OFFICERS RECOVER FIREARM
At about 9:25 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 27, 2018, officers from District D-4 (South End) were on patrol in the area of 35 Brannon-Harris Way in the Lennox area when officers observed an individual, believed to be the subject of a no-trespass order, enter one of the buildings inside the complex. As a result, officers followed the individual inside the building. After speaking to the individual, officers allowed the individual to leave the location. While still inside the building, officers received information relative to a weapon possibly hidden inside one of common areas. A search of the area enabled officers to locate and confiscate a loaded Ruger SR45 firearm tucked into a void or hole found in the common hallway. This matter to be further investigated by District D-4 detectives.
It was part of an overall effort where police arrested three individuals on gun-related charges and confiscated four firearms in less than six hours all over Boston.
“I continue to be impressed by my officers’ courage and never-ending commitment to keeping our city safe,” said Commissioner William Evans. “Taking four guns off the streets is a significant achievement that most certainly makes our community safer, and I applaud my officers for the dedication and devotion that goes into protecting our city while bravely confronting those who think it’s okay to carry unlawful firearms in our community.”
SUPER BOWL TRAFFIC ADVISORY
The City of Boston will restrict traffic and parking at several locations on Sunday, Feb. 4 in the interest of public safety. Modifications to these restrictions may be made by the Boston Police Department at any time.
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
The following locations will be closed to traffic from approximately 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Commonwealth Avenue, BU Bridge to Massachusetts Avenue, both sides
Brookline Avenue, Beacon Street (Kenmore Square) to Pilgrim Road (except for garages/parking lots that have no other exit to another public way. – all vehicles exiting under this condition shall turn in a southerly direction towards Park Drive)
Boylston Street, Pilgrim Road to Westland Avenue
Ipswich Street, Boylston Street at Hemenway Street to Boylston Street at Park Drive
Lansdowne Street, Brookline Avenue to Ipswich Street
Van Ness Street, Ipswich Street to Kilmarnock Street
Yawkey Way, Boylston Street to Van Ness Street
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
“No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Sunday” temporary parking restrictions will be in place at the following locations.
KENMORE SQUARE AREA
BAY STATE ROAD, Both sides, from Beacon Street to Granby Street
BEACON STREET, Both sides, from Massachusetts Avenue to Park Drive
BOYLSTON STREET, Both sides, from Massachusetts Avenue to Brookline Avenue (including DCR areas)
BROOKLINE AVENUE, Both sides, from Beacon Street (Kenmore Square) to Pilgrim Road
BURLINGTON STREET, Both sides, from Brookline Avenue to the Dead End
COMMONWEALTH AVENUE, Both sides, both roadways, from Massachusetts Avenue to the Boston University Bridge
DEERFIELD STREET, Both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Bay State Road
FULLERTON STREET, Both sides, from Brookline Avenue to the Dead End
GRANBY STREET, Both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Bay State Road
IPSWICH STREET, Both sides, from Boylston Street at Hemenway Street to Boylston Street (Sunoco Gas Station)
JERSEY STREET, Both sides, from Boylston Street to Park Drive
KENMORE SQUARE IN ITS ENTIRETY, Both sides, both roadways, from Kenmore/Raleigh Streets to Deerfield Street/Beacon Streets
KILMARNOCK STREET, Both sides, from Van Ness Street to Park Drive
LANSDOWNE STREET, Both sides, from Brookline Avenue to Ipswich Street
NEWBURY STREET EXTENSION, Both sides, from Brookline Avenue to Charles Gate West
OVERLAND STREET, Both sides, from Brookline Avenue to the Dead End
PARK DRIVE (DCR ROADWAY), Left side, left roadway (Roberto Clemente Park side) from Aggassi Road to opposite Kilmarnock Street
RALEIGH STREET, Both sides, from Bay State Road to Commonwealth Avenue
SHERBORN STREET, Both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Bay State Road
SILBER WAY, Both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Bay State Road
VAN NESS STREET, Both sides, from Ipswich Street to Kilmarnock Street
YAWKEY WAY, Both sides, from Boylston Street to Brookline Avenue
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY AREA
COLUMBUS AVENUE, Both sides, from Melnea Cass Boulevard to Douglas Park
FORSYTH WAY, Both sides, from Hemenway Street to Huntington Avenue
GAINSBOROUGH STREET, Both sides, from Huntington Avenue to Hemenway Street
HEMENWAY STREET, Both sides, from Forsyth Street to Boylston Street
SYMPHONY ROAD, Both sides, from Saint Stephens Street to Hemenway Street
SAINT STEPHENS STREET, Both sides, from Westland Avenue to Forsyth Way
OPERA PLACE, Both sides, from Saint Stephens Street to Huntington Avenue
WESTLAND AVENUE, Both sides, from Hemenway Street to Massachusetts Avenue
BACK BAY/SOUTH END GAS PIPELINE INTERFAITH VIGIL
The Green Committee of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) along with neighborhood clergy leaders and organizations in the Boston Clean Energy Coalition (BCEC) will host a one-hour, interfaith vigil at noon on Friday, Feb. 2, on Atlantic Avenue outside of One South Station. The vigil’s purpose is to request that the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) follow the attorney general’s recommendation announced last week. The attorney general recommended the Commonwealth not approve the proposed special contract requested by National Grid and One Dalton, a new building currently under construction in the neighborhood. The contract would favor special interests over the general public ratepayers. Vigil organizers are also concerned that investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure undermines Boston’s ability to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. More details are available at bostoncleanenergycoalition.org
BEEHIVE TO HOST BENEFIT FOR USES
On Sunday, Jan. 7, a pipe burst at United South End Settlements’ (USES) South End House, causing extensive damage to each floor and displacing over 100 children from early-childhood education and after-school programming.
USES has created an emergency fund to support families with financial assistance, cover the costs associated with equipping a temporary space, and assist USES with expenses related to rehabbing our building that are not covered by insurance.
USES has secured a temporary space for programming, as demolishing and rebuilding the interior of the building is expected to take 12 – 18 weeks.
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, neighbors and supporters are invited to stop by The Beehive and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres between 6 – 8 p.m. and make a financial contribution to USES and/or drop off new and gently used toys and books for USES’s classrooms. In addition, The Beehive will donate 100 percent of food sales on USES dinner reservations Feb. 5, 6, and 7. (Be sure to use code ‘USES’ and book a separate reservation on the Beehive’s website or call 617-423-0069).
The mission of USES is to harness the power of the diverse community to disrupt the cycle of poverty for children and their families.
WINTER FEST RETURNS
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be bringing the annual Children’s Winter Festival to the Boston Common in partnership with the Highland Street Foundation during school vacation week on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
The festival will include a 45-foot-long Toboggan Tunnel mountainous adventure with twin roller lanes, the 30-foot high inflatable Everest Climb N Slide, and the Snow Mazing maze.
In addition, the Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring a week-long Winter Camp at the Boston Common Frog Pond with free skating and rentals for all ages from Monday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 23.
SISTER RESTAURANTEURS UNITE
Two of the largest forces in the Boston restaurant scene will be joining forces to create a new hospitality group. The sister duo of restaurateurs; Kathy Sidell, of the Met Restaurant Group and Stephanie Sokolove of Stephanie’s Restaurant Group will join under one umbrella organization, “Sidell Hospitality,” unifying all restaurants including two major locations on Boston’s Newbury Street.
The move will assimilate both brands under one organization including Sokolove’s Stephanie’s restaurants in Boston’s Back Bay, South End and South Boston and Sidell’s five restaurants including: Met Back Bay in Boston, Met Bar & Grill in Dedham and Natick, Met on Main in Nantucket and the award-winning Saltie Girl.
While it will be business as usual for customers, shared hospitality teams and strategic augmentation portfolio-wide are part of the new plans structure. All restaurants will continue to operate under their given names though several changes will be implemented.
“2018 will bring several dynamic changes to the organization and I’m beyond pleased to be working with my sister,” said Sidell.
TOWN HALL SERIES
Sen. Will Brownsberger will host a series of town halls throughout his district in February. These events are free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend to share their thoughts on current events and legislative priorities.
- Fenway: Sunday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. – 1p.m. at the Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street, Boston.
- West Fens/ Northeastern: Sunday, Feb. 11 from 5 – 7p.m. at the Emerald Necklace Conservancy at 125 Fenway, Boston.
- Back Bay: Monday, Feb. 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at First Church Boston, 66 Marlborough St., Boston.
FLYNN OFFICE HOURS
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will begin his Neighborhood Office Hours program on Friday, Feb., 2 from 9 – 11a.m. at the South End Branch of the Boston Public Library at 685 Tremont St. Residents are encouraged to bring questions or constituent concerns for the Councilor and his staff.
NEW ENGLAND WATERCOLOR SOCIETY SHOW
Boston’s Back Bay resident Wendy Hale will be among more than 75 artists participating in the 2018 New England Watercolor Society Signature Members Show, to be held from Feb. 6 through March 4. Bringing together the work of some of New England’s finest watercolor artists, the show will be held at the Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury St., Boston. Internationally acclaimed artist Frederick C. Graff will be this year’s exhibition judge.
Included in the exhibit schedule will be three Saturday gallery talks (1: p.m.) and three Sunday painting demonstrations (1 -3 p.m.) by member artists. For further information, please visit newenglandwatercolorsociety.org.
The show is free and open to the public. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 – 4 p.m. Artists Reception and Awards -Saturday, Feb. 10, 2 – 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.
SOUTH END DATES
- Harrison Albany Block Project update meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor Community Room, Boston Police Station D-4 (640 Harrison Ave.)
- Annual Scholarship Fundraiser for the Blackstone/Franklin Square neighborhood association will take place on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. in Estragon Spanish restaurant at 700 Harrison Ave. The annual event gives some extra support to the youth in the city by making their lives a little easier as they begin college. Visit blackstonefraklin.org to order tickets today.
ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE DINNER RETURNS
The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association will hold its 13th Annual Ellis Progressive Dinner on Monday, Feb. 5, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. It’s a marvelous way to meet new neighbors and sample gourmet offerings from our neighborhood restaurants – all at a very reasonable price.
The group will meet at the Beehive at 5:30 p.m. for a welcome reception. Participants will enjoy three additional restaurants, two assigned on a random basis from an “electronic hat,” so you will spend the evening with neighbors that you may not have had a chance to meet and restaurants that you may not have visited. The groups will separate to their two restaurants and then reconvene at Barcelona for dessert and coffee.
Some of the restaurants participating include Banyan, Beehive, Barcelona, Boston Chops, Cinquecento, Coppa, Gaslight and Tremont 647.
Space is limited, so reserve on the Ellis website: www.ellisneighborhood.org. Tickets are $85 for members and $95 for nonmembers.
FENWAY FUNCTIONS
- Fenway Park Events – Two of the world’s greatest rock bands – Journey and Def Leppard – are teaming up to perform at Fenway Park on Saturday, Aug. 11. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m.
- Join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for a special evening at Symphony Hall organized by the Party in the Park Committee. The night will feature Conductor Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with a special performance by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. It will take place on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. and will have drinks, dinner and a raffle. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Justine Mee Liff Fund for the Emerald Necklace. Buy tickets online at emeraldnecklace.org.
FENWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
- Kid Zone! Saturday, Feb. 3, at 10 – noon. Free, fun, kid-friendly activities. Hosted by Operation P.E.A.C.E. and Fenway Family Coalition and is located at 1282 Boylston St.
- English Conversation Café will take place Feb. 13 and 27 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Open to all levels, this class offers casual conversations in English with native speakers. Both native speakers and people who want to improve their English are welcome to attend. Light refreshments provided. Free.
BACK BAY HAPPENINGS
- Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) Licensing and Building Use Committee will be held on Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Lenox Hotel.
- NABB Architecture Committee will be held on Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m., in the Clausen Room of the New England College of Optometry, 424 Beacon St..
- NABB Green Committee will be held on Feb. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at The Learning Project, 107 Marlborough St..
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.
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
Boston Ward 4 Democratic Caucus: The Ward 4 Democratic Committee, which covers precincts in Back Bay, Fenway, and the South End, will be hosting its 2018 caucus to elect delegates to the 6/2 Massachusetts Democratic Party convention in Worcester on Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. at the South End Library. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. All registered Democrats living in Ward 4, as well as anyone interested in newly registering as a Democrat, are welcome to participate. Delegates will vote on gubernatorial and other statewide candidates. Questions? Email [email protected].
Boston Ward 5 Democratic Caucus: The Ward 5 Democratic Committee, which covers precincts in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Fenway, Bay Village, Chinatown, the South End, and the West End, will be hosting its 2018 caucus to elect delegates to vote on statewide candidates at the June 2, Mass. Democratic Party convention in Worcester. The caucus will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. in the Guild Room of Old South Church (645 Boylston St., Boston). Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. All registered Democrats living in Ward 5 are eligible to participate, as is any Ward 5 resident interested in newly registering as a Democrat that day. Please e-mail [email protected] with any questions.
OPPORTUNITY FUND WORKSHOP
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture is holding a workshop in Fenway at the YMCA of Greater Boston, 316 Huntington Ave., Classroom 3, on Feb. 7 from 6 – 8 p.m. to discuss the Opportunity Fund, which provides grants to support meaningful one-time opportunities for artists to further develop their career and expand the reach of arts opportunities in Boston’s communities. The City’s Artist Resource Manager, Julia Ryan, will host the workshop and she will go over the application process as well as answer any questions people have about the grant.
A registration link can be found on eventbrite.com.