people and people with certain health conditions and compromised immune systems – are vulnerable to developing serious COVID-19 symptoms.

By Jessica Sisavath

The Somerville Community Growing Center had great turn out for this year’s Maple Syrup Boil Down last Saturday, March 7.

The boiling began at 7:40 a.m. before the community event started at 10:00 a.m. Five trees were tapped for the month of February from Tufts University and they received 89 gallons from the tapping.