Very interesting campaigning going on with Stickers Carl and his out of district teams that are knocking on the doors, apparently they leave “notes” signed by Stickers Carl giving the impression that he was there personally when in fact it’s the teams knocking and then when there is no answer they’re leaving them. Some of our Newstalkers in the district watched as one team of knockers were on one particular street in South Medford with no sign of Stickers Carl anywhere. Maybe he was busy finding those missing papers!

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Massachusetts Equality sponsored a small fundraiser for Stickers Carl this past Tuesday night in Teele Square at Sabur, apparently the Governor was present. Nice to see that Stickers Carl aka Prince Carl of the PDSers (you know, that Secular Progressive Group), managed to get the Governor there (now he just has to do his job and get the governor to increase our local aid). Congratulations to Stickers Carl for finally having a fundraiser in the district. But we think it‚Äôs pretty interesting since we thought the only candidate actually on the ballot, Bob Trane, was a big campaigner for Governor Patrick.   

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What‚Äôs the deal with that big eyesore of a run down building right smack in the middle of Union Square owned by the well-known attorney? Apparently the exterior of the building (never mind the interior) hasn‚Äôt been painted or repaired in over 40 years we hear. Several times lately Newstalkers around the square have seen pigeons flying in and out of the building through an open window on the top floor.    Apparently the top floor can‚Äôt be rented, so he doesn‚Äôt care how it looks. It‚Äôs the old adage we guess of some slum lords of the past just letting their buildings become run down rather than fix them up and be part of the community. There has been a lot of hard work from various businesses in Union Square to make it the place to be, and this one eye sore, oh well maybe its not in violation of any building codes, or is it?

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Get well soon to our good friend Anthony Cataldo who has been laid up in the hospital for a while! Also a big get well soon to Tom Murphy Sr. from Murphy the Florist, who has been laid up as well in the hospital – we miss seeing them around.

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Apparently an organization going under the name of “The Philadelphia Church/ Lions” has gone before the city clerk and board of aldermen, applied and managed to get approved for a charity “can” drive on the streets of Somerville on July 24th and August 7th! The strange thing is that this organization has no affiliation or ties to the Somerville Lions Club at all, but yet got granted a permit in the Lion’s name, using it without anyone’s knowledge or permission, we hear. We hope that the proper departments are doing their homework on this one before it happens.

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The Thornbury group which wants to build that 98 unit elderly complex on Park Street in Ward 2 appeared before the Board last week. Seems like Demo Man Sal got another good contract, maybe it’s his expertise when he was on the ZBA board that got him on the Management Team. On their web site www.thornburygroup.com you can see his qualifications. Just goes to show you, that being on certain boards can be very beneficial to your development career.

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Speaking of Demo Man we hear through the grapevine that the Harvard Place fire demolition back several months ago has been resolved – it appears they worked out a deal over $20K less than the original bill sent (which was about $76K), we heard that no one was happy, but pressure was made to settle.

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Got a lot of old, unused junk (or treasure) lying around the house? Well, turn it into good will by donating it to the Davis Square community yard sale in Hodgkins Park this Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon. The Davis Square LiveJournal Community is hosting the yard sale and has pledged all proceeds to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition. The sale will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but if you need to drop off donations before Sunday, contact davisyardsale@gmail.com. 

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Want to adopt a new pet? Dogma and Catma Too, in Union Square, is hosting a special Adoption Day on Sunday, July 27 from noon to 2 p.m. 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.

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It’s summer time in Union Square and that means every Saturday there is a farmers market. On Saturday, in addition to all the fresh fruit and vegetables you can carry, Billy Moschella Jr.performs before Shape Up Somerville offers tips for being healthy and active. In the next few weeks there will be everything from martial arts demonstrations to acupuncture to musical performances.

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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.

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Attention bicyclists! The city of Boston is sponsoring "Bike Fridays" this summer every fourth Friday of the month. Groups of bicyclists make the commute together into Boston and one leg passes through Davis Square. To participate, Somerville bicyclists should be at the Holland Street entrance of the Davis Square T station at 7:45 a.m. this Friday, July 25. The route will be guided by experienced cyclists and a Boston Police convoy, bringing the group through Harvard Square and then down Broadway into Boston. From 8 to 10 a.m. there will be free breakfast, a bike expo and music in City Hall Plaza.

Check the route here.