The Somerville Mobile Farmers’ Market is returning for its seventh season, beginning July 14 and running through October 21, 2017. The Mobile Market sells fresh, local produce and offers an unlimited 50% discount for residents of North Street or Mystic Housing, as well as for showing your SNAP, WIC, or Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons. The Mobile Market accepts cash, debit, credit, SNAP/EBT, WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons.

Afropop group Kina Zoré will be entertaining at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at Seven Hills Park as part of ArtBeat’s 2017 edition, “Voice.”

By Rebecca Danvers

ArtBeat, one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, is set to enliven and entertain Somerville this weekend with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food, and all-age activities.

By Jim Clark

On Tuesday, July 4, police officers were dispatched to the Dollar Tree store on McGrath Hwy.  on reports of a robbery.

While en route, police dispatch advised the officers that the suspects got into a vehicle and took off out of the parking lot onto Medford St. They were also informed that it was not a robbery but a shoplifting.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers.

159 Standards – For police departments, achieving certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is no simple task. A department must meet 159 law enforcement professional standards to receive this coveted recognition. So it’s no wonder that many police departments choose not to participate in the voluntary program. But after intense and diligent work, the Somerville Police Department achieved this notable goal. The SPD received certification on May 3, which is an accomplishment for which we should all be proud. Among the steps our police took to get there, the Department updated and documented numerous rules and regulations not just to state but to national standards and best practices. Policies are also now posted online for public transparency. Additionally, more than 50 percent of officers have completed Crisis Intervention Training, and community engagement has increased tremendously with “park, walk, and talks” and more than 500 school visits during the 2016-2017 school year.

— Photo courtesy of Somerville FD

Somerville firefighters responded to a house fire at 1:10 pm Monday afternoon, July 10th at 8-10 Essex Street. The fire originated on a third floor, rear porch and spread to the roof and rear of the third floor apartment. Apartments on the first and second floors suffered water damage. Damage is estimated at $150,000 and the fire displaced 5 adults and one child. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries while extinguishing the fire. The building contained three apartments. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental at this time.

Somerville Media Center has brought back its Cinema Somerville Outdoor Movie Series for its 3rd year. This week’s edition feature the 1960 production of Little Shop of Horrors, on Thursday, July 13, at The Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave. Bring your own picnic at 7:30 p.m., screening at 8:00 p.m.

— Photo by Donald Norton

By Rob Carter

The Somerville Labor Coalition voted to endorse 11 candidates for Somerville public office on Friday.

Incumbents dominated the selections, securing nine of the coalition’s endorsements. These included all four Aldermen At-Large and the incumbents for aldermen of all but Ward 4. A Ward 7 alderman was not endorsed due to the questionnaire not being returned for the Candidates Night forum.

The Somerville Museum is providing Somerville High School’s Local History Club an in-depth glimpse into local history.

By Erin Wade

When you walk into the Somerville Museum for a Sunday afternoon lecture, it’s almost easy to forget that census data shows Somerville is home to more children than people of retirement age.

Union Square Main Streets’ SNAP Match Fundraiser program is augmenting the dietary needs of disadvantaged residents by offering dollar-for-dollar matches for purchases at the Union Square Farmers Market.

By Charles Lane

A fundraising initiative sponsored by Union Square Main Streets aims to bolster the buying power of SNAP recipients at the Union Square Farmers Market. The money raised enables Union Square Main Streets to offer a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $10, to all SNAP users.