Start working on your shopping list now - peak season is approaching on the farms, and there will be a fantastic selection at this week's market!

A few highlights for this Friday -

• Sweet corn, award-winning heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, green/wax/shell beans, lettuce, onions, potatoes, cubanelle/green bell peppers, summer/koosa/zucchini squash, apples, blueberries, "everbearing" strawberries, peaches, nectarines and plums at Farmer Dave's.
  

• Heirloom tomatoes, corn, raspberries, basil, peaches, nectarines and apples at Spring Brook Farm

• ORGANIC baby bok choy, Chinese broccoli, Caribbean laloo and calaloo, pea tendrils, mustard greens, corn, lettuce, cilantro and scallions at Flats Mentor Farm

• Bread, pies and pastries at Dot-2-Dot Cafe
  

• Locally grown flowers at Cedar Grove Gardens
  

• Artwork by Dorchester Arts Collaborative and Dot Art

The market, sponsored by SMAMS, ODWIN Learning Center, Wainwright Bank and the Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition, runs every Friday through October 30, from 3 to 7 p.m., rain or shine.  We are located at ODWIN Learning Center, 1943 Dorchester Ave., across from Ashmont Station and the Carruth Building.

To make this healthy food available to all, vendors accept Food Stamps, WIC coupons, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition coupons.  Food Stamps up to $10 will be matched by "Boston Bounty Bucks."

For more information, please call the SMAMS office at 617-825-3846.

Follow the market on Twitter!

The Boston Pledge, which has helped people throughout the world to start their own businesses, is bringing the program home to Boston on Saturday, Sept. 12, 1:00 - 3:00 PM at the Epiphany School, 154 Centre Street (next to Shawmut Station).

The program is for those just toying with the idea of starting a business, working on their business plans, or already in a small business but looking to move to the next level.  The program will provide:

• Inspiration!
• Tools to explore your business concept, make a business plan, and finance your venture
• Information on funding sources
• A chance to meet successful local entrepreneurs
  
• Mentoring

The program is free, but attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants.  To register or for more information, please contact Nik at 508-740-9128 or LaunchYourBiz@gmail.com

Elsewhere in Dorchester...

Wainwright Park - Final Saturday Cookout  Saturday, August 29, 11 AM - 4 PM.  Enjoy food from the grill, games, and activities.   Sponsored by St. Mark Parish, the Office of Mayor Menino, the Boston Youth Fund, Boston R.O.C.K.S, Boston Center for Youth and Families, the Boston Police Athletic League, and Boston Police Area C-11.  For more information, contact Saint Mark's Rectory at 617-825-2852.

Free Throw for Charity, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1-3 PM, at Mt. Washington Bank, 305 Talbot Ave in Codman Square.  Stop by the MWB parking lot and take a few free throws - Mt. Washington will donate $5 to the Codman Square Health Center for each basket.  Lots of refreshments and prizes, and all participants will be entered in a drawing to win a pair of Celtics tickets!