The 2018 “Somerville Reads” program officially begins on Saturday, November 3, with a block party at our East Branch Library beginning at noon! This Exit West inspired celebration will feature live music performances by local groups El Sistema Somerville and Grooversity, as well as refreshments, and activities for all ages.

The City of Somerville Elections Department is seeking polling place workers for the Tuesday, November 6, election. The Elections Department has openings for several polling place staff and one experienced warden. To be eligible to work in a polling place you must be a registered Massachusetts voter. For the warden position, you must have served as a warden previously in Somerville or another community. Polling place workers are paid $165 for the day and wardens are paid $225.

The City of Somerville’s Economic Development Division has launched Small Business Support, a technical assistance program for small and home-based businesses in the city, to provide expert coaching and financial support for local entrepreneurs.

The City of Somerville is developing a campus plan for Central Hill, home to City Hall, Somerville High School, the Central Library, and Central Playground. Please join us on Thursday, November  1, at 6 p.m. for a meeting in the High School cafeteria to help shape the plan. Our project consultants, SMMA, will present a conceptual design for Central Hill that incorporates the feedback from the last public meeting on September 25 and the survey responses from 187 residents. We welcome your feedback to help further refine the design for the campus.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Health & Human Services, and Somerville Police and Fire Departments announced today that, in collaboration with the efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the “National Prescription Drug Take-Back” program, Somerville will celebrate “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The focus of the national event is to raise awareness about preventing prescription drug abuse, pollution, and theft by properly disposing of unwanted medications safely.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper, and Director of Parks & Recreation Jill Lathan announced this month that, following approval by the Somerville School Committee of a draft Memorandum of Understanding, the Somerville Parks and Recreation Department will take over operations and programming at the Kennedy School pool, formerly operated by the Somerville School District. The shift in management hopes to bring more oversight of pool operations, streamlined processes for events and programs, and additional support to existing staff.

After a decades-long distinguished career in community planning and economic development, including seven years at the helm of the City’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), Michael Glavin has announced his retirement. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has named the City’s current nationally respected Director of Planning George Proakis the new Executive Director of OSPCD.

Beginning in January 2019, the 109-year-old West Branch Library will undergo renovations to expand and enhance programming and resources, community space, and operations, following a lengthy community process which culminated earlier this year. The West Branch Library will close to the general public in mid-November to provide time for staff to prepare for the renovation.

All interested community members are invited to join the City of Somerville’s Urban Forestry Division and the Mystic River Watershed Association for a series of community planting events in November, at locations in East Somerville and Ten Hills.