Welcome to the Eight Streets Neighborhood Association, located in the historic South End of Boston, MA. This blog will give our residents neighborhood updates and associated news items. Visit our web site for complete neighborhood information. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
More filming 4/16
Dear Residents,
We will be filming scenes for the feature film THE COMPANY MEN, starring Ben Affleck & Tommy Lee Jones, in your neighborhood on April 16 & 17, 2009.
We’re scheduled to film inside 78 Waltham St on Thursday, 4/16, from approx 7am – 9pm…then at 5 Union Park on Friday, 4/17 from approx 4pm – 5am. In order to facilitate our production, we’ll need to have work trucks on the street near both addresses beginning Monday 4/13 and continuing throughout the week. For the two filming days, our trucks will arrive around 6:00am on Thursday, stay parked overnight, and leave around 6:00am Saturday morning. Our parking plan for the week will be as follows:
4/13 – 4/17; 4 -7 spaces near 78 Waltham St from approx 7am – 7pm
4/16 – 4/17; 7 spaces near 5 Union Park
4/16 – 4/17; 21 spaces on Shawmut Ave between Upton St to Hanson St
4/16 – 4/17; Tremont St metered spaces between W Brookline St & Union Park
NO PARKING signs will be posted on these streets in accordance with the City of Boston. For residents whose parking is affected, we will be giving parking vouchers for the garage at 100 Clarendon. If you are interested, please see Mike on site, or ask one of our security personnel for someone in the Locations Department.
During the hours of filming there will be parking restrictions and traffic control on both sides of Union Park from approx #31/32 to Tremont; and #13/14 to Shawmut Ave on Friday, 4/17 from approximately 3:00pm – 5:00am. Union Park will also be closed to thru traffic on Friday night from approximately 6:30pm to 4:00am. We will have police detail officers on site to ensure public safety and maintain an even & orderly traffic flow.
We look forward to filming in your neighborhood and will do all we can to minimize our presence. If you have any further questions or special concerns please contact Greg at (617) 921-2792.
Thank you,
The Locations Department
Company Men Productions, Inc.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Street Cleaning Begins!
If you are parked in a spot during street cleaning, they will tow you beginning today - there is no grace period this year. So when you park:
- Look for street cleaning signs!!
- Take note of the cleaning day
- Take note of the cleaning day time (some are 8-12, some are 12-4)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
April meeting cancelled
As we mentioned earlier, we will not be having an April meeting. I'm off having some minor surgery and Heather will be out of town.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, May 6th. We currently have one business item, and at this point at least 2 candidates for State Representative will be coming to speak. I hope everyone will be able to attend the May meeting and meet some of the candidates!!! We need to show that Eight Streets (and the South End) supports our elected officials and the election process.
Have a great month, and see everyone in May!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tremont St filming on April 3
Dear Resident:
ABC Studios and FTP Productions, LLC are in production of a television pilot currently titled, “See Kate Run.” The show is a mix of political and legal drama, which follows a young prosecuting attorney, who will one day be a serious contender for the presidency of the United States. We are working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Film Office and the City of Boston.
On Thursday, April 3, 2009 we are scheduled to film at the Cyclorama located at 539 Tremont St . On that date, we plan on working between the approximate hours of 7p.m. and 7 a.m. All of the filming will take place indoors. However, in order to facilitate our production, we will be parking some of our production trucks on the street. Our parking plan will be as follows.
Tremont St. Betwn. Appelton and E. Berkley Fr. 4/1 / To 4/5. (for truck parking)
Tremont St. Betwn. Clarendon and Union Park 4/3 (Night only)
Tremont St. in front of the Cyclorama 4/3 ( Night Only)
“No Parking” signs will be posted on these streets in accordance with the City of Boston. During the hours of filming, we will have police detail officers on site to help ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow. We also be offering parking vouchers for the garage at 100 Clarendon St. (15 per night only, as we are taking 15 meters). Which will be available from Nathan on site or Hub security on site.
There will be lights on the exterior of the Cyclorama. We are happy to offer to anyone who is troubled by this some black cloth to cover your windows.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at (213-618-0480). We look forward to filming in your neighborhood, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
The Locations Department
Filming on Union Park in early April
Dear Resident:
ABC Studios and FTP Productions, LLC are in production of a television pilot currently titled, “See Kate Run.” The show is a mix of political and legal drama, which follows a young prosecuting attorney, who will one day be a serious contender for the presidency of the United States. We are working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Film Office and the City of Boston.
On April 2,3,4 2009 we are scheduled to film at 16 Union Park and 315 Shawmut (Joe V’s) . On those dates our hours of filming will vary.
on 4/2 approx. hours 7am to 10pm
on 4/3 approx. hours 3pm to 2am
on 4/4 approx. hours 3pm to 7am
In order to facilitate our production, we will be parking some of our production trucks on the street. Our parking plan will be as follows.
16 Union Park 3/28,29,30 / 4/2 4 spaces in front
4 Union Park 4/3 4 spaces in front
2 spaces betwn. The 2nd and third pole on the East side
Both corners of Union and Shawmut on the north side Fr. 3/28 To 4/5
“No Parking” signs will be posted on these streets in accordance with the City of Boston. During the hours of filming, we will have police detail officers on site to help ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow. We will also be offering parking vouchers for the garage at 100 Clarendon St. on a limited basis. Which will be available from Nathan on site or Hub security.
There will be lights on the exterior of the exterior of the buildings. We are happy to offer to anyone who is troubled by this some black cloth to cover your windows.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at (213-618-0480). We look forward to filming in your neighborhood, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
The Locations Department
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ringgold Park: Spring Events
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, April 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tools and refreshments will be provided. Please join us and our wonderful friends at Hope House to pick up trash and rake the park after a long, snowy winter.
Spring Egg Hunt: Join us on Sunday, April 12 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 Beth Prindle at beth.prindle@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."
Park Improvements: Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it is looking unlikely that the Center Circle rehabilitation project will be funded this year. As you probably have heard, the City of Boston is facing a severe budget shortfall in the next few years due to the economic downturn. We will keep you posted on our progress - the good news is that we already have done the hard work and with a plan in place, we are well-positioned to be funded.
Irrigation and landscaping project: We are working on installing the irrigation and planting replacements this summer and fall. We will be publicizing any work as it is scheduled.
Summer Arts in the Park: we are hopeful that this wonderful City program will continue this year and have not heard anything to the contrary. We will update you with dates and program themes later in the spring as the information becomes available.
Thank you and Happy Spring!
Claire Corcoran
President, Friends of Ringgold Park
ringgoldpark@verizon.net
Street sweeping begins
As a heads up, Street cleaning will start [Friday, 3/20] and continue next week on its regular schedule (meaning if a street normally gets swept on Wednesday it will be swept this Wednesday). Compliance will be voluntary, but residents are strongly encouraged to move their cars so the sweepers can get to the curbs. For the most part, there will be no additional signage for next week's sweeping, but residents are asked to use the existing sweeping schedule (noted on the existing street cleaning signage). Please, also be on the look out for temporary no parking signs, as some streets have already been swept using the temporary signage. Enforcement and towing for non-compliance will begin April 1.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Summer W&S Work
Friday, March 13, 2009
Stephie's Open
Sunday, March 01, 2009
March ESNA Meeting
The monthly ESNA meeting will be this Wednesday, March 4th. We'll be at our regular location in the Boston ballet board room.
6:30 - 7 - Neighborhood networking
7 - 8:30 - Business meeting.
We have two approval requests for this meeting - balconies for 31 1/2 Dwight, and a roof deck at 79 Waltham St.
Wednesday also brings us several candidates coming to speak with us. With the special primary election coming soon, State representative candidates Susan Passoni and Ryan Higginson will be coming to speak with us. Additionally, Mayoral candidate Kevin McCrea will be coming to speak.
All candidates will have some time to speak, and then take some Q&A from the audience. Sal was in office for 30 years, so this is the first time we've had an empty seat in the Mass. House, so this is an important election for us. (We'll be having some more candidates at the April meeting as well).
I hope everyone can make it. We need to show the candidates that South End residents take an interest in our own politics.
Snow Emergency
Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 10:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2009.
Boston Public Schools are closed Monday. Libraries will remain open. Community Centers are open on a limited basis. City Hall remains open for business. Trash pickup is cancelled Monday. Residents should not leave their trash curbside until their next regularly scheduled pickup (for example, residents with weekly pickup should take out their trash out on March 9).
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 10:00 p.m., when the snow emergency goes into effect. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the center at 617-635-3050, starting at 10:00 p.m.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Councilor Linehan & St. Pats
If you're interested, here is the Flier and Additional Information (pdf)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Early streep sweeping
Monday, February 23, 2009
Blackstone fundraising
Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association is having their annual book scholarship fundraiser. The proceeds support scholarships for books for South End high school seniors heading to college. Last year we raised enough money to support three $800 scholarships.
The event is on Thursday February 26 from 6 pm to 8 pm at a private home in the South End. Refreshments will be served. It is $25/person or $40/couple. All donations are tax deductible. For additional information, please email info@bfsna.org. So come and meet your neighbors.
Donations can also be sent to:
Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association
PO Box 180940
Boston, MA 02118
Monday, February 09, 2009
Looking for parking?
I would like to introduce you and your neighborhood to a great online
resource called www.ParkingSpotter.com. As the name suggests, the website
specializes in assisting neighborhoods solve their parking challenges with 2
great features. These are only two of our great features can that your
neighbors should know about.
1) Residents can use the website to find available parking spots for rent
among the 1000's we have listed - both public and private. This will
alleviate the headaches and tickets one gets from trying to find parking in
their own neighborhood each day.
2) Residents who don't use their spot can list it for free on our website
and make it available for rent. This is a great way to generate
incremental income while the spot is not in use - perhaps this is during
work day hours, or even on a monthly basis.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
February meeting DELAYED
Our February meeting time is here, but we have a small change. Our regular room was booked, and we have a full agenda, so we have postponed our meeting by one week.
The February meeting will be Wednesday, February 11th
at our regular meeting place of Boston ballet 5th floor boardroom (Warren & Clarendon)
6:30-7 - Neighborhood Networking.
7-8:30 - Business meeting.
On the agenda for this month include two requests from Pops restaurant. They are applying to serve alcohol until 2am, and they are looking to expand the rear greenhouse. They are seeking letters of support for each request. They will be there to present their plans and answer questions.
There has also been a request to have a dialog with the south end Land Trust, the property owner for Berkeley Gardens. Representatives for Berkeley Gardens and SELROSLT will be on hand to present garden updates and answer any questions residents may have concerning the garden.
Hope to see everyone at the meeting, and remember we are a WEEK LATER this month, meeting on February 11th...
Friday, January 09, 2009
Support "snow fines" bill
Southenders should be aware that the legislation noted below is currently on the Governor's desk. No decision has yet been made on whether or not he will sign it, but as a common-sense measure, it would seem to address two winter hazards.
Message To Supporters of Better Sidewalk Snow Clearance
Neighbors should call the Governor's office TODAY (617-725-4005) to ask Governor Deval Patrick to sign House Bill #4883-08.
This bill would allow municipalities to increase fines for people who do not clear their sidewalks and also establishes that an owner's good faith effort to remove snow or ice will not make that person liable for injuries due to a fall (full text is shown below).
Your friendly reminder phone call need take no more than 30 seconds.
Section 5. A municipality may by ordinances and by-laws provide for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within such portions of the municipality as they consider expedient by the owner of land abutting upon such sidewalks. Such ordinances and by-laws shall determine the time and manner of removal and shall affix penalties, not exceeding $200 for each violation thereof. Such ordinances and by-laws shall be specific as to the width of the area to be cleared and the standards for clearance. An owner, lessor, occupant or other person in charge of real property or an agent thereof who, in good faith, removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from a sidewalk abutting his property shall not be liable for personal injuries allegedly caused by the snowy or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his act or omission unless the alleged act or omission constitutes gross negligence.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
No January meeting
Two items to start thinking about
- It would be nice to have a neighborhood-wide event come Spring/Summer. Is there anyone who'd like to help working on putting something together? Maybe something in the park? Something in conjunction with Ringgold? There's also Spring cleanup day in April - maybe an event around that time?
Speaking of spring cleanup - I've gotten some emails concerning trash in the area. A clean neighborhood starts at home, and seeing the trash on trash day, a LOT of people aren't putting their trash out properly to begin with. I'm working on some information for the web pages - but is there anyone who wants to start working on a 'neighborhood education' program? Maybe fliers to hand out, or working with neighboring NAs to start a larger campaign?
Stay warm, and hope to see folks later this month!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Snow Emergency
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!!
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
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Storm's a Comin'
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
Friday, December 12, 2008
More holiday sale
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
SoWa Holiday Market
Trivia Night 12/16
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!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Potential traffic mess on Friday
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
BCA Tree Lighting on Saturday
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
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
December meeting + notices
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
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Downtown Deals
Friday, November 21, 2008
Another reason for clean Streets & Sidewalks
Franklin Cafe 3
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.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Mayor's Holiday Specials
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
November meeting
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
ESNA Web changes
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ringgold Halloween party
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!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Elections are here
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.
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Super 88
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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. "
Saturday, October 04, 2008
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!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
No October meeting
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Ringgold park events postponed
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
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Ringgold Park events

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
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
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Primary results
City newsletters
Monday, September 15, 2008
VOTE
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
September meeting
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!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Boston Greenfest
Primary Elections
- 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.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday Movie Nights
D4 police station building
Friday, July 11, 2008
Boston landmarks Orchestra
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Gospel Fest
Shakespeare on the Common
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’sromantic 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.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Berkeley Shed info
c/o SELROSLT
P.O. Box 180923
Boston, MA, 02118
- The South End News
- The Boston Herald
- Fox News Boston, reposted on YouTube.
Cyclorama painting
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Seee Yoooooou in Seeeep-teeeem-ber
July USES Neighborhood Walk
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
Sincerely,
Kevin Hepner
United South End Settlements
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June USES Neighborhood Walk
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.
Friday, June 06, 2008
New tot-lot opens
South End Library Book Sale
- Anne Smart
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Scene 2, Take 1
Hazardous Waste Drop-off
EARLY START TIME for June meeting
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
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Will I be towed?
Dwight st incident
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
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
May 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
--
--------------
John McLachlan
President, Webmaster
Eight Streets Neighborhood Association
South End (Boston) MA
http://eightstreets.tripod.com
http://eightstreets.blogspot.com
-----------------------------------
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Services and Resources for Seniors
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!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Boston Shines
City recycling information
- 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!!
Leaf and Yard Waste Collection
- 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
Monday, April 14, 2008
City Roots grant 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
Here is the complete Coffee Hour schedule.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Call tracking a ways off
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April NA Meeting
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?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Towing starts - no foolin!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The new phoneboooks' here!
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
Monday, March 17, 2008
Michael Flaherty comes to your house
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
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)
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
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
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.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
More on Hanson parking issue
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
NIH Biolab webcast
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
Monday, March 10, 2008
Vandalism & 911
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.
Monday, March 03, 2008
March ESNA Meeting
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!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Increase incrime
[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.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Are you interested in meeting with DPW and BTD?
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.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Trash pickup times
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
BYF Summer Job Registration
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
LandWave Fundraising Event
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
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,
(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
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Giorgiana's gets reviewed
Shortcut to the review on line - http://tinyurl.com/3b38ms
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Wanna vote?
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??)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
MBTA & groundwater
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
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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

