From fluff to your telephone, Somerville is innovative.

In 1877, Somerville resident Charles Williams was the first telephone subscriber. Without Williams, you may have had to wait a few more years for your iPhone.

In 1917, another Somerville innovator, Archibald Query, invented Fluff in his Union Square home. Without Query, your peanut butter sandwich just wouldn’t be the same.

Both innovations are discussed and celebrated this week in Somerville – a reminder that although often overlooked by our neighbors, Somerville has long been a hub for original thinking.

And it continues today, city officials are even rethinking trash and how we recycle with a new single stream recycling approach that starts with a pilot program in ward Five.

On Thursday, head to the Somerville Museum for a discussion on the telephone’s roots in Somerville. If you miss that event, on Saturday let loose with the madcap Fluff Festival in Union Square – consider it your civic duty.