Weekly digest · Arlington, MA
Nanopress Weekly — Arlington, MA
May 17, 2026
Three events happening today: EV show-and-tell, affordable-housing walk, and Go Fish mural workshop
Sunday, May 17 brings three free Arlington events: an EV and e-bike show-and-tell at Russell Common (2–4 p.m.), the Housing Corporation of Arlington's 40th anniversary walk at the Jason Russell House (noon–2 p.m.), and a Go Fish painting workshop at Mystic Open Studio (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.).
Town of Arlington
Race to Cure Sarcoma Boston 5K is today
The Race to Cure Sarcoma Boston takes place today, May 17, with a timed 5K, 1-mile walk, and family activities to raise funds for cancer research.
Arlington, MA Patch
Improbable Beasts bass clarinet ensemble performs "We Rise" today
The Improbable Beasts bass clarinet ensemble performs "We Rise" today, May 17, with special guests on bassoon and piano.
Arlington, MA Patch
Rep. Clark delivers $1M federal earmark for Mystic River Path–Minuteman Bikeway connection
U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark secured a $1 million federal earmark, matched by $250,000 from MassDOT, to fund 18 months of final design on a 1.7-mile shared-use path linking the Mystic River Path and Minuteman Bikeway through Arlington and Medford. The town is seeking residents for a design review committee.
Town of Arlington
Arlington Porchfest set for June 20; registration now closed
The 10th annual Arlington Porchfest will run Saturday, June 20, noon–6 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, June 21. Registration for porches, musicians, and visual artists has closed.
Your Arlington
Hidden Treasures Festival continues at Arlington venues through May 28
The Hidden Treasures Festival, presented by Freedom's Way National Heritage Area, offers free events at Arlington museums, libraries, and arts venues through May 28, including the weekend "A-Town Tiny Shed" pop-up arts series at Uncle Sam Plaza.
Your Arlington
Massachusetts bill would ban student cell phones bell-to-bell and restrict minors on social media
A Massachusetts House bill would require all school districts, including Arlington Public Schools, to ban student cell phone use during the entire school day and bar children under 14 from social media platforms.
Your Arlington
Town Meeting approves St. Camillus assisted-living rezoning 207–10
At its May 13 session, Town Meeting voted 207–10 to rezone 4.5 acres of the former St. Camillus Church property on Concord Turnpike, clearing the way for a proposed 145-unit assisted living and memory care facility. Members also updated wetlands rules; an MBTA zoning bonus debate remains unresolved.
arlingtonma.nanomedia.org
Town Meeting approves $2.9M for school building studies, advances zoning updates
At its May 12 session, Town Meeting approved nearly $2.9 million in feasibility studies for aging school buildings, advanced several zoning bylaw updates (with one defeat), and received an annual report from Zero Waste Arlington.
arlingtonma.nanomedia.org
Town Meeting takes up citizen article to repeal MBTA Red Line restriction
At its May 4 session, Town Meeting considered Article 30, a citizen petition to repeal legislation restricting extension of the MBTA Red Line into Arlington. Sessions continue every Monday and Wednesday until all warrant articles are resolved.
Your Arlington
Conservation Commission weighs fate of Mount Gilboa house and Indigenous land access
Arlington's Conservation Commission is considering what to do with a deteriorating historic house atop Mount Gilboa and whether to formalize access for the Massachusett Tribe to a site the tribe considers its last foothold in town.
arlingtonma.nanomedia.org
Unregistered dog owners face $50 citations starting June 1
Beginning June 1, Arlington's Animal Control Officer will mail $50 citations plus late fees to owners of unregistered dogs six months and older.
Your Arlington
DPW begins early-morning tree planting in Heights Business District starting Monday
Starting May 18, Arlington DPW crews will plant trees along Mass. Ave. between 1293 and 1395 Mass. Ave. from 5 to 8:30 a.m. daily for four to five days.
Town of Arlington
Arlington adds two public water refill stations, bringing network to seven
New Arlington on Tap hydration stations opened at Parallel Playground and Arlington High School's Peirce Field on May 15, expanding the free seasonal refill network to seven locations.
Town of Arlington
Arlington Housing Authority installs naloxone boxes at five residential properties
Arlington Prevention Services and the Arlington Housing Authority have installed ten NaloxBoxes across five AHA residential properties, giving residents and staff 24/7 access to naloxone (Narcan).
Town of Arlington
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