JULY-AUG-SEP ​JULY Casual Creative Arts in Nature Drop In Sessions Most Wednesdays, June 3 - September 30, 4:30-6:30 pm  Most Saturdays, thru October 17, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (Weekly Rotating Themes listed in our Google Calendar) Volunteers will be on hand most Wednesday afternoons during the Red Fire Farm CSA pickup and Saturday mornings during Open Garden Hours for casual creative time, featuring a range of special rotating topics. Stop by to learn about specific fiber arts media and projects. Check our Google Calendar for the changing schedule, which features sewing circles, embroidery, cordage, spinning, dyeing and more! Or instead, do your own thing: Sketch, draw, paint, write a bit, or create a poem or journal entry! And draw your inspiration from nature in a green setting in the city. (Some limited art supplies available.) Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Pub Sing 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, July 7 & 21, 7:00-9:00 pm A pub-style sing along. Anyone can lead a song, but no-one is obliged to. Drinking songs and sea chanteys always go over well, but anything with a good, singable chorus will be appreciated!  Contact: Jeff at jeff.keller@gmail.com  Veggie Fermentation with Flora Thursday, July 9, 6:30-8:00 pm  Flora Spivak will discuss and demonstrate simple techniques for making veggie fermentations such as sauerkraut and salt-brined pickles at home. Samples and recipe cards will be provided. Come learn and/or share your own experience and knowledge of these traditional methods of preserving food! Flora is the organizer of the Somerville Fermentation Festival, held on August 16 at the Center for the Arts at the Armory. Find out more at www.somervillefermfest.com or follow on Instagram @somfermfest. Contact Flora at somfermfest@gmail.com Volunteer Orientations Saturday, July 11, 9:30-10:45 am Thursday, July 30, 4:00-5:15 pm Get more involved in your community! Learn the history of this unique municipal community green space, its 30-plus year timeline and the story of its founding. Go on a tour to learn all about how its different spaces are used. Hear first-hand the ins and outs of site maintenance, and the ways in which our staff, Board, community use partners and volunteers all steward the space. Finally, learn about the  volunteer opportunities and teams you could get involved with at the Growing Center. RSVP (optional) to volunteer@thegrowingcenter.org.  Introduction to Nature Monitoring in the City with Earthwise Aware Saturday, July 11, 2:00-3:30 pm Join Claire and Earthwise Aware (EwA) citizen scientists and learn how to observe and record the plants, insects, and animals of the Somerville Growing Center. With these observation events and through the EwA photo documentation using the iNaturalist platform, we contribute to biodiversity science while enjoying the outdoors together in this beautiful little garden. Also learn about EwA’s arthropod (insect and spider) and phenology studies at the Growing Center. Contact: claire.oneill@earthwiseaware.org  Rejane de Musis Music Workshop and Concert with Ebinho Cardoso* Saturday, July 11: Workshop at 5:00 pm; Concert at 6:00 pm Join music teacher Rejane de Musis for a 30 minute workshop for children followed by a concert with Ebinho Cardoso, renowned bassist, composer and educator known for his unique “guitar-like” approach to the bass, using custom tunings to play chords and melodies simultaneously. Contact: Rejane at rejane.musis@gmail.com  Mindful Garden Experience with Sue Sunday, July 12, 6:30-7:30 pm (MOVED from June 7) Looking for a way to slow down and unwind? Let Susan Novick, a certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, teach you how to do just that through mindful breathing, movements, and walking that will help you be present in the moment and connect with the natural world in new ways during this time at the Growing Center.  Contact:  Sue at shnovick2@gmail.com  Nibbling on Natives in Your Backyard and Beyond with Russ Cohen Monday, July 13, 8:00-9:00 pm Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten, for a 60+ minute slide show featuring at least two dozen species of native edible wild plants suitable for adding to your own landscape, or nibbling on as you encounter them in other locales.  Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation method(s), as well as guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging.  Russ will also include a few details regarding some native edible plants he has grown successfully from seed, and the partnerships he has made with conservation groups and others to add edible native plants to their landscapes.  Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Poetry in the Garden, Featuring HOME FREE by Aparna Paul Tuesday, July 14, 6:00-8:00 pm (NOTE the longer time to accommodate the open mic + featured speaker.) Join us for the first installment of our themed mic nights with fellow creatives and poets. The theme for this open mic is DAY. Anyone can share their work regardless of participation in the theme. Following the open mic, we'll have a feature reading by Aparna Paul from her debut collection Home Free (Game Over Books, 2025), and an art/writing activity by your open mic co-hosts, Amy Argentar and Aparna Paul. Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Sourdough Workshop with Spencer & Emma Thursday, July 16, 6:30-7:30 pm Join Growing Center volunteers to explore the wonders and delights of creating your own sourdough bread at home. Learn tips and techniques in this workshop.  Share your stories–and some limited sourdough starter will be available. Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Mindful Yoga Care in the Garden with Jenn Fridays, July 17 & 31, 5:30-6:30 pm Take time for a mindful movement practice to turn off from obligations and connect to the body and mind. Offered by Jenn Pici Falk, who offers recorded sessions at youtube.com/picijenn.  Contact: Jen at jennpfalk@gmail.com  Summer Film Night Thursday, July 23, 8:00-9:15 pm  Come enjoy films and lively discussion with special topical guests in a garden setting. July Theme is Power to the Pedals: Wenzday Jane and the Culture of Change, with filmmaker Bob Nesson. Contact: Maddie at madeleinecmorgan@gmail.com Light is Returning: Music for Social Change Saturday, July 25, 3:00 pm Rain Date: Sunday, July 26 An evening of performances by and in collaboration with teachers at WholeTone, and local artists, boosting social change in the times we live in.  Contact: info@wholetoneacademy.com  Poetry in the Garden Open Mic Tuesday, July 28, 6:00-7:30 pm Join us for a night of creativity and expression. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this open mic is the perfect opportunity to share your work with a supportive audience. Come listen to talented performers, or take the stage yourself and showcase your writing. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow poetry lovers and immerse yourself in the power of spoken word. June Theme: Day; July Theme: Night; August Theme: Sunrise/Sunset. RSVP Here! Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org  Spectacular Caterpillars with Tomoko   Wednesday, July 29, 7:30 pm New Date due to Weather: Wednesday, August 12 Caterpillars sometimes feel like gardeners’ foe when they eat away our plants, but they are an absolutely essential part of our ecosystem. Under Tomoko Deeney’s guidance, we’ll closely look at caterpillars’ fascinating life cycle by learning basic facts about Lepidoptera; then, we’ll zoom in on Monarch and Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars with some photos and videos of their growth, behaviors and metamorphosis. You will see that wonders of our natural world are happening right under our noses. By emphasizing the importance of creating habitats for caterpillars and butterflies, learn how we can experience rearing caterpillars thoughtfully based on Tufts University entomologist’s advice and Xerces Society’s recommendation. Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Stuffed Animal Campout Thursday, July 30, 5:00-6:30 pm New Date due to Weather: Thursday, August 6 Drop off your stuffies for an overnight camping experience! Kids are invited to register their animal for "camp." We’ll have a camping-themed Pajama Storytime for the kids and offer some camping crafts prior to saying their good-byes, and then it’s party time for just the animals, with garden exploration time, hide-and-seek, (pretend) s’mores making, singalongs, and more! Follow along in the fun on social media! Pick-up times: Friday, Aug 7, 7:30-9:00 am. Other times can be pre-arranged. Contact: Betsy at betsy@thegrowingcenter.org ​ AUGUST ​​​ Casual Creative Arts in Nature Drop In Sessions Most Wednesdays, June 3 - September 30, 4:30-6:30 pm  Most Saturdays, thru October 17, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (Weekly Rotating Themes listed in our Google Calendar) Volunteers will be on hand most Wednesday afternoons during the Red Fire Farm CSA pickup and Saturday mornings during Open Garden Hours for casual creative time, featuring a range of special rotating topics. Stop by to learn about specific fiber arts media and projects. Check our Google Calendar for the changing schedule, which features sewing circles, embroidery, cordage, spinning, dyeing and more! Or instead, do your own thing: Sketch, draw, paint, write a bit, or create a poem or journal entry! And draw your inspiration from nature in a green setting in the city. (Some limited art supplies available.) Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Pub Sing 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, August 4 & 18, 7:00-9:00 pm A pub-style sing along. Anyone can lead a song, but no-one is obliged to. Drinking songs and sea chanteys always go over well, but anything with a good, singable chorus will be appreciated!  Contact: Jeff at jeff.keller@gmail.com ​​​​ Volunteer Orientations Saturday, August 8, 9:30-10:45 am Monday, August 24, 6:00-7:15 pm Get more involved in your community! Learn the history of this unique municipal community green space, its 30-plus year timeline and the story of its founding. Go on a tour to learn all about how its different spaces are used. Hear first-hand the ins and outs of site maintenance, and the ways in which our staff, Board, community use partners and volunteers all steward the space. Finally, learn about the  volunteer opportunities and teams you could get involved with at the Growing Center. RSVP (optional) to volunteer@thegrowingcenter.org.  Introduction to Nature Monitoring in the City with Earthwise Aware Saturday, August 8, 2:00-3:30 pm Join Claire and Earthwise Aware (EwA) citizen scientists and learn how to observe and record the plants, insects, and animals of the Somerville Growing Center. With these observation events and through the EwA photo documentation using the iNaturalist platform, we contribute to biodiversity science while enjoying the outdoors together in this beautiful little garden. Also learn about EwA’s arthropod (insect and spider) and phenology studies at the Growing Center. Contact: claire.oneill@earthwiseaware.org  Strands of Connection: Seed to Scarf (5 Sessions total) August 8 & 29 @ 1-4 pm; Limited participants / Pre-registration Required  Join fiber artist Miles Hilton and a small group for this collective creative journey to engage Somerville residents in a series of workshops designed to introduce novices to going from planting seeds to a finished product. Participants will learn about: 1) growing and caring for dye plants; 2) spinning yarn from wool using a drop spindle, including the history of the craft, along with a series of drop-in spinning sessions so participants can spin enough yarn for a simple fiber arts project; 3) dyeing yarn over two (August) sessions using dyes from plants grown in the first session to dye yarn spun in the second; and 5) creating a simple woven or knit scarf, or other textile, to showcase at the Center’s Harvest Festival in late September. Supported in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local commission supported by the City of Somerville. Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for general funding support. Dates in April, August and September; attendance expected at all sessions. RSVP's are closed. Teen Empowerment Open Mic Night Tuesday, August 11, 4:00-7:00 pm Teen Empowerment, in collaboration with the Growing Center, will host a community open mic event on August 11th. The event will include youth-led performances such as speeches, poetry, and music, as well as light games and community engagement activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the open mic portion of the program. The event is intended to provide a safe, inclusive space for creative expression and community gathering. Contact: pat@teenempowerment.org  Birds in the Mystic Watershed with Michael Wednesday, August 19, 7:30 pm Local resident Michael Fager has participated in research for the Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas, helped construct an osprey breeding platform in the Mystic River and generally come to know the birds of the Mystic. He will share some of his experiences studying and getting to know birds that reside here, as well as those that migrate through in different seasons. Michael has been a long time member of the Somerville Conservation Commission, as well as active with the Community Preservation Committee and the Mystic River Watershed Association (including winning awards for his bird photos)  Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Growing and Savoring Herbal Teas with Lisa Thursday, August 20, 7:00-8:00 pm Learn about ways to grow and harvest plants at home to enjoy teas from a range of herbs that one can nurture in small spaces.  Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org Summer Film Nights Thursdays August 20 and 27, 8:00-9:15 pm  Come enjoy films and lively discussion with special topical guests in a garden setting. Featuring the documentary film "In Our Nature." In a time of rising loneliness, disconnection, and division, this is the story of how nature - and those who teach with it - are helping us find our way back to each other. Special guests will be from local organizations that connect people with nature. Contact: Maddie at madeleinecmorgan@gmail.com Poetry in the Garden Open Mic Tuesday, August 25, 6:00-7:30 pm Join us for a night of creativity and expression. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this open mic is the perfect opportunity to share your work with a supportive audience. Come listen to talented performers, or take the stage yourself and showcase your writing. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow poetry lovers and immerse yourself in the power of spoken word. June Theme: Day; July Theme: Night; August Theme: Sunrise/Sunset. RSVP Here! Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org  Conversation about Wolves with Rick Wednesday, August 26, 7:30 pm What do we know about this keystone species, responsible for supporting healthy ecosystems? How do wolves help restore balance in forests, regenerate eroded riverbanks and support Rick will share stories and knowledge gained at the Brother Wolf Foundation.  Contact: Rick at rwood@siteduck.com Mindful Yoga Care in the Garden with Jenn Friday, August 28, 5:30-6:30 pm Take time for a mindful movement practice to turn off from obligations and connect to the body and mind. Offered by Jenn Pici Falk, who offers recorded sessions at youtube.com/picijenn. This class is offered complimentary, but with a suggested donation to the Growing Center. Contact: Jen at jennpfalk@gmail.com  SEPTEMBER Pub Sing 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, September 1 & 15, 7:00-9:00 pm A pub-style sing along. Anyone can lead a song, but no-one is obliged to. Drinking songs and sea chanteys always go over well, but anything with a good, singable chorus will be appreciated!  Contact: Jeff at jeff.keller@gmail.com ​​ Casual Creative Arts in Nature Drop In Sessions Most Wednesdays, June 3 - September 30, 4:30-6:30 pm  Most Saturdays, thru October 17, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (Weekly Rotating Themes listed in our Google Calendar) Volunteers will be on hand most Wednesday afternoons during the Red Fire Farm CSA pickup and Saturday mornings during Open Garden Hours for casual creative time, featuring a range of special rotating topics. Stop by to learn about specific fiber arts media and projects. Check our Google Calendar for the changing schedule, which features sewing circles, embroidery, cordage, spinning, dyeing and more! Or instead, do your own thing: Sketch, draw, paint, write a bit, or create a poem or journal entry! And draw your inspiration from nature in a green setting in the city. (Some limited art supplies available.) Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org "Bring One Thing" Volunteer Open House Thursday, September 10, 6:00-7:00 pm The Growing Center invites you to join us for a brief Info Session on volunteering with us. We ask attendees to bring ONE thing that can be donated to our Seasonal Salvage Sale coming up Oct 24! Learn more about volunteering at the Salvage Sale and for our Winter Wreath Sale, and meet new like-minded people, too! RSVP (suggested but not required): bit.ly/bringonething26 (Psssst: You don't have to tell us ahead of time what you're bringing!) IDEAS FOR YOUR DONATION:       *One nice piece of clothing in good condition       *Nice bag or purse or scarf you no longer need       *Seasonal decor *Table linens *Fabrics       *Art prints *Picture frames *Housewares Volunteer Orientations Saturday, September 12, 9:30-10:45 am Monday, September 14, 6:00-7:15 pm Thursday, September 24, 4:00-5:15 pm Get more involved in your community! Learn the history of this unique municipal community green space, its 30-plus year timeline and the story of its founding. Go on a tour to learn all about how its different spaces are used. Hear first-hand the ins and outs of site maintenance, and the ways in which our staff, Board, community use partners and volunteers all steward the space. Finally, learn about the  volunteer opportunities and teams you could get involved with at the Growing Center. RSVP (optional) to volunteer@thegrowingcenter.org.  Introduction to Nature Monitoring in the City with Earthwise Aware Saturday, September 12, 2:00-3:30 pm Join Claire and Earthwise Aware (EwA) citizen scientists and learn how to observe and record the plants, insects, and animals of the Somerville Growing Center. With these observation events and through the EwA photo documentation using the iNaturalist platform, we contribute to biodiversity science while enjoying the outdoors together in this beautiful little garden. Also learn about EwA’s arthropod (insect and spider) and phenology studies at the Growing Center. Contact: claire.oneill@earthwiseaware.org  Mindful Yoga Care in the Garden with Jenn Friday, September 18, 5:30-6:30 pm Take time for a mindful movement practice to turn off from obligations and connect to the body and mind. Offered by Jenn Pici Falk, who offers recorded sessions at youtube.com/picijenn. This class is offered complimentary, but with a suggested donation to the Growing Center. Contact: Jen at jennpfalk@gmail.com  Gathering of the Fairies: Celebrating Nature Spirits  Sponsored by PlayUnion & Dandelion Montessori Saturday, September 19 2:00-5:00 pm  Rain Date: Saturday, September 26 Come learn about nature spirits from around the world–and our imaginations! Everyone is invited to come dressed up as their favorite magical being. Celebratory activities in the garden for fairies and their friends include storytelling, building a fairy house and creating a fairy wand. (For extra fun, venture over to the Fluff Festival in Union Square as well.) Donations are encouraged to support the Growing Center and Gathering of Fairies. Contact: Kathleen at kathleen@thegrowingcenter.org  Climate Crisis Cabaret - A Theatrical Equinox Celebration Tuesday, September 22, 6:00-7:30 pm Join the Climate Crisis Cabaret (CCC) for a lively evening of theater to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox and find possibility in a time of climate change. The CCC will premiere several new short works, including Battle for the Future of the Earth and Cacophony/Harmony. Bring the whole family!  Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org; debra.anne.wise@gmail.com Somerville's Pollinator Garden Prizes Ceremony Saturday, September 26, 1:30-3:00 pm LOCATION: CALA Building (Former Powderhouse Community School) 1060 Broadway, Somerville Come celebrate & learn more about local pollinator gardens and community growing. Brief remarks by reenactor playing Isabella Stewart Gardner, who awarded annual garden prizes throughout Boston neighborhoods (1904-1919), as part of a nationwide 'City Beautiful' movement.  Community event with refreshments & tabling. Sponsored by a Somerville Arts Council/MCC grant, in partnership with Somerville Community Growing Center & Somerville Garden Club, plus (5) gift cards from Mahoney's to be awarded to "Model Pollinator Gardens." RAIN OR SHINE Harvest Festival: Strands of Connection and The Three Sisters Sunday, September 27, 2:00-4:30 pm  Postponed to Sunday, October 4 - See Updates Page Sponsored by Green Century Capital Management Harvest and nature arts activities, pumpkin decorating and a celebration of the bounty nature shares with us throughout the year. Celebrate Corn, Squash and Beans, the traditional Three Sisters indigenous system of growing these crops native to the Americas! Check out a showcase of the products of the Strands of Connection: from seed to scarf project, which engaged community members since April in learning about natural dyes, spinning and making a scarf. Check our website for details as they develop through the season. Thanks to People Making a Difference for extra volunteer support. Contact: info@thegrowingcenter.org  Poetry with Elizabeth Bradfield Reading from her book SOFAR Tuesday, September 29, 6:30-8:00 pm RAIN DATE: Saturday, October 3, 4:30-6:00 pm Join us at the Somerville Community Growing Center for an evening of poetry to celebrate Elizabeth Bradfield and her newest collection, SOFAR. We will have a featured set by Elizabeth Bradfield from her new work followed by an open mic for anyone to share a poem (3 minute time limit, can be original or a cover). RSVP here. In SOFAR, poet-naturalist Elizabeth Bradfield attends our current ecological and historic moment, her decades-long queer love, a lifetime of work on boats, and her body’s shifting currents with wry yearning and linguistic delight. SOFAR is an acronym for the “sound frequency and ranging channel,” a deep layer of oceanic water that enables sound to travel vast distances, and, drawing upon her deep knowledge and experience of the sea, Bradfield plumbs what can be heard by listening across the vast distances of our lives―within our memories and larger histories, between strangers and beloveds, and to the more-than-human world. SOFAR is a finalist for the Audre Lorde Prize from the Publishing Triangle. Porter Square Books will be on site with books for sale! Contact: Tom at Tom_in_Davis_Square@comcast.net