(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

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

SomerVision 2040 Youth Forum, July 31

Young people’s voices are important as we plan for the future of Somerville, so teens are invited to share their thoughts and concerns about important topics like housing, education, and job training and access at a SomerVision 2040 Youth Forum on Wednesday, July 31, at 5 p.m., in the Central Library auditorium, 79 Highland Ave. This session is being held specifically to hear from youth, but there are plenty of other ways to be part of the SomerVision 2040 process. Visit www.somervision2040.com where you can sign up for updates on SomerVision 2040 and learn more about what’s been done and what’s coming up.

Powder House Blvd. Community Meeting, July 31

Please join the City of Somerville for a community meeting in regards to ongoing construction and design elements on Powder House Blvd. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powder House Blvd., and will include a brief presentation with construction updates, parking study results, questions about the temporary, short-term solution to stripe a bike lane in one direction on a portion of the Boulevard, and the completion of traffic calming measures this summer. This meeting will not cover additional information about proposed permanent bicycle options on the Boulevard. A meeting on that topic will be scheduled this fall. For more information about the ongoing work on Powder House Blvd. and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.somervillema.gov/powderhouseboulevard.

Deadline to Apply for Open Board and Commission Seats, August 5

If you’re interested in applying to an opening on one of the City’s Boards or Commissions, there’s still time. Currently there are open positions on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, Somerville Redevelopment Authority, and the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust. Applications will be accepted through Monday, August 5. Visit www.somervillema.gov/besomerville to learn more about each position and to find information on how to apply.

Central Hill Parking Update Meeting, August 15

Join City staff for a quarterly update on parking changes on the Central Hill Campus, which includes City Hall, Somerville High School, and the Central Library. The meeting will be on Thursday, August 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Winter Hill Community School cafeteria, 115 Sycamore St. You can also submit any Central hill parking comments, questions, or concerns at www.somervillema.gov/shsparking anytime.

Deadline to Apply for Conservation Commission Position, August 19

Applications for one three-year term on Somerville’s Conservation Commission are being accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 19. The Conservation Commission works to preserve and protect the natural environment with an emphasis on wetlands, open space, and community gardens. The Commission’s key responsibilities are administering and enforcing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Rivers Protection Act and overseeing the community gardens program. To learn more about serving on the Conservation Commission, visit www.somervillema.gov/departments/conservation-commission and www.maccweb.org. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and any other relevant information to Conservation Agent Malik Drayton at mdrayton@somervillema.gov.

Support the Mobile Farmers’ Market, weekends through October 19

The Somerville Mobile Farmers’ Market is open for another season and is bringing fresh, local produce into neighborhoods around the city. The Mobile Market offers a variety of produce each week, including some culturally significant fruits and vegetables that are hard to find in grocery stores. The Mobile Market offers a 50% discount to residents of North Street or Mystic Housing, as well as those who receive SNAP, WIC, Senior Farmers’ Market Coupons, or MassHealth. Customers paying full price help support this discount. Visit www.somervillemobilefarmersmarket.wordpress.com for Mobile Market hours and locations, as well as information on what’s in stock each week.

Submit Comments on the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan

The Davis Square Neighborhood Plan, which is the result of six years of work with the community, was released for public review. The plan includes ideas for Davis Square’s future – like increasing public space in the neighborhood, as well as the steps that would need to be taken to realize those ideas. You can find the full plan on www.somervillebydesign.com. Comments can be submitted by Friday, August 16, by emailing planning@somervillema.gov.

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.