South End Garden Event

Frederick Douglass Square Market

SATURDAY MAY 30, 2009

Featuring Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

 & Live Music

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Corner of Hammond & Tremont (across from Slades)

By donating produce from your local community gardens, you can help raise money for your garden?

Musicians are invited for open jam sessions in the FD Peace Garden. Call to schedule!

 

Live Music Schedule 

Amelia Thrall (from AFHB) & the Woodrow Wilsons 12:00pm

  myspace.com/thewoodrowwilsons

NEON GOD 3:00pm

myspace.com/williamdwyer1

Local Garden & Community Center Tour 4pm – 5pm

A VILLAGE AT WORK PRESENTS

a Special Garden Event for the new UNLR Cultural Center

Featuring Special Music Performance with the

” Satellite Rockers & Koliba” 

www.myspace.com/satelliterockers

BBQ and an evening Film under the canopy courtesy of Boston Architectural College after 8:00pm

INFO CALL 857-318-1049 OR 617-271-1966

VENDORS CALL 857-318-1049

City Hazardous Waste Drop-off

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF DAYS

June 6, 2009 same day (different location) as free electronics recycling event!

9am-2pm

UMass Harbor Campus

Morrissey Boulevard

Dorchester, MA

June 27, 2009

9am-2pm

West Roxbury Public Works Yard

315 Gardner St

West Roxbury at Millenium Park

INSTRUCTIONS: Put household poisons, insecticides, paint, tires, auto fluids, car batteries, wood preservatives, herbicides and pool supplies, propane tanks, motor oil, and products labeled corrosive, flammable or toxic in cardboard boxes for safe transport and bring them to the above location. For a complete list of acceptable items, http://www.cityofboston.gov/TridionImages/backside%20hw%20flyer%20(2)_tcm1-3115.pdf

PLEASE NOTE:

FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS ONLY

PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIRED

NO COMMERCIAL WASTE ACCEPTED

SURPLUS PAINT AND USED MOTOR OIL DROP-OFFS

FREE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINT AVAILABLE. Residents may bring containers of reusable paint, stains, varnishes, polyeurethane, and paint thinner to a Drop-Off. Residents may take away as much paint as they want--for FREE!

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR OWN OIL. Bring used vehicle oil from your car, boat, or other vehicle to a Drop-Off. Do not mix the oil with any other substance. Antifreeze and steering wheel fluid will not be accepted.

REGULATIONS

-proof of Boston residency required

-20 containers maximum

-paints must be in original containers with legible labels

-items must not be mixed

-evaporated or empty cans and aerosol paint cans will NOT be accepted

-commercial waste will NOT be accepted

SCHEDULE

Drop-Off sites are open May through August, 9am-1pm on the following days and locations:

1st Saturday of the month: Roxbury Public Works Yard, 280 Highland St

2nd Saturday of the month: Hyde Park Public Works Yard, 58 Dana Av

3rd Saturday of the month: Brighton Public Works Yard, 315 Western Av

4th Saturday of the month: East Boston Public Works Yard, 329 E Eagle St

Free electronics recycling

The city is hosting a Free recycling event on June 6th. Bring your TVs, computers, VCRs, game stations and the like to the Bayside Expo center 9am-3pm on the 6th. (No appliances). A correction to the flier - old microwave ovens will be accepted.

PDF Flier with more information

Recycling your electronics is better for the environment, and keeps the chemicals and heavy metals often found in electronics our of our landfills.

If you can't make this event, remember you cannot throw our TVs and computer monitors out with the regular trash pickup. You must contact DPW and schedule a pickup. You can email them at trashtvcrt@cityofboston.gov or call DPW at 617.635.4900

DPW web site with trash and recycling guides

Primary results

Unofficial results for todays State representative primary are below, summarized from the City Election Web Site.  Overall attendance was around 15%.   The winner was decided by only 171 votes - so again, please don't think your vote doesn't count.

AARON MICHLEWITZ 2116
SUSAN M PASSONI 1945
LUCY RIVERA 103
BRIAN V ROSS 44

Winner Aaron Michlewitz (D) will face John Keith (I) and David Trumbull (R) in the final Special Election on June 16th

VOTE - Primary Tuesday

This Tuesday, May 19th, brings us the special election Primary.   The democratic candidate for state house rep. will be elected from the 4 candidates.   Any democrat or unenrolled person can vote in this election.

Official state Ballot layout

Candidates and web sites, in ballot layout order:

AARON MICHLEWITZ
SUSAN M. PASSONI
LUCY RIVERA
BRIAN V. ROSS

The winner of this primary will face the Republican and Independent candidate on the final special election on June 16th.  If you are not yet registered to vote, you cannot vote this tuesday, but you have until May 27th to register to vote in the June 16th special election.

Eight Streets votes at Cathedral High School Gym (ward 3, precinct 7), at the corner of Washington and Union Park.  I hope everyone can get out and support your candidate of choice!!

Special election web site

South End Open Weekend

This weekend marks the unofficial South End opening.

First we have the South End Art Walk, happening Saturday and Sunday (May 16,17). Various galleries and artists’ studios will be open Saturday and Sunday, so it’ll be the perfect time to get out and about in the neighborhood and see some great artists’ work. See the web for more info

This is also opening weekend for the South End Open Market. For opening weekend, the Market will be in place both Saturday and Sunday (it’s usually Sunday only) from 10-4. This is on540 Harrison, behind Rollins Square. Opening Weekend also means more vendors than usual, providing even more art, food, plants and other sundries. Joining the Open Market this year will also be a new Antiques Market. (Also there will be my friends from wardmaps.com selling historic maps of the South End – a great addition for any wall!)

In addition, various businesses along the Washington Street corridor will be having sales and discounts, so keep your eye out for sales and specials at every turn. So step out and enjoy a great South End weekend!

More filming, week of May 11

We have more filming taking place in the Union Park/Walthm st area. Their memo is below

---

Dear Residents,

The film The Company Men will be returning to the South End to film the remaining scenes that take place in your neighborhood. We apologize again for the inconvenience and look forward to your continued cooperation.

We are scheduled to film in the backyard of 5 Union Park on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. In order to facilitate our production, we are requesting certain parking restrictions on Shawmut Ave and Union Park, but they will not be as extensive as before. Our parking plan will be as follows:

5/5 - & 5/15: 5 spaces in front of 5 Union Park
5/5 - & 5/15: 4 spaces near 315 Shawmut Ave
5/12 & 5/13: 9 spaces in front of 5 Union Park (both sides)
5/12: 21 spaces on Shawmut Ave between Upton St and Hanson St
5/12: 5 spaces on Waltham St at Union Park

NO PARKING signs will be posted on these streets in accordance with the City of Boston. As before, we will be offering alternate parking in the garage at 100 Clarendon for those residents affected during our filming. If you’re interested, contact Mike at (401) 391-7880 or see someone from our Locations Department on site for a voucher.

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 me at (617) 921-2792.


Thank you,

Greg Chiodo
The Locations Department
Company Men Productions, Inc.

May ESNA Meeting

Hi All!

The monthly ESNA meeting will be this Wednesday, May 6th. 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 one approval requests for this meeting - balconies for the rear of 41 Dwight St.

The meeting also brings us more candidates for State Representative. Last month we heard form Susan Passoni. This month we'll hear from candidates

• John Keith
  
• Aaron Michlewitz
  
• Lucy Riveria
  

Each candidate will have some time to speak and take some questions. We'll then end the meeting a little early so everyone can mingle and talk to the candidates one-on-one.

I strongly urge everyone to come to this month's meeting. One of these candidates might represent you in the state legislature. With taxes and fees and reform on the cover of every paper, you'll want someone in office that will represent what you think is important. This is your chance to see where the candidates stand on the issues.

We also need to let the candidates know that the South End has an interest in who represents us. A strong attendance at forums like this gives candidates the message that the South End is here and we want their attention! So please make an effort to join us this month, and bring your neighbors!!!

Hope to see you on Wednesday!!

Exciting Weekend

This Saturday, May 2nd brings two big events this weekend.

Berkeley Community Garden has it's annual cleanup and lottery for available gardens.   Cleanup is from 10-3 - stop by any time and give the gardeners a hand making the garden spiffy for Spring.  This is also a good opportunity to just stop by and say hi - meet some of the gardeners and become more familiar with the garden.   At 10:30 the garden will take sign-ups to be in the lottery for available gardens.  If you're got a green thumb, this could be your chance.  :)

Also happening tomorrow is Opening Day for little league.   There will be a parade down Shawmut and ceremonies in Peters Park.  

At both events there will be plenty of politicians and candidates, so this will also be your opportunity to meet your representatives and meet some of the contenders.

Hope you can make it to one of our neighborhood events this weekend!

Young South Enders

Union Park NA has extended an invitation to this Young South Enders event happening this Tuesday.  (Sage restaurant is on Washington near Union park (Next to Morse Fish)

---

YSE

Young South Enders

of The Union Park Neighborhood

Association

Invites you to meet up at

SAGE

Tuesday, April 28th

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Complimentary Beer, Wine, Appetizers

Special Guests-State Representative

Candidates

For more information visit www.upna.org

or call Mary Bottella Knickle 617-262-1614

The Young South Enders (YSE) is a Union Park Neighborhood Association subcommittee geared toward introducing and serving the younger adult population of the neighborhood. Come meet your neighbors and members of the YSE for a night of fun social exchange.

get the day started right

For those who will be helping with the Waltham alley cleanup on Saturday (4/25) - Pops is offering those volunteers a light breakfast.  Stop by before the cleanup and get some coffee and a light bite.     

So grab your coffee and then head to Union park for 9am, or if you hit the snooze button, you can  just meet everyone in the Union park/Waltham Alley.  Cleanup runs until noon.

Cleanup this weekend

Boston Shines cleanup is this weekend.   While Eight Streets does not have a neighborhood-wide cleanup, we do have two smaller efforts going on.

In conjunction with Union park, residents are cleaning up the alley between Waltham and Union park.   Anyone who wants to help out meet at Union Park at 9 (or in the alley afterwards)

Berkeley Garden will also be doing a "Berkeley Shines" cleanup - getting volunteers to do some of the 'heavier' cleanup before next week's Spring cleanup.   Anyone who wants to help the garden clean up, stop by the garden after 9am.     Both cleanups go until around noon.

If you and your neighbours want to do some cleanup on Saturday, you don't have to "register".  Get out and do some street sweeping and cleanup.   Some brooms and rakes may be available at the BCA from the city.   DPW will also collect bags form street corners until Noon - so as you sweep your front yards and sidewalks, get those bags out there for the city to clean up.  

Looks to be a great weekend, so let's get out and shine up our neighbourhood!

More details on filming this week

A detailed itinerary for the film crew this weekend

---

WEDNESDAY 4/15:
Loading in & dressing the interior set of 78 Waltham St.

THURSDAY 4/16:
Work trucks will begin to arrive approximately 5:00am on Shawmut Ave,
Tremont St, and Waltham St. The setup and decorating will continue inside of
78 Waltham St. Porta Johns will arrive approximately 6:00am and be placed
near the corner of Shawmut & Waltham St...placed near the Sahara Syrian
Restaurant (this seemed to be the best place as the city asked that we put
them as distanced from a residence as possible.) Our Camera truck, craft
services truck and remaining work trucks will arrive around noon when we
will begin to film inside 78 Waltham St. until approx 7:00pm.

Throughout Thursday afternoon we will be putting a snow dress inside Union
Park, as well placing lights that will be used for Friday evening's shoot.
Parking vouchers to the garage at 100 Clarendon will be passed out as
needed.

When we finish our work at 78 Waltham--approx 8:00pm--a few members of our
crew will walk over to Union Park and power the lights we have placed to
evaluate what changes might be need. This will take about 45 minutes. Our
trucks will remain in place overnight.

FRIDAY 4/17:
Crew will begin to arrive around 3:30pm...we will be filming at the stoop of
5 Union Park. Once complete, we will move out onto the street area. We will
be doing a 'walk & talk' originating near 35 Union Park moving across the
street toward 44 Union Park. During this time Union Park will be closed to
through traffic, there will be a wet down of the street, and the sodium
street lights on the corner of Shawmut Ave & Union Park will be bagged.
Our filming could go as late as 4:00am on Saturday morning, and we will
begin to vacate the streets.

MONDAY 5/11:
We plan to return to film one day inside 5 Union Park.....more details will
follow soon.

Many thanks for all of your help...let me know if there is anything else I
can do for you.

Greg Chiodo
Assistant Location Manager
THE COMPANY MEN
(617) 921-2792 cell

More filming 4/16

More filming int he area.   Details form the production company below...

---

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.

3rd Suffolk race continues

Universal Hub gives us This Update on the congressional candidates

Street Cleaning Begins!

No foolin - Street Cleaning begins TODAY, April 1st.

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)
  

April meeting cancelled

Hi Everyone,

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! 

Tremont St filming on April 3

Just got another noticed passed on - There will be another crew filming on Tremont St/Cyclorama overnight on April 3. Notice below

---

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

A note about upcoming filiming and parking restrictions near Eight Streets

---

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

Ringgold Park: Spring Events

Dear friends and supporters of Ringgold Park -

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

The city is beginning street sweeping early this year, although there will be no towing until the official April 1 start date. Move your cars if you can, so we can get our streets free of the winter clutter! They Mayors Office sends us the following:

Update:  Globe article on street cleaning

---

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.

Summer W&S Work

For those that didn't get a flier on their door today, The BWSC (Boston Water & Sewer Commission) is having a public meeting Wednesday, 3/25 about water and sewer work in the neighborhood this season.   No dates on construction are given.

The public meeting is on 3/25 at the BWSC, 980 Harrison Ave at 6pm.

Construction projects are listed here.  Highlights include water main replacement on East Berkeley; and sewer linings to be installed on Milford and Hanson, and sections of Tremont & Shawmut.

You can also visit the BWSC web site.

Stephie's Open

The Thrillist web site reports that Stephie's on Tremont is now open.   This is the 2nd location of Stephanies that is opening at the Garden of Eden location.

Read the article here.

March ESNA Meeting

Hi All! I hope everyone is prepared for March to come in like a lion.

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

A reminder that Boston has officially declared a snow emergency for Sunday night/Monday.  This means parking restrictions are in place.    School is also canceled for Monday.   Complete notice is below.

A Reminder that city Snow information can be found at www.cityofboston.gov/snow

You can also have these alerts sent right to your inbox - just visit www.cityofboston.gov/alerts

---

March 1, 2009 (correction: libraries open, trash pickup cancelled)

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.

Councilor Linehan & St. Pats

Councilor Linehan is having a St Pat's "1st annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration" at JJFoley's on March 11. Complimentary Food & Drinks & Traditional Irish Music. Suggested Donations $50…$75…$100

If you're interested, here is the Flier and Additional Information (pdf)

Early streep sweeping

Although street sweeping does not begin until April 1; DPW is trying to get out to do some early sweeping, to clean up the trash and sand that has accumulated. If "No snow" continues to hold out next week, they will be in the South End on March 4 and 5. If they will sweep a particular street, they'll poster lamps and flier cars 48 hours beforehand. If you park on a street that will get swept, please move your car so we can get a start on the winter's mess.

Blackstone fundraising

From the B/FNA:

---

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

Looking for parking?

Passing on the following information that was emailed to the NA. Looks like an interesting source of parking information...

---

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.

February meeting DELAYED

Hi Everyone! Hope all the winter snow isn't getting you down. Given warm weather today it almost seems like Spring can't be far away.


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...

Support "snow fines" bill

Passing this notice on. This is our change to put some teeth into snow-removal tickets!! The phone call takes 15 seconds...

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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.

No January meeting

Due to no pressing business items, we will not behaving a January meeting. We'll schedule another social 'get together' for later in the month. Let me know if you want to try trivia night again, or just do light drinks at someplace like the Fez.


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!

Snow Emergency

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

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

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December 18, 2008

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

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

Storm's a Comin'

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

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

More holiday sale

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

SoWa Holiday Market

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

Trivia Night 12/16

Hi Everyone!!

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

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

Hope some of you can make it!

Potential traffic mess on Friday

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

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

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

BCA Tree Lighting on Saturday

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

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

Saturday, December 6, 2008

4:00 PM

Boston Center for the Arts Plaza

539 Tremont Street

Please join us for refreshments, entertainment and holiday cheer! 

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

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


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

December meeting + notices

Happy post-thanksgiving everyone,

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

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

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

Hope everyone has a good holiday season!!

- J

Downtown Deals

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

Another reason for clean Streets & Sidewalks

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

Franklin Cafe 3

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

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

Mayor's Holiday Specials

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

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

Election results

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

November meeting

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

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

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

See you all on Wednesday!

ESNA Web changes

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

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

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

Ringgold Halloween party

From the FoRP:

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BOO!

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

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

Elections are here

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

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

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


• Incumbent Congressional Representative Michael Capuano is running unopposed.


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


• Incumbent State Legislative representative Sal DiMasi is running unopposed.


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

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

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

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

Super 88

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

House of Siam in November

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South End Buttery in the news

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

No October meeting

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

Ringgold park events postponed

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

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

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

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

Claire Corcoran
President, Friends of Ringgold Park

Ringgold Park events

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much, see you this weekend!

Claire Corcoran
President, Friends of Ringgold Park

Picnic in the Dog Park

Passing on this information about an event in the Dog Run

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, please contact SouthEndDRS@gmail.com

Primary results

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

Full results on the City Election Results page

City newsletters

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

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

VOTE

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

State Voter Information page

Democratic primary ballot

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

South End Open Studios

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

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

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

September meeting

Welcome back everyone,

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

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

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

Two items are on the agenda

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

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


I hope to see everyone there!

Boston Greenfest

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

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

Primary Elections

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday Movie Nights

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

8/14 - Surf's Up

8/21 - Bee Movie

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

D4 police station building

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

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

Boston landmarks Orchestra

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

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

Gospel Fest

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

Shakespeare on the Common

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

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

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

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

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

Berkeley Shed info

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

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

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

• The South End News


• The Boston Herald


• Fox News Boston, reposted on YouTube.

Cyclorama painting

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

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

Seee Yoooooou in Seeeep-teeeem-ber

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

Have a great summer!!!

July USES Neighborhood Walk

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Kevin Hepner
United South End Settlements

June USES Neighborhood Walk

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


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

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

New tot-lot opens

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

South End Library Book Sale

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

- Anne Smart

Scene 2, Take 1

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

Hazardous Waste Drop-off

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

  

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

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

For more information see the City hazardous Waster Web site

EARLY START TIME for June meeting

Hi Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- John Mc

Candidate Forum

WARD 4 DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE

IS PROUD TO SPONSOR

A CANDIDATES FORUM
FEATURING

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

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


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


THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ADMISSION IS FREE

Will I be towed?

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

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

Dwight st incident

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

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

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

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

Linda Rodriguez can be reached at lrodriguez@southendnews.com

May meeting

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

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

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

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

Hope to see everyone there!

- J

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lights! Camera! Lights!!!

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

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

Boston Shines

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

City recycling information

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

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

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

Leaf and Yard Waste Collection

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

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

Recycling bags

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

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

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

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

City Roots grant program

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

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

Coffee with the Mayor

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

Here is the complete Coffee Hour schedule.

Call tracking a ways off

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

April NA Meeting

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

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

Agenda includes

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

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

Hope to see everyone there!!!

Do you like to walk?

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