Neighborhood security meeting this Wednesday (9/23)

The Old Dover NA is spearheading a community meeting on Savety and Security, which will take place this Wednesdya, Sept 23rd. The complete notice and outline is below.

Crime has been growing in our corner of the south end. Car break-ins. Several hold-ups. More homeless sleeping in the area. And a marked increase in drug use. Several city and social service organizations will be represented at the meeting to both discuss the issues and engage in some problem solving efforts.

I encourage everyone to try to make this meeting. We all want a safe neighborhood, and we can't count on 'other people' to fix everything. If we want the city adn the police to do more, we need to show up and let our government know we are concerned about oure neighborhood and want to work with them to help make the South End a safe place to live and work.

---

The Old Dover Neighborhood Association has been working this year on a safety and security initiative, which will culminate in a neighborhood meeting on safety and security to be held on Wednesday, September 23 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Franklin House (11 E. Newton St.). The purpose of the meeting is to open the lines of communication between neighbors, businesses, organizations, and city officials, particularly the police department, over safety and security issues in our neighborhood.

The Boston Police Department, the Mayor's Office, the Pine Street Inn, Washington Gateway Main Street, and Old Dover have all committed resources to this event. A large part of the agenda, however, is for residents to voice their concerns and offer their solutions. There are placeholders on the agenda for individuals, buildings, businesses, and groups to speak. Be part of the agenda, or part of the audience, but be part of this critical conversation! We expect that the comments and questions during the meeting will indicate interest in follow-up initiatives around specific action items.

Please mark your calendars to attend! Details are below.

Meeting Agenda

1. Prepared Remarks (6:30 - 7:50 pm)
Welcome and Introductions, ODNABoston Police Department, Chief Daniel LinskeyPine Street Inn, Aimee CoolidgeUp to 10 other individuals/representatives from organizations in Old Dover/The South End. Each speaker will be allotted 5 minutes. We would encourage you to organize/volunteer for a speaker slot, and to forward this email to others who may be interested in speaking. To be included on the agenda as a speaker, send an email with your contact information to olddover@gmail.com and ODNA will follow up individually to coordinate the presentations.

2. Short Break (7:50 - 8:00 pm)

3. Question and Answer, with speakers and other community leaders (8:00 - 8:25 pm)

4. Action Items/Next Steps Summary (8:25 - 8:30 pm)

5. Networking, one-on-one discussions with speakers and other community leaders, and refreshments (8:30 - 9:00 pm)

We hope to see you on the 23rd.

Sincerely,
Kris ComeauxPresident, Old Dover Neighborhood Association
mailto:Associationolddover@gmail.com
http://www.olddover.org/

Vote on Tuesday, 9/22

A reminder that the city primary elections will be this Tuesday, 9/22 from 7am to 8pm. Eight Streets residents votes at Cathedral High School at Washington and Union park. You must have already registered to vote to participate in this primary election. You do not have to be enrolled in a political party to participate in this election.


For this primary:

• 4 candidates for Mayor are on the ballot - the two highest vote getters will move on to the final election in November

• 15 candidates for City Councilor-at-Large will be on the ballot. The top 8 vote getters will move to the November election, where 4 will be elected. There are only two incumbent candidates on the ballot.

For a list of candidate names as listed on the ballots, read this PDF. Complete voter information can be found on the City Elections pages. Take this weekend do to some reading on the candidates, and mark up your ballot printouts so you'll know who to vote for come Tuesday.

As you have noticed, the race for Mayor has been heating up. This is our chance to go to the polls and voice our opinion! The South End has notoriously low voter turn-out, so let's use this as an opportunity to show up in droves and let Boston know that the South End cares about the future of our city.

SE Library re-opening

Ann Smart of the South End branch of the BPL tells us that the library will re-open on Monday, September 28th at 10am. The library had been closed since May (ish) so that repairs could be made to the building.

South End Open Studios & other weekend events

A reminder this weekend brings us South End Open Studios. Artists will open their studios throughout the south end to display their works. It's free and a great way to see the Artist community in our neighborhood. As you walk through the South End there will be many other events taking place, so you'll never know what you may run into!!

Goings on this weekend include:

• Open Studios
• Greek Festival at St. John the Baptist
• South End Open market
• "It's a Dogs Life" pet event. Sunday, noon-4 at 1313 Washington st.

Giorgiana's application for liquor sales

Evening everyone,

Just to bring everyone up to date on a local issue. As most of you

know Giorgiana's has applied to add alcohol sales to their current

beer and wine offerings. They have been talking to customers and

gaining support and gathering signatures form those who support the

license. Those who have signed are Giorgiana's customers, and most

of them live in Eight Streets NA or on abutting streets.

Giorgiana's will also be signing an agreement with the neighborhood

to prohibit the sale of nips and singles, and to guarantee that

'convenience store' will remain the core of their business.

Eight Streets sees no reason to oppose the request. Liquor will be

a very small part of their offerings. They will have a limited

selection of high end liquors, most in quart sizes (no pints or

smaller). Beer and wine will still dominate their downstairs liquor

sales. They will be signing the agreement mentioned above. The city

has also asked that the downstairs be staffed, which Giorgiana's has

agreed to. You will find the same great food and supplies upstairs

on the main floor - there will be no change there; they will remain

our local grocery/convenience store.

For those who haven't had a chance to hear the business proposal, we

will have a final meeting on the issue Tuesday, September 15th at 7pm.

We'll meet downstairs in Giorgiana's, so they can show us what their

plans are for re-organizing downstairs to include the liquor sales.

They will also be presenting over 200 signatures in support of their

proposition. (we should have room for everyone down stairs...)

I hope to see some of you tomorrow night. You can also reply with

any comments if you can't make the meeting and haven't written to the

city.

2nd Mayoral Debate

Set your DVRs again. The 2nd mayoral debate will be Tomorrow, Thursday 9/10 at 5pm, broadcast live on Fox/Channel 25. Again, candidates are, in alphabetical order:

Michael Flaherty

Kevin McCrea

Tom Menino

Sam Yoon

Peters Park DRS Event

The peters Park DRS "Pawnic" is happening Saturday, Oct. 3 from noon-2 in the Joe Wex Dog Park in Peters park. (Rain date Oct. 4) More information will soon be on the Peters Park Web Site.

September ESNA Meeting

Hi everyone!!

As if the weather wasn't a reminder, Fall is here, and that means it's time to get the Neighborhood Association back into gear!

This Wednesday brings us back to our regular monthly meeting schedule. I apologize for the late meeting notice, but there were some items that might have been on the agenda, but they are not ready to meet with us yet.

Our September meeting place will be This Wednesday, September 2nd, at the Boston Ballet 5th floor boardroom (Clarendon & Warren)

6:30-7 - Neighborhood networking - come early and mingle with your neighbors!

7-8:30 - Business meeting

This month we'll concentrate on summer updates and planning. Even though we took the summer off, the world around us did not. Get updates on what happened over the pseudo-summer we had, and what's coming up this fall.

And as we start the new season, let's take the opportunity to re-energize ourselves. bring a friend to a NA meeting. Think not only of events the NA can do, but what you want our of your neighborhood association. We also have some officer positions open, so if you'd like to get more involved, this could be your opportunity.

Hope to see everyone Wednesday night!! And don't forget to set your DVR/VCRs before the meeting - the moved Mayoral debates will take place Wednesday from 7-8 on WBZ TV. if you forget, it will be re-broadcast 9/4 at 8pm on channel 38

Debate Postponed!

Due to the death of Sen. Kennedy, WBZ has made the decision to postpone tonight's scheduled televised Mayoral candidates debate. We'll pass on word on any new scheduled date.

Set your DVR!!!

A reminder that the first televised Mayoral debates will happen this Wednesday, Aug 26. They'll be broadcast form 7-8pm on WBV (channel 4). This will be one of the few debates attended by Mayor Menino. All 4 candidates will be represented. In alphabetical order, they are

Michael Flaherty

Kevin McCrea

Tom Menino

Sam Yoon

Another reminder that September 22nd are the primary elections, where the Mayoral candidates will be reduced form 4 to 2. You must register to vote by September 1 to vote in the primaries!!!

Added: The Boston Globe adds this additional debate info: "In addition to the live broadcast on WBZ-TV, the debate will be carried live on wbztv.com, and WBZ Newsradio 1030 and rebroadcast on TV38 (WSBK-TV) at 8 p.m. tomorrow. The four candidates have also scheduled a Sept. 10 debate on WFXT (Fox 25). The two winners of the preliminary election will go head to head in an Oct. 19 debate sponsored by the Globe, New England Cable News, WGBH-TV (Channel 2), and WBUR (90.9 FM)."

Dog Ice Cream Social

Boston veterinary Care is sponsoring a free Ice Cream Social for Dogs.

This Thursday, 8/20. 5-7 in the Joe Wex DRS in Peters Park (rain date 8/24)

• Cool treats from Polka Dog
• Photographer Cheryl Richards
• Meet their vet staff
• Cool treats for all

[[Download flier here]]

Free Yoga

South End Yoga is hosting a free week-end of yoga. This will give the neighborhood a chance to explore the various types of yoga.

Where:

South End Yoga
111 West Concord Street
REAR ENTRANCE
Boston (South End)

When:

Saturday September 26th 12noon - 6PM and
Sunday September 27th 9:30AM - 4:45PM

Website: www.SouthEndYoga.com

Contact: southendyoga@gmail.com
or call 617-947-8892

Thank you.

Your neighbor,
South End Yoga

Election season draws near

It's just over a month before primary elections in Boston. The field of 15 City Counciler-at-large candidates will be culled to 8; and the Mayoral candidates will be reduced from 4 to 2. We of course encourage everyone to vote in the primaries on September 22nd (we'll post more notices as the date gets closer).

Today's globe provides an overview of all 15 Counciler candidates. Read the article here.

The Phoenix also profiles the candidates. Read it here

And set your DVRs April 26th for the first Mayoral debate, broadcast live on WBZ at 7pm.

Free Movies!

The Mayor's Movies on the Diamond film fest continues this season with free movies at Peters Park. On the next three Thursdays you'll find

8/13 - Madagascar 2 (Escape 2 Africa)

8/20 - Hotel for Dogs

8/27 - Kung Fu panda

All movies start at 7pm on the baseball diamond in Peters Park. Enjoy Free popcorn and drinks with the free movie!!

Restaurant Week

A reminder the next Boston Restaurant Week starts next week, and runs August 9th through the 21st (except Sat 8/15). "Diners (can) enjoy 2-course lunches for $15.09, 3-course lunches for $20.09 and/or dinners for $33.09 at restaurants throughout Boston, Cambridge, the suburbs and beyond."

For more into see the Restaurant Week Web Site, which has a list of all 200 participating Boston restaurants

South End Sidewalk Sale

the South End Business Alliance is having a "sidewalk Sale" this weekend, where area businesses will have discounts inside and outside the stores.

For complete details, check out the web site here.

Free Shakespeare on the Common

This fridy starts the 2009 run of Shakespeare on the Common. This year the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company brings us The Comedy of Errors. Shows are Tuesday-Sunday evenings, with a Wednesday and Sunday matinee; running this Friday (7/31) through August 16th. Shows are free and take place on Boston Common near the Parkman Bandstand.

For show times and more details see the CSC Web Site

Free Movies at the Pru

From the Prudential Center Web site:

Join us for free family movies this summer, Saturdays in July & August! Entertainment begins at 6pm. All films start at sundown on Prudential Center's South Garden.

August 1 Hotel for Dogs
August 8 Curious George
August 15 Wall-E
August 22 The Little Mermaid
August 29 Cars

Berkeley Garden Public Meeting

Boston Redevelopment Authority & the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services are sponsoring a public meeting for the Berkeley Community Garden on

Monday, July 27
6:30 to 8 PM at
Project Place
1145 Washington Street (at the corner of East Berkeley Street)

This meeting will be an opportunity for community input into the new all over garden design and fence plans for Berkeley Community Garden.

Questions should be directed to Randi Lathrop, BRA 617-918-4302, randi.lathrop.bra@cityofboston.gov
OR Tabitha Bennett, ONS 617-635-3485, tabitha.bennett@cityofboston.gov



Tabitha Bennett
South End and Bay Village Coordinator
Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services
City of Boston
Room 708, City Hall
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-3485
tabitha.bennett@cityofboston.gov

Free Friday Flicks

The 'BZ Free Friday Flicks schedule is on line (Now that it's not all disney they can publish it). Head down to the Esplanade Hatch shell and see a free movie every Friday at sunset

Click here for schedule

MFA For free

The Museum of Fine Arts is free on certain days as part of their community outreach. Check out the schedule here.

How do you feel about Health Care?

Congressman Capuano, our representative in Washington, wants your opinion on health care reform.

His latest newletter (below) is asking for constituant feedback concerning the health care reform legislation that's currently being debated. I encourage you to read the newsletter and then let our congressman how you feel about health care legislation.

I also encourage you to go to Rep. Capuano's web page (http://www.house.gov/capuano/) and sign up to receive his newsletter. (e-updates, on the left hand side of the page). It's a great way to keep up on what your representative is doing for you...

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Dear Friends,

Due to the importance and complexity of the debate relating to HEALTH CARE REFORM, I am very interested in obtaining broad based commentary from you on the draft before us today. You may click here to review the proposed House legislation which was released this afternoon. The bill is lengthy and we will post links on my website to summaries or section-by-section outlines as they become available.
Democratic leadership still hopes to complete action on this landmark legislation this year but, as you can imagine, there are differences of opinion and competing priorities on a whole host of issues that are too numerous to detail in this newsletter.

The most publicized aspect of the debate over health care reform concerns whether or not a public insurance option should be part of any package. I strongly support such an option but there are many Members, including some Democrats, who feel just as strongly that a public option should not be included. Even amongst those of us who want such an option, there are significant differences of opinion over the design and funding of a public plan. Another and equally difficult question is how to pay for health care reform. These are only two of the many issues we will have to resolve. Despite the challenges, the House still may vote on a bill by the end of the month.

For me, the two most important aspects of health care reform are (1) whether the bill advances the important goal of universal access to health care, and (2) how the bill impacts Massachusetts. Disparities in medical care and in medical outcomes between rich and poor Americans are more than troubling. They are morally unacceptable. I am aware also of the responsibility I bear, as a Member of Congress, to cast votes with the best interests of my constituents in mind. On this issue, that would include whether the proposal preserves health care related jobs in Massachusetts and whether we can preserve our regional pre-eminence in academic medicine and biomedical research.

Right now, 97% of Massachusetts residents already have some form of health insurance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the national average in 2008 was 83%. In light of these facts, I am compelled to ask: How much can fairly be asked of Massachusetts residents and taxpayers to bring the rest of the country up to our level of commitment? I do think most of my constituents would be willing to pay a little more so that all Americans could have access to health care. That said, I think it is also fair to ask:

What improvements will we see in Massachusetts as compared to what we have already?
· If there are significant changes in the delivery of health care, would they benefit Massachusetts?
· If there are cuts in the current Medicare and Medicaid programs, how will they impact Massachusetts?

In addition to those questions, I am also keenly aware of the direct economic impact that health care has on Massachusetts. Our regional economy is unique. In my district alone, there are approximately 70,000 employees of hospitals. Tens of thousands more work for Community Health Centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and other health-care related businesses. Others work for health insurance companies and in jobs related to health care – like the people who clean the laundry for hospitals, the engineers and designers at medical instrument companies whose work is used in hospitals across the country, and lab technicians who conduct hospital-related research.

Furthermore, many of my constituents work at hospitals and other health care related jobs outside the 8th Congressional district – like Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Good Samaritan in Brockton, and UMass Medical in Worcester, just to name a few. Massachusetts is the proud home to hundreds of thousands of health care jobs.

One of my most important responsibilities is to protect the jobs of Massachusetts citizens. Therefore it is my duty to ask –
· How many of those jobs might we lose from the proposed reform?
· How many might we gain?
· Are the job shifts (especially if there is a large loss of jobs in Massachusetts) worth the benefits?

To give you an example of one aspect of the debate here in Washington -- some Members of Congress are pushing hard to increase spending in rural areas at the expense of urban hospitals. I support equitable access to health care but I cannot do so at the expense of my own constituents.

As I weigh my vote on health care reform, I will have to be convinced that the final package will ultimately make the lives of my constituents better, not worse. We must also defend the interests of our great research institutions and teaching hospitals. Medical education and scientific research are not simply relevant for the 8th Congressional district, they are essential to the health and well-being of all American citizens. Everyone needs the doctors we educate and everyone benefits from the new discoveries in Massachusetts laboratories.

We cannot expect to achieve legislative perfection on health care reform. Realists know that is an impossible goal. Like almost every other bill before me, I will have to weigh the components that are on target against those that are not. I am working hard to shape the end result into a bill I can support.

I am very much interested in your thoughts on health care reform, particularly as we get closer to a vote in the House. Everyone is in favor of “reform”. That is easy. However, I would like to know your opinion as to whether the proposal currently before the United States Congress – the proposal on which I must vote “yea” or “nay” – meets the needs and desires of the citizens of Massachusetts. Please call the office or send us an e-mail if you’d like to weigh in on the proposal.

Congressman Mike Capuano8th District, MassachusettsCommittee on Transportation and InfrastructureCommittee on Financial ServicesCommittee on House Administration
District Offices:
110 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141andRoxbury Community College, Campus Library, Room 211
District Office Phone:
(617) 621-6208
DC Office:
1414 Longworth Building, Washington, DC 20515
DC Office Phone:
(202) 225-5111
Website and e-mail:
www.house.gov/capuano

Old Boston footage

A 1920's aerial newsreel-like view of Boston in the 1920's

Repaving Eight Streets

As you may have read through other outlets, Boston DPW has announced street re-paving for the south end. The list is far more extensive than earlier lists, and almost all of Eight Streets will be repaved. Work will begin this week. The city adds "The PWD contractor will initially excavate the targeted roadway areas which have deteriorated due to potholes, utility cuts, depressed manholes, etc. They are then topped with asphalt providing a smooth surface.
Temporary parking restrictions will be posted in advance in these specific locations and all vehicles will be flyered with scope of work and contact information". A full list of all South End streets to be repaved is below. Questions can be directed to Tabitha Bennett, our South End coorinator for the Mayor's ONS. 617.635.3485

1.) Berkeley St ( Tremont St - Cortes St )

2.) Clarendon St ( Columbus Ave - Tremont St )

3.) Dartmouth St ( Tremont St - Columbus Ave )

4.) Lawrence St ( Dartmouth St - Berkeley St )

5.) Cazenove St ( Chandler St - Dead End )

6.) St. Charles St ( Chandler St - Dead End )

7.) Chandler St ( Claredon St - Columbus Ave )

8.) Dartmouth Place ( Dartmouth St - Dead End )

9.) Appleton St ( Dartmouth St - Dead End )

10.) Warren St ( Berkeley St - Dartmouth St )

11.) West Canton St ( Columbus Ave- Tremont St)

12.) Montgomery St ( West Canton St- Claredon St )

13.) West Brookline St ( Warren St - Tremont St )

14.) Columbus Sq. ( Pembroke St - Columbus Ave )

15.) West Newton St ( Columbus Ave - Tremont St )

16.) Rutland Sq. ( Columbus Ave - Tremont St )

17.) Greenwich Park ( Columbus Ave.- Claremont St )

18.) Concord Sq. ( Columbus Ave - Tremont St)

19.) West Springfield St ( Columbus Ave - Tremont St )

20.) Massachusetts Ave( St..Botolph St - Washington St ) ( Both Sides)

21.) Chester Sq ( Mass. Ave - Mass Ave) ( Both Sides)

22.) Tremont St ( Mass Ave - Berkeley St )

23.) Dwight St ( Tremont St - Shawmut Ave )

24.) Milford St ( Shawmut Ave - Tremont St )

25.) Bond St ( Hanson St - Milford St )

26.) Public Alley # 701 ( Tremont St - Shawmut Ave )

27.) Aguadilla St ( Tremont St - Tremont St )

28.) Hanson St ( Tremont St - Shawmut St )

29.) Waltham St ( Tremont St - Washington St )

30.) Bradford St ( Waltham St - Shawmut Ave )

31.) Union Park St ( Washington St - Tremont St )

32.) Upton St ( Tremont St - Shawmut Ave )

33.) West Dedham St ( Shawmut Ave - Washington St )

34.) Shawmut Ave ( West Dedham St- Berkeley St )

35.) West Brookline St ( San Juan St - Washington St )

36.) San Juan St ( Shawmut Ave - Shawmut Ave )

37.) West Newton St. ( Tremont St - Washington St )

38.) Rutland St ( Tremont St - Shawmut Ave )

39.) West Concord St ( Tremont St - Shawmut Ave )

40.) Worcester St ( Tremont St - Washington St )

41.) West Springfield St ( Washington St - Tremont St )

42.) Shawmut Ave ( West Dedham St - Mass Ave )

43.) Washington St ( WQest Brookline St - Herald St )

44.) Harrison Ave ( Herald St - East Berkeley St )

45.) Traveler St ( Washington St - Albany St )

46.) East Berkeley St ( Albany St - Harrison Ave )

47.) Harrison Ave ( East Berkeley St - Malden St )

48.) Union Park St ( Harrison Ave _ Albany St.)

49.) Paul Sullivan Way ( Harrison Ave - Albany St )

50.) Albany St ( East Berkeley St _ Malden St )

Recycling reminders

Single stream recycling, introduced last year in the South End, has been so successful it is now being put in place city-wide.   Single stream allows us to mix all of our recyclable materials together - we no longer have to separate paper from plastics, etc.

A reminder that materials to be recycled should be put into clear plastic bags.  Use of the blue bins is discouraged, and the blue bins will eventually be phased out.  'Open' containers like the blue bins allow papers to blow out and are easily tipped over, scattering material all over the sidewalks.   If you have the space you can use a trash can with a lid to hold your recyclables.  "The can must be no larger than 32 gallons and have a lid. Call 617-635-4500 to request an official sticker to label one of your existing trash cans as a recycling container."   Clear plastic bags can be found at Foodies and Shaws (the bags from Shaws ones are a little thicker).   Do not use the blue bags that some stores sell as recycling bags - the city will take those bags as trash.

Remember:

- use clear plastic bags for recycling

- do not put recycling into paper bags curbside - they will blow over or get knocked over

- Break up cardboard.  The city won't take your large cardboard boxes as recycling, plus passers by will throw their trash in them.  

- Pizza boxes are now recyclable, but put them in the recycle bag - don't just lay them on the sidewalk.

- Do not put your returnable/depost cans and bottles in the recycle plastic bag or in your trash.  The trash pickers will rip open bags to get them.  Put them in an open bag next to your recycling or put them out in some other way.

 

The city lists the following items as recyclable - all can go in your plastic bags.   

The following items can be mixed together in your recycling cart or container as of July 1, 2009. Leaving plastic windows, staples, paper clips, and spirals in paper is okay. Please rinse out cans, bottles, and jars. Leaving labels and lids on is okay.

    * Newspapers with inserts

    * Magazines and catalogs

    * Junk mail, colored paper

    * Flattened food boxes

    * Paperback books

    * Pizza boxes (empty)

    * Flattened cardboard boxes

    * Telephone books

    * Milk and juice cartons

    * Juice/soymilk boxes

    * Glass jars and bottles

    * Aluminum and tin cans

    * All plastic containers

    * NEW ITEM! Spiral cans (potato chip/coffee/nut cans, etc) (these are the pressed cardboard with metal ends type of cans)

    * NEW ITEM! Rigid plastics (laundry baskets, buckets, toys, etc)

Report from first City Councilor At-large debate

Universal Hub provides us with a transcript/overview of Tuesday's first debate, attended by 13 of 15 of the candidates for the 4 offices...

Ailanthus

I always wondered what these trees were called.   Boston Zest reminds these are Ailanthus trees - the invasive quick-growing 'city' trees that car parkers everywhere loathe...

At-large Candidates Debate This Tuesday

The Ward 4 & 5 Dems are holding the first debate for (currently) all 15 candidates for the 4 at-large seats. Full blog entry here. Meeting details:

Tuesday's event will be held at the Community Church of Boston, 565 Boylston Street, in Copley Plaza (over the Globe Bar and Restaurant). Beginning at 7 p.m., it is the first time the candidates will debate.

Local car break-ins

BPT Reports of car break-ins near out neighborhood this Saturday night. Even though these two thieves were caught, we should always be vigilant.

- Do not leave valuables in your car!!!!! Purses, ipods, cell phones, laptops, GPS devices, CD wallets or any bag that looks like it might contain something good. Take it with you.

- If you hear odd noises outside, look our your window. Thieves count on resident apathy to get away with crime

- Never hesitate to call 911 if you see something suspicious. In Boston, 911 is used for all police calls, not just emergencies. If you're on a cell phone, you can call 617-343-4911. (This is a direct number. Cell phone 911 gets you to state police who have to transfer you to Boston)

Special Election Tuesday

A reminder that the special election for state representative is THIS TUESDAY, June 16th.

Concerned about the sales tax increase?   have an opinion on the gas tax?   Interested in ethics reform?   Have an opinion about Suffolk county holidays?

All these discussions are going on in the State House, and we currently have no voice in the state house.   You can help fix that by voting for your choice of candidate for state house representative.   

In alphabetical order, the candidates are:

John Keith  (I) - http://www.johnakeith.com/

Aaron Michlewitz     (D)   http://www.aaronforrep.com/

David Trumbull  (R)   http://davidforstaterep.com/

Read each candidates web pages and decide who you would like to represent you in the state house.

Elections are Tuesday, June 16th.   We vote at Cathedral High School at Washington and Union park.   Polls are open 7am until 8pm.

Get out the vote!

Election results from primary

Election results for our neighborhood are in the char below.   These are all the vote for Ward 3.   We are Precinct 7, which is column 7 in the chart.  Complete results can be found on the City Election Results Web Page.  We were about 'average' with 13% of registered voters casting votes.     

And here's an early reminder of the final special election next week on June 16th...

South End Garden Tour

SELROSLT tells us about the upcoming South End Garden Tour, happening June 20th

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Please mark your calendars for the 16th Annual South End Garden Tour is scheduled for Saturday, June 2oth, rain or shine. The tour will feature over 25 beautiful, diverse gardens in the South End, it is a self-guided walking tour, kids and strollers are welcome. The tour starts in front of the South End Branch of the Boston Public Library (685 Tremont St.) tickets can be purchased the day of the tour for $20, or $17 in advance at http://www.southendgardentour.org/. Remember to mark in the memo line of your check/payment Berkeley Garden so the funds go directly to our garden!

We really count on our local Garden Friends to come out and support the tour each year. We know the change in the economy has meant that many people have had to cut their budgets, but hope that you will continue to support the tour - as this year it's more important to us than ever. The Garden Tour is the South End and Lower Roxbury Open Space Land Trust's biggest annual fundraiser, and every penny of your ticket goes to support our community gardens and pocket parks.

For More Information: Visit http://www.southendgardentour.org/, or call the South End/Lower Roxbury Open Space Land Trust at 617-347-0999.

Concerts at the Pru

Boston Zest blogs tells us of free lunchtime concerts at the Pru

And don't forget the farmers market at the Pru every Thursday 11a-6p, and in Copley Square every Tuesday and Friday, also 11-6

New restaurant at Dish location

the Globe has an article on the new restaurant, Coppa, to open up at the Dish location.

The Herald article is now on line as well

June meeting

Hi Everyone

The monthly ESNA meeting will be this Wednesday, June 3rd.  We'll be at our regular location in the Boston ballet board room.

6:30 - 7 - Neighborhood networking

7 - 8:30 - Business meeting.

The two business items that will require a vote:

- 288 Shawmut wants to add decks in the read, and will be restoring the front of the building to it's original condition.

- Verveine Corp will be opening a new restaurant in the Dish location (Milford & Shawmut).  They wish to buy the old Dish license, keeping the same hours of service.

After our business items, we'll have open discussion.  Given we usually don't have business meetings in the summer, I'd like to see if we can plan to do some activities over the summer, and talk about ways we can re-energize the neighborhood and hit the ground running come Fall.

Hope to see you on Wednesday!!!

Watching the Wildlife

If you're subscribed to the South End email list, there's been some chatter about wildlife.

Even though we're in the city, we do have plenty of wildlife in the area.   Aside from your birds and squirrels, you'll find opossums, skunks, and the popular raccoon.  Between the parks and our green rear yards, there are plenty of places for wildlife to hang out.   Some tips if you have any wildlife encounters.

• Respect each other.   Give animals their space.  Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone.
  
• Don't pet or feed them animals.  feeding them will bring them back and interfere with their natural foraging.  Trying to pet them can get you bitten..
  
• If you find a visitor sleeping on your deck in the morning, leave it alone.   It'll wander off once it wakes up.
• Raccoon droppings can contain worms.  If you find droppings, pick them up with a gloved (not bare) hand.   you don't want to kick or sweep it off the porch, as it could break up and leave small particles on the porch, then you're outside with bare feet and...
• Unless you're on your porch or in the adjoining room, don't leave your door open.  An animal can walk form a porch into your home if the door is open to a dark room.
• Unless an animal has come into your home, don't call animal control.  
• You probably ignored the last two comments because you have a deck a few stories up.   Animals can climb.  They can jump from house to house.  They can make it onto any deck or rooftop.

So enjoy your outdoor space, and respect the critters the share it with us.

Claremont NA Street Fair

Claremont Neighborhood Association

20th Annual

Flea Market &
Street Fair

Saturday June 6th, 2009
(rain date June 7, 2009)

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wellington Street @ Columbus Ave
South End, Boston

Antiques, Collectibles, Household Goods and Raffle!!!
Children’s Programs, Food and Live Music

****FREE ADMISSION****

For Questions, or to rent space to sell your goods, please call

David Pimenta at 617-262-8599 or email
dapimenta@aol.com

South End Library Closed for summer

The SE Branch of the BPL will close over the summer for renovations. Below is the statement from the South End Branch web page.

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On June 2, 2009 the South End Branch will be closed for improvements that include removal and replacement of brick veneer from the second story to the top of the roof parapets. Additionally, a new modified bituminous roof will be installed, along with upgraded, new window systems in strategic locations. The new glazing will also improve the energy efficiency of the structure.

The construction is expected to last at least three months and during this time the branch must close to the public and the staff. During this project, please check out, hold, and return any items at any of the 26 locations of the Boston Public Library throughout the City of Boston.

The library will distribute the museum passes to nearby branches. Please call one of our other locations to inquire about the availability of museum passes.

If you have any further questions please call Christine Schonhart, Neighborhood Services Manager at 617-859-2340 or Sarah Markell, Assistant Neighborhood Services Manager at 617-859-2242.

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

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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)

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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

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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...

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.