Ricky's Flower Market has only just gone into winter hibernation and already we're thinking about summer here in Union Square. The official call is now out for producers for the 2008 ArtsUnion festivals and specialty markets.

With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and support of the Somerville Arts Council, the shepherds of ArtsUnion, producers are sought to scheme up, develop and manage individual summer events and to curate and manage the markets.

Last year we had an amazing line-up of inspired cultural festivals. Which was your favorite? The screening of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision, complete with be-wigged Umbaloompas? Maybe the lights, color and bell bottoms of the disco night of Project MUM under McGrath Highway? Perhaps it was the deliciously spectacular Project YUM? Or perchance you're still savoring spoonfuls of Marshmallow Fluff, the last sticky remnants of the "What the Fluff" event?

The experiment into specialty markets paid off in 2007 so the call is going out again for folks to gather vendors under a theme. The Rock n Roll Yard Sale, Urban Country Fair and other markets brought in crowds to buy, sell and explore Union Square. If you've got a spirit of creativity, a heart of fun and a mind of organization, submit a proposal to create your own event or specialty market this summer in Union Square.

See what happened in 2007 for ideas

The Call for ArtsUnion Event Producers

The Call for ArtsUnion Market Producers

Union Square sidewalk travels, fear not! Despite a huge dumping of snow, pedestrians found it a little easier getting around Union Square this past week.

The In-Between Union Shovel Team struck at 10 PM the night of the January 14 storm. Stuart Dash and his son Dave, having finished the patch of pavement by their Prospect Hill home, launched into the square, armed and ready to clear those marginal spaces so often so unclaimed. They attacked areas around the pedestrian traffic signal buttons, the street-to-sidewalk ramps, and cleared around the bus stops. They busted through narrow passageways, broadening the walkways forged by other, less robust shovelers. Like a super-sonic vacuum knocking out every defenseless dust bunny in its path, the In-Between Shovel Team got the job done.

Next storm, we suspect the In-Between Shovel Team would welcome fellow vanquishers of dastardly flakes. Join the super heroes in their quest to take down gangs of snow, ice, and slush. When will they (or you) strike again?

Back in 1972 our dear Somerville was named All- American City by the National Civic League and now, 36 years on, we're shooting for the recognition again.

The All- America City Award recognizes exemplary grassroots community problem-solving and is given to communities that cooperatively tackle challenges and achieve results. In 2008, Somerville's still showing evidence of civic excellent as government, businesses and a range of organizations work together every day to make this community an even better place to live, work, shop, and play.

The application touting all that's great about our city is due next month and the team leading the effort want to be sure that they include all the diverse happenings in the community. Take the on-line survey where you can share what makes Somerville the All-American city.

Lots of great art all over the neighborhood in January and February.

At the Washington Street Art Center check out "Wicked Good: Paintings and Drawings by Diana Pyatov and Yuko Nakatani" before it closes on January 31. Diana uses ink, acrylic, oil and glitter to make her naïve and abstract work. Yuko's paintings are dark, blurry and sometimes funny.

Their show closes to make room for "Inappropriate Touching: Dirty Comics and Art Presented By the Washington Street Art Center." More than 20 contributors ranging take part from self-published zinesters and emerging Boston talent to internationally exhibited artists and award winning illustrators. "Inappropriate Touching" will feature art and comics as diverse as they are deviant. Opening Reception is February 1st from 6-10pm with a opening reception featuring DJs and live bands. Washington Street Art Center gallery hours at 321 Washington Street are Saturdays noon to 4 pm.

Over at SCAT, 90 Union Square, you'll find new drawings by Dave Kiersh. One part Keith Haring, one part Where's Waldo, one part urban maze madman, Dave's drawings large and small will amaze and delight.

Sherman Café at 257 Washington Street welcomes the "Visual Storytelling" of Fiona Logusch. Fiona's pen & ink drawings, intaglio prints and mixed media paintings tell a visual story of personal ties, lost and regained. Inspired by storybooks and with a whimsical introspection, the pieces draw the viewer into the artist's dream.

If you missed the Prospect Hill Resi stat gathering the presentation is available on-line. An outgrowth of the City of Somerville's SomerStat program, ResiStat is the City's effort to reach out to the neighborhoods with specific block by block information and to hear from residents directly about what issues are important to them. As part of an ongoing means of communication, City staff share the data the city maintains on municipal services to facilitate residents in getting involved in setting priorities and planning for their neighborhoods.

The ResiStat presentation included information such as the breakdown on reasons why folks on Prospect Hill call 311 for city services (problems trash pick up was number one) and specifics on crime (vehicle break-ins are the most common). Participants contributed to the discussion, responding to the proposed reorganization in the police department from the ward to a district system and recommending public safety training for residents to protect themselves from break-in before they happen.

Mark your calendars for the Third Birthday Bash for Union Square Main Streets. Wednesday, February 27 we're gathering at Machu Picchu to celebrate another year of life in this Somerville neighborhood.

Meri Jenkins of the Massachusetts Cultural Council will be the guest speaker talking about the creative economy and how the arts can be an engine in many ways for neighborhood vitality.

We'll present awards to those businesses and individuals who have advanced the whole square by doing a fabulous job of showing the love in their own corner.

In memory of Joe Thompson, founding board member of Union Square Main Streets, we'll also launch a special raffle. Stay tuned for all the details!

There's a mad dash to be ready in time. Two new stores are slated to open this weekend and the owners are scrambling and bleary-eyed, hoping to welcome customers January 19. Will they make it?

Grand, the store emerging at 374 Somerville Ave, is transforming the space that once held the autoglass shop called "Champagne Glass." With an exceptional eye for cool, Jonathan O'Toole and Wendy Friedman are bringing the same graphic sense to their retail space as they have when picking from some of the world's most interesting brands.

Over on the corner of Bow and Walnut, at 19 Bow Street, Hub Comics is aglow in acid green paint, graphic novels in the windows and a curious public outside. Owner James Welborn looks nearly ready to cast open his doors.