Corn is now here! Fresh from Nicewicz Farm week the ears were still cool from the field and sold out fast this past week. Kimballs Farm promises they'll have bushels from their crop starting this Saturday. With tomatoes and oodles of zucchini at the market, it really is full summer now.

Over at the website Yelp, folks are giving the Union Square market top marks. In fact, we got so many good reviews that Yelp this past week sent us a letter saying, "It's Official - People on Yelp Love the Union Square Farmers Market." So true!

The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets recently published their Top Ten Tips for Milking the Farmers Market and they are excellent ideas for even the experienced market-goer. FMFM and the City of Somerville are partners with Union Square Main Streets in the Union Square Farmers Market. With FMFM's recommendations you can make the most of Saturdays in Union Square.

Coming up at the Union Square Farmers Market

July 26
Performance by Billy Moschella Jr
City of Somerville Open Space Planning for Union Square with Ellen Schneider and tips for being healthy and active from Shape Up Somerville

August 2
Drumming and Aikido demonstration from Shabu Aikido, Union Square's newest marital arts studio

August 9
Josh Noone and band
Plants and crops from the Somerville Youth Garden Crew

August 16
It's Alternative Health Day at the market. Businesses and community groups interested in participating should contact tara@unionsquaremain.org. From herbal remedies to acupuncture, reiki to pilates, there's a variety of resources for your health right here in Union Square.

Union Square welcomes a brand new martial arts studio this month. Shobu Aikido of Boston, a 28 year old non-profit organization proudly opened their doors at 34 Allen Street on July 17.

Aikido is a non-competitive Japanese Martial art developed in the 1940s as a peaceful means of conflict resolution. It emphasizes redirecting or moving the other person's energy (ki). People who practice Aikido learn self-defense techniques, and, if training properly, is a great work out.

To celebrate their new home Shobu Aikido is offering a special deal for 6-month memberships. $399 includes unlimited classes, training uniform and registration fees. The special ends on September 1st.

If you want to see Aikido in person, members of the dojo will hold demonstrations at the Union Square Farmers Market on August 2nd from 10am- 1pm.

Union Square Main Streets depends upon the guidance and expertise of a local Board made up of business owners, residents, members of community organizations and other neighborhood stakeholders working for the betterment of the square. A wide range of perspectives and knowledge ensures Union Square Main Streets' Board remains an accomplished, stimulating, diverse group of individuals.

There are openings on the Board of Directors and volunteers are sought who have a commitment to the community, a desire to work to improve the square's business environment and can provide a expertise an insight in areas such as business ownership, development, law, finance, public relations, philanthropy and community development.

Board members provide guidance, management and fiduciary oversight for the organization. They attend a monthly Board of Directors' meeting (generally held on the third Thursday of each month.) Directors also serve on a standing or ad hoc committee to work on special projects through the year such as the Farmers Market or Rezoning or Business Development.

If you're interested in learning more, contact Livy Parsons, Board President, or Mimi Graney, Executive Director, at usms@unionsquaremain.org

Dogma and Catma Too is hosting a special Adoption Day on Sunday, July 27 from noon to 2 pm. Greyhound Welfare has wonderful ex-racers who are currently in volunteer foster care awaiting their "forever" homes. Come to this open event to learn more about adopting a Greyhound, being a foster caregiver and Greyhound rescue.

Dogma and Catma Too is at 321 Somerville Ave and is open everyday for do-it-yourself dog wash, pet treats of every sort, and activities for your furry friends.

Dodging around the construction in Union Square, the biggest challenge can be remembering that at the end of this noise and dust really wonderful improvements are in store. Providing a little taste of what's to come, check out the new entrance to the Citizens Bank.

With some encouragement from the Somerville Disabilities Commission's Eileen Feldman and with leadership of Roxann Cooke, former Regional Manager for Citizens Bank, the only full service bank in Union Square can now be entered and utilized by everyone, including those riding wheelchairs, using a walker or pushing a stroller.

The granite step was cut through and the front door moved to create a new ramp that brings customers into the front lobby with the ATM and allows entrance into the bank itself. Previously both the front and back entrances had steps that created an impossible barrier for differently abled customers. A new teller window was also created with a lower counter so that those conducting business at a lower height can still connect with a teller at eye level.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (often just called ADA) requires that public spaces are accessible for all. In older neighborhoods like Somerville many buildings have narrow doors and steps up or down from the sidewalk level and were built without elevators, making ADA compliance a creative and financial challenge. Nevertheless, amenities essential for those with disabilities are proving to be good business in general and serve to increase economic vitality in shopping districts. Pedestrian improvements such as safe and clear crosswalks, wide sidewalks and easy to open doors serve to make our Square a welcoming, comfortable and accessible district for everyone.

Third Life Studio continues to amaze as it books nationally known acts with affordable ticket prices. Coming Friday, July 25 it's Stormin' Norman and Suzy. Once called "Post- graduate Vaudevillians," they've performed their unique rag n roll jazz in Carnegie Hall and their bold concerts have been praised by everyone from Bette Midler, Odetta and The New York Times. This is what one critic had to say, "Vaudeville blues, torch boogie, and funky jazz rag...Stormin' Norman and Suzy are exceptionally original, exceptionally good and just about the hottest act in town...Williams' energy must be seen to be believed...a natural performer."

Stormin' Norman and Suzy recently relocated from New York to Los Angeles so this is a rare concert now on the east coast. The show is at 8 pm and admission is $15 at the door. You can see a preview in this YouTube clip.

Looking for something more interactive? There's several engaging workshops coming up at Third Life.

Saturday, July 26 at 1:15 pm there's a Middle Eastern Percussion Workshop with Eric Peterson. This is a 2-hour workshop for students at all levels from beginner to intermediate, covering the techniques and rhythms for playing in a percussion ensemble. The workshop focuses on primary rhythms of Arabic, Turkish, Armenian and Greek music. Instrument instruction will include: Egyptian Tabla (doumbek), Riq (Arabic tambourine), Def, and Bendir (frame-drums) and Zils. Learn the fundamentals of cultural rhythms, as well as learning techniques for variations and drum soloing. Cost is $25 per person. For more info: ericp37@yahoo.com. Bring your own drum to class, some drums will be provided. Djembes and Ashikos are welcome.

Move culturally south on Monday, August 4 from 6:30 to 8pm for a Mixed level, Multi-generational African Dance class with Alice Hellar. Class includes a full body warm up and an introduction to movement to drumming. Learn dances and rhythms, enjoy a traditional community dance circle and special percussion instruction at the end (class will be tailored to participants). Bring your own drum or if you are interested in drumming and don't have one, let them know in advance so we can plan accordingly! Cost is $15 in advance. Or $25 adult/$17 child at the door. Email aliceheller@comcast.net or call Alice @ 617- 620-7654 for all the details.

Third Life Studio is at 33 Union Square. For directions cli ck here.

Small group discussions on the proposed Union Square Rezoning continue. In June the City of Somerville publicly presented the effort to spur redevelopment of Union Square and recognize the future Green Line stop. These follow-up community meetings serve to present the document developed thus far by City staff at the Office of Community Development with input from a focus group of neighborhood stakeholders. After incorporate feedback from these summer meetings a final draft of the proposal is expected to be presented to the Aldermen and Planning Board in September.

The proposed zoning changes create three new zones in Union Square. The area roughly made up of the Central Business District and stretches of Washington Street and Somerville Avenue would be a new Commercial Corridor District. More intensive development in under-utilized parcels and around the future Green Line stop would be in the area rezoned as a TOD (Transit Oriented District.) The Arts Overlay and related changes better defines artist live-work spaces and encourages artist studios and commercial uses in Union Square.

The small group meetings investigate specific issues addressed in the zoning or present the information in languages other than English. Everyone is welcome at any of these dates.

Open Space
Wed., July 30 @ 6:00 pm
Argenziano School (290 Washington Street)

Portuguese Language Meeting
Thurs., July 31 @ 6:00 pm
Somerville City Hall, 2nd floor (93 Highland Avenue)

Haitian Creole Language Meeting
Tues., August 5 @ 6:00 pm
Argenziano School (290 Washington Street)

Business Environment and Pedestrian Activities
Wed., August 13 at 10:00 am
Somerville City Hall, 2nd floor (93 Highland Avenue)

Wrap 'Em will be a striking display of the columns under the raised portion of McGrath Highway. Each will be wrapped in canvas and painted by different artists and community groups. Presented by the Somerville Arts Council's ArtsUnion and produced by SPP, the plan this year is to decorate 15 columns.

Swing by Saturday, July 26 from noon to 2 pm to the intersection of Washington Street and McGrath Highway for the lively and artful reception. View the art while listening to the sounds of The DGR Trio, featuring Dan Spilka on guitar, Greg Paré on vibes, and Rob Doherty on bass. The columns will be on display through the summer.

Pictured is an image by Flynn Costello, one of the artists participating in the event.

The Community Growing Center continues to hum along at full steam with three ongoing youth programs that make the most of this great summer.

Yardkins Garden Club meets every Monday through August 25 from 2 to 4 pm. Children 4 to 6 years old and their caregivers tend the Children's Garden and have free play.

Art in the Garden is a free summer art and recreation program sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council. There's drop-in, on-site registration with the group meeting every Monday through Thursday until August 14 from 9 am to 1 pm.

For the youngest kids from 0 to 5 years old with their caretakers, there's the Growing Center Playgroup Fridays through August 29 from 10 am to noon.

All events take place at the Somerville Community Growing Center located at 22 Vinal Ave. near Union Square between Summer Street and Highland Avenue. All events are free and open to the public.

Share your thoughts on physical activity in Somerville! The Institute for Community Health is conducting a survey of those who live, work and play in Somerville to better understand physical activity programs, policies and changes across the city. Your input will help inform an ongoing evaluation project and will improve physical activity programs and services for all residents.

What to be a part of this year's Fluff festival? We need people with a sense of fun, a taste for silliness and time for play to be a part of the team. From scheming up games to setting up the stage, from picking up feathers behind the Flufferettes to collecting crazy foods to match with Fluff, from designing a poster to taping those posters around town -- lots of help is needed to make this year's event wilder than ever.

Contact Mimi Graney at mimi@unionsquaremain.org to find out more!