By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

East Somerville kicked off summer and the 2015 SomerStreets season last week with the sixth edition of SomerStreets: Carnaval. People took over East Broadway for an afternoon of dancing, playing music, hula hooping, drawing chalk art, and more. But events like SomerStreets are more than great parties and great opportunities for enjoying healthy ways to get active. They bring people together, build community and are a source of pride for our neighborhoods; if there was one takeaway from Carnaval, it was: “This Is East!” And SomerStreets in particular speaks to one of our shared values and hopes. As our city evolves and we strive to meet the community’s goals of more public space in the most densely populated city in New England, we believe the design and function of our public spaces, streets and otherwise, should be people-centric.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

All the fourth graders from East Somerville Community School had a fun time visiting a fire station last week. They toured the station and were given demonstrations on how the fire fighting equipment operates.

Joe’s Jazz and Blues Fest 2015, June 20 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A free concert at Powderhouse Park .

Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 is  the brain child of Mayor Joe Curtatone, who played trumpet in the Somerville High School Jazz Band. The best all-day free concert takes place Saturday, June 20 at Powderhouse Park from noon to 6:30 p.m.

By Laura Stiffler

These days, it seems that Somerville is on everyone’s mind. From being mentioned on Buzzfeed’s Most Mouth-Watering Eats to Thrillist’s Hippest Cities to Live In, people cannot stop talking about our beloved home.

By Jim Clark

At the request of the Somerville Fire Department, police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Cross Street and Pearl Street for a motor vehicle accident last Wednesday afternoon.

One of the most versatile dishes you can make is a frittata. Ham, sausage, spinach, steamed broccoli, a mixture of cheeses and/or herbs can be added to tailor your flavor preference. When I entertain for brunch this is my go to dish. I like to serve it with a mixed green salad and either sausage or bacon. It can be made the day before or the morning of your gathering. Serve warm or at room temperature. Anything that can be made ahead will ensure that you will be enjoying time with your guests and not slaving over the stove the whole time.

By Oliver Bok

A scene from Werner Boote’s film Plastic Planet illustrates what is considered to be an over-dependence on plastic products in modern life. — Photo courtesy of Werner Boote

“We are the children of the age of plastic,” intones Austrian filmmaker Werner Boote in his 2009 film Plastic Planet.

Somerville Climate Action screened the documentary the Arts at the Armory on June 9 in support of a plastic bag ban currently being mooted by the city.

27th Middlesex District State Rep. Denise Provost has concerns about proposed changes in MBTA transfer pricing policies.

By Josie Grove

On June 4, Governor Charlie Baker announced a ‘winter resiliency’ plan to prepare for next winter. In a statement issued last week, Governor Baker connected the $82.7 resiliency funding to the MBTA reform bill (H.3347) currently under consideration at the statehouse.

By Oliver Bok

Dr. Alan Titlebaum was honored by the Board of Aldermen for his generosity in helping to provide eyeglasses for Somerville students.

The Board of Aldermen officially commended Dr. Alan Titlebaum on June 11 for working with School Department nurses to provide eyeglasses for Somerville students who otherwise would not have been able to afford them.

This coming Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at 14 St. James Avenue join first term Ward 5 School Committee Member Laura Pitone’s simple BBQ to celebrate her 2015 re-election campaign. Hamburgers, hotdogs and vegetarian options will be served at this informal, family friendly event. Donations are appreciated, but are not required (https://laurapitone.nationbuilder.com/donate). Thanks to Marisa Wolsky for hosting. Please RSVP so we have enough food. If you haven’t met Laura, this would be a great opportunity. She’s a wonderful person and is dedicated to doing a great job on the School Board.