(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 Curtatone

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

 Submit a Response to the Shared Mobility Survey by January 18
If you have about 15 minutes to spare, we would appreciate your responses to a shared mobility survey that will help us plan for certain aspects of Somerville’s future transportation needs. The survey has questions about how you currently get around and questions about transportation options you might consider in the future, with an emphasis on autonomous vehicles. Your answers will help City transportation planners and our research and development partners at Audi understand Somerville’s current and future needs. The survey is available at www.somervillema.gov/sharedmobility.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, January 21
with winter clothing drive
Somerville’s annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy will be held on Monday, January, 21, beginning at 10 a.m., at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross Street. Percussionist and educator Marcus Santos will emcee the event, which includes a keynote address by social justice educator, facilitator, and organizer Aba Taylor and musical performances by El Sistema Somerville and the Somerville High School World Percussion Ensemble. The winners of the annual MLK student essay contest will also read their essays.. As part of the event, the Somerville Human Rights Commission is holding a winter clothing drive to collect gently used or new winter clothes for school-aged children. For more information, contact Nency Salamoun at 617-625-6600 ext. 2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.

Green Line Extension (GLX) Public Meeting, January 30
MassDOT is hosting an interactive, open-house meeting to share information on GLX station designs, upcoming construction and traffic detours, and details on construction of the Community Path extension. The meeting is being held on January, 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross Street.  For more information, visit www.greenlineextension.com.

Public Hearing on Condo Conversion Ordinance, January 31
The Board of Aldermen is holding a public hearing on Thursday, January 31, to hear testimony on proposed changes to the City’s condo conversion ordinance that are designed to better protect tenants especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and persons with low-incomes. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. You can learn more about the proposed changes at www.somervillema.gov/condo-conversion. If you would like to submit comments outside of the public hearing, email them to BoardofAldermen@somervillema.gov by Friday, February 8.

2018 Somerville High School Student Health Survey Results Presentation, January 31
Join the Somerville Office of Prevention and youth from Somerville Positive Forces 100 (SPF100) to learn about the results of the 2018 Somerville High School Student Health Survey. SPF100 members will present results in an interactive game (with prizes!), followed by discussion about youth health issues and ways to improve the well-being of young people. The presentation will be on Thursday, January 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Somerville High School Culinary Arts Bistro, 81 Highland Avenue. For more information, contact the Office of Prevention at 617-625-6600 ext. 2570.

Meeting on Broadway Streetscape Improvements, February 4
Learn about proposed improvements to Broadway in the Winter Hill neighborhood and share your feedback at a community meeting on Monday, February 4, at 6:30 p.m., in the Healey School cafeteria, 5 Meacham Street. Proposed work includes bike and bus lanes, additional crosswalks, and looking at traffic signal timing.

Get Started on February’s Books and Brews Pick
Every third Thursday, the Somerville Public Library hosts the Books and Brews book club at Aeronaut Brewing Company. This is a social book club for readers in their 20s, 30s, and the young at heart. The next Books and Brews event is on February 19, starting at 6:15 p.m., at Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler Street. If you’re planning to go, now is a great time to check out February’s book – Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng – from one of our three library branches.

City Alerts
Get important City notifications for snow emergencies, construction, detours, and other public safety matters delivered to your phone (voice and text) and/or your email. Sign up for alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts

City Newsletter
For weekly updates on city cultural and civic events, City services, job openings, and more, sign up for the City e-newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

City Calendar
Look up city events and meetings (as well as agendas and minutes) 24/7 on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.