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Poet Allison Hasting writes: I am a student at Endicott College working towards my bachelor’s in English/Creative Writing. I value time spent with family and friends and believe in the mantra ‘everything happens for a reason.’ I may always dream with my head in the clouds, but I think it’s a little more exciting to live life that way. In the future, I’d love to travel to as many new places as possible, so that unique cultural experiences continue to broaden my perspective on the world and inspire more story ideas.

SPACES Davis Square.

A free pilot mentorship office hours event for Somerville’s aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and business owners and operators to receive advice from experienced business professionals, entrepreneurs and investors will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 27, at SPACES Davis Square, 240 Elm Street, Somerville (entrance on 54 Chester Street; take elevator to 2nd floor).

Arrests:
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Kenny Rodriguez, February 19, 2:15 p.m., arrested at Grand Union Blvd. on charges of removal of theft detection device and shoplifting by asportation.

Alexander Ventura, of 35 Fairview Terrace, Malden, February 19, 10:06 p.m., arrested at Middlesex Ave. on a warrant charge of larceny under $1200.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne, Somerville Police Chief David Fallon, and City staff invite you to a Powder House Blvd. Community Meeting on Tuesday, March 5. The meeting will include an update on the investigation into the February 8 fatal hit and run at Powder House Blvd. and Hardan Rd., as well as information about traffic calming measures on Powder House Blvd. Discussion will include information on the interim measures already in place, upcoming measures planned for the spring, a proposed plan for new permanent measures, and remaining options for community consideration. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powder House Blvd. 

Aging Life Care Manager for the CLO program at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Carolynn Nagao Marcotte.

By Carolynn Nagao Marcotte

Loneliness is a common problem for older adults, and there is a growing body of research that indicates it can be hazardous to your health.

Some 43 percent of older adults self-identified as lonely during a six-year study by the University of California San Francisco. Published in 2012, that research indicated a 59 percent higher risk of decline for people who identified as lonely, with a 45 percent higher chance of death. Subsequent studies have suggested the hazards of loneliness are comparable to more traditionally recognized risk factors, such as smoking or being overweight.

(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.)

Dear Editor,

February is American Heart Month.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is a leading cause of heart disease.

Smoking can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and high blood pressure and quitting smoking greatly improves heart health.  So, make a resolution for a healthier life for you and your family. If you’re a smoker, quitting is the most important step you can take to protect your health, decreasing the risk of lung disease, cancer, and even early death.

Amber Jackson, a precalculus and algebra 2 teacher at Somerville High School, has been nominated for the 2018-2019 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

Jackson has been with Somerville High School for seven years. She was recognized as a LifeChanger in her community for delivering high-quality instruction while being a source of support for students. She stores snacks in her room for students who have skipped breakfast, and even shares her own meals with students who didn’t have money for lunch. She also uses names from her school’s various cultures in the practice problems and assessments she designs, and she learns math phrases in various languages so she can communicate with students of varying abilities.

Residents may sign up for no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment and a variety of energy upgrades

Somerville residents and the City both stand to benefit if 230 Somerville households sign up for a no-cost Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment in 2019. The Mass Save Program can help Somerville property owners and tenants save on energy and maintenance costs, increase the home’s comfort and value, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, if 230 households complete no-cost Home Energy Assessments and a cumulative 300 energy upgrades, the City can receive up to $8,700 in grants from the National Grid Community Initiative. Both Eversource and National Grid customers in Somerville are welcome to participate.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Teens from Somerville’s Center for Teen Empowerment and elsewhere gathered at the Arts at the Armory on Wednesday, February 13, for an Open Mic event where kids from the community presented their poetry, music, etc., to an appreciative audience of their peers. The Been Out Here Teen Open Mic takes place at the Armory every second Wednesday of the month.

(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.)

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

One Stop Shop Small Business Event, February 28
There’s a lot to think about if you run your own business and the City’s Economic Development Office is here to help. Stop by the One Stop Shop Small Business event on Thursday, February 28, between 5 and 7 p.m. to get your questions about alcohol permitting, hosting a temporary event, financing, City business support programs, and more. The event will be held at the Somerville Media Center, 90 Union Square. Register for the event at bit.ly/OneStopSmallBiz or by calling 617-625-6600 ext. 2537.