Ah, they grow up so fast. Hard to believe that Union Square Main Streets is now two years old. Help blow out the candles at our Birthday Bash at The Independent Restaurant on February 27.

We're pleased to welcome Doug Foy as this year's speaker. Doug Foy is the former Executive Director of the Conservation Law Foundation. For twenty-five years he oversaw the organization that secured the state transit commitments enabling theGreen Line extension to Union Square. He served for three years in the Romney administration as Director of the Office of Commonwealth Development, a new department to better connect transportation, housing, and environment policy. An environmentalist who champions city life, he left that post with a state commitment of $517 million in grants to support smart growth investment. In Somerville, Doug Foy worked with Mayor Curtatone on transit oriented development strategies, notably assisting with the plans for Assembly Square. He'll be on hand to talk with us about how Union Square can leverage our future Green Line stop and great location to make an even better neighborhood for us all.

Join us on Tuesday, February 27 at The Independent starting at 6 pm. Your donation of $30 at the door includes refreshments and musical entertainment.

The owners of Davis Square's Diesel Cafe are planning to open a second location here in Union Square. Union Square Main Streets is hosting a community gathering for neighbors to meet Jen and Tucker, hear about their vision and ask questions about the proposed changes for the first floor in the old bank.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 at SCAT, 90 Union Square (Old Firehouse).

11 Bow Street has been sitting empty for years. It was built in 1908 to house the Somerville National Bank which moved around the corner from its original location at 57-61 Union Square. The facade's monunmental arch and Roman grille were removed in a massive renovation around 1980 and replaced with today's giant large windows. In recent decades its nearly 10,000 square feet were home to the Somerset Bank and East Asian Bank.

Looking for a space to host a class or a community meeting? "This Building Community" is a space in Union Square available for use by groups and individuals. Comfortable discussion areas and large wall chalkboard are perfect for presentations and workshops. The internet access and desks are great for those needing a part-time office. The full kitchen makes it easy to offer refreshments or whip up a mid-work snack. The room has flexible scheduling and a reasonable rental rate.

For more information about using this resource contact Sue at "This Building Community", sb.tbc@verizon.net

While there's a cultural happening nearly every night in Union Square, especially in our lively bar and lounge scene, it does seem a little quieter here mid-winter. But this month, some alternative venues are hosting hot events.

On February 8 check out the glamorous interior renovation of One Summer Street, hear the sweet sounds of Indian Hill Chamber Players and support a worthy cause all at the same time. The former church once hosted the offices of many of Somerville's non- profit organizations including Respond, Somerville's answer to domestic violence. Needing significant repairs it was sold and now, after years of creative restoration, is home to high-end condos. The building owners have welcomed Respond and their guests to return to their former digs for this special event. Respond recently kicked off a capital campaign for $2.5 million to build a new shelter and they'll be raising a fraction of that at the tour, concert and reception on Thursday, February 8 starting at 6:30.

For music of whole different tune check out Open Sound on Friday, February 16 over at Third Life Studios. Titled "Dave, Dave, and Dave," you will hear performances by a David Gross, a David Curry and a Dave Bryant each playing instruments you've heard of like keyboard, sax and drums. But they've got a whole gaggle of friends with them with names like Jonah, Chris and Craig who'll be playing loops and singing saw so expect the experimental. Doors open at 8 p.m. with $7 donation.

Loop from Somerville Ave to the other leg of Union Square to the Washington Street Art Center. Their February exhibition is the "Collaboration Show," with Washington Street Art Center Members joining forces with other artists from Massachusetts, New York and the Philadelphia area to create works ranges from drawing and painting to sculpture and comics. Friday, February 2 from 7 to 9 pm is the opening reception or visit during gallery hours at 321 Washington Street. WSAC is inviting the public to come and participate in a collaboration drawing that will begin the night of the reception and continue through their public viewing hours on Saturdays from 12-4pm.

Most cultural happenings in Somerville receive the support of our friends at the Somerville Arts Council and Open Sound and Washington St Art Center are among them.

Getting your sweetheart one of those lame, mass produced boxes of chocolate from the convenience store is no way to show your love this Valentine's Day. Your gift search should include a hero's journey, an adventure worthy of your storybook romance.

Or at least a hero's journey that can be conjured here in Union Square. Traverse the tracks of Prospect Street and wander left into Boynton Yards for some urban exploration. Taza Chocolate along with neighbor Albertine Press and La Tene Chocolatier are hosting an Open House at the Taza Chocolate factory on Windsor Street.

Learn how chocolate transforms from bean to bar and enjoy some truffles and hot chocolate. Watch the letter press in action and print your own limited edition Valentine card. Stock up on paper and chocolate to see you both through the year. The adventure will be so much fun, you maybe should bring your valentine along.

The Paper and Chocolate Party is Sunday, February 11 from 1 to 4 pm to 561 Windsor Street, B-206 (Second Floor). For more information contact Taza Chocolate at 617-623-0804.