Community volunteerism is an uplifting thing to observe and, especially, to participate in. When the efforts involved result in making the community a bit cleaner and a more comfortable place to live then it is all to the better.

So it is with the annual Somerville Spring Cleanup held this past weekend as many residents pitched in, picked up, and swept out the old, unwanted refuse and generally celebrated our mutual appreciation of the city we live and work in.

Angelo Busa/McWatters enjoyed a wonderful surprise on his first birthday with a Somerville Fire and Police caravan on Summer St. on Saturday, April 24. Angelo is the son of Jacqueline and Mike Busa. Florence McWatters is the great grandmother and his grandfather Kevin McWatters and Karen McWatters were present to witness the fabulous gesture by the fire and police departments. Angelo is also Grand Nephew of former Alderman Bob McWatters.

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I talked with artist Thea Paneth, of Somerville Open Studios, about the upcoming event that happens on May 1 and 2 of 2021. Open Studios has brought art to the streets of Somerville for over 20 years, and they continue to keep on keeping on, during these challenging times.

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Ball Square resident Marlena Merrin is a songwriter, musical theater writer, poet, and sometime improv actor. You can listen to some of her songs and read about some of her musicals at collegeboundthemusical.com. In her alternate life, under a slightly different name, she designs and analyzes IT systems for security and privacy.

Arrests:
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Anthony Moore, of Boston, April 22, 10:19 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on a warrant charge of shoplifting by asportation third offense.

With more residents and employees able to be vaccinated and a recent decrease in COVID-19 cases, Somerville will move into a modified Phase 4, Step 1 of the State’s reopening plan starting on Friday, May 7.

What will change in Somerville starting May 7:

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, State Senator Pat Jehlen, State Representative Mike Connolly, City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, and City of Somerville staff invite you to the second virtual public meeting to discuss the Kensington Connector Revitalization Project.  

The City of Somerville is seeking applicants to serve on the newly formed Vision Zero Working Group to help advance the City’s Vision Zero commitment of eliminating vehicle crashes that result in death or serious injury.