SOUTH END BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Several neighborhood partners and the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) will host a South End Business Breakfast on Monday, April 24, at 10 a.m. in the Gaslight Brasserie du Coin, 560 Harrison Ave.
The event will offer an opportunity to network with small business in the South End and hear about financing opportunities, design and signage assistance, crowd funding and technical assistance for small business.
Speakers include Jenny Effron, Washington Gateway Main Street; Bill Nickerson of the BPDA; Karleen Porcena, Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC); and Steve Rumpler of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.
RSVP by April 21 to Washington Gateway at [email protected].
FLYNN GETS FLAHERTY ENDORSEMENT, SOUTH END KICK-OFF
District 2 Council Candidate Ed Flynn announced this week that he has received the endorsement of City Councilor Michael Flaherty, and that he will be kicking off his campaign in the South End on May 3.
The campaign told the Sun they will be having a South End event on Weds., May 3, at J.J. Foley’s on East Berkeley Street from 6-8 p.m.
Also this week, Councilor Flaherty gave his support to Flynn’s campaign.
“I grew up with Ed. I played youth sports with Ed. And what I know most about Ed is that he loves to help people,” Flaherty said. “His community involvement is unmatched. Whether it’s coaching youth sports, working with civic associations, attending public meetings, or assisting community organizations and local charities, he’s always engaged and involved. He’s always there. He’s a guy who always puts community first.”
A lifelong resident of South Boston and 25-year veteran of the United States Navy, Flynn has built a strong coalition of supporters across the entire district, which includes the South End, Chinatown, Bay Village and South Boston.
“Michael Flaherty has been a great Councilor for the entire city of Boston,” Flynn said. “I’m humbled by his support and look forward to working closely with Michael on this campaign. I’d be honored to serve with him at City Hall as we seek to improve the district and the city for all by investing in our schools, creating more affordable housing, improving public transportation, fostering smart economic development, addressing addiction, making our streets safer, and providing services for our veterans and seniors.”
KELLEY MEETS EIGHT STREETS
District 2 Council Candidate Mike Kelley visited with the Eight Streets Neighborhood Association on Tuesday night, April 11, in a meet and greet that was on the Association’s agenda.
Kelley was a long-time Southender, who moved to the Bay Village last year, after having worked for the City of Boston and been the mayoral liaison to the neighborhood at one time.
He told the group that he knew he wanted to get back into politics and government again about one year ago. For a brief 48 hours last year, Kelley told the group he was set to run for state senate when a seat became vacant, which is now held by Sen. Joe Boncore. However, his heart wasn’t in it, he said. When Councilor Bill Linehan announced he wasn’t running, Kelley said he immediately knew that was what he wanted to do.
However, he said those int he South End shouldn’t expect him to be the ‘South End’ candidate who plans to get even with South Boston after all these years of not holding the seat.
“I’m not going to be the South End councilor,” he said. “My heart is in this neighborhood, and even though I’m a Southender at heart, I am going to fight for every neighborhood. I’ve been saying in South Boston this isn’t the South End’s chance to pay you back. After spending time in all the neighborhoods, our issues are very much the same.”
Kelley announced his candidacy on Thursday, March 30, and has secured the endorsement of State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz.
ANNOUNCING: ELLIS SOUTH END SCHOLARSHIP
Announcing scholarship applications being accepted for The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association
Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a senior high school student or recent high school graduate who plans on pursuing or is pursuing a technical degree at an accredited institution. The awarded scholarship will be $2,000 to be paid directly to the institution to offset costs for tuition or fees. To be eligible for this award, the student must graduate from high school or have a GED and reside in the South End or Lower Roxbury.
Applications are due by May 1, 2017.
For more information contact: [email protected].
Download a scholarship application at:
http://www.ellisneighborhood.org/uploads/4/0/5/0/40506663/cte_scholarship_application.pdf
BACK BAY STATION VENTILATION
The MBTA will present design updates on the Back Bay Station Ventilation Project on May 3 in Boston.
The project team will present the 60-percent design of the Back Bay Station Stair 5 and 6 Pressurization, which is part of the overall project. The first component of the project includes pressurization of these stairs that lead to Tracks 1, 2, and 3 in order to provide an aerodynamic separation between the platform and the concourse levels. This allows for immediate relief by preventing fumes that emanate from the platform level from entering into the concourse level.
The meeting will take place at the Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, at 6 p.m.
CATHEDRAL HOLY WEEK/EASTER SERVICES
- APRIL 13 – HOLY THURSDAY
7:30 p.m. Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
11:30 PM Sung Night Prayer (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
- APRIL 14 – GOOD FRIDAY
Noon Live Stations of the Cross through the streets of the South End
3 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion; 7 p.m. Liturgy in Spanish
- APRIL 15 – HOLY SATURDAY
8:30 p.m. Solemn Vigil of Easter-Blessing of Fire and
Celebration of Easter Sacraments
- APRIL 16 – EASTER SUNDAY
8 a.m. Mass in the Spanish Language
11:30 a.m. Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection
FOPG MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
The Friends of the Public Garden (FOPG) has launched a spring membership drive with an incentive to bring in new members. Anyone who joins the Friends during the Membership Month of April will receive a welcome gift package, with a book on the Public Garden and a Friends cell phone wallet, notepad, and pen.
A membership organization open to all, the Friends has worked in partnership with the City for 46 years to preserve and enhance three historic parks in the heart of the city – the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Thanks to support from members, the Friends spends an average of $1 million a year in the three parks, funding the expert care of more than 1,700 trees, turf restoration, and ongoing maintenance and restoration of 42 pieces of public art in the parks. The Friends also leads citizen advocacy to protect the parks from overuse and neglect, and from the harmful impact of shadows.
Gifts from members have also made significant park improvement projects possible, like the $4 million transformation of the Brewer Fountain plaza area on Boston Common, completed in 2014, and the restoration of the George Robert White Memorial Fountain in the Public Garden.
“Our members make our work in the parks possible, every day” said Liz Vizza, executive director of the Friends. “We welcome everyone to join us in protecting and caring for these beloved parks.” Memberships start at only $25. Those interested can join online at www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org/join-donate or call 617-723-8144 for a membership form. Memberships received by April 30 will qualify for the welcome gift package.
For more information about the Friends, visit www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.
LOVE YOUR BLOCK (a/k/a/B OSTON SHINES) COMING UP
The former “Boston Shines” is now re-branded as “Love Your Block.” Regardless of its name, the traditional Neighborhood Spring Clean Up is around the corner. All around the South End neighborhood, residents will gather to clean up the area.
Ellis: Equipment will be available at BCA Plaza so we can all chip in to help the neighborhood look beautiful. The Ellis will have a table set up from 9-12 for coffee and doughnuts.
Old Dover: residents will gather in Peters Park for a clean up in the morning.
Eight Streets: The association will meet in Ringgold Park in the morning.
Blackstone/Franklin: Meet in Blackstone and Franklin Squares at 9:30 a.m.
THE SOUTH END KICKS
The South End Community Health Center will hold its annual fundraiser on April 26, dubbed South End Kicks.
The fete kicks off at the Ink Block Entertainment Lounge, 300 Harrison Ave., from 6-9 p.m.
For additional information, contact Henry Goodrow at (857)206-7625 or [email protected].
NABB EASTER EGG HUNT
The Friends of the Clarendon Street Playground and the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) will hold a spring celebration and Easter egg hunt at the playground on Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to hide the eggs at 8 a.m. To help with the event, call (617) 247-3961 or [email protected].
JAPAN FESTIVAL BOSTON
The 6th annual Japan Festival Boston will take place on Sunday, April 30, on Boston Common.
There will be workshops and performances and Japanese food.
The festival is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, go to www.japanfestivalboston.org.
TASTE OF THE BACK BAY
The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) will hold its 22nd Annual Taste of the Back Bay on Thursday, May 11, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Prudential Skywalk. Come and sample food and wine from some of Boston’s finest restaurants. This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Women’s Lunch Place in addition to NABB’s many community programs. Tickets are $125 members/ $135 non-members/ $150 day of event. For more information or to order tickets go to www.nabbonline.com or call 617-247-3961.
BEEHIVE TO HOLD BENEFIT DINNER
On Monday, April 17, in celebration of the 2017 Boston Marathon, The Beehive on Tremont Street will host its fourth annual event in support of the Gillian Reny Center for Trauma Innovation. From 3 p.m. to midnight, 100 percent of proceeds will be donated towards the organization’s mission to fuel cutting-edge research and clinical programs in trauma healing and limb reconstruction.
The Reny and Epstein Families established the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation in gratitude to the doctors at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) that saved their 18-year-old daughter’s life and limbs following the explosions at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. The Center seeks to mobilize the full potential of interdisciplinary innovation to fuel trauma research and care for the benefit of civilians and military personnel worldwide who have suffered from the devastation of traumatic injuries and events. The Beehive is proud to honor the medical heroes at BWH who treated and saved 39 patients with life-threatening injuries that day and support this effort to turn the tragedy that befell the Reny Family into hope for the future.
Guests will enjoy an evening of live jazz performances and cuisine from The Beehive’s Executive Chef Gregory Torrech. For reservations and more information, please visit www.beehive.com or call 617.423.0069.
BETTER BERKELEY
Last fall, the brick sidewalks along Berkeley Street in the South End began a major replacement project as Phase 1 of the Better Berkeley project, championed by the Ellis South End Neighborhood Association.
That first phase in the multi-year project is coming to a close, and this week the Ellis announced that it is ready to begin the next phase, which is to protect the trees along the street. The goal is to install a series of metal fences to protect all of the street trees. The goal is to eventually protect all the trees along the street. The Ellis will install five tree fences this year and it is asking businesses and individuals to add to that number by sponsoring one or more fences. Similar tree fence installation programs have successfully been implemented in the Back Bay and on Beacon Hill. Contact the Ellis for more information.
FRIENDS OF MUDDY RIVER
Upcoming events include Studio Without Walls Art Exhibition in Riverway Park, at Longwood T-Station, will take place on Monday, April 24 to Wednesday, May 24. Opening day will be Saturday, April 29.
BLACKSTONE SWIM TEAM
The Blackstone Sharks Community Center swim team is recruiting kids ages 6-17 for the upcoming season. It is open to boys and girls who want to improve their swimming skills and swim in the “fast lane.” They practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-6:45 p.m. Membership at the Center is required and the fee is $25 per person. For more information, contact the pool staff at (617) 635-5162.
CASA MYRNA BREAKFAST
A celebration of “40 years of new beginnings” for vulnerable women and families will be held on Thursday, May 11, at the State Room. The South End’s Casa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, providing safety, resources, advocacy and information since 1977. The keynote speaker will be Curdina Hall, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito giving the welcome and remarks from Rev. Liz Walker.
The Community of Conscience breakfast will take place from 7:30-9:30 a.m. For more information, go to www.casamyrna.org.
PINE STREET INN GOOD NEIGHBOR HOTLINE
Residents who have any problems or concerns related to the Pine Street Inn on East Berkeley Street and Harrison Avenue in the South End are invited to call the Good Neighbor Line. Security Director Kevin Smith said they are glad to get calls from the neighborhood and would address any matter brought to their attention.
The number is (617) 892-9210.
SOUTH END DATES
- The Union Park Neighborhood Association Activities Committee will hold a brainstorming session on Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. for social events. Current social events include summer concerts, restaurant socials, newcomers welcome party and the annual holiday party. There is more room, however, for innovative ideas. Those in UPNA are invited to the meeting on the 20th. For more information, contact Jamie and Sue Ann Fox at [email protected].
- On April 25, 6 p.m., at the Blackstone Community Center, the South End Forum Working Group on Addiction, Recovery and Homelessness will meet. The meeting will be specifically about South End neighbors being able to share their thoughts, constructive suggestions and concerns about the challenges facing the Mass Ave/Melnea Cass area. Members of the Working Group representing South End service providers, institutions, government agencies, neighborhood associations, and our many partners will be on hand to listen to ideas and concerns from individual residents.
- The Ellis South End Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m., One Chandler Street. The Ellis Executive Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 11, 6 p.m.
- The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association will hold its Annual Meeting on Weds., May 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a reception. The guest speaker will be Council President Michelle Wu. The venue will be announced later.
- Blackstone/Franklin Square Spring Social, members of the Blackstone will combine with the Worcester Square Area Neighborhood Association (WSANA) on Tuesday, April 18, for a spring multi-association social time. The fete will be at 7 p.m in Gaslight Brasserie du Coin.
- The 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Sunday, April 16, in Library Park, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Easter eggs are being filled with chocolates, poems and knock-knock jokes. There will be a separate area sectioned off for tiny hunters to prevent the very enthusiastic larger children from crushing the little ones. The Easter Bunny reportedly is counting the days.
- Old Dover Spring Social, members of the Old Dover Neighborhood Association will be gathering for a social time at The Lion’s Tail restaurant in the Ink Block next month. Date and time to be announced. Later in the spring, GTI Properties will be hosting a Block Party for the Association on its property.
- The Old Dover Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. at Project Place. The meeting will include safety updates, a presentation by the Abbey Group for Exchange South End, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz address and Council Candidate Mike Kelley meet/greet.
- O’Day Bike Tune Up, The Boston Police, IBA, the new West Newton Group, Boston Bikes and Bikes Not Bombs will all come together on April 29, 1-3 p.m., in O’Day Park to host family-friendly bike tune-up event to help kids and adults get their bicycles ready for the summer. Volunteers and donations are needed, including rags, gloves, tools, air pumps and spray bottles. Donations will be accepted in the IBA offices on West Newton Street from April 10-17. For information e-mail Nicola at [email protected].
- The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association will have its Women’s Night on May 2 at the Urban Grape, Columbus Avenue, 6-8 p.m. They will be serving a mixed bouquet of rose
- The Eight Streets Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, May 9, at Project Place, 7 p.m.
- The Friends of Hayes Park invite everyone to a celebration of spring at the Annual May Day in the Park, taking place on Sunday, May 7, from 3-5 p.m. Morris Dancers will help usher in the warm weather and Chica the Juggler will delight the kids with her many talents. There will be refreshments, music, and entertainment for all. Everyone is welcome.
- Scholarship awards. Scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who are planning to pursue a college or a technical degree and for students currently enrolled in higher education.
These scholarships include $1,000 Scholarships for Academic Achievement and Community Service and $2,000 Andrew Parthum Scholarships for Outstanding Community Achievement.
Applications are due by Friday, May 19, 2017.
SWAN BOATS TO OPEN
Mayor Martin J. Walsh will host the first ride of the season on the popular Boston Swan Boats as they open at the Public Garden lagoon on Saturday, April 15, at 11:30 a.m.
“This will be the 141st year the Swan Boats have entertained residents and visitors in the Boston Public Garden,” said Mayor Walsh. “Boston is ready for spring, and it’s a wonderful tradition to join the Paget family and Boston students for the first springtime ride around the Public Garden lagoon.”
This annual rite of spring is made possible thanks to the Paget family, owners and operators of the Swan Boats first launched by Irish immigrant and shipbuilder Robert Paget. Paget designed the Swan Boats after attending the opera Lohengrin in New York City. At the end of the opera, the hero crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan.
FENWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
- Office Hours: State Rep. Chynah Tyler will host office hours on April 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Community Center.
- The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studio will host a spin class at the Center on Tuesday, April 18, at 4:15 p.m.
FENWAY/SOUTH END HOURS FOR CONGRESSMAN CAPUANO
Congressman Michael Capuano will hold office hours for the Fenway and South End neighborhoods on the second Thursday of every month at the Fenway Community Health Center, 1340 Boylston St.
The hours are from noon to 1 p.m. and will have a representative from Capuano’s office in attendance.
ICON NIGHTCLUB POSTPONES ABCC HEARING
At the request of the attorneys, Pasha Entertainment the owners of Icon Nightclub in the Bay Village, located at 100-B Warrenton St., has postponed their appeal date with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), according to Patricia Hathaway the Administrative Assistant at the ABCC.
Icon Nightclub is appealing a series of suspensions (5 days, 10 days, 1 year) issued by the BLB for five violations for underage drinking.
Originally scheduled for April 5 and April 12, the appeal addressed the City of Boston’s Licensing Board (BLB) for suspending the license of PAGA INC. DBA Icon Nightclub for one year. New hearing dates have yet to be set.
There was already a hearing on March 29, on the appeal of a five-day suspension and another hearing will be held on the same five-day appeal on Monday, April 24 at 9:00a.m.
The Bay Village Neighborhood Association (BVNA) has sent a letter supporting the BLB’s decision to suspend the license.
BODY FOUND IN THE MUDDY RIVER
As reported by MassLive.com, a body was found in the Muddy River this past Sunday, April 9. The Boston Police have yet to identify the body that was discovered in the area of 1200 Boylston St., near the Fenway Victory Gardens at around 12:15p.m.
According to the Massachusetts State Police, the remains were not those of Michael Kelleher who disappeared after the Celtics Game on March 29.
The condition of the remains in the Muddy River suggest the body was in the river for a considerable amount of time, longer than the time that Kelleher has been missing. The clothing also did not match what Kelleher was last seen wearing.
Dave Procopio of the Massachusetts State Police said that he believes a passerby spotted the body and called the police.
Kelleher is still identified as a missing person. Dive teams have searched the Charles River dam area on several days but did not locate anything connected to Kelleher.