By Matthew McLaughlin

Somerville Cares About Prevention held an annual meeting at City Hall May 28, where they reviewed the prior year’s accomplishments and honored individuals who contributed to making Somerville more substance free.

One accomplishment SCAP made last year was to prevent alcohol advertisements within 500 feet of any public or private playground, school, place of worship or childcare facility.

Another accomplishment organizers touted was a partnership with SCAP and the Somerville Police Department. In July 2007, the two groups announced that they would partner up throughout the summer to increase the number of compliance checks done to maintain the minimum drinking age laws in Somerville. Tactics used by the group included a sticker campaign warning individuals not to purchase alcohol for minors.  The alliance also had compliance checks to ensure liquor stores do not sell to minors.

Another highlight from last year was the formation of a group called Somerville Positive Forces 100.  Nicknamed SPF 100, the number represents 100 percent prevention against destructive decisions, said Mitchell Freitas, 15, from East Somerville and a SPF 100 member.

‚ÄúI think we have a pretty big impact,‚Äù Freitas said.  ‚ÄúIt has been proven that underage drinking has decreased in the community.‚Äù

Freitas refered to SCAP’s annual survey of Somerville schools, which suggests that underage drinking is on a decline.

SCAP also presented awards to community members who have led the fight against substance abuse. Ashley McCarter, 16 from Union Square, said she didn’t know she was being honored until she came to the event and saw her name on the program.  She said she is proud of her work with SCAP and looks forward to the next year.

‚ÄúI think there’s lots we accomplished this year and I think we will get bigger,‚Äù she said.

Other individuals honored were: Alderman at Large Bruce Desmond, Peter Lenrow, Somerville Police officer Warren Chaillie, David Willey, Mahesh Limbu and Tammy Freitas da Rocha.  Group awards were also given to the Boys and Girls club and the SPF 100.