*********************

One of the best parts of living in Somerville are all the cool funky art exhibits in town. On Thursday another interesting exhibit from The Nave Gallery kicks off with an opening reception at the gallery, in the basement of the Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church. 'Elements: Line, Color & Form' featuring the work of Ron Brunelle, Kathleen Finlay and Alisa Dworsky opens Thursday in a free reception at 6 p.m. The exhibition runs until June 25. The art is presented in three different mediums (drawing, painting, sculpture) each of which utilize the three basic elements of line, color and form. The goal of the exhibit is to create conversations between as well as draw attention to similarities among these very different bodies of work.

*********************

On Thursday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m., Jay Mankita and the Lean Green Cleanup Machine will be at the East Branch of the Somerville Public Library (115 Broadway) to put on a cool musical show all about reducing, reusing, recycling, anti-littering and community pride. Jay is an American songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist, was inspired to develop this fun and interactive concert by the hard working folks at New Jersey Clean Communities. He tours in a veggie oil-powered van and brings music to children and adults. This free show is funded by the Friends of the Somerville Public Library and all are welcome.

*********************

Join the folks at the Central Library (79 Highland Avenue) for a six-week garden club that will introduce you to the natural world right here in Somerville. Learn how to plant flowers and vegetables, play with creepy-crawly worms and other decomposers, discover the reasons for flowers, investigate the animal and plant neighbors in our urban habitat, cook delicious Somerville-grown snacks, and play garden-themed games. Each week's activities will revolve around a different garden theme and related books will be available in the children's room to take home after each meeting. This week's meeting is on Tuesday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. The Garden Club is facilitated by volunteers from Groundwork Somerville. It is recommended for children five years of age and older and is limited to 12 participants on a first come, first served basis each week. This program is funded by the Friends of the Library.

*********************

On Tuesday, July 13th at 2:30 p.m., join the library staff for the second of three Somerstreets decoration workshops at the East Branch Library (115 Broadway.) Make beautiful and festive projects to help decorate Broadway for Sunday, July 25, when the street will be closed to traffic all afternoon for walking, biking, games, and more.

*********************

On Monday at 7:00 p.m., players of all ages and abilities are invited to Chess Night at the Central Library (79 Highland Avenue). Players should be familiar with the game, though some limited instruction may be available. Chess Night meets one Monday evening each month, and new players are always welcome.

*********************

There's some businesses changes in Union Square. Open Bicycle has moved, shifting a block down Washington Street from the corner of Hawkins to the storefront beside Sherman Café. It's a great spot for smart and honest bike repairs and cool gear that will give even the most casual urban cyclist or bike commuter a chic courier flair. Riverdog brings a new look and new management to the 321 Somerville Avenue location known for serving our furry friends. Riverdog provides dog grooming, classes, do-it-yourself doggie wash as well as attentive daycare. Already up and running and racking up good reviews, Riverdog is celebrating with a grand opening on July 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. There will be fun for dogs and their human friends. Happenings include: Lois Cunniff of Artsy Photo Tile will take a photo of your pet and mount it on tiles or coasters. Jeanne Lareau, Animal Intuitive & Communicator, will offer animal communication/intuitive sessions. Make new friends from the Greyhound Rescue of New England and prizes and freebies throughout the day. Riverdog is encouraging dogs to dress up in their summer best, with prizes for best "summer days" costume.

*********************

Do some Balkan folk dancing on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Somerville Community Growing Center on Vinal Avenue. All dances will be taught — no experience necessary. The Folk Arts Center of New England's Balkan village dance features basic instruction by leader Jo Crawford, and music by the local band Skorosmrtnica. Sit-in musicians are welcome. See http://www.facone.org/programs/program/greaterbostonoutdoors.htm.

*********************

Davis Square LiveJournal is reporting that a sign on the front door of the Social Security office in Davis Square says that their last day in the square will be Thursday, August 12. They will reopen on the first floor of 10 Fawcett Street in Cambridge on Tuesday, August 17. The notice says that they look forward to being in a new modern office building. The new location, however, may cause some distress for their elderly customers – it's not a convenient walk from any train stations for the people who use social security most. This move will also create a large vacancy at 240 Elm Street.

*********************

Our good friend Herb Vargas aka the secret squirrel is back in action and out and about again. Herb's a great guy and we are glad that he's back in the scene again.

*********************

Quite a few birthday parties going on in Somerville this coming week. We want to wish happy birthday greetings to Cindy Hickey, Timmy O'Malley, Susan Fontano, Flo Papagno, Gene Brune and our own Bill Tauro.