September 22 is International Car-Free Day but why bother to own a car in Union Square any day when our location and amenities make living car- free so easy?
Well, maybe not totally easy, but Union Square Main Streets is looking at breaking down the obstacles of auto-holic life styles, uncomfortable pedestrian environment, and not-the- best public transportation.
How To Live Well Without Owning A Car by Chris Balish walks you through strategies to save money and breathe easier by using your car less or getting rid of your car completely. (Read two chapters for free on-line.)
Walking and biking in Union Square isn't always perfectly pleasant so join in the free workshop "Ped Advocacy 101" on Saturday, September 16 from 9-11:30 am at Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway in Cambridge. WalkBoston’s Advocacy Committee will highlight techniques for evaluating our pedestrian environment. We'll review sidewalk widths and conditions, crosswalks, curb ramps, landscaping, street furniture, lighting and signal timing. We'll learn what to look for and how to best advocate for municipal improvements. If you're interested, contact WalkBoston directly at 617-367- 9255 to register.
In conjunction with STEP, the Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, learn about the "High Cost of Free Parking" and the broader economics for a whole community for accomodating so many cars. Transportation Planner Mark Chase will be at the Somerville Library on September 20. Details to follow soon.
To improve public resources USMS is part of a newly formed coalition called the Green Line Community Forum to secure funding and influence the design of the long- promised extension of the Green Line and Community Path. With other partners including STEP, Somerville Health Agenda, WalkBoston, LivableStreets we're sharing information on the bureaucratic and legislature process and community engagement opportunities as well as driving long-term planning for the quality of life in our corner of Somerville.
Once you make the leap to car-free life, it's easier than ever to use ZipCar. Lots of Union Square residents already regularly use the ZipCars parked right on Warren Street. Available by the hour or day with gasoline, parking and insurance all included many find ZipCar is cheaper than owning a car. In Somerville ZipCar is expanding its fleet to 50 vehicles in the city. They've got fabulous choices for every need, from Mini Cooper Convertibles to pick- up trucks. You can even feel less guilty for driving by reserving their Prius hybrid.
On September 16 vendors devoted to canine life and health will be at the Union Square Farmers Market. "Paws at the Market" is presented in partnership with som|dog, the Somerville Dog Owners Group.
Participants include:
The Union Square Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm on the Union Square Plaza.
The Family Center invites you to their first Fall Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 30. Free activities both inside their building and outside in their parking lot include arts and crafts, music and dance, toddler play, and family games. There will be refreshments and information on Family Center programs.
Since 1982, the Family Center has helped families grow strong and empowered them to form vibrant communities. A not-for-profit agency, it provides counseling and family support services to families in Somerville and the Greater Boston Area, as well as training and consultation to schools and social service agencies in New England and New York.
The Family Center’s First Fall Family Fun Day, Saturday, September 30 from 11am-1pm at 366 Somerville Avenue in Union Square (near Market Basket).
Ever wonder about the history of the gorgeous houses around Union Square? Join in a walking tour of Prospect Hill and Union Square on Saturday, September 16th from 2 - 4 p.m and hear the stories behind the facades.
Ed Gordon, President of the Victorian Society in America will highlight the Victorian ornamentation found on residences throughout the neighborhood, including spectacular stained glass windows, fine wood-turned details, gingerbread porches, and gardens. Visit the site of a strategic military installation during the seige of Boston in the mid 1770's and meander through the eclectic streets of Prospect Hill, passing by grand mansions and charming cottages, and culminating in the transforming Bow Street Historic District of Union Square. The tour will end with light refreshments at a local restaurant in Union Square.
The tour begins at 2 pm in front of the Somerville Central Library at 79 Highland Avenue, which is easily accessible by public transit (the #88 & #90 buses from Davis Square). Raindate is the next day Sunday, September 17th from 4:45 to 6:45 pm starting at the same place.
The event is free. It is sponsored by Somerville Historic Preservation Commission as part of ArtsUnion, an initiative shepherded by the the Somerville Arts Council and funded by the Mass Cultural Council to boost the economic and cultural vitality of Union Square.
There are over 450 funding programs for businesses from federal, State and local sources. The City of Somerville has launched Somerville 4 Business to help entrepeneurs seeking financing to more easily access these resources.
The City of Somerville has partnered with j4b plc to provide this service through a funding website portal called Open4Business.
Earthwise Healing Arts and Villari's Self Defense Center have partnered to present an educational seminar by Samantha Witman, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Witman will address natural ways to cope with stress and ways to stay healthy and boost immunity with the changing seasons.
All are welcome. The seminar takes place at Villari's Self-Defense Centers' Somerville Dojo, 54 Union Square on Monday, September 18, 2006, 6:30-7:30pm. Fee is $50 To register call 617-625-5070.
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. Members receive: Free "Attracting Attention" Discount Card providing discounts with Union Square businesses; Tokens to spend at the Union Square Farmers market; Invitations to Special Events and Reduced Costs for USMS Programs; Recognition for Business Members in USMS materials.
Become a Member On-Line!
At the festival the Flufferettes (aka Thru the Keyhole Cuties) will perform between musical sets by the reigning 'Kings of Irish-Jewish Folk-Punk' Los Diablos, The Patrons with their roots-rock and singer- songwriter Paddy Saul.
Young and old are invited to create a table top display for the Science Fair or make a classic or original recipe for the Cooking Contest. Top winners of these contests get a once-in-a-lifetime prize: a trip for two in a chauffeured Zip Car (BMW or convertible Mini-Cooper) to Lynn for a private tour of the Durkee-Mower factory, a year's supply of Marshmallow Fluff and more prizes.
Local businesses can't wait to get in action so you can get a taste of Fluff right away. Over at Sherman Cafe try the Fluffernutter With Banana Sandwich or a Rice Krispies Treat, classic or with chocolatey Nutella.
Like your Fluff a little stronger? At P.A.s Lounge the Fluffachino is espresso with frangelico or armaretto. Served up on demitasse with Fluff melting on top, it's perfect for a chilling Autumn evening. The Independent has the Fluffernutter Martini, a chocolate martini with Fluff and Reese's Pieces on the rim. Most exotic of all Fluff concoctions is surely the Independent's "Coney Island Men's Room." It's a hot- selling blue martini with a dollop of strawberry Fluff floating on top.
“What the Fluff?” is presented as part of ArtsUnion. ArtsUnion is a project initiative designed to boost the cultural and economic development of Union Square, Somerville. It is sheperded by the Somerville Arts Council and numerous partners, including Union Square Main Streets. Funding is provided by a Massachusetts Cultural Council's Adams Grant.
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