— Photo by Sean Burns

The Somerville Theatre held an event (abiding by all social distancing laws) called “Popcorn Pop-Up” on Friday, April 3, to raise funds during this difficult time. Loyal patrons were encouraged to phone in their orders for popcorn and other snack bar treats earlier in the day for pick up that evening, which they could then take home to enjoy while watching their own favorite films. The next event is planned for Saturday, April 11, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Somerville Theatre. The theater can be reached by phone at 617-625-4088.

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Alexander Levering Kern is a Somerville-based poet, educator, organizer, and Quaker chaplain who directs the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service at Northeastern University in Boston. He is completing a book manuscript of poems based on twenty years living in Somerville, celebrating the city’s extraordinary diversity, strength, history, and character. Alex’s poems and nonfiction have been published widely and he is editor of the anthology Becoming Fire. He co-edits the new interfaith/intercultural publication Pensive: A Global Journal of Spirituality and the Arts, which is currently seeking submissions.

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Julia Carlson is a longtime member of the Somerville Bagel Bards, that now resides in the land of Zoom.

Property taxes, excise taxes and water bills will have until June 29, 2020 to pay. Cancelled events include porchfest and 4th of July fireworks.

Dear Community Members,

Somerville Public Events and Large Gatherings Canceled Through June

Today Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that residents and property owners will have extra time to pay their property tax, excise tax, and water bills. He also announced that all City-sponsored or permitted public events and large gatherings will be canceled in Somerville through June, including the City’s annual Fourth of July fireworks. 

The city encourages everyone to follow CDC’s recommendation (bit.ly/3aRUOr6) to wear masks or face coverings in public. It is important to remember that these are meant to complement, not replace, social distancing. Even if your face is covered, you should still stay 6 feet away from others.

This Saturday Somerville Winter Farmer’s Market is offering a pre-order only market, outside at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You can order from several of the vendors this week, and then pick up your goods on Saturday. This is a great way to support their vendors, especially smaller vendors who do not have the capacity to set up their own delivery systems at this time. Please consider purchasing some of their delicious products.

Tufts University is opening up its dorms to a variety of medical personnel, first responders and patients.

The university has offered to house:

Jess Bloomer is the Arts at the Armory Blue Ribbon Recipient of the Month. The Blue Ribbon recognizes a staff member, volunteer or intern who has demonstrated great dedication and outstanding performance at Arts at the Armory.