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)

I often focus here on the work we’re doing to make sure Somerville is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Equally important – and what we need to be talking about more – is ensuring Somerville is also a great place to grow old.

The Somerville Mobile Farmers’ Market sells fresh, local produce in Somerville, MA. They offer 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. We accept cash, debit, credit, SNAP/EBT, WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons, and Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons.

Walking Dialogues with Police, Youth and Community 2017 set to begin July 6.
— Photo by Donald Norton

This partnership with the Somerville Police Department and the Center for Teen Empowerment aims to make communication between Somerville community members and the police department easily accessible, and strengthen relationships among police, youth, community residents and business owners.

The Somerville Labor Coalition’s Candidate’s Night took place last week. Pictured left to right: Mike McGrath, Ed Halloran, and Thomas Ross. ~Photos by Rob Carter

By Rob Carter

Mayoral candidate Payton Corbett criticized Mayor Curtatone’s history with unions, stealing the show at this year’s Somerville Labor Coalition’s Candidate’s Night, held at the Somerville City Club on June 27.

~Photos by Donald Norton

CBA funding distribution and Neighborhood Councils were among the primary issues covered at the latest meeting of the city’s Legislative Matters Committee.

By Jordan Deschenes

Aldermen gathered to discuss the Community Benefits Committee (CBC) ordinance at a Legislative Matters committee meeting last Wednesday, the first such meeting in nearly a month. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and identify the most prevalent concerns from constituents, advocates, and city officials.

Hear that? Yup, lots of cars leaving the city, heading north to NH and Maine to open up summer places or just to take a few days off. The usual mass exodus to the Cape is happening as well. So hopefully it will be quiet around here this summer. We hope everyone has a safe and happy summer. Happy July 4th, Independence Day.

Orange Blossom Special will be rocking out at PA’s Lounge this Thursday, July 6.

By Jim Clark

Southern California rockers, Orange Blossom Special, are heading into Somerville on Thursday, July 6, for a spirited evening of high-energy music at PA’s lounge.

The band is currently sweeping across the country in support of their latest release, Here Goes Everything, in a tour they have entitled “Loud, Live, & in a Dive.”

The city’s Food and Nutrition Services Department is once again engaged in its annual summer meals for Somerville youth program. Kids under the age of 19 can get free meals at various locations throughout the city from now through August 18.