HeatSmart/CoolSmart program includes discounts on climate-friendly alternative that can lower utility costs

A new City of Somerville program will offer homeowners and local businesses discounts on an alternative heating and cooling technology that can operate more cheaply and efficiently than some traditional systems. For a limited time (through Dec. 15), the HeatSmart/CoolSmart program will provide discounts on the installation of what are known as “air source heat pumps,” which can both heat and cool homes at lower usage costs than oil and electric heating systems and window air conditioning units.

Up to $5,000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to Identification & Arrest of Serial Bank Robber

The FBI Boston Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the Boston Police Department, the Cambridge Police Department, and the Somerville Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a serial bank robber allegedly responsible for robbing 10 banks in the Greater Boston area.

Arrests:
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Felicia Henebury, of 33 Carney Ct., Charlestown, August 1, 7:16 p.m., arrested at Middlesex Ave. on a warrant charge of shoplifting over $100 by concealing merchandise.

James McKenna, of 101 Highland Ave., August 4, 5:00 p.m., arrested at Franey Rd. on warrant charges of operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, unregistered motor vehicle, and alcohol from an open container in a motor vehicle.

Colleen Morrissey is a Resource Specialist at the Aging Information Center of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES)

By Colleen Morrissey

If you’re feeling the heat in recent weeks, you’re not alone. The Greater Boston area has experienced three heat waves this summer, where temperatures reached at least 90 degrees for three or more consecutive days.

Warm weather is nice, but extreme heat can pose health risks, especially for older adults and people with chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DCD) cautions that extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s natural cooling systems, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke—which in turn can damage the brain and other vital organs.

Take our 2-minute survey on the Community Preservation Act!

This summer, the City’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) program is being evaluated to help us learn what its strengths are, how it can improve, and how well known the program is. Whether you are familiar with the CPA or not, you can help by taking our 2-minute survey so we can learn about your preferences and what’s working for you. To take the survey, just visit somervillema.gov/CPAsurvey, and please share this link with your friends and neighbors too.

Get ready to ‘Seize the Summer’ at SomerStreets this Sunday afternoon between Davis Square and Teele Square on Holland Street.

By Rebecca Danvers

The city’s next offering in its Somerstreets open streets festival, “Seize the Summer,” takes place this weekend, on Sunday between Davis Square and Teele Square on Holland Street.

According to the city and other festival sponsors, the aim is to promote and encourage easy access to physical activity, fresh foods, and reconnecting with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment.

Check out some of the latest Somerville Neighborhood News headlines:

Somerville Neighborhood News is a production of Somerville ​Media Center, made by professional journalists, volunteers and staff. The news ​department  ​delivers lively, informative ​and engagement news segments focusing on the events, issues and information impacting Somerville residents.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning last week, and those showing up at Union Square Farmers Market found plenty of locally produced vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, fish, bread, cheese, mushrooms, baked goods, wine/hard cider and specialty foods on hand, as well as some great live music and fun activities.

Epidemiology researcher at The Broad Institute, Shawn.

By JT Thompson

Shawn: early 20s, an epidemiology researcher at The Broad Institute, a lab that is a collaboration between Harvard and MIT. Part of a wave of young professionals that are moving into Somerville, Shawn lives a ten-minute walk from the center of Union Square. Outside his kitchen window, an American flag flies at the elementary school next door, and, in the distance, you can see the lights of Boston’s Prudential Tower.

Shawn is tall, broad shouldered, slender, with carefully combed blonde hair and intelligent, kind eyes. He speaks calmly and clearly, obviously thinking as he talks, then steadily trusting in the thoughts that come to him. When he has said what he wants to say, he sits quietly while I catch up in my notebook.

By Darcie Fisher

Citizen Schools, a national nonprofit that partners with public schools to provide academic enrichment in underserved communities in four states, announced on Tuesday a major financial investment of $500,000 from Google.org, bringing the company’s total support of Citizen Schools to over $4.5 million.