Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Ringgold Park launches Capital Campaign.

Friends of Ringgold park are launching their Capital Campaign to raise money for the center area of Ringgold Park. Their goal is to raise $100K to compliment the $300K raised so far in an effort to bring the best materials to the design of the center area.

Join FoRP this Sunday, Sept 19th from noon-3pm in Ringgold Park. Enjoy some free pizza from Upper Crust, and enjoy the smooth sounds of local musician Alastair Mook and friends (I'm psyched about that). Designs of the park will be on display and you'll get to meet and discuss the future of the park.

More information can be found in the Campaign Announcement.

Also visit the new Friends of Ringgold Park Web Site.


Hope to see everyone This Sunday!!!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Vote on Tuesday

A Reminder that this Tuesday, Sept 14th, brings us the Primary elections. Eight Streets residents vote at Cathedral High School, at Washington & Waltham. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.

You can chose to vote in either the Democratic or the Republican primary slate - you cannot vote in both. Here are the ballot names for the Democratic Ballot and the Republican Ballot.

On the Democratic ticket, we have multiple candidates for the office of Treasurer, Auditor, Governor's Council, and our State Senator. On the Republican side, the only contested candidacy is Auditor. There are also no Republican candidates for State Senator, so the winner of the Democratic primary for that race will most likely be the winner of the Senate seat. (Incumbent Sonia Chang-Diaz vs challenger Hassan Williams).

Check out the ballots, and use the Internet to research the candidates, and remember to cast your vote on Tuesday!

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

The connected city


If you're an internet junkie, the City of Boston has some information for you.

The city web site has now been optimized for your mobile device. www.cityofboston.gov will redirect to m.cityofboston.gov on your mobile device, giving you a more readable web site.

The City also has a large presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Check out the City Social Media web page to see a list of the available city feeds on your favorite social media outlet.

And don't forget the city's Citizens Connect section of the city web site can give you quick access to most city services, as well as providing an enhanced search engine. Coupled with that is the Citizens Connect iPhone App, which will let iphone users submit problems to the city right on the spot. (other platforms coming soon)




Yard Waste collections, Fall 2010


Yes, those are leaves you see in the street - but Autumn isn't quite here yet. The City has announced that Fall2010 yard waste pickup will be October 18th through November 27th.

yard waste is to be put in paper bags or open trashcans only - no plastic bags. yard waste is put out on your recycling day during those weeks (Tuesdays for Eigtht Streets)

For more info, see the City Web Site.

Did you flood this summer?

Given a summer of occasional hard downpours - Are you nice and dry? Many years ago there were flooding problems in our area. We worked with the city to get the storm system in the South End fixed (An article on the new pumping station was in the paper a few weeks ago).

Ed Allan, one of the residents who worked closely with the city, would like to know if anyone had flooding problems during the intense rain storms we had this past summer. If you've had issues, please contact him as outlined below.



Recently, there have been a number of short but really intense rainstorms that have dropped a lot of water in a very short period of time. If you have experienced ANY of the following, could you please let me know?

1. Flooding of your home.
2. "Near-misses" of flooding
3. Back-up of sewer lines (which can include flushing toilets but the water doesn't go anywhere -- that would normally mean that the check valves, intended to keep sewer water from getting into your home, are working.)

Please let me know where and approximate dates and times, if you can.

Also, if you've spotted subsidence or sinkage taking place in sidewalks or streets, could you please let me know?

Thanks.

Ed Allan

617-877-1619 or edwardjayallan@gmail.com

Meeting tonight (9/7)

A Reminder that the Eight Streets business meeting is Tonight, Tuesday Sept 7th, at our new location in the Project Place meeting room (Above Meyers & Chang)

Times remain the same

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

Agenda items include:
- Welcome back
- 35 Dwight st - change of occupancy
- 6 Milford st - request for rear decks
- Planning
- Open member discussion.

Hope to see you there this evening!!

- John Mc

Monday, September 06, 2010

“Fall in Love with all of Peters Park” Festival

Neighbors, local businesses, sports enthusiasts and dog owners will come together to “Fall in Love with all of Peters Park” on Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Peters Park’s first park-wide event will feature fun for all members of the community: a home run derby and tennis clinics for sports enthusiasts, mini boot camps, face painting and storytelling for children, a dog training and “tips and tricks” session for dog owners, food, refreshments and a raffle for Bruins tickets, dog DNA kits, local business gift cards and much more! Proceeds will support park maintenance and improvements.

Local businesses and organizations that have pledged their participation include Foodie’s Urban Market, PICCO, Gallows, Tufts Medical Center, Animal Rescue League, The Pawsitive Dog, Ming’s Supermarket, South End Formaggio, Polkadog Bakery, Bark Place, District D-4 Police Department and the Fire Department.

Peters Park (www.peterspark.org) is a vibrant urban park in Boston's South End that provides five acres of activities for people of all ages. Renovated in 2007, Peters Park features a gated playground, baseball field, tennis court, basketball courts, an off-leash dog park and gardens.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A New season begins

Hi everyone,

It certainly feels Fall-like out there with the cool rain falling. If that weren't reminder enough of the changing of the seasons, it's just two weeks until the monthly Eight Streets meetings return.

Our meeting time and place has changed!!!

Due to construction at the Boston ballet building, we've had to change our meeting time and place beginning September through Springtime. We will be meeting the First TUESDAY of the month, and will be meeting at Project Place. PP is the building at Washington and East Berkeley (1145 Washington Street ). The meeting room is on the second floor - the entrance is right next to the door to Myers & Chang. The meeting times will remain the same - 6:30-8:30.

We currently have two items on the agenda - decks at 6 Milford and zoning for 35 Milford. But I'm hoping we can also do some planning for the coming year. What topics to people want to see discussed at meetings? Do we want guest speakers? Any interest in neighborhood events???

Keep an eye on the website and blog (this), and see everyone on Tuesday, Sept 7th at Project Place!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Joe V's to close

The Boston Restaurant Talk Blog reports that Joe V's restaurant, just outside of ESNA at Shawmut and Union park, will be closing as the owner opens a new establishment in Brookline (Globe Article)

Voter Registration for Primaries


Yes, election season is fast approaching. State primaries are on September 14th. If you are not registered to vote, next Wednesday, August 25th 2010, as the last day to register to vote and participate in the primaries.

More information, including how to register to vote can be found on the City elections web site.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

related crimes in the South End

Passing on this public notice concerning reported crimes that appear to be committed by the same persons.


NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT: POLICE SEEK ARMED ROBBER IN THE SOUTH END

Boston Police Investigators believe the following incidents may be related:

Boston Police have learned that between July 13, 2010 and August 13, 2010, several armed robberies have occurred in the South End (District D-4) and appear to be related. In all of the incidents, the suspect, a similarly described black male, showed a firearm during the robberies (note mostly early morning times for incidents reported below):

Incident Details:

At about 2:59am, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, officers responded to an armed robbery at Concord Square & Columbus Avenue. On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated that, while walking from Columbus Avenue onto Concord Square, an unknown suspect approached him with a black handgun and demanded all of his belongings. The suspect was described as a black male with medium complexion, approximately 5’8” tall, thin build, wearing a black baseball cap, black shirt, and dark blue jeans. The victim handed over his brown and green duffel bag. Officers searched the area for the suspect to no avail.

At about 2:45am, on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, victim walked into the police station to report a robbery. According to the victim, while walking on Dartmouth Street, he passed a black male in his late 20’s, approximately 5’9” tall, wearing a baggy black hooded sweatshirt. After the victim walked past, the suspect approached the victim from behind, showed a black handgun and demanded the victim’s property. The victim turned over his wallet and cell phone. The suspect fled on foot in the direction of Tremont Street.

At approximately 2:54am, on Sunday, July 29, 2001, officers responded to radio call for an armed robbery at Clarendon Street and Tremont Street. On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated, while walking down Montgomery Street talking on the phone, an unknown black male, wearing all dark clothing and, possibly a hoodie, approached, showed a gun and demanded his wallet. The victim complied and handed over money and a cell phone. The suspect then turned and began walking down Montgomery Street outbound. Officers searched the area to no avail.

At about 9:40pm, on Saturday, July 31, 2010, officers responded to a radio call for an armed robbery in area of 65 Hammond Street. According to the victims, three black males walked up to their car while they were parked in front of 65 Hammond Street and robbed them. According to the operator, one of the suspects approached the driver’s side window with a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. That suspect was described as a black male, approximately 19 – 21 years old, wearing a red long sleeve shirt with a stripe. Officers also spoke to the passenger, who stated that other two suspects, both black males, approached the passenger side of the vehicle, displayed a black handgun and demanded money. Suspect #2 was described as a black male, approximately 17-19 years old, with gold teeth, about 5’9” in height, slim build, with short black hair and one long braid in the back. Suspect #3 was described as a black male wearing a yellow t- shirt. Victims stated that all three suspects then fled on foot through the parking lot of 65 Hammond Street.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, a victim came into the police station to report that he was robbed of his cell phone after being approached from behind by two black males. One suspect showed a firearm and demanded the victim’s cell phone. The victim turned over his phone and then watched both suspects run on foot towards Massachusetts Avenue. Suspect #1 was described as a black male, approximately 20 years old, about 5’8” tall, heavy set. The other suspect was described as a black male, approximately 18 years of age, about 6 feet tall, 180 lbs, wearing black basketball shorts and a white shirt.

At about 2:21am, on Friday, August 13, 2010, an officer on routine patrol in the South End was flagged down on Tremont Street near Massachusetts Avenue by a victim of an armed robbery. Victim stated that he was walking on Worcester Street from Columbus Avenue toward Tremont Street when the suspect (described as a black male, medium complexion, 25-30 years old, approximately 5’11” tall, wearing a black t-shirt and blue jean shorts) approached him from behind and placed his hand on the victim’s shoulder. When the victim turned around, the suspect showed a firearm and demanded money. Victim turned over his cell phone and wallet and then observed the suspect walked down Worcester Street toward Columbus Avenue. A radio broadcast with the description of the suspect and officers canvass of the area to no avail.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to call Area D-4 detectives at (617) 343-5619. You can also provide information anonymously by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity. Your tip is 100% anonymous and we thank you for your help.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Recycling bin overflowing?

If you're on an alley or can store one of the larger recycling bins (see pic) on your property, the City has gotten more in stock. They're given out on a first-come first-serve basis. Go to the City Recycling web site and request one!

With a larger capacity and cover to prevent items from blowing away - if you can fit this in your home or on your property, it's one of the best ways to recycle. Keep a small trash can in your kitchen or home office, and when that fills up just empty it into one of these larger bins.

If you can't accomodate one of the larger bins, please remember to use clear plastic bags for recycling whenever possible. The 'regular' blue bins are nice, but they're easily knocked over and paper blows out, and they can leave a messy street. Also remember if you have cardboard boxes, flatten them down and fold or cut them down in size, and leave them under your recycling bags curbside. If you leave your boxes as-is on the curb, they will not be recycled. a) They may contain styrofoam shipping pieces, which are not recyclable and b) if people see an open box they will dump trash in it. For that reason recycling crews will not take 'open empty boxes' in the recycling trucks. This applies to all those flat-screen TV boxes we're seeing lately as people upgrade to HDVTs.

A final reminder recycling for the Eight Streets area is Tuesdays only. Bring your recyclables to the curb before 7am on Tuesday morning.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Doggie Ice Cream Social, 2010

BOSTON VETERINARY CARE ‘ICE CREAM SOCIAL FOR DOGS’ AT PETERS PARK IN BOSTON’S SOUTH END

Boston, MA – What do dogs and ice cream have in common? Peter’s Park in Boston’s South End! Your best friend can enjoy free canine-friendly ice cream courtesy of Polka Dog Bakery, and free gelato for their human companions. Come and mingle with your canine and human friends and neighbors.

WHAT: A celebration of the “Dog Days of Summer”

Ø An ice cream sundae bar provided by Polka Dog Bakery

Ø Snapshots of you and you dog by photographer Amelia Hughes

Ø Free nutrition and health advice from Boston Veterinary Care veterinarians

WHERE: Joe Wex Dog Recreation Space at Peters Park, 1277 Washington Street (between Waltham Street and Berkeley Street.) in Boston’s South End.

WHEN: Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Animal Rescue League of Boston

Founded in 1899, The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. In addition to the organization’s animal rescue, law enforcement, shelter, and veterinary headquarters in Boston, the ARL of Boston operates shelters in Boston, Dedham, and Brewster, Massachusetts. The ARL of Boston also maintains a fleet of animal ambulances, a mobile Spay Waggin’ providing subsidized spay/neuter services throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, and operates the state’s only Mobile Adoption Rescue Vehicle (MARV).


Free movie nights in August

Cathedral High School and Boston Centers for Youth and Families are presenting Thursday Family Fun Nights - a night of structured activities, light refreshments and a movie! It's presented for free a Cathedral High School gym. Activities begin at 3pm with the movie starting at 6pm.

Activities days are on Thursday,
  • August 12th
  • August 19th
  • August 26th

Movies are currently TBD. Fliers with a contact email can be found here

Friday, August 06, 2010

Biketown: Earn a new bike

Bicycling Magazine's BikeTown is coming to Boston!

In 2003, the editor of Bicycling Magazine wondered if a bicycle could change someone's life. After giving away thousands of bicycles to people all over the U.S., the answer is clearly YES! People have lost weight, connected with their family, been able to beat diabetes, saved money, overcome depression, renewed marriage vows and dozens of other stories. For 2010, BikeTown is going to eight cities: Cleveland - Indianapolis - Denver - Boston - Minneapolis - Los Angeles (with Best Buddies) - New Orleans - Charleston. BikeTown, MetLife and Jamis Bicycles will be giving away 31 new bicycles on Friday August 27 at Boston City Hall Plaza during Bike Friday. Submit a 50- word essay about how a bicycle could change someone's life at http://www.bicycling.com/enter-biketown [PDF Announcement]

Temporary art on the BCA Plaza

Monday afternoon, please join us for the launch of "Temporary Public Art on the Plaza" at the BCA.

Two distinct pieces make up this exhibition: John Slepian's Mementos (Aug 2- Sept 6) and Jamie Calderwood's Green Wave Bench (Aug 9-Oct 3). .
Each piece was designed specifically for the BCA's Plaza with the intention of giving audiences a unique opportunity to experience and enjoy public art. Slepian's piece is on display in the window of the Mills Gallery daily from 3-11 p.m., and Calderwood's piece will be on view outside of the Cyclorama around the clock.

Both artists will be on hand at the opening to talk about their individual approaches to creating a public art piece.

Normally closed on Monday, the Mills Gallery will be open during the event so that visitors can also enjoy Richard Bertman's Three Point Perspective, currently running in the space.

Please share this invitation with colleagues, friends or neighbors who may be interested in attending - ALL ARE WELCOME!


Best,
Kristi

Kristi Keefe
Director of Events and Community Relations
Boston Center for the Arts
P. 617.426.5001
F. 617.426.5336
M. 617.828.9155

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Free opera

For those who couldn't get enough of Carmen onthe Common, The Boston Lyric Opera opens it's new season with free opera at the Hatch Shell.

This Wednesday, 7/28 the BLO and BLO will present Highlights from Tosca. The concert is free and runs form 7-9pm.

From the BLO announcement:

Boston Lyric Opera and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra will showcase excerpts from the opera world’s beloved masterpiece, Tosca, by Giacomo Puccini, which will be the opening opera for BLO’s exciting 2010-2011 Season. Jill Gardner, who will sing the title role in November, will perform with her husband, Jake Gardner, who was recently seen as the “Music Master” in BLO’s critically acclaimed Ariadne auf Naxos. The Gardners will be joined by Richard Crawley, Taylor Horner, and the Boston Lyric Opera Chorus. The singers will be led by guest conductor Andrew Bisantz, who will also be the conductor for the production in November.

The night will also include a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, conducted by Charles Ansbacher.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Shovel that sidewalk!


If you haven't caught the news today, a Mass SJC ruling today has made a ruling on snow removal and liability. (Full article in the Globe). Before the ruling you were not liable if you never shoveled your walk, or if the sidewalk was covered with ice from "daytime melting and nighttime freezing". This means if someone slips and falls for any snow & ice reason, you can be held liable.

This ruling does not change the city rules - by city ordinance you must still shovel your sidewalk. but in the past if you did not shovel, or if you shoveled poorly, or didn't sand after a re-freeze, the worst that could happen is a city ticket. Now you can open yourself up to a lawsuit. (The ruling also changes the law retroactively - perhaps your friendly blogger can sue over his torn rotator cuff. hmmmm)

Not that we want anyone sued, but perhaps this will inspire more people to clear their walkways in a timely manner...


Monday, July 19, 2010

South End Library Concert & Pot Luck

Summer Potluck Picnic in Library Park

Hear Pat Loomis and his band White Chocolate Bring some food to share!

South End Library
685 Tremont Street
617-536-8241
Tuesday, July 20 at 6:30

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Wholy Grain open house

The to-be-opening new business The Wholy Grain is having an open houe this Wednesday, July 7 form 7-9pm. They are in the process of renovating the space at 275A Shawmut (corner of Hanson) and going through the city permit process. You may have met Ken at one of the ESNA meetings he attended. Stop by their open house and say hi, and check out the plans for the space.

A Flier with information on the open houe and an overview of The Wholy Grain is here (pdf).