Help Clean Up Waltham

A group is getting together to help clean up the alley between Waltham and Union park. If you live on the Even side of Waltham and would like to join the cleanup team or help out, please let us know.

South End Open Studios

South End Open Studios will take place this year on the weekend of September 15th & 16th. For those new to the neighborhood, during Open Studios many local artists open up their homes and studios to share their art with the public. It's a fun weekend and a great way to visit part of our neighborhood that you don't usually see.

Early details can be found at http://www.useaboston.com/

Union park Picnic

In conjunction with Open Studios, Union park will be holding a "picnic in the park". Details in the image blow. All ESNA members are invited to attend and participate! Details shold also be available soon on their web page, http://www.upna.org

---

The Wall

Someone has made a mini movie about Peters Park renovation, focusing on reconstruciton on "the Wall". Available for viewing on YouTube

last Thursday movie

This Thursday (8/30) brings us the last Movie on the Diamond for this year.    This Thursday's movie will be The Sandlot

Move begins 8pm on the Peters Park baseball diamond.   Free juice and popcorn! 

Movie for Thursday, 8/23

The City’s “Movies on the Diamond” program continues this week with “E.T.”.  The movie starts at 8pm at the Peters Park baseball diamond.  Free juice and popcorn for all.

 

Restaurant Week

Form the Boston Cityline newsletter.   To see the full newsletter on line, and to subscribe, visit

http://www.cityofboston.gov/mayor/cityline.asp

Restaurant Week Boston: Restaurant Week Boston is a perfect time to sample new restaurants and visit old favorites as chefs prepare delectable 3 course meals for your dining pleasure.

Read Details »

Double Movie Night

A reminder that we have not one, but two free movies Tonight (Th, Aug 9) in the South End tonight.

 

“Happy Feet” will be shown at Titus Sparrow park (West Newton at SW Corridor)

“The Last Mimzy” will be shown at O’Day park (West Newton between Tremont and Shawmut)

 

Movies start 8pm.  Bring your favourite blanket or chair.  Free popcorn and Juice provided by the city.

National Night Out

The main city event for National Night out (Tonight, Aug 7) is out at Franklin Park – not near the South End this year.   But I just got an email from councilor Yoon’s office which lists the following NNO events.  The one at Castle Square looks to be a big event and very kid friendly!

 

·         South End Cook out 6 P.M.- 430 Columbus Ave, South End

·         South End Block Party 5 P.M.- Village Court Parking Lot inside Castle Square Apartments, South End

·         Lower Chandler Street Block Party 6 P.M. - corner of Chandler and St. Charles, South End

 

Free movie nights return

Free movies have returned to Peters Park (and other area venues)!

 

August 9^th – Happy Feet at Titus Sparrow park

August 9^th – The Last Mimzy at O’Day Park

 

And, at Peters Park Baseball Diamond:

 

8/16 The Ant Bully

8/23 ET

8/30  “Surprise Blockbuster”.

 

 

Joint meeting with Ringgold

Eight streets and Friends of Ringgold park will be having a joint meeting on Tuesday, July 24th in Ringgold park itself at 6pm.  We'll be covering the plans for the central fountain, as well as general Q&A on the park.   Plus, we get out of a stuffy room and get to have a meeting outside.   Detailed FoRP information below.   I hope to see everyone at this special meeting

As many of you know, the Friends of Ringgold Park has received a $5,000 grant from the Browne Fund to develop a design for the center circle fountain and has engaged the landscape architecture firm Copley, Wolff to work with us.  Copley, Wolff has worked with the City of Boston on many public fountains, including the frog pond playground and fountain, the renovation of the Christian Science Center fountain, and a Victorian Fountain in East Boston's Putnam Square.

 

Our current task is to poll the community on what type of fountain we would like to see in the park.  People seem to favor one of two choices:  a purely decorative Victorian fountain, such as the ones in many other South End Parks, including Blackstone Square and Union Park, or an interactive play fountain with aesthetic appeal, such as the Frog Pond and Christian Science Center.  We are asking you for input on your preference as we move forward with this initial planning process; many of you have already submitted your votes, and thank you so much for your participation. 

 

To this end, the Friends of Ringgold Park will be holding a Community Meeting in Ringgold Park on Tuesday July 24th at 6:00 PM.  Attendees will be invited to share their thoughts on the fountain design so that everyone has an opportunity to have their voice heard.  We'll look forward to seeing you there.

The things you find at the bottom of your inbasket. Here's a schematic of the final design (as being built) of Peters Park

Talk with Rep Capuano Tonight (7/17)

Our US Representative is having a ‘telephone town hall’ tonight.   Join in and ask your congressman some questions!

 

From his email:   “Tonight I am experimenting with a new way to communicate with you, my constituents. I am participating in a telephone community meeting beginning at 7 PM on Tuesday July 17th. Those interested may call 1-866-447-5149 and use PIN # 13034 at the scheduled time to listen in. To ask me a question, simply hit * 3 after joining the meeting. I hope you have some time to call in tonight.”

 

 

 

 

 

Make the neighborhood greener!

Eight Streets put whiskey-barrel style planters on several corners last year.   We have area businesses taking care of some planters, but could use your help in taking care of others!  

 

If you are interested in planting a nice arrangement in a barrel, or can just volunteer to keep watered a container that is already planted, please let us know.   The containers take a lot of work to stay green throughout the summer, and we could use all the help we can get!!!

 

Thanks

help plan movie nights

From the Mayor’s office:

It’s almost time again for BSMART Movie Nights!  Last summer’s events were so successful because of the South End’s fantastic community spirit.  Over the past year people around the ‘hood have been asking for ways to get involved, so we’re inviting people to help organize this year.

 

We’re having a planning meeting on Wednesday, July 11^th @ 6:00pm in the Blackstone Community Center, and you are invited!  If you would like to participate in running the event, this is a great chance to get involved. 

 

 

South End Movie Nights

The city’s BSMART team is looking to do movie nights at the Peters park ball field again this year.   If you’re interested in planning for, or helping out during the movie screenings, there is an organizational meeting Wednesday, 7/11 at the Blackstone community center at 6pm.  Please let us know if you’re interested in attending the meeting and helping out!

National Night out?

August 7^th, 2007 is National Night Out.    Would anyone be interested in doing some kind of activity in Eight Streets in conjunction with NNO?   Let us know!!

 

SEBA Summer Solstice

Passing on this notice from the SEBA – sounds like fun!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The South End Business Alliance (SEBA) is hosting a Summer Solstice Celebration Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22. Participating restaurants and retailers will have extended hours and offer special discounts, and raffles during these two days!!  Remember to SHOP LOCAL.

 

The two day event will be filled with fun and unique offerings from various shops, spas and restaurants, live music, and much more all day long. All retailers will keep their doors open until 8pm on both evenings.

 

Boston Center for the Arts will offer live music on the plaza Friday evening from 5:30- 7:30 featuring BatukAxe as part of the BCA’s Sounds of the Season Series.  It is also on the plaza that Boston Pedicab will be offering rides to some of the South End shops off the beaten path, such as Devi Home, Sara Campbell, Union Bar and Grille, Voila, and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

 

Patrons will find everything from signature summer drinks, tasty appetizers, or complimentary dessert with purchase of an entrée at local eateries, to retailers offering 10-60% off merchandise.

 

Additionally, raffles will be held at each location promising for great prizes - plenty of gift certificates and merchandise to be won, as well as special offerings such as Jonas Wannfor’s Kristall Chandelier valued at $1,398 by Design within Reach, or a one hour massage by Nami Spa.

 

The event is a great time to welcome the summer, visit the South End, and support local merchants.

 

Participating restaurants/retailers:

Aquitaine, Beehive, Design Within Reach, Devi Home, étant - A Spa for Well Being, Garden of Eden Cafe, Hudson, Michele Mercaldo Contemporary Jewelry Design, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Nami Spa, Parlor, POPS Restaurant, Posh on Tremont, Sara Campbell, Sooki, Tadpole, Turtle, Union Bar and Grille, and Voila.

 

n 

 

South End Garden Tour

A reminder that the South End Garden Tour is This Saturday, 6/16.   This is a elf-guided tour of south end gardens, roof-decks and private back yard spaces.  This year many gardens in Eight Streets, including Berkeley Community Garden, will be included in the tour.  It’s a fun day, and a great way to help support Community Gardening through this annual fundraiser.

 

More event details can be found here  http://tinyurl.com/fzsd3  

 

Advance tickets are still available at the following locations:

 

Aunt Sadie's, 18 Union Park Street

Coldwell Banker, 633 Tremont Street

Keller Williams Realty, 607 Boylston Street 5th fl

Whole Foods Market, 15 Westland Ave

SE Realty Group, 476 Columbus Ave

Summit Mortgage, 671 Tremont Street

Lynn M. Deitzer, PC 538 Tremont Street

 

Pride 2007

A reminder that Boston Pride is just around the corner.  (www.bostonpride.org)   This year, the parade that usually passes down Tremont street will actually be assembling on Tremont street.   Given the new route, Tremont street parking will be restricted more than usual this year, and all of Tremont and several cross streets will close down earlier than previous years. And, since assembly is outside our door, there will be a LOT more people on the street and in local establishments.  More details can be found on the Pride website.

 

Keep an eye on the newspapers and parking signs for all restrictions.   And a happy pride to everyone!

June meeting

A reminder that THIS Wednesday is our April meeting. We'll be at our
regular location, Boston Ballet boardroom (Clarendon & Warren), from
6:30-8:30

6:30-7 - Neighborhood Networking. Refreshments provided

7-8:30 - business meeting.

Business includes:
- Zoning issues at 18 Milford st
- Update on Elections, Pride Parade
- Info on the South End Garden Tour, including the chance to purchase tickets.

Also, provided there is no pressing business, this should be the last
meeting until September 5. Should something need our attention,
there may be a July 11 meeting. Keep an eye on the web site.

Hope to see everyone there!!!!

March in Pride

This year Ellis NA is marching in the Boston Pride parade. If
anyone would like to join them and march as a South End neighborhood
supporter in the Pride parade, please contact us and we'll pass your
name along.

SOUTH END NIGHT AT THE THEATRE!

SOUTH END NIGHT AT THE THEATRE!

 

Join us for the Huntington Theatre Company's Neighborhood Nights.

Attend a pre-show reception with wine, snacks, and a behind-the-scenes

peek at the show's outrageous costumes, free with your ticket purchase!

 

When: Thursday, May 24

Pre-show reception, 6pm-7:15pm

Performance, 7:30pm

 

Where: Huntington Theatre Company mainstage

Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue

 

Tickets: $25 - Special South End discount (normal prices, $44-$65)

Available online only at http://www.huntingtontheatre.org .  Select the

5/24 performance of "Present Laughter" then enter code 1132 on the

ticket login screen, after you select your seat location. Tickets

subject to availability.

 

About the play:

 

Victor Garber in

PRESENT LAUGHTER

by Noel Coward

Directed by Nicholas Martin

May 18 - June 17, 2007

 

Boston University Theatre

264 Huntington Avenue, Boston

 

Victor Garber (Broadway's "Sweeney Todd" and "Arcadia" and TV's

"Alias") stars as aging matinee idol Garry Essendine in one of Noel

Coward's funniest and most delightful comedies. Devastatingly handsome

and thoroughly charming, Garry lives his life like it's one grand

performance. But on the eve of a major tour, things fall apart in

hysterical fashion as he juggles old flames, a crazed playwright, and

(gasp!) middle age. Nicholas Martin, the Huntington's own master of

laughter, directs.

 

617 266-0800

http://www.huntingtontheatre.org

Project Place fundraiser

How great does a day of golf sound right about now?...

 

Project Place's

Ninth Annual Charity Golf Tournament

will take place on

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

at the Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA

Join us for an incredible day of golf at one of New England's premier golf courses, complete with a fabulous silent auction and raffle, great give-aways, and a post-tournament dinner buffet.

Tee-time is at 12:00pm and the cost is $260 individual golfer

 

So bring your friends, family, colleagues and clients

& give our cause a shot!

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the tournament,

please call us at (617) 542-3740 x14

 

 

 

Snappy Dance

Eight Streets NA members have been invited to join the Ellis NA in their special arrangement to see Snappy Dance.   If you’d like to join the Neighborhood event, ordering information is in the announcement below

-----------------------------------------

 

Our neighbors at the Boston Center for the Arts - and the BCA's Cultural Partner, Snappy Dance - have invited us to join them at a special event.  We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.

 

Opening Night at "Celebrating 10 Years" - and a post-performance reception with the company

    Wednesday, May 30  - 7:30 PM

    Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA

 

Snappy Dance is edgy, a blend of  dance with theatre and acrobatics.  Its anniversary program features the world premiere of String Beings, an exciting collaboration between dancers, MIT New Media Artist Jonathan Bachrach and BSO first violinist Lucia Lin, with "real time video feedback using intelligent video processing and live musicians who become part of the choreography."  This kind of joint venture can only take place in a city like Boston, and it's central to the BCA's mission.  Don't miss it.

 

Tickets: $15 - $35 at www.bostontheatrescene.com or 617-933-8600.  Let them know you're an Ellis member; tickets are limited.

Please RSVP for the reception to Cara Wojcik at 617-426-2924 or cwojcik@bcaonline.org

More info at http://www.bcaonline.org/may_2007/string_beings.php or at www.snappydance.com

 

We look forward to partnering with the BCA on future events.  We'll keep you posted.

 

 

Globe endorses Passoni

I should have read the paper before making the previous post.

The Boston Globe has endorsed Susan Passoni for City Council District 2.

 

http://tinyurl.com/3aooyu

 

 

 

VOTE!! Next Tuesday

A reminder that next Tuesday, May 15^th is the final election for District 2 City Councilor.   We only had between 11 and 15% participation in the preliminary elections.  IF the South End doesn’t vote, then the winners aren’t going to pay attention to us.   We need high numbers at the polls!  Tell your friends and neighbours to get out and vote.

 

Tuesday, May 15^th, 7am-8pm, Cathedral High Gym, at Waltham and Washington St.

 

 

 

Youth Shines! auction

A reminder that the Your Shines! program will have it's art auction on Tuesday, May 22nd.   This is a great cause, and a lot of fun.    Complete details on the event is on their web page at http://www.youthworkersalliance.org/

new Waltham business?

Found on the no 9 park Web Site.   This fits in with rumors of what may go in to the space next to Plum Produce

 

Stir Manager - Barbara Lynch's latest venture Stir Demonstration Kitchen and Cookbook Library, scheduled to open in June is looking for a full time manager.  Qualified candidates should be passionate about food and wine, have a working knowledge of computers as well as HTML and other web languages.  Previous experience in catering or event management a plus. 

 

 

Find out about the BRA

The following lecture has been advertised.  If you’d like to learn more about the BRA, this sounds like the place to be.

 

The Boston League of Women Voters will sponsor a public informational
meeting:

Wednesday, May 9th

Jackson/Mann Community School, 500 Cambridge Street,

Union Square, Allston (on the 57 bus line and free parking)

6:30 p.m.

Construction? Re-construction? Destruction?  Growth and development all over
the City today and tomorrow is governed by the Boston Redevelopment
Authority.  Love it or hate it, the BRA (planning and redevelopment agency)
is the only game in town.

Come and find out more--who is it? Where did it come from?  What impact does
it have on our lives?

We will hear from Larry Koff & Associates/Community Planning after light
refreshments at 6:30 P.M. He will discuss the current state of the BRA
planning process and how citizens can have a meaningful impact via points of
leverage from 7 to 9 P.M. with plenty of time for discussion and questions.

If growth and development has affected your neighborhood you are already
involved.  This meeting is a chance to become better informed as well.  If
you do not as yet have a high rise going up in your neighborhood despite
zoning protections you thought existed, you can't afford to be complacent.  
Please join us.  Knowledge is power.

For more information: Louise Bonar, 617-254-1729

 

 

license updates

 

To follow on from our February meeting, I’d like to pass on some licensing issue follow-ups.

 

South End Butter license for full alcohol was approved, with an 11:30pm closing, and 10pm closing for outdoor seating.  Alcohol is served with meals only.

 

Franklin Café came to us for support for expansion, but had not applied for any licenses for expansion work, and to our knowledge has not applied to do said work.   Those who noticed construction activity the week of 4/23 were seeing structural floor/repair work, as well as other cosmetic work while the closed for floor work.

 

Although they missed their meeting with us, Foodies was denied a license to sell beer & wine.

 

 

May ESNA Meeting

An advance reminder that the next Eight Streets meeting will be next
Wednesday, May 2nd

On the agenda will will be a request to open a liquor store at 550
Tremont st. The store would be at parlor level (up the stairs),
above B&G Oysters. The group that runs B&G and The Butcher Shop are
making the application.

Currently the only thing on file is a request to change the zoning of
that space to include permission to open a liquor store. As of
right now, there does not appear to be an application on file for a
license to sell liquor. The lawyers for the group have a 'wine and
cheese store' concept, but until the license application is made,
there is no way to see what kind of actual sales license they wish to
apply for. This would be a significant addition to the neighborhood,
at what is currently a high traffic corner.

We hope to see you next Wednesday at the meeting. 6:30-8:30,
Boston ballet board room (Clarendon & Warren).

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

Agenda will also include voting information and discussion of ESNA fundraising.

See everyone on Wednesday!

- J

Every vote does count

I’d like to thank everyone who went out and voted yesterday.   The city web site  http://www.cityofboston.gov/elections/currentelections/  shows 17% of district 2 went out to vote.  Not too bad for a preliminary.  We’ll have to increase that for the Final elections on May 15^th.   

As you can see by the city site, and this Globe article (http://tinyurl.com/2yy2mg), the difference between first and second place was only 37 votes.  The difference between second and third place was only 92 votes.  Your vote certainly does count!!

 

Boston Shines!

A Reminder that the Boston Shines South End cleanup is Next Saturday,
April 28th. If you wish to organize a local cleanup on your street
or in a local common area, please let me know about how many people
will be participating, so I can tell the city to reserve enough tools
for your group. Rakes, Brooms, Shovels and bags will be made
available on the BCA Plaza. They should also have extra blue
recycling bins if you need one for your home.

Again, let me know how many people will be in your group so we can
reserve enough supplies!

VOTE Tuesday!

A Reminder that THIS TUESDAY, 4/17 is primary election day here in Eight Streets.   We are voting for councilor for City Council, District 2.

This is also the first vote at our NEW POLLING LOCATION.    Eight Streets now votes at Cathedral High School in their new gym at the corner of Washington and Union Park.    Polls are open 7am-8pm.

If you missed the ball and have not registered yet, you cannot vote Tuesday, but you have until April 25th to register to vote for the May 15th 'final' elections for District 2.

City special election web site:   http://tinyurl.com/275atn

Noisy planes

A Boston Globe article on the flights over the South End, and how they are trying to keep them on their correct flight path

http://tinyurl.com/239wu8

Groundwater Primer

The Globe today had a nice article on groundwater and the problems low groundwater can cause to a building.   If you're unfamiliar with groundwater issues, please give the article a read

http://tinyurl.com/2ndzyr

And, as always, groundwater information and well readings can be found on the Boston Groundwater Trust web site

http://www.bostongroundwater.org/

April meeting

Hi everyone.

I'd say welcome spring, but we've all see what happened to that. :)

A reminder that THIS wednesday is our April meeting. We'll be at our
regular location, Boston Ballet boardroom (Clarendon & Warren), form
6:30-8:30

6:30-7 - Neighborhood Networking. Refreshments this month provided
again by our friends a Hingham Savings Bank.

7-8:30 - business meeting.

Alcohol licenses are on our agenda yet again.
- Pop's restaurant would liek to upgrade to a full liquor license
- Foodies would like to sell Beer & Wine.

We'll also discuss the recent debate, upcoming elections (change in
polling place). Also looking for volunteers to help out in the NA

Hope to see everyone on Wednesday! And for your calendars - the
May meeting will be on May 2nd!

- J

Debate summary

The South End News has a summary of last weeks’ candidates debate for the District 2 seat.   Link to their web sire is below…

 

http://tinyurl.com/ys5279

 

 

Debate THIS tuesday.

A reminder that Eight Streets is a co-sponsor if the City Councilor
debate THIS Tuesday. Eight streets, as part of the south end forum
and the South End News is sponsoring a debate amongst the candidates
for City Councilor district 2.

Please join us THIS Tuesday, Marth 27th, from 6-8 at the Benjamin
Franklin Institute of Technology, 41 Berkeley St. The more people
we can get there, the more the candidates will realize there are
people in the South End who are interested in the issues. Both the
Chinatown and South Boston events were packed. We've got to do the
same if we want candidates to pay attention to us...

Please let me know if you can also volunteer during the night of the event.

And don't forget the general meeting is coming up April 4.

Hope to see everyone on Tuesday!!!

Berkeley Garden dates

Some important dates for Berkeley Community Gardens, the community
garden that runs along East Berkeley Street.

If you already have a garden, garden renewals will be taken April
7th, 10a-noon, at the YWCA, 40 Berkeley street. If you have not
gotten your notice yet, please contact garden leadership.

May 5th - garden cleanup. This is the annual spring garden cleanup
AND the date for the garden lottery. If you want to get a garden at
Berkeley, this is the meeting you need to attend.

For more information on both events, please see their site at

http://www.berkeleygardens.org

Ringgold park news

We've received the following event notifications from the Friends of Ringgold Park.

Spring Clean-up: Sunday, April 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.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. Raindate: Saturday, April 7, from 11 to 2 p.m.

Spring Egg Hunt: Join us on Sunday, April 8th at 10 a.m. for the annual Egg Hunt! Kids and egg hunters of all ages welcome!  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
    Clean Up

If you can assist us with this fun event, please call or e-mail us at ringgoldpark@verizon.net. 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."

Community Meeting to discuss 2007 Planting Plan: Friends, neighbors, and supporters are invited to review the planting plan prepared for us by landscape designer Doug Fitzgerald of Community Outreach Group design firm. Doug will be on hand to answer questions on April 29th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., location TBD. We are especially interested in feedback from abutters of the park, so please come to see our exciting plan to beautify Ringgold Park this year!

Ringgold Park Spring Fundraiser:  Please note that we have a revised "Save the Date"!  We are moving the Spring get-together and fundraiser from April 3rd to the evening of Wednesday, May 23, to give us more time to plan this wonderful event, which we hope will become a festive annual tradition.  Please save the date and we will be sending out more information shortly.

Grant Applications:  Lastly, thank you to all who provided letters of support for our 2007 Small Changes grant application for our beautification project. It's not too late - additional letters should be sent to the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, Attn: Small Changes Grant Program, by April 2.

Polling place to change

As an advance notice, (and to stop rumors), the polling place for
Eight Streets is changing. We are working with the city to see when
it will change (before or after the April elections) and how the city
will inform everyone. When the date of change is official, watch
the blog and the ESNA mailing list (as well as newspapers) for notice.

Next meeting and blogging

As an advance notice, our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 4th.
The agenda can be found on the web site (see right). We'll post
another notice once the agenda has been finalized.

And a reminder, if you look on the right there is a Subscribe field.
If you enter your email, you will get an email when the blog is
updated (max 1 email per day). If you often forget to check the
blog, this is a handy way for updates to be sent right to your inbox!

District 2 Candidates Debate

  The Neighborhood Forum (Eight Streets is a member) and South End News are sponsoring a "Candidates Night" for the District 2 City Council special election and we need your help in getting the word out.

  

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

41 Berkeley Street

Free and open to all. Spanish interpretation provided. PDF flyer at  http://tinyurl.com/2564mh  

 

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the candidates vying to represent YOU on the City Council. All of the candidates have been invited. Find out where they stand on issues that are important to the South End.

  

  The preliminary election will be held on Tuesday, April 17, and the final election will be held on Tuesday, May 15.

 

 

 

 

March meeting

Hi Everyone,

A reminder that this Wednesday brings our March Eight Streets
business meeting. We'll be meeting this

Wednesday, March 7th, 6:30-8:30

6:30-7 - neighborhood networking
7-8:30 - business meeting

This month:

Meet City Council district 2 candidate Susan Passoni, the only
candidate of the 8 running form the South End.

As you may have read the Dog Recreation Space at Peters Park has been
approved by Boston Parks Department. Come and see what the final
design of the DRS will be.

Hope to see you there!

Dog park Approved

The Boston Parks Commission unanimously approved the application for
the Dog Recreation Space in Peters Park. Construction should begin
in the Spring. A representative from the DRS will be at our March
meeting to show us the final design for the park.

For complete information on the DRS, please visit the park at

http://www.peterspark.org

Ellis fundraiser

Our neighboring Neighborhood association, Ellis, is holding a Casino Night fundraiser THIS Friday, Match 2, right at the Franklin Institute.  Casino games, DJ, Live Auction, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cash bar.   $45 advance/$50 door.

Complete information on their web pages, at http://www.ellisneighborhood.org/

SELROSLT Lecture series

The   South End Lower Roxbury Open Space Land Trust wishes to announce their Spring lecture series.  (SELROSLT is the parent organization and land owner for our own Berkeley Community Gardens (www.berkeleygardens.org).

Wednesday, March 7: Seeding Solutions Indoors with Ellen Wells, horticulturist and writer

Wednesday, March 14: Window Box Whimsy with Lou Whitney of Twig Floral Studio

Wednesday, March 28: V is for Vegetable, Bringing the Garden to the Table with Roger Swain, People, Places, and Plants TV host

Wednesday, April 11: Trees in an Urban Environment with the Urban Ecology Institute and Arborway Tree Care.

 

All lectures are free and start at 7 PM at the Harriet Tubman House of USES, 566 Columbus Avenue (Columbus and Mass Ave).

During Snow Emergencies

The southend.org home page has information on parking rules & restrictions during Snow Emergencies.   Given we may get our first significant snowfall of the season on Wednesday, it might be a good idea to brush up on the rules for parking when a snow emergency is declared.

 

http://tinyurl.com/36j435

 

 

 

 

Plan your Parks

The City Parks Department has put a survey on line.   

 

They are creating a new Open Space Plan, and want to know how you use your local parks.   Visit their site to read the 2002-2006 plan, and take the survey so you can have some input on their next 5 year open space plan.  The survey will ask you question son how you use your local park (either the park closest to you, or the park you use most often).   Ringgold park is in Eight Streets, and Peters Park is our closest park neighbour.

 

Visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/openspace_update.asp for more information and to take the survey  (tinyurl: http://tinyurl.com/28r2v2)

 

South End Buttery

The owner of South End Buttery has asked me to pass along this letter in advance of his presentation at our meeting this Wednesday.

Dear Neighbors,

The press of business this past week has kept me from getting in touch with you sooner regarding some important zoning and licensing matters related to the proposed expansion of the South End Buttery café at 314 Shawmut Avenue.  The exchange of e-mails regarding 550 Tremont Street over the past few days, however, has reminded me how very important it is to me -- and should be to all business owners -- to work with the community on such concerns.

As a Union Park resident for almost 14 years and a business owner on the edge of the Union Park and Eight Streets Neighborhood Associations for the past two years, I am committed to operating a business that serves our community's best interests.  To that end, the Buttery offers a unique dining experience in the South End, offering modestly priced food using the best and freshest ingredients (and organic ingredients as much as possible).  Recently, we have even started creating a number of vegetarian and vegan options to address our customers' diets.  Operating out of our small space, however, has become impossible for the long run and we are looking at increasing our size by expanding into the architecture firm behind us.  Among other improvements, the expansion will allow us to create a better system for waste disposal and will enable us to be more environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of paper and plastic products used to serve food in-house.  In this initial stage of design and planning, we would like to work in cooperation with you to create a space that best suits our neighborhood, as we have since opening a little over a year ago.

More extensive discussions regarding these issues were scheduled by my attorney last week and will take place this Wednesday evening before the Eight Streets Neighborhood Association.  At that time, I will be glad to share a sample menu with you and answer any questions you may have about the proposed expansion.  I welcome your comments throughout this process and look forward to working with you.

Best,
Richard Gordon
Owner, South End Buttery
617-549-2776

February Eight Streets meeting

Evening everyone,

This Wednesday, 2/7 is the next Eight Streets NA meeting. We'll be
at our regular location in the Boston Ballet boardroom, at the corner
of Clarendon & Warren.

We have two big items on the agenda this month.

The Franklin Cafe is looking to expand. They will not be opening a
second location on Harrison avenue, as they had planned. Given
this, they are looking to expand in their current location up to the
second floor. They will be presenting plans at the meeting, and
will be seeking a letter of approval from the NA

South End Buttery will also be before us at this meeting. Even
though they are just outside of our NA, they've been a good business
and want to reach out beyond their immediate borders. The sandwich
and coffee shop is seeing a Beer & Wine license. They are going to
be expanding at their current location and adding kitchen facilities.
As they add more dinner-like dishes to their menu, they feel being
able to serve beer & wine with dinner will enhance their fare, and
allow them to remain competitively with other small restaurants in
the immediate area.

join us 6:30-7 for our neighborhood networking social hour.
Business portion of the meeting will begin promptly at 7.

Hope to see everyone there.

Don't forget to visit our blog for more neighborhood news;
http://eightstreets.blogspot.com

If you're not yet a member, visit our web site for membership and
voting information. http://eightstreets.tripod.com

City Councilor Special Elections

Dates have been set for special elections to replace Councilor
Kelly's position - the Councilor for City District 2, which
encompasses South Boston, Chinatown and our slice of the South End.

Preliminary election - April 17th. All candidates on ballot

Final election - May 15. Top two vote-getters in preliminary
election get on this ballot.

It will be important for all of the South End to turn out for this
vote, and make our voices heard. More details as the election
approaches.

Meet your City Councilors

The Neighborhood Forum, of which Eight Streets is a part, is sponsoring the following two meetings with city councilors

----------------------

Councillor Arroyo (At-Large) is sponsoring his own community meeting to discuss what he has been working and what are his priorities for 2007.
Come and participate in bringing Boston together for good.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 20th
WHERE: United South End Settlement (USES) Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Ave (Lincoln House Room)
TIME: 5:30-7:00pm

CONTACT: Calvin Feliciano, Director of Constituent Services at 617-635-3115

------------------------
The Claremont neighborhood Forum in partnership with The Neighborhood Forum, a program of USES, is sponsoring a community meeting with City Councillor Chuck turner. Councillor Turner, the District 7 councillor, represents part of the South End and Lower Roxbury.
Discussion topics will include:
   *       Councilor Role in Government
    *       How City Government is Run
      *       Property Taxes
  *       Youth Resources
*       BU Bio-Safety Lab
       *       Public Safety
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
7:00-8:30 PM
United South End Settlements

Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Avenue

Dog park closer to approval

The proposed Peters Park DRS made their presentation before the Parks department yesterday.  Complete coverage in this Boston Globe article

http://tinyurl.com/28xkxz

Project Place near opening

The new home of Project Place, a new building at Washington and East Berkeley, is nearly complete.  Project place hopes to be occupying their new home by the end of February.

For more information on Project Place, visit them at http://www.projectplace.org/

Car break-ins

The neighborhood has had some car break-ins
recently. A reminder of car safety from BPD:

The Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents
that motor vehicle breaks are among the most easily preventable crimes. They
are typically crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves looking for
valuables left unattended. Taking a few simple steps can often discourage
these thieves. Here’s how you can protect yourself against motor vehicle
breaks.

DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable
items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or
back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them
into the trunk.

· Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it
makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into
a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.

· Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door
lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device
onto the door lock button to pop it open.

· Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking
to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the
engine. If there isn't one, you should have one installed.

If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in,
call 911.

UPNA to Visit John Adams Exhibit

Eight Streets residents are always invited to the Union Park walk series.  This one looks especially interesting.

 

- John Mc

 

UPNA to Visit John Adams Exhibit

 

Join South End’s Beth Prindle, Lead Curator of the “John Adams Unbound” exhibit at the Boston Public Library, for a fascinating special tour to share her personal perspective on John Adams, his library and the Adams Project.  John Adams Unbound" features the 2nd President's 3,800-volume personal library and explores his life, legacy and passionate relationship with his books.  The John Adams Library has been held by the Boston Public Library since 1894 and this is the first public exhibit of the complete library.  The walk takes place on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 6:30.  Meet at the Dartmouth Street entrance to the main branch of the BPL on Monday, January 29, 2007 at 6:30 or join us at the corner of Tremont and Upton Streets at 6:15 and walk over if you would like to have a bit more exercise. 

 

Monthly indoor walks are sponsored by the Union Park Neighborhood Association during the winter months.  The walks are free and open to all.  For more information, visit www.upna.org or call Harriet at 617-262-1342.

 

 

 

 

January ESNA Meeting

Happy New Year everyone!

Now that the festivities are over, a reminder that it is January, and
it's time for our first meeting of 2007.

THIS Wednesday, January 3rd is the regular Eight Streets monthly
meeting. We'll be in our regular location in the Boston Ballet 5th
floor meeting room (Warren & Clarendon)

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

The main agenda item this week is the presentation postponed form
December. Athens II market (Tremont & Milford) wish to add beer &
wine sales to their new business model. They will make a
presentation and will ask for a letter of support.

Hope to see everyone there!

Sahara fire

The South End News reports of a fire at the old Sahara restaurant.   News story and pictures at http://tinyurl.com/ymgf3b

Second Forum meeting on Thursday

A reminder that the second Light Rail today forum is this Thursday, 12/14 at United South End Settlements (Columbus & Mass Ave), form 6:30 to 8:30.   Come see how light rail could be another option to provide service on Washington st to downtown instead of the Silver Bus.

For more information, please see the press release (earlier blog entry – scroll down)

Umbra out

Local eatery Café Umbra is closing down at the end of the month.  They’re on Washington, next to Morse fish market.

 

The North End eatery Sage will be moving into the location.    Current Sage restaurant info can be found at http://www.sageboston.com/

 

 

 

December Eight Streets meeting

Morning everyone,

 

A reminder that our monthly Eight Streets neighborhood meeting is This Wednesday, December 6^th.   As usual, we’ll be meeting in the Boston Ballet board room (corner of Clarendon & Warren).

 

6:30-7 – Neighborhood Networking

7-8:30 – Business meeting.

 

Agenda includes

 

- 7 Dwight Street Decks.  The owners at 7 Dwight st would like to erect decks on the rear of the building.  They will bring their proposal to us, and are asking for a letter of support for the project.

 

- Athens Market II Liquor sales.   Athens II would like to add beer and wine sales to their new store format.  They feel the lower level would be an excellent wine ‘cellar’, and wine & beer sales fit in with their new business model (as presented at a previous meeting).  They will present their proposal, and ask for a letter of support from us.

 

- Gateway Art letter of Support.   The Gateway Art project will be presenting the new art that is going in Peters Park (behind the ballfield).   They will show us the planned project, and ask for a letter of support form Eight Streets.

 

ALSO

 

A representative from City Councilor Sam Yoon’s office will be at our meeting (Councilor Yoon may also be there depending on his schedule).  Bring any City questions or concerns you may have to the meeting for some open discussion.

 

Hope to see everyone there!!!

 

- John Mc

 

 

 

First Friday artists night

A reminder to folks that the artists at 450 Harrison (a short walk from ESNA) have a nice open house the first Friday or every month.  Studios are open, giving people a chance to browse, meet artists and socialize.   This is becoming a large event, and can be a fun way to spend a Friday evening.

 

The First Friday notice can be found on http://www.sowaartists.com/calendar.html   

Light Rail Forum

Eight Streets is one of the sponsors of this forum, happening in our neighborhood THIS MONDAY, 12/4.   I hope everyone can attend        

 

“Light Rail Today”

Community Groups Sponsor Forum on Light Rail Alternatives

• Monday, December 4, 6:30-8:00 PM

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, 41 Berkeley Street

• Thursday, December 14, 6:30-8:00 PM

USES Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Avenue

 

(South End) “Light Rail Today” is the theme of two public meetings in which South End and Lower Roxbury residents and users of the Silver Line bus service can learn how light rail would work as a transit alternative along Washington Street.  The forums will be held on December 4 and December 14.  They will feature presentations by members of the Washington Street Corridor Coalition, followed by questions from the public. Both are free and open to all.

“Light Rail Today” is co-sponsored by the Eight Streets, Ellis and Old Dover Neighborhood Associations, Castle Square Tenants Organization and The Neighborhood Forum, a program of United South End Settlements.  

When planning to dismantle the elevated Orange Line, the MBTA promised its riders an equal or better replacement service.  The line came down in 1987, and since then there have been buses on the route it served from Dudley to downtown.   Many in the community believe that bus service is not an adequate replacement for a rapid transit line. The bus ride takes longer (averaging 22 minutes now, compared to 8 minutes), and riders must then transfer into the central subway system.

The Washington Street Corridor Coalition has developed alternative proposals, using both light rail and rapid transit technology, that deserve active public discussion and evaluation by the MBTA.  These alternatives could prove more effective and less costly than the Silver Line bus service and bus portals currently being debated.    

Since the MBTA has not engaged in a public process that brings the neighborhoods together to discuss alternatives, neighborhood organizations are now joining together to take on this responsibility.  In the next few months more such informational meetings are being planned with neighborhood groups along the entire length of the replacement service corridor, from Chinatown to Mattapan, to raise public awareness about the light rail alternatives.

 

 

--------------
John McLachlan
President, Webmaster
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.tripod.com
-----------------------------------

 

 

Holiday Stroll

 

SOUTH END STROLL & HOLIDAY HUNT AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

THIS WEEKEND

 

December 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd – South End Stroll and Holiday Hunt

Find the peppermint ornament at one of the participating merchants below and receive a point.  Make a purchase and win a bonus point.  A total of 15 points wins you an entry into the raffle to win a $1000 GRAND PRIZE gift certificate basket (2^nd prize $500, 3^rd prize $250).  For more details, please visit:

 

Hudson, Michelle Willey/Vessels Gallery, Red River Trading Company, Voila, Jari, Laura Preshong Gallery, Sara Campbell, Sooki, Tadpole, Turtle, Parlor, Michele Mercaldo, Aunt Sadie’s Lekker, POSH on Tremont, Appleton Bakery, Red Fez or the South End Buttery

 

December 2^nd - Annual South End Holiday Tree Lighting in front of the BCA, 539 Tremont Street at 3:30pm.  Guest appearance by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Santa.  Sounds of the Seasons Performance featuring local choirs and brass band.  Food, refreshments and surprises!!!  Bring the kids!

 

For more information, please call the South End Business Alliance at

617-304-4421.

 

 

 

Stacy Koeppel, Administrator

South End Business Alliance

617-304-4421

 

 

Property tax discussion Monday, 11/20

Richard Carlson of the City of Boston Assessing Department will be addressing the underlying cause of the ongoing tax increases and other property tax issues on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 6:30 pm at the Copley Branch of the Boston Public Library on the mezzanine level.  

What's going on in Boston?

A reminder - the City has a semi-regular newsletter of major city
happenings. The newsletter, "Cityline" can be found on the city's
web pages at

http://www.cityofboston.gov/mayor/cityline.asp

The web page also contains links to the city calendar and the mayors
weekly podcast. At the bottom of that page is a link to subscribe to
the newsletter.