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!

It's time to celebrate Boston - it's Earth Day! If you're familiar with us then you know it's kind of always Earth Day around here. We believe in Boston sustainable auto repair - and we make it happen.

Besides our in-house sustainability initiatives, we've got the Boston green oil change. And what better day than today to show that baby off! In honor of Earth Day, we're giving away 20 green oil changes!

What's the catch? None - we're just Boston auto repair guys who like to show the planet a little love too!

We're throwing this green party online - the first 10 people to retweet our Earth Day tweet,and the first 10 people to comment on our Earth Day Facebook status - will all receive FREE green oil changes!

So, what are you waiting for? Check us out on Twtter or Facebook and get your FREE green oil change!

And, oh yeah - Happy Earth Day!

Winners will be notified. By appointment only. Not redeemable for cash. Includes oil filter and up to 5 quarts of EcoPower oil.

In case you haven't heard - tonight is Groundwork Somerville's  Greening the City Gala. If you follow us, then you know we're not just about Somerville car repair, and you've read about Groundwork and how much we support them. Well, tonight is your chance to support them too!

The Gala will be held at the Arts at the Armory on Highland Avenue. You can still buy tickets at the door (until they run out - which shouldn't take long). In fact, they're only $40.00!

And what do you get for your hearty investment? Firstly - a rockin' time! We're talking live music from the Go-Flo Casuals, the Soulful Souls, and the Tony the Bookie Orchestra! Combine that with delicious organic wine and some of Boston's best beer, courtesy of Pretty Things and Cambridge Brewing Company. Do you still have to think about it?

For those that another reason besides a party, you can feel good that your hard-earned money is supporting a local organization that is truly making a difference in our community. It's not too often that you get to have a rockin' time and feel like you're giving back. Now that's a good night's sleep!

So, what are you waiting for? Call your friends and make it a plan! Then come find us tonight at the Armory - we can all toast to Groundwork!

See you there!

Here at Mike’s Automotive, we’re committed to supporting local groups and businesses. We also love promoting green projects and services that benefit the environment. That's why last month we decided to help support one of our favorite local non-profits, Groundwork Somerville, with our Boston green oil change. 

Groundwork Somerville is on a mission to “empower people to live healthier, happier, and more prosperous lives.” Like Mike’s Automotive, Groundwork Somerville focuses strongly on the local community.  They organize events like the recent “Green-A-Thon,” where Groundwork Somerville volunteers worked to beautify the city of Somerville and clean-up the environment. Their programs include: healthy education; green jobs and job training; and sustainable community.

At Mike’s we love that Groundwork Somerville supports local initiatives, promotes strengthening our community, and helps the environment, all in one non-profit organization! We also support local businesses, the community, and of course, efforts to make our city greener - because Mike’s Automotive is locally owned and sustainable as well!

Are you a Boston-area organization working to better the community or the environment? Give us a heads-up in the comments - we’d love to know about it and feature you on the Mike's Automotive community blog!

We've shared a lot of news with you here at Mike's recently - by now, you've probably heard about the Boston green oil change. But I must say, I am equally as happy to share with you great news coming from one of our long-time customers.

Residing in nearby Arlington, for nearly 20 years Michael Prager has been coming to our shop for his Arlington auto repair. We've gotten to know Mike pretty well. When he told us he was writing a book, we were elated! Mike's book, Fat Boy Thin Man, was recently unveiled. The story chronicles his decades-long battle with food addiction - and how he made it out alive!

I can honestly say to you, that Mike's book is not only fabulous - it's authentic. You see, what makes this book so great is that it's a true story. Mike opens up like few people ever would and exposes the deepest and darkest sides of being obese.

Hearing the tales of Mike creating faux lunch order lists to bring into sub shops, in an effort to disguise that the entire order was for him, is truly moving. At the same time, this tale isn't some depressing sob story - as a former Boston Globe editor, Mike manages to integrate surprisingly witty humor, in order to keep the book entertaining and fresh.

Mike takes a bold stance when it comes to tackling obesity. He advocates that food is an addiction like any other. Further, he promotes the use of substance abuse therapy as the only cure for the eating disorder. After all, that's what saved his life!

This book really will change the way you think about food. Hopefully it will have a greater impact on our culture, as we struggle with a ballooning nation that has developed a perverse view of food.

So, if you care about food, health - I dare say your country, then buy Michael Prager's book. Then tell a friend. Maybe together, we can change our country and save lives!

This is a great day for Mike's Automotive, Somerville, and the region. Today, we introduce Boston's only green oil change.

Everybody knows that we're committed to Boston sustainable auto repair. But this goes beyond green initiatives. Like Mike says - this is bigger than us, this is about our community.

We're making a commitment to sustainability that is unmatched! Our goal is to make the green oil change the new standard in Boston.

We're kicking off our green oil change with a week-long push for sustainability. This week (October 18-22), for every green oil change we provide, we will donate $5.00 to our friends at Groundwork Somerville.

So, let's come together for sustainability and Groundwork Somerville. Tell everyone you know and tweet it up! The people at GWS do great work and need all the support they can get.

The race starts now and ends on Friday. If you are as green as you say you are - let's see you run!