Lisa Waxman, LICSW is a community social worker at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES), a non-profit agency that supports the independence and wellbeing of older people in Somerville and Cambridge.

By Lisa Waxman

A: Elder self-neglect is not an easy topic to discuss, but there are times when it’s necessary – especially if there’s concern about the safety of a loved one.

Elder self-neglect is defined as the failure or refusal of an independent older adult to provide one or more of the necessities essential to their physical and mental wellbeing.

A crisp and sunny day presented the perfect backdrop for a trip to Boston’s Frog Pond recently. Members of the Somerville Schools middle grades afterschool program took a lesson in safe travel using Boston’s public transportation system, then navigated to the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, for an afternoon of ice skating, Boston history, and socializing.

Action Plan to serve as comprehensive strategy for addressing climate change in Somerville

The City of Somerville is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to work closely with the Office of Sustainability and Environment to develop the city’s Climate Change Action Plan, which will serve as the comprehensive strategy for addressing climate change in Somerville.

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 this month’s notable city data – and interesting numbers.

2: That’s the number of people allegedly behind 53% of Somerville package thefts in December. This December Somerville Police got reports of package thefts from 17 residences (down from 28 in December 2015), and arrested two people allegedly responsible from thefts from nine homes. Package thefts happen year round, and around 25% happen in December. If a package is stolen from your building, make sure you report it to the police.

David Price of the Boston Red Sox took the Gastroparesis Pie Face Challenge, along with teammate Brock Holt.

By Jessica Kenney

Many times throughout our daily lives, we are encountered with ads for donations to research various diseases, medications, or fundraisers for cures. But there are some sicknesses that are barely recognized. Gastroparesis is one of those illnesses.

Gastroparesis is defined as “a condition in which the spontaneous movement of the muscles- motility- in your stomach does not function normally.” This means that the stomach is prevented from emptying properly. It can cause nausea and vomiting, and cause problems with nutrition and blood sugar levels. Five million people live with this disease, and although there are some treatments for it, there is no cure.

By Jim Clark

While on patrol last Friday, a Somerville Police officer took note of a vehicle parked on Pearl St. with an individual who was known to to the officer, Manuel Sheehan.

Another man, also known to the officer, entered the vehicle and the two of them drove off westbound on Pearl St.

Join Somerville Prevention tonight to learn the results of the High School Student Health Survey.  Results from the annual survey are presented in a fun way with plenty of chances for audience participation.

An ordinance is being considered by the city that would require all municipal vehicles to be equipped with side-guards and crossover mirrors designed to prevent collisions with cyclists.

By Joe Ruvido

The Board of Aldermen Legislative Matters Committee will discuss the next iteration of cyclist and pedestrian safety for the city’s non-automobile users: truck side-guards.

A proposed ordinance sponsored by Ward Six Alderman Lance Davis and Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang would require the city to procure vehicles with the side-guards and crossover mirrors designed to prevent collisions.

On Wednesday January 11, the Somerville Boys Basketball program got a surprise visit after practice from former SHS Head Coach Rich Melillo (SHS ‘72) and former players: Vladimir Benoit (SHS ‘02), Jocelyn Velney (SHS ‘02), and Ronelson Lovaincy (SHS ‘04). The alumni delivered a heartfelt and powerful message about community, life lessons, and achievement.

A sound barrier is badly needed along the stretch of I-93 running through Somerville, according to members of the Board of Aldermen, not only to reduce noise levels but to also lower air pollution levels.

By Jim Clark

At the last Regular Meeting of the Somerville Board of Aldermen last Thursday, a resolution was put forward by Ward 1 Alderman Matthew McLaughlin and the entire Board that the Administration advocate for sound barriers along I-93 in East Somerville to help reduce air pollution by up to 50 percent.