Meals on Wheels driver Doresta McIntosh displays the smartphone she’s using as part of the new delivery tracking system for Meals on Wheels at Somerville Cambridge Elder Services. The system provides smartphone users with delivery updates and the ability to track the delivery driver’s progress on the delivery route.

By Nathan Lamb

Meals on Wheels patrons in Cambridge and Somerville can now manage deliveries and receive updates on their order through a new smartphone delivery tracking system.

Launched by Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) in September, the smartphone tracking system sends text notifications when a delivery is scheduled and when the meal is on its way. The system also allows clients to cancel orders and track progress of the delivery driver.

Somerville High School students received Spark Summer Opportunity scholarships, a new program launched this year and generously funded by renowned author and collector Kenneth Rendell. The program offers students the opportunity to take part in innovative learning experiences at colleges and universities in the area to spark learning and growth during the summer.

Residents living in and around Somerville can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.

Somerville City Club will host this community event on 10/10/2018.  The site is located at 20 Innerbelt Road in Somerville.

City issues RFI; Calls for proposals for public and private pilots of forward-looking products and ideas 

It can be difficult for innovators to find opportunities to test new ideas or products, and likewise, existing tools can’t always address all the challenges cities face like climate change, affordable housing, or mobility changes. So the City of Somerville is proposing to team up with innovators to their mutual benefit. This week the City’s new Somerville Urban Lab Initiative issued a call to innovators for pilot proposals. It offers up the 4.1-square-mile city as a citywide incubator—or urban lab—for testing smart products and ideas that can further the goals of the community and spur economic development.

L to R: Peter Bazzinotti, Senior Vice President – SeniorLoan Officer, Middlesex Federal; Jessica Brayden, Chief Executive Officer, RESPOND; Amanda Reichmuth, Chief Programs Officer, RESPOND; and Linda Dinkel, Vice President – Marketing, Middlesex Federal.

On behalf of Middlesex Federal, Peter Bazzinotti, Senior Vice President, Senior Loan Officer presented a $1,000 check to Jessica Brayden, Chief Executive Officer, RESPOND.

Middlesex Federal was awarded funds at the 2018 Atlantic Community Bankers Bank Annual Charity Golf Tournament to donate to the charity of its choice. The Bank chose RESPOND, a local provider of support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Somerville residents three years and older eligible for vaccine; Vaccine Clinics begin in September

The cool air is a sign that the cold and flu season is approaching, which means it’s time for the annual flu vaccine clinics offered by the City of Somerville Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The clinics offer free flu vaccines for Somerville residents ages three (3) and older (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Clinics started on Thursday, September 20, and will be held at various times and locations in the community until the City’s supply of vaccine is exhausted. Due to limited availability, vaccines will be offered during official flu clinic hours only.

Thomas C. Trane, proudly from Somerville passed away after a lengthy illness. Beloved Husband of Nancy A. Trane (Zwarick) with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Devoted father to Robert Trane and Nancy Trane of Somerville, John Trane of Somerville, Paul Trane and Danielle Heanue of Boston. The caring grandfather to Jessica Trane of New York City. The loving brother to Eileen Hardy and her husband Tom of Reading. Brother to Ann Hoag of Somerville. Brother to the Late David Trane. Brother-in-Law to the late Robert Zwarick. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Saturday, September 15, PetSmart in Everett celebrated Adoption Weekend in support of Somerville based Happy Tails Pet Rescue’s lifesaving work Participants enjoyed raffles, purchased baked goods and selected an item or two from the array of handmade items and unique gifts. If you were not able to make it and would like to donate to the ongoing rescue and care of their cats, you may make a tax deductible contribution at happytailspetrescue.org/donate. Your participation and donations are immensely appreciated.

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

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

Highest summer Parks and Recreation program participation in 5 years: Summer recreation programs are important community assets that benefit our youth in a number of ways. They keep participant’s minds and bodies active during those out-of-school months, allow them to explore new interests, give them the opportunity to socialize with friends, and can even build self-confidence.