FILMING FOR AMY SCHUMER MOVIE ON AUG. 7
Union Park Neighborhood Association reports that a production company will be in Boston capturing scenes for a new feature film starring Amy Schumer. On August 7, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., the crew will be filming scenes in two restaurants on Tremont Street near Union Park.
No streets will need to be closed for this purpose. Residents and business patrons will be not be restricted from places, but still may be asked to wait a few minutes at time while the cameras are rolling.
The company will be parking their trucks in metered spaces on Tremont Street. Also, there will be a catering truck for the crew parked at St. John’s Church on Union Park Street.
Finally, the crew will be back on August 18 to film at one of the stores on Union Park Street.
WARD 4 DEMS HOST ICE CREAM SOCIAL
City Council President Michelle Wu and the Boston Ward 4 Democratic Committee will be hosting an ice-cream social in Titus Sparrow Park on Sunday, Aug. 20, from 2-4 p.m. Join neighbors, friends, and local Democrats for good ice cream, good toppings, good weather, and good company. For more information, email Sheneal at [email protected] or Sharon at [email protected].
MOBILIA TO HAVE CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF
On Thursday, Aug. 10, from 6-8 p.m., District 8 Council candidate Kristen Mobilia will be hosting her campaign kickoff at the Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St. in Boston.
Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, August 4, to join this event.
Mobilia is a candidate for Boston City Council District 8 that encompasses Beacon Hill, Back Bay, parts of Fenway and Mission Hill. She will be up against incumbent Josh Zakim. No preliminary will be held for this race.
COUNCIL CREATES CPC COMMITTEE
The Boston City Council passed an amended ordinance to create the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), as required by state law to make recommendations regarding the use of the funds generated by the 1 percent surcharge on real estate property.
The ordinance requires that the CPC study the needs of Boston regarding community preservation, evaluate community preservation needs of the city, and make recommendations for expenditures from the Community Preservation Fund.
Under the terms of the proposal, the CPC would consist of nine members, five of whom would be appointed by the mayor and four members appointed by the City Council – all for staggered three-year terms.
A hearing was held on March 23, and a working session was held on May 15.
Amendments included that the CPC expressly list the city’s entities that will have representation on the board to include the Boston Conservation Commission, the Boston Landmarks Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Boston Planning and Development Agency and the Boston Housing Authority.
Additional amendments include conflict of interest language and clear language that the fiscal responsibility of the CPC will not replace operating funds, but augment them.
“This has been a long and throughout process,” said Councilor Andrea Campbell a co-sponsor of the ordinance. “This has been a compromising process where we’ve come together to talked through a lot of issues to ensure that we got an ordinance that was fair, transparent and talked about the issues of equity and diversity. We could have not done that alone.
She continued, “We all ended committed that this process remains transparent and continues to involve residents.”
The council will post the positions through the city website for anyone to apply, and a council subcommittee to be set up will vet the applications and make recommendations to the full council for a confirmation vote.
ZAKIM CALLS FOR EASIER VOTING
Councilor Josh Zakim filed a hearing order at the Boston City Council hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 2, to examine ways to change the voter-registration process to allow for more ballot access including, eliminating voter registration deadlines, allowing same-day voter registration, and moving to a an automatic opt-out system.
“One it’s a civil rights issue and a human rights issue and also good policy,” said Zakim.
“If we’re going to talk about being a representative democracy here at the City of Boston we need to make sure there’s as many voices as possible on election day.”
Zakim said that even though there is election coming up this year in Boston, most councilors expect a low turnout. He stressed the fact that there needs be fewer barriers to make sure people have better and easier opportunities to register to vote.
The matter was assigned to the Environment and Sustainability for a hearing.
NET ZERO CARBON REQUIREMENTS?
Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley called for a hearing regarding the benefits of net-zero carbon requirements and incentives in future construction in Boston at the City Council hearing held on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
“What happens when a developer comes into one of our neighborhoods?” asked O’Malley. “They work with the community and we mostly ask for affordability, make sure the trees and landscape look great…but one thing we have left out of this conversation is making sure we are building the most energy efficient buildings that we possibly can.”
More than half of Boston’s greenhouse-gas emissions come from buildings, instituting such requirements would help the City meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Councilor Josh Zakim said that this is something that he hears daily from civic associations across his neighborhoods.
“The federal government is not acting at all – it is on cities to act,” said Zakim. “We need to make sure as the city continues to grow that we do it sustainability.”
Councilor Tito Jackson pointed out that the older building stock in Boston is one of the biggest places that carbon escapes from most.
“I look forward to an aggressive timetable on this because it is time to save the City of Boston,” said Jackson.
The matter was assigned to the Committee on Environment and Sustainability for a hearing.
COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY
City Council President Michelle Wu and Councilor Matt O’Malley introduced an order authorizing the City of Boston to adopt Community Choice Energy at the Boston City Council hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 2. The order follows a hearing in January and a working session in April.
“This measure is to emphasis that it is not enough that we will just adapt to what will happen,” said Wu. “We have to do more to reverse climate change – this is about us taking stand. We are not going to cede control over energy policy to the federal level.”
The adoption of a green Community Choice Energy plan would allow the City of Boston to surpass state renewable-energy requirements and bring energy decisions into local control.
This would be the first step in a state-defined process with community oversight. The order includes specific language with stipulations to seek bids for at least five percent renewable sourcing about state standards for the default option and pricing for an opt-in of 100 percent renewables.
Currently, 98 cities and towns in Massachusetts have already adopted community choice energy.
“I wanted to let you all in on a little secret – the City of Boston has been awarded for environment achievements, but we really don’t deserve it yet, but we can,” said O’Malley. “A great first step is passing the Community Choice Energy.”
The matter was assigned to the Committee of Environment and Sustainability for a hearing.
STARDUST RETURNS FOR CITY HALL PLAZA DISCO NIGHT
Music of the disco era and beyond will come alive as the Stardust dance band returns to the Dorothy Curran Wednesday Night Concert Series at City Hall Plaza on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.
Led by bandleader Keith Kostick and singers Cecilia Colucci and Charles Clark, longtime City Hall Plaza favorite Stardust is a local super-group featuring some of New England’s most talented and experienced musicians honed by over a decade of active rotation. The band is in high demand and performs regularly at fine venues and hotels throughout the country.
Stardust packs the dance floor at corporate events, weddings, and City Hall Plaza where revelers of all ages get to get up and boogie under the summer sky. Stardust’s popularity at private events means that public appearances are limited, so this Disco Night is a rare treat for both the band and its fans.
FENWAY MOVIE NIGHT
Moana Movie Night in the Victory Gardens will be held on Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Back Bay Fens.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN THE FENS
National Night Out will be held on Aug. 9, from 4–7:30 p.m. between Jersey and Kilmarnock Streets. More details are to come.
CATIE’S CLOSET IN COPLEY
Join Catie’s Closet in Copley Square for its biggest Bus Stop of the Fill the Bus event. The organization will be collecting donations of gently used clothing and processing them live on site. Stop by during a lunch break. Employees from Boston companies all over the city will be participating in the Fill the Bus event. Individuals are encouraged to stop by with one item or one bag of clothing or toiletries to help Fill the Bus for Catie’s Closet.
Caite’s Closet improves school attendance and ultimately graduation rates by providing an in-school resource of clothing and basic necessities for children living below the poverty line. Schools equipped with a Catie’s Closet give students living in poverty the ability to discreetly pick and choose the clothing and basic necessities they need, and are proud to wear. Lack of access to basic necessities is one of the top reasons for absenteeism. By meeting students’ needs, Catie’s Closet boosts self-esteem and motivates students to attend school and focus on their education.
Catie’s Closet uses an unused room within a school and converts it into a “Catie’s Closet” as a permanent resource for at-need students. Children are given access to the “Closet,” in a discreet manner, by trusted faculty members. They can pick-out one item or a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries, depending on their individual need. The “Closet” is restocked with donated clothing, climate and age-appropriate, on a regular basis. Catie’s Closets currently operates closets in 40 schools in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire and will be opening a number of new closets in Boston Public Schools this fall.
ROMEO & JULIET ON THE COMMON
The 2017 Free Shakespeare on the Common presents “Romeo and Juliet” directed by Allegra Libonati. Performances are free and open to the public.
The play will run through Aug. 9 at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. Performances will run Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 7 p.m. (Off Mondays). There will be one 3 p.m. matinee performances on Saturday, Aug. 5.
The play “Romeo and Juliet” proves that the power of love triumphs over divisions and differences.
Free Shakespeare on the Common is made possible each year through a combination of grants, sponsorships, and donations collected through the Friends Section program, which consists of lawn chairs set in front of the stage.
Individuals can reserve a chair at a performance with a donation of $60 to $75 per chair, with all proceeds going directly towards the costs of production. Online reservations can be made in advance.
ROOTS: A NIGHT OF LIVE STORYTELLING IN THE GARDEN
Join PRX Podcast Garage and the Trustees for a night of live storytelling in the iconic Berkeley Community Garden in the South End.
The event will take place on Weds., Aug. 16, from 6-9 p.m. at 500 Tremont St.
The evening will begin by meeting neighbors and guided storytelling, followed by a live performance of personal stories on the theme of “Roots.” Bring a picnic dinner with snacks available for sale. Free and open to all. No dogs allowed in the garden.
BPL CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Boston Public Library’s Concerts in the Courtyard series continues this month and runs through Wednesday, Aug. 30, showcasing a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic Italianesque courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston St. Concerts are held on Weds. at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m.; the performances are free and last approximately one hour.
Concerts will be moved to the newly renovated Rabb Hall in the event of inclement weather. Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by Deloitte.
July schedule:
- Kenn Morr Band, Friday, Aug. 4, 12:30 p.m.
- Sleeping Lion, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m.
- Boston Philharmonic, Friday, Aug. 11, 12:30 p.m.
- Venezuelan Project, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m.
- Night Tree, Friday, Aug. 18, 12:30 p.m.
- Abby Carey, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m.
- Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, Aug. 25, 12:30 p.m.
- Amber Olivia Kiner, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 6 p.m.
ADULT NIGHT AT RINGGOLD PARK
The Friends of Ringgold Park thought it’d be nice to hold a few adult Tuesdays in the park. The group is proposing the second Tuesday of July, August and September. The idea is to mix and mingle with neighbors – meet new friends and connect with old friends.
The next one is tentatively set for Aug. 8 from 7-8 p.m. in the park.
TITO PUENTE CONCERT SERIES
Created in honor of Latin music icon, Tito Puente, this series is celebrating 11 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks.
This series is sponsored in part by Berklee College of Music, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, Zumix, Hyde Square Task Force, and Sociadad Latina.
Free salsa lessons led by MetaMovements at select concerts.
- Thursday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
O’Day Playground, South End
Conjunto Barrio
SOWA MARKET THEME PARTIES
Boston’s largest outdoor market is in full swing, with the SoWa Open Market now bringing 100+ artisans, 50+ local farmers and food makers, a dozen iconic food trucks, craft beers, live music, and good vibes every weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October.
As part of the weekly beer garden and food-truck bazaar, attendees will be able to enjoy themed dishes from food-truck favorites on seven special weekends throughout the summer alongside tasty beers and ciders from top local breweries.
“The SoWa Beer Garden and Food Truck Bazaar is a great place every Saturday and Sunday and the family friendly block parties make weekends in the SoWa Arts & Design District even more fun,” said Aaron Cohen, founder of Eat Boston. “I look forward to bringing back the popular Boston Lobster Party and Tacopocalypse and many more themed parties throughout the summer.”
To kick off the themed block party series by Eat Boston, more than 20 food trucks will gather at the SoWa Open Market on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 for a Backyard BBQ followed up by additional themed block parties throughout the summer, including:
- Oyster, Oyster Block Party
Saturday, Aug. 5 and Sunday, August 6
Shuck’em, suck’em, and slurp’em down.
- Grilled Cheese and Mac and Cheese and Steak and Cheese and Beer Festival
Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10
When the worlds of cheese and beer collide. Don’t miss this exclusive festival!
- Sausage Fest
Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 16
From brats, dogs, wursts and craft beer – is there anything better?
UNION PARK EVENTS
The Union Park Neighborhood Association (UPNA) announced its upcoming social events throughout the rest of the year. Some of the events include:
- Sunday Aug. 13, Sept. 10, (5-7 p.m.), Evening in the Park, Union Park.
- Saturday, Oct. 7 (rain date Oct. 8), 8 – 5 p.m., Pictures in the Park, Union Park.
- Sunday, Oct. 8, 1-6 p.m., Crime Walk, City of Boston.
- Friday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m., Holiday Party, Benjamin Franklin Institute.
MASSPORT AIRPLANE NOISE COMPLAINT LINE
Residents who are being disturbed by airplane noise are encouraged to call the MassPort Noise Hotline 24 hours a day. The phone number is (617) 561-3333.
SUMMER MOVIES AT THE PRU
The Prudential Center in the Back Bay announced the line-up for this summer’s free outdoor movies. Family-friendly movies shown under the stars, the Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival is a great summer night out. Entertainment, children’s activities and giveaways will start at 6 p.m.. All movies will start every Saturday at sundown. Rain dates will be held the following Tuesday. Picnic blankets and beach chairs are welcome. Spend just $10 and receive discounted parking in the Prudential Center Garage. Closed captioning will be provided for all movies.
2017 Movie Schedule:
Aug. 5: “Moana”
Aug. 12: “The Little Mermaid”
Aug. 19: “Beauty and the Beast” (Live Action)
Aug. 26: “The Secret Life of Pets”
SOUTH END DATES
- Summer Jazz with Pat Loomis returns, the Friends of the South End Library summer jazz and blues concerts by the fabulous Pat Loomis and his Friends have been booked. The dates are all Tuesdays, Aug. 15 and 29. Stay tuned for the details.
POFF TO LEAD COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the selection of Christine Poff, of Jamaica Plain, as director of the Community Preservation Committee, a newly established position and committee that will shape the future of investments in Boston’s neighborhoods with funds contributed through the Community Preservation Act (CPA).
In November 2016, Boston voters approved adoption of the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA), which will generate millions of dollars of revenue to be used for the creation and acquisition of affordable housing, historic preservation, open space and recreation.
This fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills, which began in July 2017. The city will use this revenue to fund initiatives consistent with CPA guidelines: affordable housing, historic preservation, open space and public recreation.
As part of the city’s plan to oversee the investments made through the adoption of the CPA, Walsh is working in partnership with the Boston City Council to form a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) that will study community preservation needs and make recommendations on how CPA funds should be allocated. The funding of any project requires a recommendation from the committee and appropriation by the City.
The director of the CPC is responsible for managing all aspects of the CPA program, including staffing the CPC; coordinating the application process for granting CPA funds; managing the CPA budget and CPA grants; and managing special projects related to the CPA.
The director will work closely with staff from city departments, as well as members of the community, to determine need, ensure transparency in the application process and funding awards, and complete annual reports on CPA projects and expenditures.
Prior to her appointment as director of CPC, Poff served as political director of the National Association of Social Workers, where she advocated for economic and social justice bills at the Massachusetts State House.