A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city
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By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Innovation and Opportunity Lab

Are you passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship and want to help Somerville continue to foster a supportive environment for those opportunities? Apply for a spot in the newly created Innovation and Opportunity Lab. This advisory committee will be comprised of nine members, and aims to advance local innovation economy by forging partnerships and examining best practices around municipal innovation policies. A list of qualifications as well as application instructions can be found at www.somervillema.gov/innovationlab. For more information, contact Ben Sommer at BSommer@somervillema.gov. Applications are due Friday, September 22.

Important Election Deadlines

Because this is a local election year, there won’t be early voting in the Commonwealth. However, there are still a number of important election dates to mark on your calendar.

Tuesday, 9/19: Preliminary Election

Wednesday, 10/18: Last day to register or change address for the 11/7 City Election. Register by 8 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/7: City Election

For information on registering to vote, visit www.somervillema.gov/departments/elections/register-to-vote.

Somerville Bicycle Committee Social Talk, 9/6

In addition to their monthly meetings, the Somerville Bicycle Committee also hosts monthly social talks. Following an important announcement earlier that day (9 a.m. in Union Square Plaza) about the City’s future mobility plans, join the committee and Mayor Joseph Curtatone at the September social talk for a presentation about multi-modal mobility and safety on Somerville streets. More information on the bicycle committees efforts and upcoming meetings and events can be found at www.somervillebikes.org.

When/where: Wednesday, September 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler St.

Styrofoam Recycling Event, 9/9

The City of Somerville’s Styrofoam Recycling program will return for all Somerville residents on Saturday, September 9. Residents may visit the Department of Public Works yard between 9 a.m. and noon to dispose of all types of EPS (Styrofoam) foam packing materials, including foam bracing and packing peanuts. Clean food service materials may also be recycled at this event as long as it is foam and not rigid. An ID or utility bill showing a Somerville residential address is required. Materials must be placed in bags before placing it in the recycling container. For more information, contact 311.

When/where: Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Somerville Department of Public Works, 1 Franey Rd.

Community Preservation Act (CPA) 5^th Anniversary, 9/9

Somerville’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) is turning 5! To celebrate, the Somerville Community Preservation Committee (CPC) wants to highlight your CPA dollars at work. Join the CPC for a walking tour and community celebration on Saturday, September 9. CPA has accomplished quite a bit in the past five years, and there’s even more on the horizon. Now is a great time to share your feedback with us. Whether you are familiar with the CPA or not, let us know your preferences as they relate to CPA by taking a brief survey, which is available at www.somervillema.gov/CPAsurvey.

When/where: Saturday, September 9, beginning with a groundbreaking at 12:30 p.m. at 163 Glen St.

Board of Aldermen Meetings, 9/14 and more

The next regular meeting of the Somerville Board of Aldermen will take place on Thursday, September 14. As a reminder, the Board’s complete meeting schedule (including committee meetings), agendas, and minutes can be found at www.somervillecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx.

When/where: Thursday, September 14, at 7 p.m. at Somerville City Hall Aldermanic Chambers, 93 Highland Ave.

The events and meetings listed above represent just a snapshot of ways to get involved with your City. There are several upcoming public meetings of boards, commissions, and committees. More information on these meetings, minutes, and agendas – along with numerous other City events – can be found on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.  The weekly City Newsletter also provides access to important City news updates as well as information and reminders about upcoming meetings and events. To subscribe, visit www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.