By Tom Bannister

On Thursday, July 30, the Center for Teen Empowerment and the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services Department will launch the Somerville Youth Mental Wellness Ambassador Program.

Here is one featured news segment from the latest Somerville Neighborhood Newscast:

​Growing Local & Harvesting Food at South Street Farm

Commissioners oversee SHA and subsidizing public housing in city

The Somerville Housing Authority’s (SHA) Board of Commissioners has a vacancy, and residents are invited to apply to serve.

Ida Fasano, a real estate agent at The Norton Group in Somerville, displays her art work at the Meadow Glen Mall in Medford. The Medford Arts Center, where Ida is a member, opened a new art space at the Meadow Glen Mall on Saturday, July 18. Stop by and view some of Ida’s paintings, which will be on display for the next six weeks.

Part 1: What’s happening and why
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By William C. Shelton

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

The first wave of Greek immigrants to Somerville arrived from Alatsata, Ionia over a century ago, escaping a devastating depression and Ottoman Army conscription. They and their countrymen who followed quickly became contributing members of Somerville’s civil society and remain so.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Ferro family hosted the Kensington Ave Sunsetters performance on Thursday July 16. Stop & Shop donated drinks and snacks and the owners of Louie’s Ice Cream, 193 Broadway, treated everyone to free ice cream after the performance.

To find a Sunsetter performance near your neighborhood vist the city’s website http://www.somervillema.gov/

The two chairs of the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, State Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan and State Representative Elizabeth Malia.

By Amy Swain

July 16 saw throngs of Massachusetts residents gathered at the State House in Boston in support of several bills pertaining to achieving higher mental health standards, especially regarding addiction.

At 11 o’clock, on the third floor of the State House, the Addiction Free Futures Project was launched. The project is aimed at expanding the use of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).

L to R: Alderman at Large Dennis Sullivan, Alderman at Large Jack Connolly, Terry Medeiros (daughter of Betty Medeiros), current President of the Tenants Association Eleanor Rances, Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters, Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rossetti, and Alderman at Large and President of the Board of Aldermen Bill White.

By Donald Norton

Last week the Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters gave a dinner party for the residents of Warren Avenue building. About 70 to 80 residents were in attendance.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to a report of a dispute with a bartender at Sally O’Brien’s bar on Somerville Ave. last Wednesday around closing time.

Each Friday all summer long, enjoy lunch specials from neighborhood restaurants, live music from local bands, and cool happenings from your favorite Union Square shops and friends. Bring your friends, your coworkers, your kids, and meet us for lunch!