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)

The Green Line Extension has been the focus of discussion in recent weeks, as the state explores ways to bring down projected costs and ensure that the most important transit infrastructure project in Massachusetts today keeps moving forward. But our Commonwealth must solve even greater mobility issues if we are to ensure our economic competitiveness going forward. It’s true, the Green Line Extension is the most important project on the books because it will spur significant production of homes and jobs that the region needs, as well as help the State meet environmental goals. But it addresses just one part of the coming transportation challenge our metro region will face. Three-quarters of the world’s population will be living in city regions by 2050, according to the United Nations. We know this future is coming. We need to plan for this future by asking: How are we going to move everyone around? Cycling, walking and transit—and, yes, even a smarter approach to our use of cars—are all part of the solution. In short, we need a statewide mobility plan that encompasses all forms of travel.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

In its 8th year, Riverfest is the culmination of a summer of activity at Assembly Row.

Somerville Toy Camera Festival co-organizer James Zall at the Nave Gallery Annex last Thursday. — Photo by Josie Grove

By Josie Grove

The third annual Somerville Toy Camera Festival began last Thursday with a small reception at the Nave Gallery Annex near Davis Square. The unassuming white house that is the gallery space slowly filled with photography enthusiasts and toy camera fans.

The City of Somerville is considering taking similar steps as Cambridge is doing to measure noise levels of overflying airliners coming and going at Logan International Airport.

By Jim Clark

At its latest regular meeting on Thursday, September 10, the Somerville Board of Alderman was presented with a proposed Policy Order that was recently adopted by the city of Cambridge in regards to air traffic noise pollution issues.

The 4th Annual Corn Toss tournament to raise funds for under-served youth of Somerville took place at Trum Field this past Saturday.

By Mellow D.

I approached Trum Field just 15 minutes shy of its start time of 11:00 a.m. From a distance, I saw dozens of Corn Toss boards neatly arranged in four rows and small corn-kernel-filled sacks spread about them.

Families gathered at Trum Field Saturday September 12, 2015 to compete in the 4th Annual Corn Toss tournament to fundraise for the under-served youth of Somerville. Orange, green and white balloons waived with Irish pride while clusters of black and green t-shirts moved about.

The preliminary election only in Ward 6 is tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. There are four candidates running and, as the paper announced last week, it is supporting Charles J. Chisholm for Ward 6 Alderman.

Members of Somerville Overcoming Addiction took part in the Board of Aldermen regular meeting last Thursday.

By Amy Swain

On Thursday, September 10, the Board of Aldermen met in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall for their regular meeting. The meeting did not begin in such a regular fashion, however.

Ida Azzolino recently celebrated her 103rd birthday. Ida is a well-known Somervillian. She was born in 1912 and has lived in Somerville her entire life. She can tell you how the city looked when there was nothing more than horses, wagons and streetcars. Her home was the first house to get electricity on her street. She remembers the rationing in World War I. She also remembers the first time she saw an automobile and an airplane.

Vigil attendees walked the Community Path from Cedar St. to the site of the ceremony in Davis Square.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

Fourteen years ago last Friday, airliners originally intended to serve the needs of travelers were turned into weapons of terror and flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Many brave emergency responders lost their lives on that fateful day, trying and often succeeding in saving the lives of those who were trapped in those buildings.

— Photos by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

The Democratic Ward and City Committee held their Meet the Candidates for Ward 6 Alderman at the Congressional Church on College Avenue last week. All four candidates were present to answer questions from the audience and from social media. The candidates are Charles J. Chisholm, Lance Davis, David W.S. Lieberman and Elizabeth Sara Weinbloom.