Snow Emergency

No surprise, but Boston has declared a snow emergency for today. The announcement is below. A reminder that snow regulations can be found on the City's Snow Pages. This lists parking regulations as well as other city/snow information. On the lef menu is also a "notifications" menu item, where you can get city snow emergency alerts emailed to you as they happen.

So batten down those hatches, and remember to shovel your sidewalk, including crosswalks, all sidewalks of your corner lot properties, and don't forget those catch basins and fire hydrants!!

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December 18, 2008

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 9:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2008. Mayor Menino would like to remind residents of the following:
• The City of Boston encourages businesses to ask employees to work from home when possible, take public transportation, and be prepared for a potentially dangerous evening commute. Everyone is encouraged to use public transportation.
• City of Boston afternoon and evening activities are subject to cancellation.
• Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies. A listing of main arterials can be found at www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking.asp
• Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.
• Do not throw snow back into the street. "Throwbacks" force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
• Shovel out fire hydrants and storm drains close to your home.
• Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut homes and businesses.
• Do not double park.
• Keep wheelchair ramps clear.
• Lend an extra hand to elderly and neighbors and others in need.
During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. A list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/snow. The city's Know Snow program will be in effect this afternoon to alert residents of the snow emergency.

The City of Boston Storm Center will open at 9:00 a.m. Friday, when the snow emergency goes into effect. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the center at 617-635-3050, starting at 9:00 a.m. Friday

Storm's a Comin'

Given our tendency to panic at the mention of snow and rush out to buy anything and everything on grocery shelves at the mere sight of the S word, the folks at Universal Hub blog have issued a High warning on the French Toast alert system. This is a riot and worth a read. :)

Additional thanks to all who showed up for Team Eight Streets at Trivia Night at Foleys. We had a great time, and came in 5th place! Look for us to have some of these again in '09

More holiday sale

Additional South End realtors will be having special sales this weekend. Click on the image below for more details.

SoWa Holiday Market

The 5th annual SoWa Holiday Market is happening this weekend, Dec 13/14 at the Cathedral Gym.  Various vendors will be there selling gifts and crafts for your holiday lists.  Complete details on the flier below.  (click on the poster for a larger image)

Trivia Night 12/16

Hi Everyone!!

Since we didn't have a meeting this month, let's have a little fun get together. Tuesdays are Stump trivia nights at JJ Foley's. Let's meet there informally for a nosh and some trivia fun. I've been before it it's a night of good fun.

Tuesday, 12/16. Meet starting at 8. Trivia starts promptly at 8:30. (buy your own food/bev) We'll meet in the dining room part of Foleys (117 E Berkeley).

Hope some of you can make it!

Potential traffic mess on Friday

We may have a bit of an 'event' Friday (12/12) evening on Tremont street.    

Mr. "God hates Fags" Fred Phelps and his cult of followers will be at the BCA plaza on the 12th from 7-8pm protesting a play at the BCA.   Countering them will be a local group to counter the protest and will rally to show Mr. Phelps that such intolerance is not acceptable.  Such events usually are accompanied by police for control and TV news networks.   

If you have someplace to be, you may want to re-route your travels and avoid Tremont st for those times.   If you want to go and show your support for tolerance, I'm sure we can show Mr. Phelps he's not welcome in Boston.

BCA Tree Lighting on Saturday

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

cordially invites you to the South End Holiday Trolley Tour and Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 6, 2008

4:00 PM

Boston Center for the Arts Plaza

539 Tremont Street

Please join us for refreshments, entertainment and holiday cheer! 

Festivities and performances begin at 3pm, with the tree lighting to follow at 4pm.

Sponsored by: Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events, Department of Public Works, Boston Police Department Area D-4, South End Business Alliance, and Boston Center for the Arts


For more information, please contact:
Tabitha Bennett, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, 617-635-4517

December meeting + notices

Happy post-thanksgiving everyone,

With no business agenda for December, we’ll be cancelling the December (3rd) meeting, and let you get to your shopping. :) The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, January 7th.

I’m thinking we could have a light get-together at Foleys – get an ESNA team going for one of the Tuesday night trivia nights. If interested, let me know if the 9th or the 16th is better for you. I’ll pick the more popular night and send an email out to everyone…

And don’t forget most folks still need to renew they memberships!! Head to http://eightstreets.org/membership.html and renew online with paypal or print out a renewal form to US mail to us.

Hope everyone has a good holiday season!!

- J

Downtown Deals

Downtown crossing has a holiday web site in place that has some coupons and discounts available for your holiday shopping.   Check out their web site.

Another reason for clean Streets & Sidewalks

New Scientist reports that people are more likely to commit street crime if graffiti and litter are present. Another example of the Broken WIndow theory??? Read the complete article.

Franklin Cafe 3

The Restaurant Talk blog posts that the Franklin Cafe's new South Boston location is now open. Franklin-Southie is on Dot Ave between 4th and Broadway. With another location effectively 'down the street' and with more parking, I wonder if the car traffic for our Shawmut Franklin Cafe will reduce??

For the ESNA Foodies out there, aside from Restaurant Talk, there is also the Boston Globe Dishing blog, and of course the food and restaurant forum Chowhound.

Mayor's Holiday Specials

We may not like it, but the holidays are coming at us like a freight train.   They Mayor's Office has set up a special web site with show, dinner and shopping discounts.

For details, visit the Mayor's Holiday Specials web site.

Election results

A reminder the "live" election results can be found on the city election web site. 

November meeting

Welcome to Fall everyone. And only 2 days of election ads left.
Don't forget to head over to Cathedral Gym on Tuesday to cast your
votes!

Our next meeting will be this Wednesday, November 5th, 6:30-8:30 at
the Boston ballet school (Clarendon & Warren)
6:30-7 - Neighborhood networking
7-8:30 - Business meeting.

Agenda will include
- Voting on a request for deck approval on 24 Hanson
- Social events - we need some!!! What do members want to do, and
volunteers to get the ball rolling!
- ESNA re-org. We talked about moving to a board based
organization. I'd like to continue that discussion

See you all on Wednesday!

ESNA Web changes

Eight Streets is happy to announce we finally have our own home on the web.  The ESNA web pages are now on our own domain at eightstreets.org.   Now that the web pages are ad-free, they'll look a lot less cluttered.  So, for example, our web page and blog directly linked from the 'intro spash' page.   Some of the out-dated sections have been removed from the web page.   Well also be adding more information in the coming months, including more Eightstreets/Google maps like this.  

Also new is the ability to renew/pay your dues on line.   On our Membership page you can now renew your ESNA membership.   Just select your membership and use paypal to renew your membership with your credit card.   It's easy for you to renew, and it saves us time and postage US Mailing the neighborhood.   

So check out the new web location!  And let us know if there's a neighborhood resource you'd like to see on the web in the future.

Ringgold Halloween party

From the FoRP:

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BOO!

Come join the fun at the Halloween Celebration in Ringgold Park starting at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31st. Sponsored by the Friends of Ringgold Park, the party will feature food, games, and Halloween favors for kids of all ages.
We are still looking for volunteers to help with the party preparations for this big event; please contact us at ringgoldpark@verizon.net for more information. In particular, we need people to help set up at 3:30 p.m. and/or bring food for the event. Savory rather than sweet snacks would be much appreciated for our small party-goers, including hummus, vegetable trays, cheese and crackers, sandwiches, appetizers, and other filling morsels.

It promises to be a spooky-tacular night. Enjoy!

Elections are here

In case you've been out of the country for the past many months, you know Election day is a week from now - Tuesday, November 4th. All of Eight Streets is in Boston's Ward 3, Precinct 7. We vote at Cathedral High School gym, at the corner of Union park and Washington street, a short walk away.

Aside from the much publicized presidential race, we do have a few other offices up for election. These other offices are just as, if not more important than the presidential races.

• Incumbent Senator Kerry is up for election, facing a Republican and Libertarian candidate.


• Incumbent Congressional Representative Michael Capuano is running unopposed.


• Our State Senator incumbent Dianne Wilkerson did not make the primary, and is not on the ballot, although she is staging a 'write in' campaign in some of her districts. For those supporting the nominated democratic candidate Sonya Chang-Diaz, this would be an important vote for you. On the ballot itself, Chang-Diaz is facing Socialist party candidate Leonard


• Incumbent State Legislative representative Sal DiMasi is running unopposed.


• And, of course, the three questions that have been making news will also be on the ballot. We suggest you read the questions beforehand so you know whether to vote Yes or No on each question before you enter your polling location.

The complete ballot that you will see on election day can be seen it here. If you are one of our avid readers outside of Eight Streets, you can find out where to vote and who your candidates are through the state's My Election Information pages.

Polls are open on election day 7am until 8pm, so we hope you can find time to vote!!! And bring a book (or PDA) with you, as Presidential elections tent to bring long lines.

We list these races for educational purposes. ESNA does not endorse any candidates. If you like an incumbent, then vote to re-elect them. If you do not like the incumbent, then cast your vote to a challenger. If an incumbent is running unopposed, and you suport the uincumbent, voting FOR them can show neighborhood suport for the candidate. Not voting for the only name for an office can be a method of demonstrating unhappiness with a candidates performance.

Super 88

For those who don't shop at local asian markets, you may not have noticed the local Super 88 market at Washington and Herald st.   The Globe has an article about that closing and several other 88 closings.

House of Siam in November

The rumors have been confirmed. House of Siam will open a location at the former Thai Village space on Tremont at Upton. The Oct 7th article stated a timeline of "about 3 weeks" until opening.

Since the Herald articles go off-line rather quickly, the article segment is quoted below

"The House of Siam is arguably the most popular Thai restaurant in the South End, and frequent customers credit not only its food, but the moderate prices and lovely personality of owner Joe Thailand.

The 60-seat Columbus Avenue restaurant does a booming business, with 350 to 400 takeout orders alone each day.

So when Thai Village on nearby Tremont Street closed this past summer, neighborhood customers suggested Thailand should pounce. He’s obliging, and the House of Siam on Tremont is slated to open in three weeks.

“We’re so busy here, so I think I need one more,” Thailand said.

With 34 seats, the Tremont outpost will be smaller than the original that opened in 1998. It also will have a pared-down menu.

Thailand believes the secret to his success is the freshness of the food. “We go to the market twice a day every single day, except Sunday we go only once,” he said. "

South End Buttery in the news

A review of local eatery South End Buttery has appeared in the Boston Globe [Article].   Their expansion is complete, and the bistro section is now open.  While the Bistro is now open, they continue to have their Bakery & Cafe in the front end of the store Stop by and check out their new menu!  

No October meeting

The October Eight Streets meeting has been cancelled. We will be having a November meeting. If you had any issue you were hoping to bring up at the October meeting, feel free to email us.

Ringgold park events postponed

Due to our weekend of rain, the events at Ringgold part have been postponed:

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Unfortunately due to the weather, we have to reschedule our weekend events at Ringgold Park for next Sunday, October 5th.

Join us that morning at 9 AM for our cleanup - gloves, tools, coffee and donuts provided. That afternoon, come back to the park from 3 to 6 PM for our Fourth Annual Fall Barbeque! Groove to the sounds of Sara Wheeler and her band Little Groove, have a burger or dog for $1 from the Hope House Grill, and view the plans for the center circle fountain that we developed over the past year with the community.

Thank you -Let's hope by then the rain has stopped!

Claire Corcoran
President, Friends of Ringgold Park

Ringgold Park events

Passing on this information about some Fall events brought to you by the Friends of Ringgold park

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I hope most of you have had a chance to appreciate the improvements that occurred in the park as a result of our visit with Mayor Menino. The benches have new wood, the lampposts and ironwork have a fresh coat of paint, and the trees and shrubs have been professionally pruned. Many thanks to the City of Boston Parks & Recreation Department for all of their efforts.

FALL CLEAN-UP: Saturday September 27th, 10 am – 12 pm.
Please join us on Saturday to help clean the park after a busy summer. We will be sweeping, raking, and picking up trash from 10 am to noon. We know many families have sports or lessons on Saturday mornings, but we schedule this event so that the Hope House residents can participate, and this time works best for them. Please try to join us - it is always a fun and satisfying event! Refreshments will be provided.

COMMUNITY BBQ: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th, 3 pm – 6 pm.
This coming Sunday, the Friends of Ringgold Park will host a community barbecue in the park. Come have a hotdog or hamburger from the renowned Hope House Grill for $1 each, decorate a cupcake at our cupcake decorating table, and groove to the sounds of Sara Wheeler and Baby Wiggle! It will be a fun time for the whole family!

Also - volunteers are still needed to help organize our annual community Halloween party! Please email ringgoldpark@verizon.net if you're able to pitch in.

Thanks so much, see you this weekend!

Claire Corcoran
President, Friends of Ringgold Park

Picnic in the Dog Park

Passing on this information about an event in the Dog Run

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The Friends of Peters Park Dog Recreation Space Committee invites you to the Fall "Pawnic" at The Joe Wex Dog Park!

Where: Peters Park, South End, Boston
When: Saturday, October 4, 12:00 noon - 2 pm (raindate Sunday, October 5)

Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and softdrinks for a suggested minimum donation of $10

The ARL of Boston will be there to talk about pet adoptions and their other services, and Eric Scott Smith, a profession photographer, will be taking complimentary pet photos!

There will be a raffle with tons of great prizes, including:
A treat basket from Polka Dog Bakery
A DNA test from the ARL of Boston's veterinary services
$100 gift certificate to Kelly's Underground Grooming
$100 gift certificate to The South End Buttery
and many more!!!

For more information, please contact SouthEndDRS@gmail.com

Primary results

Results are in for the primary election held on Sept 16th.      Sonia Diaz beat Dianne Wilkerson by only 228 votes - so never think your vote doesn't count.   

Full results on the City Election Results page

City newsletters

A reminder - the City offers several email newsletters you can subscribe to. Get all the latest City and neighborhood information delivered right toyour inbox.

Check out the City Subscription Page for a list of newsletters that can be yours.

VOTE

A reminder that TUESDAY, Sept 16th is Primary Day. If you are registered, head over to Cathedral High (Washington and Union park) and cast your vote between 7am and 8pm!!!

State Voter Information page

Democratic primary ballot

And remember, if you are NOT registered, you have until October 15th to register in order to vote in the November elections

South End Open Studios

This weekend, Sept 20-21, brings us the 22nd annual South End Open Studios.  Dozens of South End artists open up their studios to the public.   See the varied work of our local artists as you stroll through the South End visiting the artists themselves.

In conjunction with Open Studios, St. John the Baptist greek church will be having their annual Grecian Festival  on Saturday and Sunday, and a larger South End Open market on Sunday.  Also  look for a lot of local sales, tag sales and special events throughout the neighborhood all weekend long.

It's the perfect weekend to get out and about and see all that our neighborhood has to offer.  I can hope you can make it!

September meeting

Welcome back everyone,

Hope everyone had a great summer, however short or long it may have seemed. So let's start the new year with a bang.

the next Eight Streets meeting will be THIS Wednesday, September 3rd. The meeting will take place from 6:30-8:30 in the Boston Ballet 5th floor boardroom (Clarendon and Warren).

6:30 - 7 - Neighborhood Networking
7 - 8:30 - Business meeting.

Two items are on the agenda

- Outdoor seating for Addis Red Sea - Addis would like to have an outdoor cafe in front of their restaurant (544 Tremont). They will be seeing support from ESNA.

- Future of the NA. We've been getting stale lately. How can we liven up the NA and get more interest? What direction would you like to see the NA take? Join an interactive discussion and help determine what you want the NA to be...


I hope to see everyone there!

Boston Greenfest

The Boston Greenfest is coming up on Friday & Saturday, September 26th & 27th.  The event is free on City Hall plaza.

Find the flier and additional with here, or visit the Boston Greenfest web site

Primary Elections

With Labor Day upon us, our thoughts turn to fall.  In a little over two weeks, the state's Primary Elections will take place.  There are two races of primary interest to Eight Streets.   Both are in the Democratic race.

• US Senator John Kerry faces a democratic challenger Edward O'Reilly.  There is no race on the Republican side, so the winner of the democratic side will continue on to the general election in November.
  
• As you may have seen in the newspapers, the local State Senator seat is up for election (State Senators are elected by districts - we are in the Second Suffolk district).   Incumbent Dianne Wilkerson faces challenger Sonia Chang-Diaz.   Since there is no republican candidate at all, the winner of this race will most likely go to the general election unopposed.   So this makes the primary race for this seat the only chance to vote for your choice as State Senator.
  

Elections will take place Tuesday, September 16th.  Polls are open 7am until 8pm Eight Streets voting location is the Cathedral Gym, Washington St and Union Park.  If you live in Eight Streets, your voting district is Ward 3, Precinct 7.

Unfortunately, if you are not registered, the deadline to register for this primary has passed.   You have until October 15th to register for the November elections. If you have any questions, please call the Boston Election Department at 617-635-3767 (Election Department Web)

Hope to see you at the polls on September 16th!!   

Thursday Movie Nights

The "Movies on the Diamond" series is back again this year.  Movies will be shown on Thursdays at 8pm on the baseball diamond at Peters Park.  Admission is free and open to all.   The next three Thursdays will being us:

8/14 - Surf's Up

8/21 - Bee Movie

8/28 - Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone

D4 police station building

There are apparently some problems with the new D4 police station over on Harrison ave.   This Herald article outlines some of their problems (Article should be on line for a week or two.)

And a great big Thank You to Carolyn MacNeil, who has left her job as D4 community coordinator to work a similar job city wide.  Carolyn worked with Eight Streets and all other South End NAs to help keep our neighborhood a safe place, and was a wonderful liaison between NAs and the police in general.  She will be missed.   Community interaction will now be handled by officers with D4.

Boston landmarks Orchestra

For more summer fun, remember the Boston landmarks Orchestra  has free concerts every Wednesday at 7pm on the hatch shell.   Complete schedule is available here.

August 27th seems to be an interesting and lively program.   Anyone interested in an Eight Streets outing to the hatch??  Let us know

Gospel Fest

The Mayor's Office announces this years Gospel Fest will be Sunday, July 20th from 5-8 at City Hall Plaza. Details and flier can be found here.

Shakespeare on the Common

The City Performing Arts Center has announced this years free Shakespeare-on-the-park presentation is the play "As You Like It".

July 16 - 17, 8pm, Open Dress Rehearsals
July 18 - August 3, 8pm Tue-Sat, 7pm Sundays

Short info below. Full press release can be found here. Shakespeare in Boston Common can be a lot of fun, so I hope everyone can make it. But show up early!! It's become a popular event.

Citi® Presents "As You Like It,” William Shakespeare’s
romantic comedy, which will be performed on the Boston Common Friday, July 18 - Sunday, August 3, and Springfield's Forest Park Friday, August 8 - Sunday, August 10. Directed by Steven Maler, founding artistic director of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, "As You Like It" continues the popular midsummer tradition that has brought Shakespeare under the stars to more than 885,000 people over the last decade.

Known as one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies, “As You Like It” is a captivating exploration of status, power and the bewitching mystery of love. This riotous romp through the Forest of Arden follows the
adventures of Rosalind, a good-hearted optimist, and her pursuit for true love. From sorrow to laughter, banishment to marriage, the play involves conversations about life and love, and a clash of views, with a hilarious mixture of romantic and slapstick comedy. A play of passion, romance, and disguise, the game of love is tried until identities are revealed and all is resolved.

Berkeley Shed info

As most of you read via email, the tool shed in Berkeley Community Garden was the victim of arson last Tuesday early morning (7/1).   We've gotten some good press coverage, and a fundraising effort continues as they try to rebuild and replace what was lost.   Those who wish to help can send tax deductable donations to 

Berkeley Garden Shed Fund
c/o SELROSLT
P.O. Box 180923
Boston, MA, 02118

The latest news updates can always be found at the Berkeley Web Site, www.berkeleygardens.org

• The South End News


• The Boston Herald


• Fox News Boston, reposted on YouTube.

Cyclorama painting

The NYT has a nice article on the restoration of the Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting - the painting that was original installed in the BCA Cyclorama.

Read the article here (you may have to log in)

Seee Yoooooou in Seeeep-teeeem-ber

A reminder the Eight Streets Business Meetings have taken the summer off.  The next schedule business meeting will be Wednesday, September 3rd.

Have a great summer!!!

July USES Neighborhood Walk

USES is now hosting the old UPNA walks. The latest one is of the South End's Community Gardens. Full announcement below

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Whether you have a green thumb or plants wither at your presence, you will want to join United South End Settlements (USES) and Betsy Johnson on Monday July 7th at 6:30 for a guided tour of the South End's amazing collection of community gardens. The walk will start at the new Harrison Urban Garden (HUG garden) located behind 700 Harrison Avenue between East Brookline and East Canton Streets. The garden is built atop the underground parking garage. On the tour will be one of the city's largest community gardens and one of the few with a distinctly Chinese character.

Betsy Johnson is a co-founder and current president of the South End/Lower Roxbury Land Trust. She is also the former executive director of the American Community Gardening Association and will provide insights about community gardening from across the country.

USES walks are free, open to all, proceed at a leisurely pace that all may handle. Please contact Albert Whitaker at (617) 375-8137 or awhitaker@uses.org to reserve your place as participation is limited to 20 people. The walks are dog friendly but there is an optional dinner afterwards so leave the pooch at home if you plan on joining the group for dinner. Walks will be rescheduled in the event of rain.

Sincerely,

Kevin Hepner
United South End Settlements

June USES Neighborhood Walk

USES neighborhood walk for June looks interesting. Details and how to reserve your free spot is below.


United South End Settlements (USES) today announces the second walk in its monthly walk series. On Monday June 16th, Sylvalia "Val" Hyman, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United South End Lower Roxbury Development Corporation (UDC), will do a walking tour of Lower Roxbury. The walk will showcase UDC's business and real estate development activities in the area, highlighting key accomplishments such as Roxbury Corners Cooperative Housing Development. Expect to learn about the jazz scene as well because Val is a longtime resident of the community and a knowledgeable guide to its history. The walk starts at 6:30 pm and the meeting point is the USES Harriet Tubman House at the corner of Massachusetts and Columbus Avenues.

USES walks are free, open to all, proceed at a leisurely pace that all may handle. Please contact Albert Whitaker at (617) 375-8137 or awhitaker@uses.org to reserve your place as participation is limited to 20 people. The walks are dog friendly but there is an optional dinner afterwards so leave the pooch at home if you plan on eating with us. Walks will be rescheduled in the event of rain.

New tot-lot opens

On Monday, June 16th, the Union Park Street playground will officially open (95 Union Park Street, near Albany and the pumping station). Free t-shirts, face painting, music and food for the kids. From noon-1:30

South End Library Book Sale

The Friends of the South End Library are having a book sale on Saturday June 21 from 10-4 in conjunction with the South End Garden Tour. Books, volunteers, and especially plastic bags are needed. Bring them (and yourself) to the Library 685 Tremont St. Thanks!!

- Anne Smart

Scene 2, Take 1

Movie production on "Surrogates" has moved to the other side of Eight Streets, and will be filming at the Beehive on Tuesday night.   Beginning Monday night parking will be restricted on Tremont st.

Hazardous Waste Drop-off

The next hazardous waster drop-offs will be this coming June, from 9-2pm.

  

Saturday, June 14th at U Mass Campus in Dorchester.

Saturday, June 28 at the West Roxbury Public Words yard.

For more information see the City hazardous Waster Web site

EARLY START TIME for June meeting

Hi Everyone,

We're going to try something a little different for our June Eight Streets meeting. (Wednesday, June 4th)

We'll be starting the BUSINESS portion of the meeting AT 6:30 in the Boston Ballet. The one item on the agenda is 98 Waltham wanting to add rear decks.

After the business (should be done by 7) I'd like to do a neighborhood walk through.

Everyone there will break up into small teams and canvas Eight Streets doing a "Neighborhood Checklist". Take a walk through the neighborhood and see what might need a little TLC. Potholes, street lights out, trees need trimming. That sort of thing.

It's a chance for everyone to see parts of the neighborhood they may not usually walk down. And, of course, to meet some of your neighbors. Say hi while you're walking. Tell them about the NA. Get to know the area where you live.

At 8 we'll meet back in Ringgold park and collect forms and meet up to 'end' the meeting. Those who have some free times, we can grab a cocktail at a local establishment to finish off the night.

I think this could be a fun way to end the 'meeting season', and I hope you'll be able to join us for this special evening.

- John Mc

Candidate Forum

WARD 4 DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR

A CANDIDATES FORUM
FEATURING

STATE SENATOR DIANNE WILKERSON
2ND SUFFOLK
AND
CANDIDATE SONIA CHANG-DIAZ

DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
PLACE: United South End Settlements
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
Boston, MA 02118


Come Hear the Candidates Discuss Their Visions for Your Neighborhood
and Why They Deserve Your Vote


THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ADMISSION IS FREE

Will I be towed?

Curious when your street gets street cleaning?   Forgot to read the signs when you parked?   The city now has a "No Tow" page, where you can input a street and look up the street sweeping (and towing) days.   You can also enter your email and add streets to your notification list.

Check out the city site at http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping/

Dwight st incident

For those that haven't heard, this was in the South End News. If we get any more information, we'll pass it on.

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16-year-old shot in stomach
by Linda Rodriguez
managing editor
Thursday May 8, 2008

A 16-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen last night at around 8:45 p.m. in front of 38 Dwight St. and transported to Boston Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries. According to the police report of the incident, a firearm was located in front of 9 Taylor St. and ballistics evidence was recovered from 35 and 37 Dwight St.

No further information is available at this time, although police media relations said the investigation is on-going.

Linda Rodriguez can be reached at lrodriguez@southendnews.com

May meeting

Evening everyone. Spring brings us to our May Eight Streets business meeting.

The meeting is This Wednesday, May 7th at our usual Boston ballet
5th floor boardroom location.

6:30 -7 - Neighborhood Networking. Meet your neighbors and catch up
on neighborhood goings on.
7-8:30 - Business meeting. Agenda includes:

- Presentation on the upcoming Youth Shines Art Auction (May 20)
- Presentation on upcoming work on the South End Library
- Local hot spot Pops would like to add seating to the rear of the
establishment. Presentation and ESNA Vote
- A business owner would like to open a restaurant at the current
Qing Ping location, at Dwight and Shawmut. They will do a
presentation only on their concept - there is no vote scheduled.

Hope to see everyone there!

- J

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John McLachlan
President, Webmaster
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.tripod.com
http://eightstreets.blogspot.com
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Services and Resources for Seniors

We are passing on notice for this public discussion on Monday May 19th.

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Have you ever wondered what services and resources are available for seniors living in Boston? Do you know that senior citizens may purchase taxi vouchers at a 50% discount, and that the Boston Fire Department will provide and install free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for seniors (with modifications for the hard of hearing)?

For more information, please save the date, alert your neighbors, and join us for a presentation and discussion:

• When: Monday, May 19
  
• Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  
• Where: City Year Headquarters, 287 Columbus Ave. (near the northwest corner of Clarendon and Columbus Ave.)
  
• No charge
  

The panel will be moderated by Ron Geddes, and will include speakers from:

• Commission on Affairs of the Elderly, City of Boston. Speaker: Eliza Greenberg, Commissioner
  
• Beacon Hill Village – the national model organization for seniors who choose to remain in their own homes. Speaker: Judy Willett, Exec. Director
  
• Creative Alliances – a nonprofit organization specializing in geriatric care and management. Speaker: Jill Lebar, Director and Care Manager
  
• Mass. Assn. of Older Americans (MAOA) – an organization dedicated to the promotion of social and economic security of elders. Speaker: Ann Hartstein, Exec. Director
  

Please RSVP at seseniors@aol.com, or call 617-426-0989 (Betsy Boveroux) so we will have enough chairs for everyone!

Lights! Camera! Lights!!!

A film company will be shooting in a building on Washington street.   While the shooting will be inside, they have asked us to inform you that:

On Friday, May 9th the lights in Peters Park will be on all night long.

Boston Shines

The bi-annual city cleanup, Boston Shines, is taking place THIS Saturday, 4/26.    Although Eight Streets is not having a coordinated effort this year, you can do your part by cleaning in front of your home, or organizing a cleanup for your street.  The city will be on hand to loan tools for the morning at the BCA Plaza.   The city will be running street sweepers through the neighborhood, and they will do a special 'cleanup trash' collection around noon - make sure your cleanup trash bags are on a major corner, not just in front of your house.

City recycling information

With Spring comes thoughts of cleaning house - but recycling should always be on your mind.   Check out the City Recycling site for more information on:

• Curbside recycling (including our Single Stream program)
  
• Paint and Motor Oil drop-off days and locations
  
• Hazardous Waste dates and drop off locations
  
• Recycling of Electronics (drop-off date THIS weekend, 4/26)
  
• To subscribe to the city Recycling newsletter!!
  

To get rid of old TVs and computer monitors,  call 617-635-7574, or make your request by emailing trashtvcrt@cityofboston.gov.

Leaf and Yard Waste Collection

Spring 2008 Collection Dates: April 21st-May 23rd

• Put barrels and bags of yard waste, along with bundled branches, on the curb by 7:00 AM on your Recycling Day April 21st through May 23rd.  [[for Eight Streets this is Tuesday morning]]
  
• Place leaves and yard debris in large paper leaf bags or open barrels labeled "yard waste."
  
• Do not put yard waste in plastic bags.
  
• Yard Waste stickers for barrels (one sticker per barrel) are available by calling 635-4959.
  
• Tie branches with string, 3' maximum length. Do not put branches in barrels.
  

Recycling bags

An update for those looking for clear plastic bags to use for the new 'single stream' city recycling program.

Shaws has replaced their store brand bags with the Homelife brand.  They offer 30 gallon clear trash bags, with a box of 20 going for $3.      Foodies has a a smaller 13 gallon size clear plastic bag.

Remember, the blue Glad brand bags they say recycling on them should NOT be used.   The city is using only clear bags, and anything in a blue bag will probably be taken as trash.

Read more about Boston's single stream recycling program here.

City Roots grant program

Short notice form the city, but the City Roots grant application process is open, with applications due APRIL 18th. Application can be found here. They also have a seperate grant program for a Youth Crew. City description of the program:

City Roots is a small grant program for neighbors, community groups and youth groups who would like to work together to beautify a public park, vacant lot, street, apartment complex or private front yards in their community. There is one application specific for adult neighborhood groups and one application specific for youth crews. Those interested in applying should complete the relevant application and submit it by April 18, 2008 to Rachael Dobson, Urban Ecology Institute, 355 Higgins Hall, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Email:dobsonr@bc.edu Phone: 617-552-6792.

Coffee with the Mayor

The Mayor's "Neighborhood Coffee Hour" series comes to Peters Park on May 7th, from 9:30-10:30. Feel free to stop by for some free coffee and chat with the Mayor about issues on your mind.

Here is the complete Coffee Hour schedule.

Call tracking a ways off

The city system to track complaint calls to the city 'hotline' seems to be further behind than we were lead toe believe.   There's a Boston Globe article that says it's about 2 years away...

April NA Meeting

No foolin - the next Eight Streets NA meeting is this Wednesday, April 2nd. We'll be meeting at our usual location, the 5th floor boardroom at Boston ballet (Warren & Clarendon). Regular meeting time of 6:30-8:30.

6:30-7 - Neighborhood networking
7-8:30 - Business meeting.

Agenda includes

* 10 Bond Street. The Szetos will be installing a groundwater recharge system that return "100% Capacity" into the ground. The community process required them to come to the NA to inform their neighbors about the system they will install. This will be an informational presentation only - there is no ESNA vote required for this issue.

* South End Buttery. Construction efforts going on with the lower level expansion of the location have shown they can add approximately 50 additional seats in the downstairs location. Buttery is asking for ESNA Support on the increased capacity (ESNA vote to take place)

Hope to see everyone there!!!

Do you like to walk?

MAPC, The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, is taking a survey on Pedestrian activities, to help with their regional pedestrian planning. Take their survey - What are the most important issues facing pedestrians in our Region?

Towing starts - no foolin!

A reminder that Tuesday, April 1st marks the return of regular street sweeping.   As you park in the South End (or any street space) make sure to read the Street Sweeping signs to note days and hours of street sweeping.  The city will Ticket and possibly TOW your car away if you are parked on the street when sweeping will occur!!!

  

Our web site has a list of some Street Cleaning Schedules for your reference.  (please let us know if you spot any errors)

Remember street sweeping goes a long way to keep our neighborhood looking great!!!

The new phoneboooks' here!

The Globe has picked up an issue we discussed at the last ESNA meeting - the deluge of phonebooks we seem to be getting. Basically, they're the same as a newspaper or Chinese menu - anyone can put anything on your doorstep. If you don't want a phonebook, the best solution is to keep it our of the rain until recycle day, then put it out with your recyclables.

You may be able to call to get them to stop delivering (both companies), but since most buildings are multiple units, something will show up at your door anyway. The only success I've heard of are large buildings that get pallets of books - Verizon will come take some of those back.

But the YP (and WP) are paid products, just like a newspaper, if someone makes money by printing it, chances are you'll get it. Just remember to recycle

Michael Flaherty comes to your house

City Councilor at Large Michael Flaherty has announced, well, he'll come to your house. It's best to read... See his notice below. If you have a group of neighbors you hang out regularly, this could be your chance for someone in City Hall to listen

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Last week, I [Councilor Flaherty] officially announced the launch of my Kitchen Table Conversation Tour. For the next year, I will be visiting with groups of residents at their kitchen tables and in their living rooms to field your suggestions and observations about how we can make sure our city is moving in the right direction.

What I am hearing loud and clear from many residents is that they are tuned out and turned off from local government. Many people have lost interest in what our local leaders are doing, and, even worse, they feel like city government is losing interest in them.

The goal of my kitchen table conversations is to get people tuned back in to what is going on in their neighborhood and across their city. Through your personal input, I also aim to end the disconnect between city policies and the needs of everyday residents, families and small businesses. I look forward to meeting with people in their homes and sharing their stories and ideas with you in the months ahead.

If you would like to host a gathering at your house, please contact me at Michael.F.Flaherty@cityofboston.gov or call my office at 617-635-4205. I hope you will save a seat for me at your kitchen table.

DCR Summer Jobs

Youths aged 16+ who are interested in summer jobs at the DCR can fill out this application and return it to Senator Wilkerson's office. More details on the program can be found on the application form. Sen. Wilkerson's Constituant Services contact is as follows:

Phillip K. Reason
Assistant Director of Constituent Service
Senator Dianne Wilkerson's Office
Room 312c, State House
Boston, Ma. 02133
Tel.(617) 722-1673
Fax (617) 722-1079

LandWave Fundraising Event (2)

Landwave, the public art to be installed at the Boston Neck location in Peters Park is having a fundraiser on April 8th. Their announcement is below

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Frank Campanale is one lucky guy! Not only does he own the very cool Harrison Avenue shop diseño boston and a fab apartment in the hippest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, but by fall his Washington Street loft will have the perfect view of LandWave. This public artwork, commissioned for the South End’s Peters Park, will soon be a strikingly beautiful presence on Washington Street, marking the narrowest part of the historic Neck to the Shawmut Peninsula. By day, its glass-embedded tiles will sparkle in the sun; at night, the soft blue glow of LEDs will outline the crest of its three waves. See www.LandWave.org for plans, pictures and information.

Frank is also a good guy. On Tuesday, April 8th from 6 to 8 PM, he will open his South End home for an exclusive reception for LandWave, complete with excellent food and wine inspired by Frank’s South American décor.

Space is limited. Please save your spot by sending your check to Bob Wells at the address below as soon as you can. Your contribution of $125 per person or $200 for couples in advance (or $150 or $250 for couples at the door, if tickets are available) will help make LandWave a reality for all South End residents and visitors. (Make your check out to UrbanArts Institute, a nonprofit, for a tax deduction. We can’t accept credit cards.)

We hope you can join us to hear artist Shauna Gillies-Smith describe the piece, see the future site of LandWave from the top, and enjoy excellent food and wine inspired by Argentina. You’ll enjoy Frank’s Boston apartment, a showcase for the best of Argentine design. You’ll love LandWave, a truly contemporary artwork marking the historic geology of our South End.

Ann McQueen and Bob Wells
Neck Art Project: LandWave Co-chairs

Send checks to Bob Wells at:
1154 Washington Street #9
Boston, MA 02118

Contact Bob at:
617-763-8983 (mobile)
BobW@Intersystems.com

Contact Ann at:
617-948-9302 (McQueenStudio)
McQueenStudio@rcn.com

Cleanup and Easter in Ringgold

Friends of Ringgold Park announce a Spring Cleanup and Easter Egg Hunt in Ringgold park

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Spring is just around the corner, and we have been busy getting ready to spend more time outdoors in the park! We have several important events coming up, so please mark your calendars with the following dates:

Spring Clean-up: Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tools and refreshments will be provided. Come tidy the park with us to prepare for our busy season! Caroline Foscato will be overseeing this cleanup - please contact her at cfoscato@yahoo.com for more information.

Spring Egg Hunt: Join us on Sunday, March 23 at 10 a.m. for the annual Egg Hunt! Kids and egg hunters of all ages welcome; we will divide hunting in areas of the park by age group. Coffee and refreshments will be served. If you are interested in helping with this event, we need volunteers for the following:

Egg Hiding (9 a.m. on Sunday)
Refreshments (breakfast items)
Clean Up

If you can assist us with this fun event, please e-mail Heather Lionette at Hlionette@aol.com. We are also collecting money to cover the costs for family events such as this and Halloween. If you can help contribute to this very worthy cause, it would be very much appreciated; there will be a box at the clean-up and egg hunt for your tax-deductible donations. If you would prefer to write a check, it can made out to "The Friends of Ringgold Park, Inc."

Comunity Meeting with our Congressman

From Representative Mike Capuano's latest newsletter: (He's our representative on Congress)

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On Wednesday March 26th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, I will host a telephone community meeting. Anyone interested in participating may dial 1-866-447-5149 and use pin 13034 at the scheduled time to listen in. Anyone who wishes to ask a question can press *3 after joining the meeting. I look forward to answering your questions and learning about the issues that matter to you.

More on Hanson parking issue

The issue of vandalized cars on the Shawmut end of hanson st that was covered in the South End news last week was also covered in the Globe today.   [Story] I talked with officials at D4 police district, who confirmed that they have not gotten calls about this issue.

 

A reminder to call 911 to report any issues of vandalism that you see in the neighborhood.  Too many times people just assume 'someone else' will call and make a report.  it's troubling to hear this particular vandalism has happened so many times, yet there are no police reports.  No wonder the police aren't doing anything about it.  They don't know there's a problem.  If you are uncomfortable calling the police, or are trying to make an appointment then make time to email our Community Liaison Carolyn MacNeil and let her know something has happened.  In our electronic age, photographs of vandalism help a lot.   Getting evidence such as written notes into police hands can also help them track down vandals.

 

Remember, if you don't say something, no one else will.

NIH Biolab webcast

For those interested in following the BU Biolab, the following meeting/webcast notice went out

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Dear Community Member:

The NIH Blue Ribbon Panel Meeting about the NEIDL will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 8:30 AM EST. Notice of the webcast of the NIH Blue Ribbon Panel Meeting is posted in the upcoming events section at http://videocast.nih.gov. You will be able to view the event at http://videocast.nih.gov when the event is live.

To access the webcast, click the link to watch the live or archived video. Real Player is necessary to see the program and can be downloaded for free from the website. Technical login support is also available from the site at the top of the FAQ’s.

I hope the information is useful.

Carla

Carla J. Richards, MPP
Director of Community Relations
Department of Corporate Communications
Boston University Medical Center
715 Albany Street, M-421
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-638-8491
Fax: 617-638-8044
E-Mail: carla.richards@bmc.org

Vandalism & 911

As you may have read in the South End news (http://tinyurl.com/224pk2) there have been a series of vandal attacks against cars near the intersection o Hanson and Ringgold/Bond.

If you should vandalism on that intersection, or anywhere in the South End, please call 911 to report it. In Boston, 911 is our only way to make reports to police. Don't be afraid to call 911 if it is not an emergency. Remember, if you don't report it, the police will never know it happened.

March ESNA Meeting

The next Eight Streets meeting will take place this Wednesday, March 5th. We'll be back in our usual location on the 5th floor board room of Boston Ballet (Clarendon & Warren)

6:30-7 - Neighborhood networking
7-8:30 - Business meeting.

On the agenda for this month:

Decks at 30 Milford st
Change of occupancy for 282 Shawmut (Rooming house to apartments)
and the Center for Latino Art at IBA will give a presentation on their agency.

Hope to see everyone there!

Increase incrime

We got the following notice form BPD. It's outside of Eight Streets, but a notice to always be vigilant

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[BPD] want to let the various neighborhood associations know that we areseeing a slight increase in robberies, which have been mostly confinedto the Southwest Corridor, as well as B&E's (breaking/entering) to residences. We want to remind everyone that if they see anyone suspicious and out of place, particularly in the alleys, to please call911 (or 617-343-4911 from your cell) immediately.

Are you interested in meeting with DPW and BTD?

The City is holding neighborhood forum with neighborhood leaders and the Chief of Public Works and Transportation and members of their staff. At these forum meetings, we will discuss “related issues”, including recycling, street sweeping, snow removal, trash, sanitation, road construction, etc. It looks to be partially informative, to let us know what the rules are, and part interactive to get feedback and ideas.


In an effort to get more ESNA members involved in the NA, I’m asking if anyone would like to join me and participate in these meetings. This is a chance to get more involved in the neighborhood goings on, and to interact with city leaders. If interested, you would need to commit to the Last Thursday of every month, beginning this week through June.

Please let me know if you’re interested, and I can pass on the agenda and discuss the meetings with you.

Trash pickup times

A reminder to everyone, Trash pickup can begin as early as 7am on trash day.  People have gotten used to later pickups, and this past Monday people ended up putting trash out after collection had happened.

 

Please remember to put your trash out early on day of pickup.   And remember, if you put the trash out at 10am, and you're the only bag left on the street, you may have missed them...

BYF Summer Job Registration

Youths between 15 and 18 can register for summer jobs with the Boston Youth Fund. COmplete details can be found at http://www.bostonyouthzone.com/teenzone/employment/byf/ Registration deadline in March 19th

LandWave Fundraising Event

Evening everyone.

I'd like to pass on this announcement for the LandWave fundraiser. LandWave is the public art installation that will go on behind the ball field in Peters Park on Washingston street.

For more details on LandWave, to see artist rendersings and the project history, or to contribute on your own, please visit http://www.LandWave.org/

- J

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We hope you will be able to join us on Tuesday, February 12th, 6 to 8 PM at the Bernard Toale Gallery (featuring the work of four photographers in Picturing India) at 450 Harrison Avenue for our LandWave reception. LandWave—the public artwork commissioned for the South End’s Peters Park—will soon be a highly visible and strikingly beautiful presence in Peters Park on Washington Street, marking the narrowest part of the historic Neck to the Shawmut Peninsula. We now seeking the last dollars as we move forward to break ground.

There will be good wine, good food (from Oishii), good friends and the opportunity to learn more about this exciting public art project directly from the lead artist, Shauna Gillies-Smith. It will be a good time for a good cause. Your contribution of $125 is payable (check or cash) at the door. Please let us know that you are coming (McQueenStudio@rcn.com); your RSVPs will help us gauge how much food and wine to have.

In the meantime, please enjoy our new website at www.LandWave.org . You will also be interested in the sites of the lead artist at www.GroundInc.com, construction advisor Gregor Smith at www.Smith-StJohn.com and our event sponsors, www.OishiiBoston.com, www.BernardToaleGallery.com and www.BeOurGuest.com.

(Please excuse us if you've received multiple emails. We are using several different mailing lists to spread the word as widely as possible. Of course, you are welcome to forward this to friends.)

Ann McQueen and Bob Wells
Neck Art Project: LandWave Co-chairs

Contact Ann at:
617-948-9302 (McQueenStudio)
McQueenStudio@rcn.com

Contact Bob at:
617-763-8983 (mobile)
BobW@Intersystems.com

Giorgiana's gets reviewed

A review of recently opened Giorgiana's deli/convenience store appears in this week's Boston Phoenix. Giorgiana's is on Tremont on the corner of Milford St. (in case you've manged to miss it)

Shortcut to the review on line - http://tinyurl.com/3b38ms

Wanna vote?

A reminder - if you wish to vote in the Feb 5th primaries, and are not yet a registered voter, you need to register by January 16th. Boston voter information can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/elections/

If you are not registered with a party affiliation, you can still vote in the primaries. WHen you go to vote you declare yourself to be in one of the parties (you have to pick), vote in the primary, then immediately fil out a form to un-enroll yourself from the party. A pain, but you do get to vote in the primary. (Not sure if you can do this if you are in a party - pick some other party then register back. Anyone know??)

MBTA & groundwater

Passing on this notice from the MBTA:

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The final public workshop for MBTA Groundwater Action Plan .  The workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at The Boston Renaissance Public Charter School (250 Stuart Street) from 6 PM to 8 PM.  The notice will appear in the Bay Back Sun on January 18 and 25, Boston Courant on January 19 and 26, and South End News on January 17 and 24.  I hope you will be able to attend.  I would also ask that you spread the word about this workshop.   If anyone has any questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

scott darling, III
Environmental and Land Use Counsel
MBTA, Law Department
Ten Park Plaza, Suite 7760
Boston, MA  02116
ph:  617.222.3174
fax: 617.222.3194

Happy New Year everyone!

Just a reminder that even though it is the first Wednesday of the month, there will be NO January meeting tonight. Look for us to resume on the first Wednesday in February, 2/6.

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Someone had asked me about the clear trash bags we can now use for the combined recycling – I have seen them at Shaws – Shaws brand clear plastic 30 gallon bags. They are also supposed to be available at Foodies, but I haven’t checked yet.

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Now that we’ve been smacked with snow, I thought I’d send a nice snow reminder. One of your best city resources is http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/ This web lists rules and regulations for snow removal. While most of ESNA was snow free, there were some exceptions… Also, don’t forget to shovel out your local fire plug!!!

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On the city web site (http://www.cityofboston.gov/notification/registration.asp) you can sign up to get an email when the city declares a snow emergency – a nice reminder for those who use street parking.

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And a final reminder that the ESNA email list (eightstreets@yahoogroups.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eightstreets/) is available for two-way discussions!!! As the building boom has ‘subsided’ and everything in the neighborhood is, in general, doing well, Eight Streets needs to start thinking about what we want to do with ourselves… We’ve chatted in the meetings about moving towards a more speaker/topic oriented meeting plan, having more activities, and maybe concentrate on fundraising. If you have any thoughts or ideas, please feel free to email them out to the NA and we can start some discussion!

Hope everyone has a great 2008!

- J