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)

Things may slow down in the summertime in other cities, but here in Somerville, you can get civically engaged even in the dog days of July and August, which is good, because we need you year-round. When residents get involved it brings the benefits of different perspectives, community ownership, and introducing residents to networks of people who share the same concerns and passions within their neighborhoods. Whether you’re an adult or teen, there are many different avenues in Somerville you can take to get involved. No matter which one you choose, there’s always a way to make sure your voice is heard.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The fourth annual “Haiti and Brazil Hit The ‘Ville Festival” – an ArtsUnion festival – took place on Saturday, July 22, in Union Square Plaza.

UPDATE: Due to the rainy weather, tonight’s movie has been canceled.

At this Thursday’s SomerMovie Beast feature you can catch a young President Reagan starring with Bonzo the Chimp in the comedy classic Bedtime for Bonzo. The movie starts at dusk in Powderhouse Park. And don’t forget to visit somervillema.gov/beast to vote for the final film of the series, which is a viewers’ choice movie.

The Somerville Board of Aldermen is redoubling its efforts to gain some relief from the increasing noise levels caused by over-flights to and from Logan International Airport.

By Erin Wade

The annual number of complaints over air traffic noise in Somerville is over 10 times higher today than it was three years ago, according to Massport data, following the transition to GPS-based flight paths from Runway 33 Left at Logan International Airport in mid-2013.

The latest edition of the “Walking Dialogues” series brought Somerville police officers, local teens, and members of the general public together for an afternoon of food, fun, and constructive dialogue. — Photos by Rob Carter

This year’s third ‘Walking Dialogues’ event a success
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By Rob Carter

The police arrived at a barbecue at the Clarendon Hill Towers only moments after it started on Saturday, July 22, but not because of noise complaints from the neighbors. The officers came as invited guests, part of the Center for Teen Empowerment’s Walking Dialogue tour of Somerville.

Elio LoRusso, who is a candidate in Ward 1 for alderman, is having his campaign kickoff on Tuesday, August 8, at Casey’s on Lower Broadway from 5:30 p.m. on. It’s a campaign kickoff and fundraiser.

Kedvens Jean Jr. marched with 150 Freedom School scholars to the State House

By Melissa Watton

On Wednesday, July 19, over one hundred children from the Boston and Somerville Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools^® summer program sites led a march focusing on child hunger in the United States.

So, what’s going on here? Why is it taking so long to get something substantial done in the way of reducing noise from aircraft coming out of Logan airport?

Ask these questions of a Massport or FAA representative and a slew of reasonable sounding explanations are offered. Flight paths can vary according to environmental conditions, overall level of activity at Logan International Airport, and any number of other factors.

Eagle Feathers #134 –Weaving the Web

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Somerville’s fifth birthday, March 3, 1847. Thirty years later, after moving to America, he became the recipient of the United States Patent #174465. This is often considered the most valuable patent ever granted. It acknowledged him as the inventor of the telephone and father of its industry.

When you’re putting together your summer BBQ guest list don’t forget Mayor Joe Curtatone. This summer he’s hoping a few residents will invite him over to talk about city issues, policies, or whatever else is on their minds as part of the Mayor In My Backyard (MIMBY) program. (If you don’t have a backyard, that’s OK. Living rooms, kitchen tables, porches, and patios are all great too.)