~Photo courtesy of Tufts University

Up to 300 asymptomatic tests per week will be available to immediate neighbors in Medford and Somerville, starting October 13

Tufts University is launching a free COVID-19 community testing program for neighbors in Medford and Somerville who live on select streets close to the university’s Medford/Somerville campus. A limited number of asymptomatic tests will be available each week during the program, which launches Tuesday, Oct. 13 and concludes at the end of Tufts’ Fall semester in December.

With broad scientific consensus pointing to a  high risk of virus transmission at large gatherings, especially those indoors in poorly ventilated spaces, Somerville will take a more cautious approach to Phase 3 Step 2. Businesses and activities in this step will not be reopening on the state’s schedule. Local officials will continue to review the situation and provide updates. In Somerville, indoor and outdoor gatherings remain limited to no more than 10 persons until further notice, unless specifically permitted in city activity-specific guidelines.

Visit the Food and Nutrition Services website (www.somerville.k12.ma.us/fns) for this month’s Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunch menus and an expanded list of pickup times. Meals can be picked up Mondays through Fridays at the following sites (SHS and NWFC students may pick up meals at their neighborhood school):

Joey L. Marano of Norfolk formerly of Somerville, October 2, 2020.

Beloved husband of Lori Marano. Dear Son of Pasquale and Elizabeth Marano.  Loving father of Justin and Amanda Berneburg of Norfolk. Devoted brother of Louis Marano and his wife Jennifer of  Tewksbury. Cherished uncle of Brooke and Sarah Marano.

Also survived by many Brothers and Sisters in Public Safety.

As a follow-up to an Arts Community Town Hall held in September, two additional virtual meetings have been scheduled to discuss issues related to Somerville’s arts and culture community. 

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Hi All. Almost every store I hunt runs into a problem with the hundreds of pounds of jewelry that they receive. It’s tedious sorting and tagging jewelry, most of which is costume. Most. Not all. Some of the donations are valuable gold, silver and platinum items. And that’s where I can make a buck.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Dear Mr. Connolly,

Like you, I am a life-long resident of Somerville who remembers the transformation of Davis Square in the 80s and 90s. And, like you, I am concerned about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the small businesses and restaurants of Somerville. However, it seems like that is where the similarities end.

The expansion of outdoor dining options for restaurants in response to the pandemic will continue through next year  

As the weather gets colder, tents and outdoor heaters may be cropping up on Somerville streets as local restaurants dig in to continue outdoor dining during the cooler weather. The recent expansion of outdoor dining in Somerville in response to the pandemic had been scheduled to end November 1. But it will now be allowed to continue year-round through December 31, 2021, weather and safety permitting, now that the City administration and the Somerville City Council have taken steps to extend it. 

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to Earl’s Kitchen at Assembly Row last week on reports of an assault involving a knife.

Upon arrival, an officer was flagged down by a witness, and the victim. They told the officer that a white male pulled a knife on the victim, who was then struck with a closed fist by a second male. The victim declined medical attention.