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| Somerville Strives for All American City |
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Old timers may recall back in the 1970s when Somerville was named All American City. Sponsored by the National Civic League recognition as an All American City honors communities that work together collaboratively and effectively to make positive change. The City is seeking this golden ring again. Last year our application was just edged out of contention and now Somerville is a finalist once more. We're pulling out all the stops to make it to the top!
The Somerville Chamber of Commerce is leading the charge with a fundraiser to gather support from businesses and individuals to send a delegation in June to the finals in Tampa, Florida. Union Square Main Streets is among those who have signed on to help.
The fundraising event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Night Games Lounge, Holiday Inn. This is the year for a new generation of Somerville to claim the distinction of "All American City."
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| Open Bicycle Opens |
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It's a growing bicycle empire over there in Olive Square as Metro Pedal Power is joined by retailer Open Bicycle. Head down Hawkins Street on Saturday April 11 for their Grand Opening celebration from 10 am to 7 pm. The fine folks at Open Bicycle are making it a real event with a photography show and film screening in the evening accompanied by tasty refreshments.
Open Bicycle is a retail and repair shop for all things bicycle so stop by for a new or refurbished bike, a tune- up, or some styling accessories.
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| Hit the Streets With Heuston |
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Alderman Maryann Heuston is reaching out to the neighborhood in a unique way. She's scheduled a series of walks to gather neighbors, to together Ward 2 and to talk with constituents about community issues, all while getting healthy exercise.
Walks meet up in different areas of the Ward before setting out a decent pace. The journey takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the preference of the group. Folks of all ages and friendly pets are invited.
Three walks are coming up. April 17 at 6 pm at Argenziano School at Lincoln Park
April 18 at 10 am at Sherman Café
April 27 at 10 am at 1 Fitchburg Street
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| Adopt a Barrel |
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The winter once again wrecked havoc on the sidewalk planters and in their sad state passersby have started to treat them like trash barrels.
USMS Neighborhood Clean Up Captain Jason Kean is once again on the job. He's rounding up some of the Community Fun Time team to help do the basic cleaning out of the planters so they're ready for new plants on City-wide Clean Up Day on Saturday, May 9.
Experience from previous years has taught us that the flowers and greenery the volunteers put in the barrels need regular tending. Watering, replacing of damaged plants and general TLC is essential to keep each and every one of the planters looking good through the long, hot summer.
We're looking for volunteers to serve as foster parents to a planter. By nurturing just 2 square feet of earth you'll be brightening your neighborhood in a significant way. Jason's already found 6 sponsors. Can you join him? If so email him at Jason@unionsquaremain.org
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| Design Annex Launch |
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It was a packed house last week for the launch of the Design Annex. Over 100 people gathered at Grand to celebrate the new co-working space for design professionals.
Mayor Curtatone was on hand, stopping by after the opening ceremonies for another arts endeavor, the Armory up on Highland Avenue. See an album of images of all the merriment by Somerville Local First's Joe Grafton here.
The Design Annex is currently undergoing construction at 66-70 Union Square. The space, formerly home to the recording studios of Handsome Brothers, will include a ventilated studio for model building, conference room for meeting with clients, shared design equipment, resource library and co- working space. Members of the space are designers of every stripe from architects to product designers to graphic artists who work from home, have a small office, or are launching their own business. The Design Annex provides the resources and community in which to grow these businesses.
The space is slated to open in June. You can follow the progress and get updates on Design Annex via Twitter. If you're interested in learning more, contact Mimi Graney at mimi@dannex.org.
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| Knit Happens |
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Carol Page has begun a charitable knitting group and she's inviting beginners and experienced knitters crocheters to join her. Chilly elders, low-income people and other folks who need some extra love would so appreciate a handmade hat, scarf, or blanket.
Carol says she was inspired by President Obama's call for service and says this is her way to make warm, pretty things for people who need them while gathering a circle of people for a fun time.
Starting April 18th, stop by Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm to the Community Room at Properzi Manor, 16- 35 Warren Avenue.
If you do not know how to knit and would like to learn, Carol and her friends will teach you. Bring a pair of #9 needles and a skein of yarn to the first meeting. And if you've got yarn and needles to contribute they'd appreciate the supplies.
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| Thai Tapas Bar Brings New Tastes |
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Great Thai Chef has gotten a big facelift. Celebrating its tenth anniversary here in the Square the hopping lunch spot now is courting nightlife too as Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar.
There's a new look with beautiful bamboo flooring, seating and a great wine and sake bar. The quick change transformation was documented by one of the folks helping to make it happen, locavore extraordinare, JJ Gonson. Side up on to sit with friends for an original cocktail accompanied by tasty small plates of original and traditional Thai recipes.
http://www.cuisineenlocale.com/2009/03/creating- ronnarong-thai-tapas-bar-pt-1.html
You'll find Ronnarong Thai Tapas Bar at 255 Washington St in Somerville.
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| Shake It Up |
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Want to start making cocktails at home but befuddled by the different tools, ingredients and recipe instructions? Do the drinks you make at home never come out as well as the ones you have out? Want to understand some of the "hows and whys" of making cocktails? Learn how from Union Square's resident mixologist Adam Lantheaume. He's the man behind Boston Shaker, the store within a store at Grand. Home Bar Basics is taking place April 13 and you can register on-line.
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| Become a Member of Union Square Main Streets |
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| Union Square Main Streets, a non-profit organization, is a partnership of local businesses, residents and the City of Somerville to enhance the Union Square business district through active community collaboration. Become involved in making Union Square a more vibrant neighborhood. Join us for an upcoming event, participate in one of our committees and become a member.
Memberships are $50 for Union Square businesses and $25 for residents and general supporters.
Become a Member On-Line! |
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How Does Your Garden Grow?
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| It's spring planting season with lots going on farming wise.
First, the Union Square Farmers Market is getting geared up. There will be a meeting of the Farmers Market Committee and all those interested in helping with this year's market are welcome. The meeting is 6 pm on Wednesday, May 6 at 66-70 Union Square (upstairs from Precinct where the market takes place.) We'll review the vendor applications, brainstorm theme day events for the coming season, make recommendations for performers, and all around organize volunteer power at the market.
Community Supported Agriculture - also known as a CSA - is a way to help farmers with support up front to plant their crops and to receive a share of the bounty once a week all season long. Through the Local Harvest directory you can find an array of CSA options offering a variety of different crops.
Thanks to a partnership of Metro Pedal Power and Parker Farms, a long standing vendor at the Union Square market, you don't even need to leave your house to get your fresh picked produce. Order up a small (1-2 people) or large (3-4 people) share through the Parker Farms CSA and for 20 weeks you'll get farm fresh veggies delivered right to your door by oh-so-green bicycle courier.
Over at the Community Growing Center at 22 Vinal Ave there's a bunch of garden activities to get your hands dirty.
Seedball Workshop
Friday, April 17 from 6-9 pm
Seedballs are a super-fun way to plant by creating little packages of compost and seeds, ready to throw where ever a garden is needed. This is a family- friendly event where one should expect to get a little dirty. Bring a tarp or sheet, finished compost and a container for your packaged seedballs. Sponsored by Homegrown.
Self-watering Container Gardens Workshop
Saturday, April 18 from 2 - 4 pm
Learn the steps of constructing your own low-cost self- watering container well suited to urban gardening. Everyone is welcome to attend this workshop, but if you want to make a container to take home, please register for the workshop by telephone (781-396- 2676) or email (julien@alum.mit.edu) by Wednesday April 15 to ensure an adequate supply of materials.
The Growing Center is a beautiful urban oasis located in Union Square. Would you like to spend some time there helping out or just relaxing? All you have to do is attend a brief (1 hour or so) orientation. The Friends of the Community Growing Center offers volunteer orientations throughout the season. The next volunteer orientation is scheduled for Monday, April 13 at 6 pm. |
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