Somerville Prevention Services, in partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance, seeks up to 12 Somerville teens and their caregivers to participate in a photovoice project to raise awareness about the risks of problem gambling. Over the course of 8 to 12 weeks, teen participants will attend online workshops to learn about youth gambling and build skills in advocacy, leadership, and photography. Participants will take photos to convey educational messages and present their images at a final virtual showcase for state and local leaders in the fall.

Four polling places were moved for COVID-19 safety; one to address resident feedback

Five of Somerville’s polling places have been relocated for the September 1 and November 3 elections. Four were moved into locations where COVID-19 safety measures could be better put in place and a fifth – formerly at the Kennedy School – was moved in response to resident feedback. If you plan to vote in person on either of the upcoming election days don’t forget to double check your polling location.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police officers were dispatched to the McGrath Hwy. Star Market parking lot last Friday morning on reports of a man passed out behind the wheel in a SUV.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Family heirlooms are a treasure! Packed with memories and stories, a passed down family item is very special. For instance, I’m lucky enough to own the icebox that was in my father’s Somerville house where he grew up in the 20’s and 30’s. We know it was in the kitchen since at least 1920 when he was born. It’s still in my grandfather’s cellar but someday I’ll bring it to my house. It will fit right in with the metal squirrel nutcracker my parents got for a wedding gift in 1951, and the small end table that my dad made in woodworking class at the Western Junior High School in 1934.

Plans and options for Tufts University’s reopening were discussed at a virtual meeting last week.

By Alberto Gilman

As schools and colleges prepare to make their fall return, questions and answers were discussed during Tufts University virtual community Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 4.

Until their studio can fully reopen, the operators of be. In Union Yoga are conducting classes in outdoor spaces, such as their parking lot and public parks. — Photos courtesy of be. In Union Yoga

By Rachel Berets

At be. In Union Yoga in Somerville, owners Jaclyn Kryzak and Blanca Alcaraz re-sanded and recoated the floors for easier cleaning, updated their software for better contact tracing, and stopped rentals on towels and yoga mats, all in preparation for a reopening that never happened.

Early photo in the 1900’s, before the Somerville Historical Society building appeared.

By Marian Berkowitz

Michael Steigman and Genevieve Boland bought their home at 58 Central Street in 2014 from a family that owned and mostly lived in the house for several generations.

The Council On Aging has masks available for Somerville residents who are 60 and over. If you are still in need of a mask or may know of a friend or neighbor who may still need a mask, you can pick it up at their drive-thru location Holland Street Senior Center, 167 Holland Street on Wednesday, August 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please call 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

— Photo by Shvets Anna

In order to insure the safe and successful implementation of the city’s outdoor dining initiative for restaurants in this time of pandemic, the Somerville Licensing Commission requires that all patrons adhere to the following:

It goes without saying that not everyone gets their way when election time rolls around. There are winners and losers, the satisfied and the disgruntled. As passionately as we may feel about our pet issues of interest, the inevitable day comes when our convictions are put to the test and the results are set in stone, for better or worse, depending on which side you are standing on.