Union Square - Somerville Community Blog

Here at Mike's, we had a fantastic MLK Day (of course, we were open as usual). But while in the midst of providing the finest Somerville auto service, we made our way by the annual Maple Syrup Brunch - to benefit our friends at Groundwork Somerville.

The brunch is held every year right here in Union Square, across the street at the Independent, which graciously donates the proceeds of the event to help fund Groundwork Somerville's Maple Syrup Boil Down Project.

This year's event came with a twist - for the first time it was held on MLK Day, rather than a Saturday. And what a great idea that was! The Indo was slammed! With so many people having the day off, the event was a major draw. Who wouldn't want brunch on a day off from work?

A special menu was created for the Maple Syrup Brunch. From traditional items, to vegan options, to specialty cocktails like the Jack Rabbit - there was something for everyone.

It was great to see the event be a major success - knowing that Groundwork Somerville would benefit. The Maple Syrup Boil Down has become vital to the children of our city and is now qutie a tradition.

So next year, don't forget that you've got something planned on MLK Day - brunch! We'll see you there!

But you don't have to wait until next year to help - donate to Groundwork Somerville Now!

Can you believe it? This week Mike's Automotive turned 32! Yes, I said 32! It feels like yesterday I was writing our 30th anniversary post. Time flies when your...okay, I'm not going to say having fun. It's not always fun when you have to tell people how much it is going to cost them to repair their vehicles. But I've got to say, we still love what we do!

Granted, we love cars. And we love fixing them. Getting to work with the latest technology in a cutting-edge industry is truly amazing!

Even though we enjoy fixing cars, that's really not the best part of what we do. The best part is that we help people. Technology is great - but helping people is what keeps us going every day. When we wake-up each morning, we know that our day's work is going to get someone out of a jam. Now, that's more motivating than any cup of Joe!

What makes it even better is that we've been helping people in the same community all these years - so this means a little more to us than just Somerville auto repair - it's about taking care of our neighbors. Whether it be by repairing cars or partnering with our friends at Groundwork Somerville, community has always been a priority here at Mike's. I like to think that's why we're still here, while so many others have come and gone.

So, the next time you're in for service, or just grabbing a bite in Union Square, stop by and see Mike and wish him a happy birthday!

Here's to many more years! And community!

It's almost New Year's! The start of a new year means something different to everyone. Often it invokes feelings of joy and optimism. Here in Somerville, New Year's Day carries a special meaning. For on that day we celebrate one our local treasures: the Grand Union flag.

Many of you may know that our beloved Grand Union flag - our nations's first flag - was raised by George Washington on Prospect Hill, on January 1, 1776. But did you know that it is still celebrated by those who love our city most?

In fact, since she took helm at the Historical Preservation Commission, Brandon Wilson has worked to return the "grandness" of celebrating the Grand Union flag. A major celebration is prepared for New Year's Day, with a procession starting at City Hall, and finishing at Prospect Hill.

What a great opportunity to experience a profound piece of history, right here in Somerville! We often forget what we have right here, in our own backyard. The first shot fired during the American Revolution may have occurred in Lexington, but the battle lines were drawn here in Somerville, with the raising of the Grand Union flag.

At our Somerville auto repair shop, we look up and see the Grand Union flag every day, waving proudly, as if it's wathcing over us.

What are you doing New Year's Day? Why not get out and see the procession? Stop by Prospect Hill, and think about what the new year means to you. And how if it wasn't for George Washington and the Grand Union flag, it might mean something entirely different.

Life here in Union Square can be a little hectic, to say the least. The place we call home is basically the crossroads of Somerville and Cambridge. You would think this would mean that things are always moving slowly. But that's not the case....

The truth is Union Square is akin to a runway! Cars fly through this place like it's the autobahn, and have no regard for who or what is in their way.

This culminated in tragedy this past week. A 55 year-old Somerville woman was struck and nearly killed, right in the heart of the Square.

An investigation is in process, but regardless of the outcome, this incident should give us all pause. And we should demand that something be done in Union Square!

How much longer are we going to allow this traffic situation to exist? What if this woman had died? Would we make ourselves heard then?

This isn't about who is at fault. It's about a situation that has been allowed to worsen over the years, without consequence. Somebody needs to take a stand.

Today, we take a stand! We demand that our elected officials do something, before we really do lose a member of our community.

Are we in this alone? Drop us a comment and tell us if you're on-board!

There's something exciting going on here in Union Square. At our Somerville auto repair shop we have a new neighbor. And we're psyched that it's another food spot!

Owner, Jose Garcia (of Blue Fin fame) has setup shop right next to us, with his new restaurant Ebi Sushi. That's right - come in for an oil change and grab a volcano roll next door for lunch. That's just too easy!

Jose told our friends at the Somerville Arts Council that he had been looking for a spot for a while. He realized that he had many customers from Union Square - but there was no sushi here. Well, the bells went off and the rest is history....

Ebi Sushi is more than just sushi. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, from tempura, to teriyaki, to noodle soups - there's something for everyone at Ebi.

And with a 4.5 star rating on Yelp, I have a feeling that Jose isn't going anywhere any time soon.

So, the next time you're in for service, or just making your way through Union, stop by Ebi Sushi and say, hello! Let's show Jose that he picked the right spot!

Did you make it to Union Square this past Saturday? We were there in full force for SomerFun - courtesy of Somerville Local First and Somerville Arts Council. It was definitely a little rough with the November-like weather - cold, rainy, and well - yuck! But we Somerville auto repair guys know how to have a good time!

We huddled under a big tent next to our friends from Groundwork Somerville - oh, so kind of them! The turnout may have been low, but it was still filled with great, local people.

We showed up with gifts for everyone! We had some sleek gift cards made that entitle the recipient to $10 off of our green oil change. And yes, they were quite a hit!

It was great to see the dedication of all the local businesses and friends of Somerville. That's what makes our community great!

And though, at the end of the day we were a little tired - and wet - all was well when we raised our glasses at the Independent.

See you next year, at what will hopefully be a warm and sunny SomerFun!

At Mike's, we think your service experience here should be a fun one. And if you follow us then you know that along with Boston car repair, we love social media. Besides blogging, we're always tweeting and sharing what we can on Facebook.

Recently, we decided it was time to venture even further into the land of social media. Our next step? Bring on the check-ins! Come one - come all! Whether it be Foursquare, SCVNGR, Facebook, Yelp or Gowalla - your check-in is welcomed at Mike's!

We're hoping to make this a fun experience by giving a little something to everyone. While in for service, check-in at Mike's and you'll receive a free Taza chocolate bar! Just show us your check-in and get Taza-fied!

Taza chocolate is a locally made, stone-ground, organic chocolate. Delicous, local, and sustainable - how can you go wrong?

And if you become the Mayor of Mike's - you receive a free oil change of your choice - including our Boston green oil change!

So, the next time you're looking for quality Boston car repair, head to Mike's and check-in. Then sip on a cup our organic coffee or tea and enjoy your Taza!

Got any other great check-in ideas? Drop us a comment and let us know!

Follow us on Twitter!

Ahhh...sweet, sweet Somerville! Home to the - powerless?

That's what it seems like sometimes.The city - especially East Somerville and Union Square - has been plagued by power outages for what seems like forever.

Thanks to the fabulous folks at NSTAR, life around these parts can be pure hell to say the least.

Kudos to the Somerville Board of Aldermen for calling NSTAR out on the carpet!

The Aldermen voted unanimously so send an official complaint to the state Department of Public Utilities.  And now Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan is leading the charge for legal action against NSTAR.

Now that's a little more like it!

Have you noticed that you don't hear this type of thing happening much next door in Cambridge?

It makes one wonder: Will Somerville have the same luck once the gentrification fairy has completed all of her work?

I think the answer is - yes!

Unless of course, we stand up! And stand up together! That's what we at Mike's are doing right now. We've had enough of NSTAR!

Ever since we've moved into our Union Square location we've been plagued by power outages. Have you ever seen a car stuck up on a lift? Not fun! And definitely doesn't make for happy customers.

So, we're backing the Aldermen all the way! And we hope you do too!

Together, we are going to solve this problem - and Somerville is going to get the respect it deserves!

Have your own NSTAR horror stories? We want to hear them?

Strength in numbers! Let's do this!

So, I guess you heard about the flooding?

Well, we got slammed here in Union Square! So didn't our friends down the way in East Somerville. Most of us in the area were without power and some were even under water (can't really get your Somerville auto repair if everything is floating).

Have no fear, Mike's faithful! Like many of our Union Square compadres we are back in action!

But what a mess it was.... Check out these photos posted by the Somerville News. (Notice all of the water in front of the Precinct? Yeah, we're right across the street!)

We know you must have your own flood story.

Let us know - we can't wait to hear it!