New survey finds widespread misconceptions about blood donation

As part of an international movement, the American Red Cross is launching the Missing Types campaign today to recruit new blood donors – and those who have not given recently – to ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients.

During a lighter moment, Rose Cheyenne (right) from Samaritans of Boston loaded SCES nurse Nkera Rukubanuka down with plastic cups, to demonstrate how many small issues can collectively become overwhelming, during a suicide prevention training at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.  SCES photo

Tips for identifying and assisting elders at-risk for suicide was the focus of a recent clinical training at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES).

The discussion was led by Rose Cheyenne from Samaritans of Boston, a not-for-profit that provides suicide prevention services. Speaking to roughly 40 SCES case managers, social workers, and nurses, Cheyenne described suicide as a complicated issue that impacts many older adults, noting the highest suicide rate in 2016 was among people aged 45-64– with people over age 85 a close second. She also described listening as a powerful prevention tool.

With construction on the new Somerville High School building project underway and set to ramp up in the summer months, gradual changes to parking options on the Central Hill Campus (which includes City Hall, Somerville High School, and the Somerville Public Library) and the surrounding public streets have begun.

William Turville

Doug Holder interviews sculptor and architect William Turville at the Bloc 11 Cafe in Somerville, MA. Turville has left his mark on many venues in and around Somerville, MA.

Listen to the interview here.

Several Somerville High School athletes each received $500 Somerville High School Highlander Book Awards made possible via donations from last year’s Marathon Sports Somerville Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run and this year’s Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km.

Monday, June 18, is Bunker Hill Day and City offices will be closed for the holiday. Street sweeping as well as trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will remain on a normal schedule. Because of the holiday, parking meters and resident parking permit enforcement will not be in effect.

L to R: Educational Fund Winners Mei Mei Collins and Saja El Saudi with Rotary President Brian Rooney.

Somerville Rotary Club was honored to attend the Somerville High School Annual Awards Night on May 23. Somerville Rotary granted $2,000 scholarships to two well-deserving outstanding students of Somerville High School.

The brain child of Mayor Joe Curtatone, who played trumpet in the Somerville High School Jazz Band, the annual Jazz & Blues Fest will take over Nathan Tufts Park in Somerville on Saturday, June 16, from 12 – 6:00pm for the best all-day free concert around.

The Kiwanis club of Somerville today awarded scholarships to six Somerville High School seniors. Distinguished Past President David O’Brien, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, explained that the college scholarships are funded by the sale of Lucky K tickets which are sold by the members throughout the year.