Union Square folks are creating lively communities on line.

The Union Square Forum has been a hot spot for dialogue with 36 registered members. Topics include discussion on the Somerville Ave reconstruction, placement of the Green Line, and issues for small businesses such as how to keep the businesses local and nominees for the upcoming awards.

Meg (Forum Member #19 !) has started a Union Square Foodster Group. She's put the call out this way," Love good food? Is your kitchen your favorite room in your house? Do bartenders/hosts in the area know you by name? Join this group to chat about all things food, in particular if you live in the Union Square area!"

Over on the photo sharing site Flickr, the group 02143 has 33 members with some impressive photography skills. The images from Bloc 11 make the place look even more gorgeous than in real life and the staff look like glamorous catalog models. One of my favorites among the 02143 collection is this creative street sign celebrating Mayor Joe. I'm not telling where in 02143 it is.

If you need to shop for your honey get ready here.

You'll discover something unique at Olive Square Studios and get a sweet discount on Sunday, February 10, from 12pm-6pm. Moroccan Caravan features textiles, ceramics, metal and woodworking traditions from the Kingdom of Morocco. Owner Addi Ouadderrou offers 20% off selected hand woven Berber carpets and pillows and handpainted mirrors. In cupid's honor, Beadventurous Jewelry offers 20% off any bracelet or necklace that has even a single red bead. Earrings will also be specially priced for this event. Olive Square Studios is located at 285 Washington Street, just up the road from the Sherman Cafe.

Across the tracks Taza Chocolate has gift boxes and bundles. The simple yet natty recycled kraft paper boxes are stamped with a heart and hand-tied with ribbon, all ready for your chocolate lover. The gift bundle is a selection of three bars with 60%, 70% and 80% dark chocolate. The gift box gathers the three bars plus two Taza signature products: the Mexicano Disc and Nibs. The Taza's Mexicano Disc is made with Mexican stone mills (molinos) and contains only the three wholesome ingredients: roasted cocoa beans, cane sugar, and cinnamon stick. Perfect to whip up a rich, authentic taza de chocolate mexicano, or to eat it as is. Nibs are little pieces of crushed cocoa beans from Colombia covered in dark Colombian chocolate. You can shop on line or can visit them at their 561 Windsor St factory during their open house on Saturday, February 9 from 1 to 6 pm.

I don't know for sure but Albertine Press is just near Taza and you might be able to snag a fabulous letter press card during your visit too.

There's a great selection of established businesses in Union Square offering a wide selection of ethnic specialty goods for the foodie in your life. Check out the ArtsUnion Ethnic Food Market Tour brochure to recall the variety.

Be sure to stop in to the freshly opened retail shops. Hub Comics over at 19 Bow Street, recently featured in the Boston Globe, declares itself the comic book store for NPR listeners. Don't know a thing about graphic novels? The staff will introduce you to Japanese anime, superheroes, horror, memoirs, humor -- treats your sweetheart may desire.

And, finally, be sure to check out Grand at 374 Somerville Avenue. They were also featured in the Boston Globe this past month. From funky dishware to designer lamps, unique vases to snazzy sneakers, this is the spot for the stylish gift.

The construction on Somerville Avenue is in full swing and we look forward to the end of digging and a new and improved gateway. Local businesses need your continued patronage. Please support the stores and restaurants of Union Square.

Dreading April 15 already? There's help to be had here in Union Square. Genesis Tax House at 304 Somerville Ave and Income Tax Plus at 371 Somerville Ave both offer services that will keep you right with the IRS.

If you've got a relatively straight forward return with no capital gains, rental property and such and have a combined household income of less than $60,000 the The National Student Partnership is offering free tax assistance. Located at The Family Center at 366 Somerville Ave, they are now taking appointments. Their trained staff can take you step by step through the process and will help you secure all the tax credits you deserve. Call 617-591-9400 to find out more and to schedule an appointment.

Villari's Self Defense Center is offering a free personal safety seminar for women. Master David Leggeri, 9th Degree Black Belt and one of the "Seven Dragons," of Shaolin Kempo Karate will help women develop their alertness and gain to fend off an attack. Dave has been has taught self-defense for over 35 years and has brought many of his thousands of students to black belt level.

The seminar takes place Saturday, February 16 from noon to 1:30 pm at 54 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143. Call ahead to reserve your space: 617-625- 5070

We'll only have finished sweeping up after the Union Square Main Streets Birthday Bash on Wednesday, February 27 when we start planning the next hoopla.

Meet up on Thursday, February 28 at 6 pm at Bloc 11 at 11 Bow Street to plan for an upcoming series of events. Dream is to have a monthly Second Wednesdays series of happenings in Union Square with art openings, shops open late , maybe music and more with the first to be March 12.

We've got a lot to celebrate in March as we give a formal welcome to Grand and Hub Comics. The expanded Taqueria la Mexicana and second location of Machu Picchu hope to be open too.

Help us scheme and organize these neighborhood parties. Contact Mimi Graney at mimi@unionsquaremain.org with questions or if you want to be involved but can't make the meeting.