Abbey Group Aims High (18 Stories, Community Center) at 1282 Boylston P by Joyce Foster Manage the Property

September WWW.FENWAYNEWS.org 2011

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serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, upper Back Bay, Prudential, Longwood Area & Mission Hill since 1974 volume 37, number 9 SEPTEMBER 3-29 , 2011 Irene Wallops the Park and Parked Cars Trees bore the brunt of Hurricane Irene’s sweep through town on August 28, with several falling in the Fens, including a willow (left) on the Boylston path in the Victory Gardens, and another clocking a car parked on Jersey Street. DCR crews arrived in the gardens the next morning to clear debris. photo: Mike Mennonno hase photo: steve wolf photo: steve c

Abbey Group Aims High (18 Stories, Community Center) at 1282 Boylston p By Joyce Foster manage the property. At the first of u An artist’s view ro

hen the Abbey Group two community meetings in August, y G shows the Abbey unveiled plans for inclusion Bill Keravuori, Abbey’s senior vice Group’s proposal of a community center in a president, made it clear that Abbey he ABBE for the former

did not propose to program the d by T McDonald’s site

mixed-use building it hopes to e buildW on the former McDonald’s site at 1282 space, which might hold meetings, d at 1282 Boylston. Boylston Street, the enthusiastic response—a classes, and performances. That mixture of joy and disbelief—confirmed that job, he said, would fall to the

ner Cott, provi housing on site, a a year-long community dialogue with Abbey community, and residents will need u had borne fruit. to come together to talk about the r somewhat more

age: B costly way of

After years of frustrated advocacy by best way to determine the events and m i Fenway residents, Abbey has stepped up services that might be housed in the meeting the City’s to offer prime ground-floor space, attached new center. inclusionary to a café, exclusively for the use of Fenway Keravuori emphasized that zoning residents—space that would otherwise produce the space would function as a requirement than revenue for Abbey, which will own and resource for the whole community, contributing to not a facility for one organization. the City’s housing Informal conversations have fund. On-site Comments DUe September 6 already begun in the neighborhood about of office space on floors 2-4 , first-floor retail affordability adds to the neighborhood’s Send comments on the proposal a community-wide vision of services and space, and underground parking for 295 cars. economic diversity, which took a hit in April for 1282 Boylston—including programs that would engage a wide range of This will be the third Fenway project for Ab- with the withdrawal of protections for 173 your thoughts on the community Fenway residents, and assuming the project bey, after development of the Landmark Cen- apartments in the East Fens owned by First center—to John M. FitzGerald, Boston receives BRA approval, possibly this fall, ter in the old Sears building and the Landmark Realty Management. The project will include Redevelopment Authority, One City that effort will certainly move into high gear. Square apartments on Peterborough Street. planted roofs and other measures that Abbey Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201, 617- Those approvals will follow a public comment On other issues, the project received both believes will qualify it for LEED silver, 918-4267. Or e-mail your comments to period that closes on September 6 (see box). roses and brickbats at the meetings held on a widely used measure of environmental [email protected]. The new project will rise along Boylston August 2 and 24. Roses included praise for a friendliness for new construction. with 210 residential units, 99,000 square feet commitment to provide 10 per cent affordable On the brickbat side, Abbey seeks zoning relief from the height restriction that applies to the site now (one of the building’s two towers will rise to 178 feet, 28 feet above the zoning limit). Residents voiced Did Nonprofit’s Officers Break the Law—and Line Own concerns about the shadows that would cast on the north side of Boylston in winter and Pockets—by Renting Affordable Units at Market Rates? on the Fens in late afternoon throughout the By Jon Ball and in 2008 obtained a $956,000 mortgage on address. Haney did not return a phone call for year. The new building will extend from enants at one of the last single- the property. But according to tenant Sarah clarification by this reporter. As of press time, Jersey Street to the Baseball Tavern, with room-occupancy (SRO) buildings Wenig, “We sure didn’t see $900 thousand of The Fenway News was unable to find any a new drive running off Boylston designed in Boston are organizing against repairs.” Instead, in December 2009, Nuestra other affordable housing developed by MPC. to discourage drivers from using the alley what they perceive as a threat sold the 15-unit property to the Massachusetts At the time of the purchase, MPC also behind the building to exit onto Jersey Street. toT affordability at their 277 Marlborough Preservation Corporation (MPC), which entered into a two-year agreement with Abutters from Peterborough Street pressed Street residence. Citing a questionable real obtained a $1,350,000 mortgage to finance the Nuestra and the city’s Department of Neigh- Abbey aggressively at the meeting on the 24th estate deal and the transaction. “So one day, borhood Development, the stated purpose of to block all access to the alley or install a gate current owner’s we found a flier under our which was to ensure “occupancy by Low In- to limit it. apparent violation doors, telling us the new come Households.” There has apparently been Other concerns were the speed with of an affordable- owner was Massachusetts no mechanism in place to monitor compliance which the entire project is proceeding. There housing agreement, Preservation Corporation, since MPC purchased the property, although will be no more opportunities for community they have formed which nobody had the agreement required MPC to report regu- input after the comment period closes on the Marlborough ever heard of,” Wenig larly to Nuestra, which would enforce the September 6. Street Tenants’ continued. requirements. Although the agreement expires Copies of the Project Notification Association (MSTA) According to filings this December, at least two units have already Form—the developer’s report on visual, traf- and enlisted support with the state, MPC been advertised on Craigslist and rented at fic, and environmental impact—are available from City Councilor incorporated only two market rates, and Haney’s brother, Will, is at the Boston Public Library; the offices of the Michael Ross. months prior to the now a resident. It appears that Nuestra has Fenway Community Development Corpora- 277 transaction, claiming as taken no steps to force MPC to comply with tion (now at 70 Burbank Street); or on request Marlborough was its purpose “To expand the low-income restriction it signed. from the project manager, John Fitzgerald, at one of several affordable housing Several tenants acknowledged the help 617-918-4267. It can also be downloaded from properties acquired opportunities for low- Ross has given them, including his referring the BRA website at http://bit.ly/nsA2g1 by Boston Aging income… or very-low- them to City Life–Vida Urbana (CL-VU), Joyce Foster lives in the East Fens Concerns in the income persons…and which organizes people threatened with mid-1970s to house people with disabilities….” displacement. In a June 23 letter to Haney, seniors then being Tom Tidlund (left) and Patrick O’Malley MPC officers include the tenant association, working with CL-VU displaced by the on the steps of their endangered Matthew Haney, as organizer Dominic DeSiata, requested a Back Bay’s initial residence, 277 Marlborough Street. president and treasurer, meeting to discuss the future of the building, wave of gentrification. In 2004, the group— and directors Robert Emmeluth and Robert and to request extension of the agreement. Vote by then known as Boston Aging Concerns- Henner, all of whom list home addresses as But according to DeSiata, Haney declined Young and Old United, or BAC-YOU—was 66 Charles Street, Suite 215—apparently a to meet, instead calling tenants individually floundering financially and merged with the mailbox room at the rear of the Charles Street and telling them there would be no change in nonprofit Nuestra Communidad Development Market. According to a member of the legal their status. But DeSiata says there is more to September 27 Corporation, which took over the properties. staff at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s consider than just the current tenants. “Even prelim. Election Nuestra itself soon ran into fiscal troubles office, state statutes require a residential Double Dealing on page 2 > City council/Dist. 7 2 | FENWAY NEWS | september 2011 photo: Matti K Matti photo: Rain Doesn’t Stop 29th National Night Out by Matti Kniva Spencer computer and ESL classes. S niva

On Tuesday, August 2, residents of The event, planned by this writer, pen the West Fens celebrated National Night working with Peterborough Housing and c er Out (NNO) for the 29th time. Sponsored Operation P.E.A.C.E. staff, allowed the by Wingate Management and Operation community to come together as one. Various P.E.A.C.E., and held at the Seventh-Day organizations staffed informational tables, Adventist Church, the event allowed residents and a D.J. provided music. There were face to take over a section of the city to make painting and a moonwalk for kids. Shaw’s it safe for everyone...which is the theme contriubuted a huge cake and West Fens of NNO. Food, drinks and ice cream were Patrol Officer Joe Nagle presented long-time City Councilor Mike Ross joined Fenway generously provided by Bradley Liquors, and community activist Dennis Eardmann with residents for National Night Out, August 2. local businesses and restaurants provided gift an award for the outstanding work he’s done certificates that were raffled off as prizes, all throughout the years. attendance were State Rep. Byron Rushing arrived to provide free ice cream to everyone, proceeds going to Operation P.E.A.C.E., an Rains came sooner than expected, but and City Councilor Mike Ross. Despite the it was like the sun had begun to shine again. organization in the West Fens that provides those who came early had time to really heavy rains, people stayed and continued Matti Kniva Spencer lives in the West free after-school care for kids, as well as free enjoy a great event. Among the notables in to celebrate...and when the ice cream truck Fens.

Double Dealing on page 2 > She continued that early on, MPC was helpful stated August 30 that “DND is in the losing five affordable units in a place like ill Hartman, 65, an 11-year resident when she requested repairs, but that stopped process of having enforcement rights for the Back Bay would be a great loss.” of the building, recalls, “I was soon, and now MPC “is trying to evict me, agreement transferred from Nuestra to DND,” In an August 22 letter to Haney and a Navy medical corpsman 1964 claiming I am chronically late paying rent, but that this could take several weeks. She MPC’s legal representatives, Ross cited two to 1968, and eventually became which is not true. I have a hearing September also said that there is a waiting list of eligible units being offered on Craigslist and shown to Bhomeless. Eventually I lived at a homeless 16, and I hope people can come to support me. tenants, but she would not comment about potential tenants, “which if true, would be in veterans shelter, and I was working at the We really need community support, and even whether the agreement, slated to expire in violation of the affordability restriction.” Ross shelter in 2000 when a counselor there hooked a pro bono attorney to step forward and help December, might be renewed or revised. states he has contacted DND regarding the me up with BAC-YOU. When I got here, it us keep this place affordable.” Long-time Fenway News investigative apparent violations of the agreement, and that was for seniors, only 20% could be under Evelyn Friedman, who heads DND, reporter Jon Ball, lives in Jamaica Plain. he had contacted the attorney general’s office 55 years old. We all helped each other. A as well. He later added, “This individual held Jamaican guy really ran the house, and after himself out to neighbors as a housing provider he passed on, another resident, Paul Gleason for battered women and veterans. But instead did, until he moved, too. It was shared living, Suspect Caught After Stabbing at 7-Eleven they are flipping it to luxury housing. In my so we had potluck Fridays, [and] shared TV On August 26 at about 10:45pm, officers responded to a radio call about a stabbing at 12 years in City Council, I have never before and stereo downstairs. the 7-Eleven on Jersey Street in the East Fens. The was uncooperative and was yelling brought a matter to the Attorney General’s “But when Nuestra first took over, they from the ambulance. He described his assailant and was taken to Brigham and Womens office. And I think Nuestra should look at this put mental cases here. None of them ever Hospital for treatment for three stab wounds. Officers spoke with several bystanders one carefully, too.” worked out. One woman kept asking us for who gave much information. Driving on The Fenway behind the MFA, two other The day after Ross sent his letter, money to eat. A girl was selling drugs and officers observed a person who matched the description of the assailant, which had been approximately a dozen tenants met with Ross people would knock on the door at 3 a.m. broadcast. When stopped, he appeared to be out of breath, and lied multiple times in and Mayor Thomas Menino’s housing advisor Another guy walked around the house naked response to questions about his name, age, and where he was coming from. A witness Sheila Dillon. Ross announced that since and the women would be afraid to leave their approached the suspect and told the officers “that’s him, that’s the guy I was chasing.” He MPC had violated an affordable housing rooms. So their management company, Winn, also stated “that’s the guy who stabbed my friend.” At this time officers had to separate agreement it signed as a condition of had to stop that after awhile. the witness from the suspect, who was transported to District 4 for booking. purchase, “this raises a legitimate issue of “Still, this place was a godsend. I work Moving-Day Robbery whether there was malfeasance to obtain concessions at Fenway Park, and I plan On August 28 at approximately 10:35am two officers responded to a call at 133 Peter- the benefits of a tax-free sale. I have reached on working next year for Fenway’s 100th borough St., where they spoke with a man being treated by EMS personnel for a possible to the Attorney General’s office regarding anniversary, but how much longer I will broken nose. He stated that while moving out of their apartment, he and his girlfriend possible civil and criminal violations, physically be able to do that work? I’d need to had seen a man they did not recognize in the vestibule of their building.Although they and have requested that DND enforce the make more money if I lost this place. Being declined his offer of help, while they were outside, the suspect went to their apartment, agreement.” And when DeSiata asked “if here allows me to eat out once in awhile, and which was unlocked, and stole a computer. The victim found the suspect in the apart- we could extend the agreement,” Ross go visit my two sons, live like a human being. ment and chased him to the basement, where they struggled. The victim was punched suggested that perhaps “we could press the I don’t have any problem with Matt Haney. He and elbowed in the face, causing his injury. The suspect then fled the building but left his Massachusetts Preservation Corporation fixes things right away, and told us we have rain jacket, which the officers took. The victim was transported to Beth Israel Hospital. to restart the two-year clock, since the nothing to worry about. He’s decent to me agreement has never been followed.” personally. But for homeless people, it’s so Sarah Wenig commented that there intimidating, and hopelessness can get to you. might have been wrongdoing on both sides of I hope it stays affordable to give everyone a ELECT ALTHEA GARRISON, THE OUTSIDER the sale. “Nuestra took the mortgage out while chance. A girl who just moved in pays $1,295 District 7 Boston City Council Evelyn Friedman, now DND director, was for her room, twice what older tenants pay.” its executive director. They can’t claim they Tom Tidlund, a three-year resident, PRELIMINARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON didn’t know what was going on when they and like Hartman a veteran, moved in after SEPTEMBER 27, and FINAL ON NOVEMBER 5, 2011 sold to a sham nonprofit.” David Price, current 28 years at 435 Beacon Street. “I’m used to Our priorities in District 7 will be to address and resolve the following issues: Nuestra executive director, did not return living in the Back Bay, and I’ve lived here PrEVEnTinG CriME several calls from The Fenway News. even before that. “I even remember 1963, EDUCATiOn JOBs AnD JOB CrEATiOn Dillon compared this situation to another right before I went into the army, there was sTOPPinG FOrEClOsUrEs affordable property at 186 Marlborough that train yard at Boylston. When I got back rEAl AFFOrDABlE hOUsinG Street. “Nuestra/BAC-YOU wanted to sell that in 1967, they had the Prudential Center built one too, but because the city had put some there. Anyhow, I had never heard of this ThE BOTTOM linE is of its own money into the building, it could affordability agreement. Haney called us AlThEA is ABOUT hElPinG PEOPlE enforce deed restrictions, and Nuestra sold to individually, but we’ve tried to set up a group AnD FAMiliEs! Caritas, a known affordable housing provider. meeting with him. I don’t personally have any AltheA GArrison, the outsider, is ready to fight for District 7 priorities. Caritas also wanted to buy 277 Marlborough, problem with Mass Preservation, but I hope it VOTE but the city said it would then enforce a deed stays affordable for everyone.” AlThEA GArrisOn, The Outsider, for District 7 Boston City Council. restriction (which would have depressed the Wenig later stated that she has a long Call your family and friends and ask them to give Althea Garrison a vote selling price), and Nuestra then sold to MPC.” history with 277 Marlboro, including working on september 27 and on november 5, 2011, Final Election. However, both she and Ross mentioned that if for BAC when it first bought the building. De- DOn’T bE fOOlED by THE cORRUpT InSIDERS!! MPC should attempt to develop the property cades later, she became a resident. “I advocat- in the future, MPC would need city approval ed for repairs while Nuestra owned the prop- Thanks, very much for your help and support. to change its current SRO licensing. erty and got identified as a problem tenant.” Contact Althea Garrison at PO Box 191395, roxbury, MA 02119 or 617-407-7661

As the new academic year begins, we remind our students: Smart Students Make Great Neighbors Meet your neighbors • Keep it clean, keep it quiet • Get involved in your community!

For information or to report concerns, email [email protected] or call -‐ 617 373-‐8265 FENWAY NEWS | september 2011 | 3 er c pen Good Times roll Rising Groundwater Levels Suggest Repairs Are Working niva S By Galen Gilbert the engineers from major state and local and groundwater levels have risen markedly at FCDC’s social long Hemenway Street, readings infrastructure agencies that meet quarterly there. The MBTA has hired an engineering by Matti Kniva Spencer from the wells used to monitor and go over the maps of well readings firm that has attended several meeting with photos: Matti K The Fenway Community groundwater levels in the Fenway recorded by the Boston Groundwater Trust. the Groundwater Trust to come up with a plan Development Corporation (FCDC) were below four feet on the end After reviewing the readings, the working to raise groundwater levels around Back Bay threw a festive barbecue near the nearA the MFA and above five feet toward group discusses low spots, tries to relate them Station, where groundwater tends to leak from Kelleher Rose Garden in the West Boylston Street in July. Those levels do not to underground facilities, and propose repairs housing blocks to the much lower railroad Fens on August 17. The event honored reflect the rains from Hurricane Irene, which in some instances. right of way. Millions of dollars have been long-time members and staffers would have temporary effect. Thus, the Boston Water and Sewer spent on repairs through this process. and marked the departure of Callie Groundwater levels below five feet are Commission is working in the Back Bay on The web-based map at www. Watkins, who is entering a doctoral worrisome for nearby buildings. Although the Dartmouth Street near Beacon, injecting bostongroundwater.org/ will soon be readable program at Hemenway Street area has seen low readings dye into the ground to see if it turns up in by tablet computers, and it will use Google Brandeis for years, we have seen levels rise across the storm sewers buried deep underground. Maps to improve usefulness to users who University, East Fens in the last year. This is probably due The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is have trouble with the existing map function. where she will to work to repair storm sewers on a nearby presently cleaning out a drain pipe beneath The website contains public comment letters, study social alley recently. the Prudential Center for the first time since including one for the Abbey Group building policy. Most of the progress in raising the complex was built in the 1960s. The proposed for 1282 Boylston Street. The The event groundwater levels results from the work of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website includes the ever-popular academic felt like a the city-state Groundwater Working Group, has fixed deep storm pipes in East Boston, papers on groundwater, and a new link the celebratory barbecue down South, with burgers grilling, people bringing home-made dishes, and kids and adults out to have a good time. ABCD Youth Program Helps Mission Hill’s Byrd Fly Higher Many passersby were drawn to the event, stayed to enjoy themselves... By Steven S. Kapica have been unable to return to school because and help young people balance the demands and joined the CDC in the process. orn and raised in Mission Hill, of an unpaid balance on her tuition bill. of work and school. This would create more The Fenway Street Shredders, a local twenty-year-old Bessie Byrd is no However, SummerWorks helped her secure opportunities and open avenues out of the

group, belted out some serious blues stranger to drugs and violence. a scholarship d gang and drug violence that music for all to enjoy. Raised by her grandmother in to cover the persists in poor neighborhoods. Kudos everyone who contributed low-incomeB housing, Byrd witnessed gang deficit. Byrd is Providing better assistance time and donated food and drinks for shootings and watched drug addicts getting now a junior at through summer job and benefit the event. Special thanks to Tracey high on the roof of her building. “Growing up Virginia State programs is about improving rtesy of bessie byr u Hunt and Kris Anderson, the main around this,” Byrd says, “made me realize I University. o both people’s situations and their organizers, who were able to draw so want better for my future.” When Councilor At the communities. Like many of those many of the community together to Felix G. Arroyo recently visited ABCD Parker Parker Hill/ photo c who spoke with Arroyo, Byrd felt a participate in a night of fun, laughter, Hill/Fenway, as part of his “State of the Youth Fenway strong connection to the councilor and camaraderie. Tour,” Byrd was there to speak up about youth meeting, because of his own upbringing. Matti Kniva Spencer lives in the violence and how to keep Mission Hill kids Arroyo spoke “He came from the same type of West Fens. out of trouble. about the issues neighborhood I grew up in,” Byrd Byrd kept herself out of trouble by that concern says. “He was very determined participating in ABCD’s SummerWorks young people to make a change so fewer people program, which places over 100 youth in in Boston. will grow up in poverty like we jobs with community organizations. She A leading Bessie Byrd credits ABCD’s did.” has worked for ABCD since she was 14. “I advocate for SummerWorks program with helping This determination to make joined because I knew they could help me youth summer her stay in college. changes, Byrd insists, is also about with a job,” Byrd says. ABCD did more job funding, changing people’s perceptions. Too than keep her busy; it helped her prepare for Arroyo much policy is written without un- college. After her freshmen year, Byrd would understands that job opportunities help derstanding what it’s like to grow up in pover- young people find focus and keep busy; job ty. Arroyo’s determination to get Boston youth programs also help alleviate community involved is a step in the right direction. When anxiety about youth violence. Byrd is a prime asked what she would do if she were mayor for example of how programs like SummerWorks a day, Byrd told Arroyo she would work toward can make a difference. “ABCD has been a changing rules and regulations to establish great help to me,” Byrd says, “providing jobs equality based on individual needs. “I would every year and helping me finish school. I feel look more at people’s situations,” Byrd says, like it’s the best program around.” “rather than make generalizations about what Byrd sees violence as the main issue people can and can’t pay for.” Her own situa- affecting young people in her community. tion shows how such generalizations can have However, she believes systemic change is dire consequences. Without ABCD’s help, she needed. She sees a need for more assistance likely would have had to drop out of college. for underprivileged students, such as health Byrd plans to finish her undergraduate care and food stamp benefits: “I believe degree in family and consumer science; that as long as you’re in school, whether she then hopes to pursue interior design in it’s college or high school, we should still graduate school. “I plan to own my own qualify for free insurance.” The rules for clothing line one day,” says Byrd. Whatever food benefits also should be adjusted because she does, Byrd will always maintain a strong college students have to work 20 hours a connections to her home and her community: week in order to get food stamps. “Some “I do plan on giving back to Boston people don’t receive meal plans,” Byrd claims, communities so people in poverty can go on “and aren’t able to work 20 hours a week.” to college and never give up their dreams.” Offering adequate health care and better Steven S. Kapica lives near Kenmore access to subsistence would alleviate pressure Square. 4 | FENWAY NEWS | september 2011

Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle, upper Back Bay, lower Roxbury, Prudential, Mission Hill, and Longwood since 1974

Fenway News Association Board of Directors Our Future in Your Hands Steve Chase • Helen Cox • Tracey Cusick • Joyce he Fenway News will be asking for your help in the next this part of the drive will be people who can pledge $50 a month Foster, president • Steven Harnish • Barbara few months. We are finding that we can’t support our over a year; once we have identified that small group of donors, Brooks Simons • Steve Wolf, treasurer expenses solely with ad sales and the occasional fundraiser, we’ll approach other people who might be able to offer more modest

so we will be setting up a support system similar to that donations, which is when you will be hearing from us again. Editor: Stephen Brophy WEB TEAM: Nicole Aubourg, Stephen usedT by The Nation magazine. We will ask our supporters to pledge The Fenway News has always been a mostly volunteer Brophy, Steven Kapica, Valarie Seabrook some amount on an annual basis, with a sliding scale of donations. operation; only the editor, the distributors, and the bookkeeper get Production Designer: Steve Wolf We have pretty much always any remuneration for their efforts. We’re Writers: Penina Adelman, Daniel Alfaro, skated on the edge of financial from the editor always looking for new writers, artists, Jon Ball, Alison Barnet, Liz Burg, Bob Case, catastrophe since we started in 1974, proofreaders, Web producers, ad sellers Helen Cox, Tracey Cusick, Dharmena aiming to support the neighborhood in its struggle against city- (who get a commission), and other contributors. If you’re interested Downey, Lisa Fay, Lori A. Frankian, Joyce imposed “urban renewal.” One of my mottoes is “Other newspapers in helping the paper out in that way, send us a note at editor@ Foster, Marie Fukuda, Galen Gilbert, exist to sell ads; we sell ads to exist.” We have usually managed to fenwaynews.org. And if you have any ideas about how we can make Elizabeth Gillis, Katherine Greenough, get by, but the economic downturn of the past four years has made it the paper more financially stable, send them along as well. Finally, Steven Kapica, Sam Harnish, Sarah much harder for neighborhood businesses and institutions to help us consider making a pledge or donation when that time comes. Thank Horsley, Rosie Kamal, Shirley Kressel, out. So now we are turning to our readers. you for your continued support. Maura McGowan, Letta Neely, Richard Pendleton, Camille Platt, Karla Rideout, A professional fundraiser who is also a long-time reader has Mike Ross, Barbara Brooks Simons, Matti volunteered his services to help us set up the pledge system and Kniva Spencer, Anne M. Tobin, Steve coach us on approaching potential donors. The target audience for Tolman, Fredericka Veikley, Chris Viveiros, Margaret Witham PhotographerS: Aaron Barrera, Steve Chase, Lois Johnston, Mike Mennonno, Patrick O’Connor, Valarie Seabrook, Matti Nailing Down Every Detail, Trio Pushes for Fenway Dog Park Kniva Spencer, Ginny Such, Steve Wolf By Tracey Cusick and his yellow Lab Charley. Jay and his dogs will be in effect. As in the nearby CALENDAR: Penina Adelman, Helen Cox, Ruth Khowais, Steve Wolf, espite the difficulties of moving great Dane Abby also became involved, and Victory Gardens, those using the dog park Proofreader: Tracey Cusick day and the lure of a Yankees together they incorporated Fenway Dog Park. would be asked to participate in clean up Subscription Coordinator: game, on August 31 about They researched Boston-area dog parks and maintenance days. Funds would be set Cathy Jacobowitz two dozen people attended an and consulted experts in park aside for maintenance costs. BOOKKEEPER: Cathy Jacobowitz informationalD meeting to discuss a proposal design. After identifying a location, There’s even a proposal Distribution: Della Gelzer, Aqilla for a dog park in the Fenway. The meeting they obtained a topographical to deal with goose poop; Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt, Reggie Wynn was hosted by Fenway residents Leda Tabaie, study of the proposed site from the geese would not be able to The Fenway News is published monthly by the Matthew Lesiczka and Jay Domen, founders Northeastern University School comfortably land in the park Fenway News Association, Inc., a community- and board members of Fenway Dog Park, Inc. of Engineering. Having procured because of overhanging owned corporation dedicated to community Although many dogs live in the Fenway, estimates for the cost of buying and trees, and the sound of pie journalism. If you would like to volunteer to there’s currently no enclosed area in the neigh- installing 500 square feet of vinyl plates on a string discourages write, edit, photograph, lay out, distribute, or sell borhood where dogs can exercise off leash. chain-link fencing, 130 yards of geese from hanging around. advertising on commission, please contact us at: Fenway Dog Park has a proposal to change playground mulch, and sea stones, Community members The Fenway News, PO Box 230277, Astor Station that: under its plan, an underutilized area of they can confidently explain that it offered comments and Boston, MA 02123 parkland behind Clemente Field would be- would cost no more than $30,000 to turn the questions, and board members stressed 617-266-8790 come a 14,500-square-foot fenced-in dog park. proposal into a reality. They’ve applied for that this is a proposal; they are seeking [email protected] This proposal is the result of a lot of IRS nonprofit status, which they anticipate community input and support, and that they www.fenwaynews.org receiving in the near future, so they can begin anticipate holding another informational hard work. About a year and a half ago, Subscriptions $24/year ($15 for limited income) Tabaie started a petition to create a dog park raising funds. meeting soon, probably in October. To learn in the Fenway. Proud companion of Gili, a Fenway Dog Park has also developed more about the proposal, go to the Fenway ©2010 Fenway News Association, Inc. rescued black Lab/shar-pei mix, Tabaie was a plan for maintenance. Standard dog park Dog Park website at www.fenwaydogpark.org. circulating the petition when she met Matt rules that dog owners clean up after their Tracey Cusick lives in the East Fens. “Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.” Mission Hill Farmers Market negotiations to lease a large property Burbank Apartments is extreme and can The founders of The Fenway News adopted this Welcomes SNAP Cards, Bounty Bucks on Hemenway Street; namely, 115 be eased by political efforts to prevent motto to express their mission of exposing and opposing the dangers the neighborhood faced To the Editor: Gainesborough Street, 116, 118, 120 university expansion from gaining control Hemenway Street, and 74 Symphony of this building. The use must be reserved in the early 1970s—including rampant arson, I saw with interest in the August 2011 unscrupulous landlords, and a destructive issue of your newspaper a letter referring to Road. for affordable housing. urban renewal plan. If the original motto no previous issues in which there was coverage It is rumored that you are in support It should also be noted that longer fits today’s Fenway, we continue of farmers markets. I regret to say that I do of this further incursion of Northeastern the university is being required to to honor its spirit of identifying problems not see The Fenway News on a regular basis, into the Fenway neighborhood. Please reduce lease agreements in the East and making our neighborhood a better so am unable to comment on those articles. define your position on this issue. Fenway. Please explain the status of the and safer place to live. I do, however, manage As you lease agreements in the East Fenway. the Farmers Market in LETTERS are well You must be aware of legal action Brigham Circle and am happy aware, this is against the university regarding the > Frequency < The Fenway News reaches the stands every to say that we do accept SNAP/EBT cards and a 60,000-square-foot apartment building lease of the Forsyth Building for an also participate in the City’s “Boston Bounty 4-5 weeks, usually on the first known as “Animal House” for the long unexplained use. This challenge to or last Friday of the month. Our next issue Bucks” program. Clearly we need to update history of misbehavior by its residents. the university regards the safeguards will be appear on Friday, September 30. our website (www.mhhm.org) to include this This has been a problem building in the following the cyanide incident associated > Deadline < information! Boston Bounty Bucks provides a Fenway neighborhood for years. The with the university. I am a direct abutter The deadline for letters, news items, and ads match of up to $10 for any SNAP shopper; for fact that it is available for sale provides to the Forsyth and demand protections is Friday, September 23. total purchases of over $20, we still provide the city and the neighborhood with a against this threat. > Advertising < the $10 match (so on a total bill of $25, only unique opportunity to expand and replace Richard Orareo Contact our business manager at $15 is charged to the SNAP account and $10 The Fenway [email protected] comes from the Bounty Bucks program.) affordable housing. The loss of the The Bounty Bucks program is managed citywide by The Food Project, and more information about the program can be found Comments Sought for on their websitehtt p://thefoodproject.org/ Mass Ave Wentworth Institute of Technology’s bbb or by calling their office (617-442-1322). For more information about the Brigham Accreditation Process. Circle Farmers Market—held every Thursday Lock Co. from 11 am until 6 pm, through the end of 24-HOUR October!—call 617-427-6919. Wentworth will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit EMERGENCY SERVICE October 23-26, 2011, by a team representing the Commission on Maggie Cohn BONDED LOCKSMITH Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association Executive Director, Mission Hill of Schools and Colleges. In preparation for the visit, we invite Health Movement 125 St. Botolph Street the public to submit comments about the Institute. To learn more Phone 247-9779 • Fax 536-8709 Block NU Lease and Turn ‘Animal about the public comment period and to get contact information House’ Into Affordable Housing Police Locks • Doors Opened for sharing your comments, please visit: The following letter was addressed to City Mailbox Keys • Master Keys http://www.wit.edu/neasc2011/comments.html Councilor Mike Ross. Systems • Padlocks Mike: Door Closers I am shocked and dismayed to Keys Made by Code learn that Northeastern University is in FENWAY NEWS | september 2011 | 5

Councilor Mike Ross said, “Where else can Cities Beg As Tax Dollars Rain Down on Businesses you get over a million square feet in an urban setting? That’s what’s attractive.” By Shirley Kressel moving over—so this tax break is being given Boston; they said they anticipate 300 more Think about it: would high-tech Vertex fter Fidelity and Evergreen Solar to cover Fallon’s transition-period rent. hires over the following several years. The leave the brain bank of the world to go cut jobs despite huge state “job Most important, Patrick and Menino city expressed confidence that these new to Rhode Island? Of course not, just as creation” subsidies, and the City of teamed up to offer Fallon $50 million dollars workers’ income taxes and project-related JPMorgan Chase, which got a $4 million Boston got slammed in its loan to via an as-yet-untested and little-understood state sales taxes will amply cover its I-Cubed subsidy, wouldn’t really have moved to theA soon-to-be bankrupt W Hotel, you’d think type of subsidy: the state Infrastructure oblications, about $3.3 million a year, totaling Braintree as threatened, and Liberty Mutual, that corporations sniffing at the public trough Investment Incentive (I-Cubed) program. $99 million over the 30-year loan period. But which got a $46.5 million subsidy, wouldn’t would be sent packing. I-Cubed was obviously, really have moved to some hamlet in New But no, it’s business as usual—and Menino’s 2006 officials see Hampshire as threatened. worse! The latest boondoggle involves Big legislative a substantial A quick Google search would have Pharma, a big developer, and a new kind initiative for $99 million in subsidies going risk that this informed our officials—if they really wanted of subsidy that plays games with taxpayer shifting more revenue won’t to know—that Rhode Island’s biotech labor money. of the costs of to a developer and his marquee be enough, force, the top criterion, is woefully deficient Vertex Pharmaceuticals, with facilities development because the for Vertex’s needs. scattered around Cambridge, just got a new subsidies to the tenant could pay for a lot of plan is to also Nonetheless, we can be sure that our drug approved and decided to consolidate state. Under schools, roads, and libraries tap into state officials will find “compelling evidence” that and expand. The Boston waterfront offers the I-Cubed, the state income taxes Vertex would have moved to Rhode Island most suitable location for its needs, so Vertex issues bonds that generated by if they did not get this I-Cubed assistance decided to move its entire operation, with its pay for project infrastructure. To pay off that Vertex’s existing 1,240 employees. from taxpayers. It won’t be the first time current workforce of 1,240 employees, into loan, the state commits the future income tax This is a problem because I-Cubed the governor cooked the books to boost a two Fan Pier buildings. The buildings will be revenues from new project employees, as well cannot legally be applied to existing jobs. The corporate subsidy. constructed by Joe Fallon, mega-developer as project-related state sales taxes. point of I-Cubed is to create jobs that produce Patrick, Menino and City Council are and friend of Mayor Thomas Menino. So instead of those taxes going to the new, not existing, income tax revenues to pay subverting the law to give these corporations Fallon’s waterfront developments have all general fund for schools, roads, libraries, off the bonds. Only if there is “compelling over $120 million for no reason—other than been subsidized with huge tax breaks, and he etc., they go to paying off a developer’s loan. evidence” that a company like Vertex would to claim false credit for job creation. Slashing hit an even bigger jackpot here. However, if the project fails to generate leave the state without the subsidy, then—and services for both state and city taxpayers is Governor Deval Patrick, lesson enough state tax revenues to pay back the only then—can the city and state consider apparently their idea of shared sacrifice. apparently not learned from experience loan, I-Cubed requires the city to provide existing jobs as “retained” jobs whose taxes Shirley Kressel lives in the Back Bay. with Mass Life Sciences Center’s poor job- the money. The city can demand that the may be used for bond service. A version of this essay first appeared in The creation record, forked over a $10 million Life developer keep a two-year reserve fund, and It seems applicants need only shop South End News. Sciences tax credit. after that an assessment can be placed on around to get offers from other states; and Based on the Boston Redevelopment the property for reimbursement; but if the sure enough, at the City Council hearing, a Authority’s declaration that the project project fails, the developer is unlikely to pony representative from the Municipal Research area, which the Globe calls a “luxurious up the money, and a lien is not a timely or Bureau briefly mentioned that Rhode Island new neighborhood,” is officially “blighted,” dependable recovery mechanism. had courted Vertex. Fri, Sep 2 7:10 p.m. Menino granted the project a $12 million In the end, the state can hold the city However, Vertex executives, at the property tax waiver. As revealed at the responsible by withholding local aid to cover same hearing, testified that the Boston site Sat, Sep 3 7:10 p.m. project’s City Council hearing on May the debt. is uniquely ideal, with ample space for an 20, Vertex didn’t want to pay rent on both However, here, in the first I-Cubed expansion campus near workforce sources, Sun, Sep 4 1:35pm Cambridge and Boston leases while it was project to be implemented, Menino and synergistic life-science clusters, excellent Patrick have colluded to shift the funding risk transportation options, and lifestyle amenities Tue, Sep 13 7:10 p.m. from the taxpayers of Boston to the taxpayers for employees—culture, restaurants, and Wed, Sep 14 1:35 p.m. of Massachusetts. Here’s how and why: retail. Fallon testified similarly, pointing out Vertex officials testified that they plan the public investments, like the Big Dig, that Thu, Sep 15 7:10 p.m. to hire only 200 workers when they move to made this site so desirable for Vertex. City Fri, Sep 16 7:10 p.m. Sat., Sep 17 7:10 p.m. Sun, Sep 18 1:35 p.m. Farmer’s Markets Mon., Sep 19 7:10 p.m. Corn continues to show West Fens: Outside 7 Haviland Street (former Fenway Health) Tues., Sep 20 7:10 p.m. up at the market, and 9/28 (last Weds. of the month) 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. we’ll see diminishing Copley Square Wed., Sep 21 7:10 p.m. volumes of stone Tuesday & Friday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. fruits like plums and Prudential CENTER: 800 Boylston, across from Walgreen’s Roof Deck peaches as September •KENO progressese. Apples have Thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. street Cleaning times begun pouring in, and Brigham Circle Now Open The city cleans Fenway residential gourds and pumpkins will Thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. •ESPN Game Plan join them this month. streets between 12 and 4 p.m. on Memorial Day Jamaica Plain: Bank of America parking lot, Centre Street the first and third Wednesdays of the Wednesday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. month (odd-numbered side) and the •Draftto Labor Specials Day! Saturday 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays (even- South End: 540 Harrison Avenue (at SoWa arts market) numbered sides). Get more info at Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 617-635-4900 or www.cityofboston. •Great seafood gov/publicworks/sweeping. The state andSwing steak on intips for cleans streets that border the Fens on lunch & enjoy Tavern this schedule: • Second Thursday •favoritesBuzzTime including The Riverway, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. hot dogs for only Quality eye care + stylish eye wear •Second Friday interactive The Fenway (includes inside lane), $1.50television during Red Make an appointment or stop in to shop for eye wear today! Charlesgate Extension, and Forsyth Sox Away Games! Way, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. •Second Friday 8 to 54 The Fenway (includes inside lane), Charlesgate Extension, 12:00– 3:00 p.m. 1270 Boylston Street •Third Tuesday Boston, MA 02215 >Park Drive (includes inside lane), 617.867.6526 upper Boylston Street, 8:00 a.m.– Need an eye exam or new glasses? Fenway Health has you covered. Our eye care 12:00 p.m. staff provide the highest quality eye care for our patients in a comfortable, caring, >Park Drive, from Holy Trinity and compassionate environment. And our optical shop carries the latest styles from Orthodox Cathedral to Kilmarnock Visit us online at: Calvin Klein, Sean John, L.A. Looks and more to keep you looking, and seeing, great. Street and from the Riverside Line overpass to Beacon Street, ase 12:00–3:00 p.m. heB ball for a valuable coupon visit fenwayhealth.org/eyes T Tavern www.mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm has a .com fenway eye care 1340 Boylston Street, 6th Floor Boston MA 02215 tel 617.927.6190 web fenwayhealth.org complete schedule and maps. COM.11.010 6 | FENWAY NEWS | september 2011

Rajdulari: The Vocalist Speaks by Letta Neely Queens, Devils, Gods, and Gandhi—All ajdulari has blessed the stages of Ryles, the Regatta Bar and Scullers—among Coming to a Movie Theater Near You other places—as the lead vocalist of many world, jazz, and funk groups. by Barbara Brooks Simons She has performed with award-winning, highly renowned bands such as he Metropolitan Opera’s famous gold curtain will soon rise again on Regal David Zoffer Differential; Guy Mendilow & the Mendilusion Wine; and Zili Fenway 13 movie screens. Tickets for the 2011–12 season of HD (high- Musik (an eight-piece, all-female, world music band). In addition to being definition) simulcasts went

a former Fenway resident, she attended the New England Conservatory’s on sale late last month. The pera Jazz Continuing Education Program and Berklee College of Music. Barnes sixth season of live broadcasts from recently moved to New York City and currently performs with her own band, Saturday matinees begins on October “Rajdulari,” and was recently the winner of the New England Urban Music Awards’ Best Jazz 15 with Anna Bolena, Donizetti’s opera /Metropolitan O RBand 2011. about Henry VIII’s ill-fated second d Twice this month, Rajdulari will return Boston to grace us with her magic: September queen. owar 8 at the Milky Way and September 24 at the Beantown Jazz Festival. You don’t want to miss The season’s other broadcasts en H d her, because her voice alone fulfills Maslow’s “Hierarchy of include the final two operas in hoto: K Essential Needs.” Keep reading to hear the story this ten- Wagner’s “Ring” cycle: Siegfried on P year veteran of New England’s music scene has to share: November 5, and Gõtterdämmerung on I was born in Baltimore, raised in Kalamazoo. I was February 11, 2012. Other broadcasts

rtesy of bessie byr there up until 12. My mother was a choir director, so ever u this fall are Mozart’s Don Giovanni, o since I was little we always had some sort of music in Oct. 29; Philip Glass’s Satyagraha on my house. As I got older I wanted to try to pursue it but photo c Nov. 19; Handel’s Rodelinda on Dec. I thought, “Oh I can’t really pursue this because it’s not 3; and Gounod’s Faust on Dec. 10. The something you do as a regular job; it’s something that you lineup in 2012 is The Enchanted Island, do on the side” and so I avoided it for a long time. a new Baroque pastiche, Jan 21; Verdi’a I realized…when I was around 23 or 24… I looked up Ernani, Feb. 25; Massenet’s Manon, and I was working three jobs; I was also doing two or three April 7; and Verdi’s La Traviata, April 14. bands. It used to be that music was this hobby and then Tickets for Fenway often sell out, before I knew it, I was deciding whether to go into nursing though some are available on the day or whether to go to school to be a musician. And I realized of performance; tickets may also be after struggling for a while over this... I looked up and available for “encore” rebroadcasts. realized that all the time I had spent, all the jobs that I did, Other local theatres showing Met The line-up for the Met’s 2011–12 live everything that I did was so that I could keep doing music. I broadcasts are in Burlington, Dedham, movie theater broadcasts includes would work jobs to pay my rent but I would not take night positions because I wanted to make Framingham, and Revere. More Richard Croft as Gandhi in ‘Satyagraha,’ sure that I could do my gigs. I realized that in that moment that music was something that I information is at www.metopera.org. on November 19 at 12:55 p.m. The couldn’t do without. Barbara Brooks Simons lives in the performance repeates as a rebroadcast In 2004, my mother was diagnosed with bone cancer. She went through chemo and all East Fenway on Wednesday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. these different treatments until she went into remission. After watching her go through that, I promised myself that I would not live my life unfulfilled. I promised myself that I would try my best to do the most that I could do with whatever I was given. I knew that music was a huge part of that. So I decided to try to pursue it actively. star-studded Jazzfest takes over he musical landscape in Boston is a great hotbed of creativity. In Boston, you can stick South End Streets September 24 with a project. You can examine it. You can work on it. You can get a job that supports ens of thousands of music lovers of Columbus Avenue that begins at Mass Ave. a musician. You can get a few day jobs that keep you comfortable. You can live a little will jam the Fenway and the South The program, running from noon to 6:00 p.m., bit more of a comfortable life in Boston than you can in New York. It lends a little bit End this month for the mostly will feature 15 artists performing on three to more creative time but New York gives you this hotbed of activity. So if Boston free-of-charge 11th annual Berklee stages; family activities at “Berklee Family is a great incubator of music, then New York is a great breeding ground or a great BeanTTown Jazz Festival. The festival, Park;” and booths serving foods from all over cultivator. It’s a good place to harvest. Boston is good place to prepare yourself and to invest September 23-25, wraps up Berklee’s 2011 the world. Berklee Family Park will transform inT yourself in the music, to create your foundation. But when you are ready to harvest… You “Summer in the City” series, which produced Carter Playground on Columbus Avenue into come to New York to really act out what it is you’ve been practicing. New York provides real more than 80 free outdoor concerts across the a hub of activity, including inflatables, face world experience for that of a musician. I call it musician boot camp because it is the one place city, including “Swingin’ in Mothers Rest” in painting, and an “instrument petting zoo” that you can really come and cut your teeth in an industry that is not forgiving. But if you can the Fens. Last year’s festival drew more than staffed by Berklee professionals. survive here, then you can do whatever you want to do. 70,000 music lovers. Top acts on the outdoor stages will I’ve been blessed to perform to with several different musicians in the area. I’ve been A stellar jazz collaboration of James Farm include Radjulari (see article at left), the playing with Enrico DeTrizio (keys) and Giancarlo DeTrizio (drums) and Sam JC Lee (bass). featuring Joshua Redman opens the festival legendary Oleta Adams, Rafael Zaldivar, They’re really great guys. I have learned so much from these guys. I met them actually at Sept. 23, and the New Gary Burton Quartet Pablo Ablanedo, Louis Hayes, Marcus Santos Berklee and they moved to NY and we stayed in contact. I’m grateful the Berklee network is closes the festivities on the 25th. Although & Bloco AfroBrazil, among others. Berklee so strong because you are able to connect with so many musicians that way and able to keep most events take place on the streets of the students and faculty will feature prominently, music going no matter what. SouthEnd, these two shows will be at the with performances from the acclaimed Berk- At New England Conservatory, David Zoffer gave me my first break. I went to audition Berklee Performance Center (BPC) and require lee Global Jazz Institute Ensemble, Berklee for him as a singer for his Continuing Ed Jazz Program and he ended up asking me to be the tickets. For the New Gary Burton Quartet, teachers and students, and a spate of recent lead singer in his band. I sang with him through almost 10 years. And he’s always been really tickets are available at the BPC box office or grads, including Jeff Ramsey, Darcel Wilson, great with me, back when I didn’t know anything. He would walk me through learning jazz at www.Ticketmaster.com; James Farm tickets Shea Rose, the Berklee P-Funk Ensemble, and changes. At Berklee, Armstead Christian and Donna McElroy are two vocal teachers who go are on sale at www.worldmusic.org. professor Bill Banfield and the Jazz Urbane beyond just being teachers they actually develop mentoring relationships with their students. On Saturday the 24th, Boston’s biggest project. Visit www.beantownjazz.org to see And also Joey Blake, one of the greatest improvisational vocalists I know. These are some of block party takes over a multi-block stretch the full concert schedule. the Berklee Faculty members that I look up to and admire. I performed years ago at the Salem Jazz festival in a duet with Laurie Goldsmith as my guitarist. However, the 2011 Beantown Jazz festival is my first major jazz festival. I think it’s nian perfect timing that my first jazz festival is in Boston. Even though I live in New York now, to Improper bos est Boston is still very much my home. So it is great to be coming back with my band and my 2009 & 2010 B music, to share and to tell people what we’ve been doing and present it to them. I’m really BAR! excited about that. I feel like it is going to be a really special afternoon. DIVE My new album is called HoneyWine. Honey wine is my favorite wine. It’s from Ethiopia. It’s sweet and strong and it has this heady aroma. When you drink it… It kind of sneaks up on you because it’s sweet. You think this is an easy wine. It’s a desert wine and before you know it, it’s gotten you. You’re a little tipsier than you thought! Thanks—Tony I want the album to do that to people. I want people to feel that I’m giving them a gift from my heart. Something that’s sweet and strong and heady but that at the end of the day.. that what I’m saying in the album about love, what I’m saying about America, what I’m saying where I come from, about purpose, presence and empowering people and being inspired…At the end of the day all of those things will stick with you a little bit longer than you thought they would when you first put the cd in. So I think HoneyWine is appropriate. It’s my first venture and I think it will stick around for a while. Letta Neely lives in the East Fenway. Therapists! Plumbers! Are you self-employed? Turn your neighbors into clients with a business card ad in The Fenway News. Thousands of readers will see it each month—including your next new clients. Email [email protected] for more info. FENWAY NEWS | september 2011 | 7

a serious addition to the city’s transportation infrastructure. Pedals to the People: Hubway Systems Debuts Citywide When you check out a bike, the station by steve wolf walk of the neighborhood. All stations are “casual” 24- or 72-hour membership (non- kiosk—powered by solar panels and hooked he Fenway did pretty well under located in downtown neighborhoods plus casual annual memberships are available up to a wireless citywide network—issues the new Hubway bike-sharing Brighton and Roxbury, but the city plans to for $85 and come with a key fob that makes you a five-digit password (you can print it system. Four of the system’s docking expand the network, adding more bikes next picking up a bike faster; note that the website out or just view it on screen). Punch the code stations sit in the West Fens, one in year and ultimately linking to bike-sharing was still advertising a discounted annual into a panel next to the bike you want, and the KenmoreT Square, and another dozen circle the systems in Brookline, Cambridge, and membership of $60 when we went to press). dock releases that bike. Here’s where those neighborhood in a lazy arc that starts in the Somerville. You can download a smart-phone app to annual-membership keyfobs come in—they LMA and loops through lower Roxbury, the Montreal-based Bixi won the contract check on station locations and availability of let you skip this part of the process and go Northeastern campus, the Christian Science to run Hubway, which functions just like bikes at each one. right to the dock to unlock a bike. To return Center, the Pru and the Back Bay. systems the firm operates in London, Toronto, Once you pay for your membership, you the bike, reverse the process: slide the bike That puts more than a quarter of the 61 and Melbourne, among other cities. For the can pedal off on any bike from that station into any station, punch in the code, and wait stations in the Boston system —launched in user, the system is simple: Using a credit card and return it to any other station, and you can for the LED indicators on the docking panel late July with 600 bikes—within a 10-minute at any station, you buy what Hubway calls a borrow a bike as often as you want during the to change from green to red. course of your One shortcoming: You can’t rent a FRONT RACK geeky or chic? membership. helmet with your bike. Although all stations BUNGEE SECURES odd design builds The first 30 include maps of nearby stores that sell them, PURSE, knapsack, brand recognition, minutes you in Hubway’s first month, the vast majority of SHOPPING BAGS, or reduces likelihood have a bike are riders appeared to be going without. other treasures of theft free, but keep West Fens resident Steve Wolf never it longer and rides without a helmet. CONTROL PANEL charges mount PUNCH IN CODE OR quickly; with WAVE KEYFOB TO an eye toward HUBWAY IN THE FENWAY RELEASE/DOCK BIKE promoting • Brookline Avenue in front of Best quick turn- Buy at the Landmark Center quick-ADJUST SEAT over, the fee • Brookline Avenue at Overland docking station hits $100 by Street HUBWAY has tweaked the end of the HOW COOL ARE THESE • Yawkey Way at Boylston Street, some station loca- sixth hour. The tions since its july BUILT-IN TAIL LIGHTS? across from Tasty Burger launch. Many sit in idea is to keep • North side of Boylston Street just on-street parking the bikes in west of Mass Ave spaces (with city OK). circulation as Meet Red Sox Foundation Head Meg Vaillancourt by Anne M. Tobin The foundation works with community to Harvard University, and then went on to their department of community affairs. She very resident of the Fenway, East partners to provide services to veterans Oxford for her PhD in philosophy. worked closely with Robert Kraft, who was and West is aware of the Red Sox returning from our current wars and suffering After England, she returned to the known to say, “sports are the new religion to as one of our neighbors, some feel from post-traumatic stress syndrome and United States but did not want to be an which more and more people are moving.” for the better, others for the worse. other non-visible injuries. The Patriots required their players to ation

The Fenway News recently interviewed Meg It sponsors the Red d participate in community service, especially E n Vaillancourt, senior vice president of the Sox Scholars program, u activities for kids. “I don’t really know Red Sox organization and executive director which not only provides anything about football,” she jokes,” but I of the Red Sox Foundation. She gave us a scholarships to inner-city d sox fo know I’m the only person who ever got traded behind-the-scenes picture of the wide range students but also keeps from the Patriots to the Red Sox.” of activities Red Sox players, wives and fans track of their grades and “John Henry and Larry Lucchino deserve

school performance and rtesy of the re a lot of credit for the Red Sox Foundation,” participate in when not playing baseball. u The Sox website describes the founda- occasionally intervenes o she asserts. “The first week I was on the job, Larry came and asked me about growing up tion as “committed to using the power of Red on their behalf. The photo c Sox Nation to create new and strengthened foundation provides in the Webster House orphanage. He said, ‘I community partnerships that will improve the funding, computers, have this idea: In each New England state, we lives of children and adults across New Eng- and other supplies to can adopt an orphanage, brings kids here to land. The Foundation’s efforts are primarily after-school programs our games, but also go to the orphanage with focused on improving health, educational and at Roxbury’s Dimock plans for finding homes for these kids.’” recreational opportunities, as well as social Center. Vaillancourt remembers that “when John service programs in urban neighborhoods.” “And finally,” Henry visited Webster House, he said to the Vaillancourt told The Fenway News quoting again from kids, ‘I came here because we know you can that “when the John Henry and Larry Uniting a Nation, “the become someone—someone who grew up Lucchino took over, they agreed with the Recreation Cornerstone here is now a vice president of the Red Sox, Commonwealth’s attorney general to fund the Program: Red Sox RBI/ and if you set your mind to it, you can also foundation to the tune of $10 million over 20 Rookie League introduces succeed.’ I hadn’t wanted to make this all years. Well, we surpassed that already, and children under the age about me, because it was John’s show, so I will probably more than double it.” Uniting a of 12 to the basics of hadn’t said anything about it. The kids were Nation, a booklet published by the foundation baseball, while Reviving amazed; I talked with them for quite a while, states that the foundation, “the team’s official Baseball in Inner Cities answering their questions about what the Red Sox Foundation Executive Director Meg Vaillancourt charity, donated nearly $3.8 million to non- (RBI) uses the sport to place was like ‘in olden days.’” profits in our community, reaching a total of promote healthy choices In the hour we spent in Vaillancourt’s more than $38 million since the Foundation and valuable life skills including conflict academic. Realizing, with the help of a office we talked about many things that was established in 2002. In recognition of the resolution, resistance to drugs and alcohol, mentor, that she was a good performer and can’t fit into the limited space available to impact of its innovative programs, the Red and educational achievement among at-risk story teller, she decided to pursue journalism, this article. The impressive charitable work Sox Foundation was nationally honored and teens. 2,100+ children and teens have been and came to Boston, where she was offered a done by the Red Sox wives, whose group awarded ‘Best Team Charity in Sports’ by the served through the RBI Youth and Red Sox position on Channel 2 with a program called works closely with the foundation; the use of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Sports Rookie Leagues.” “Women In Training.” She worked there for Fenway Park on non-game days for things like Philanthropy Project.” 10 years with Christopher Lydon, among swearing-in ceremonies for new citizens; the eg Vaillancourt came from a others. “The cameramen were fabulous; the fact that the Red Sox were the second major very challenging background. teamwork was collaborative” she remembers. league team to make an anti-bullying “It Gets The First Church of Christ, Scientist Her father deserted the family From there she moved to The Boston Better” video for the Trevor Project, with the early in her life, and even before Globe, where for nine years she covered the participation not only of team members but of Sunday Church Services & Sunday School her mother died of cancer, she and her four people at all levels of the organization. (no evening service July & Aug.) M Patriots’ quest for a football field at Gillette 10 am and 5 pm siblings were placed in an orphanage. When Stadium, as well as the renovation of Fenway While we may complain about the noise Wednesday Testimony Meetings she was 10, she received a scholarship to a and traffic congestion resulting from Red Sox 12 noon and 7:30 pm (2 pm online) Park. boarding school in Maine where she became Based on their experience of her games, it’s clear that the current occupants Sunday & Wednesday Live Services Online of Fenway Park take the qualities of good ChristianScience.com/OnAir involved in theater. She received a scholarship journalistic work, the Patriots hired her in

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Wed-Sun, Sep 7-11: Montreal’s ethereal Visit www.precinctbar.com or call 617-623- Cirque du Soleil brings “Quiddam” to 9211 for more information, cover charges. pick of the month BU’s Agganis Arena. Tickets start at $35, Sun, Sep 18: The Friends of the Muddy through Ticketmaster and the box office River present a free Riverway concert

(617-353-4628). Wed-Sat at 7:30pm; Fri-Sat with the Dan Bowden Group performing Perhaps a Piece of Mahler’s P hoto: W hoto: at 3:30; Sun at 1:00 and 5:00. www.bu.edu/ blues, gospel, and New Orleans-inspired The New England Conservatory of Music agganis/index.html original work. 3pm in Riverway Park commemorates the centenniel of Gustav iki m

Fri, Sep 9: Mahler’s death throughout the fall semester, e Terry Brooks, legendary author at the intersection of the Riverway, d starting with a performance of his First c ia of the Legends of Shannara series, appears Brookline Avenue, and Netherlands Road. o Symphony on September 26. The concert will mm at the Boston Public Library to kick off Handicapped accessible. For info and rain ons its fall author talks. Other authors this location call 617-566-9720 or visit follow a presentation by Mahler maven Gilbert month include Siman Van Booy (Sep 8) + www.muddyriver.org. FREE. Kaplan, founder of the Mahler-centric Kaplan John Ferling (Sep 12); David Rakoff (Sep 15); Fri, Sep 23: Foundation and an amateur conductor known James Farm with Joshua for his mastery of the Second Symphony. The Hill Harper (Sep 17); Stacy Schiff (Sep 20); Redman, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman, and Sebastian Barry (Sep 22); Janet Ruth Young program of nearly 20 events will bring such Eric Harland. Traditional acoustic jazz unusual performances as the Adagietto of (Sep 23); and Daniel Yergin (Sep 27). quartet instrumentation with a progressive + In the Rabb Lecture Hall. FREE the Fifth Symphony with improvisational attitude and modern sound, Farmer’s tropes and jazz arrangements of Mahler Sat, Sep 10: The Fenway Garden Society music is described as “rhythmically themes. Meanwhile, the conservatory will holds its annual FensFest in the Victory and technically complex while also lob nearly every performing ensemble in its Gardens, 11am-3pm. Music provided by harmonically rich, melodically satisfying arsenal at the deceased Austrian, including the Berklee students and alums, food, flea and emotionally compelling.” Tickets NEC Symphony and Chamber Orchestra; the Wind Ensemble; Contemporary market, raffle, facepainting and other $42-$37-$30. For tickets and information Ensemble; and jazz and improvisation performers. The Mahler programming will activities for children, bocce for their call 617-876-4275 or buy online at www. give student musicians a chance to perform side-by-side with faculty, including grandparents, and gardening awards. FREE. WorldMusic.org. jazz pianist and MacArthur “genius” grant winner Jason Moran. Sun, Sep 11: World premiere of the interfaith Sat, Sep 24: Emmanuel Music performs the oratorio Illuminessence: Prayers for Peace Bach B Minor Mass at Emmanuel Church, Refreshments at 5:30; conversation at 6p. brings Delusion to the beaufully will highlight a free two-hour concert 15 Newbury St. Pre-concert talk at 7pm Reservations requested; please call rehabilitated Paramount Center at 559 marking the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. At with Robin A. Leaver, professor emeritus of + 617-646-0560. FREE sacred music at Westminster Choir College Washington St. in the Theater District. Jordan Hall, hosted by Mayor Menino and Sat, Oct 1: New England Conservatory. Commissioned of Rider University and former president of Delusion is a “powerfully personal The Longwood Symphony by the Vatican, the oratorio by composer the American Bach Society. Performance meditation on life, longing, identity and Orchestra opens its season with a Silvio Amato touches on the commonality begins at 8pm. Tickets $10 (students)-$150. memory.” Tickets, $25-$89, on sale at www. performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird at Jordan Hall. Orchestra members— of human aspiration and universal spiritual Sun, Sep 25: artsemerson.org or at 617-824-8400. The Associates of the Boston researchers, scientists, and medical impulses expressed in the prayers of Wed, Sep 28: Thomas Whalen talks about his Public Library present the thirteenth caregivers, mostly affiliated with LMA Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. 2 book When the Red Sox Ruled: Baseball’s annual Literary Lights for Children awards institutions—designate a nonprofit + pm FREE First Dynasty, 1912-1918. “In the early ceremony and tea party at 2:00 p.m. Award organization to receive the proceeds from Sun, Sep 11: twentieth century, the Boston Red Sox MITHAS will hold a winners M.T. Anderson, Kate DiCamillo, each concert. This one will aid the Boston rode major league baseball like a colossus, Hindustani-Carnatic Jugalbandi Gala Gareth Hinds, and Pam Muñoz Ryan will Healthcare for the Homeless program. In capturing four World Series titles in seven fundraiser at 4pm in MIT’s Kresge be honored for extraordinary contributions addition to Stravinsky, the ensemble will seasons. Blessed with legendary players like Auditorium, 48 Mass. Ave. Featured to children’s literature. Tickets, available at perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No, 5 Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker, Harry Hooper, performers include the Gundecha Brothers www.literarylightsforchildren.org, are $40 in E-flat Major; Verdi’s Overture to La forza and Smokey Joe Wood, and a brand new, and the Malladi Brothers. Tickets are and up, del destino; and Harbison’s Remembering thoroughly modern stadium, the Red Sox $20-$100 but free to MIT students and Tue-Sun, Sep 27-Oct 2: Laurie Anderson Gatsby. Tickets $10 (students)-$75. classical music students with pre-arranged reigned as kings of the Deadball Era.” At the passes. (Classical music teachers, email Mass. Historical Society, 1154 Boylston St. [email protected] to request pre- registered passes for your students.) Sep 13: The King’s Speech (2010); Sep 26, Julie and Sun, sep 11: Marta Greenwood, president 10am—Task Force meeting The following events take place at the Sep 15: Julia (2009) of the Mother Church and member of the Peterborough Senior Center, located two noon—Hispanic Heritage Tuesdays Christian Science Board of Lectureship, Celebration. Bring traditional/regional Latin blocks from Boylston between 100 and 108 • 11 a.m: Exercise with Mahmoud presents a talk, “10 Years Later: LOVE Is Jersey St. (walk down the alley and look left). American food and music for potluck fun. the Victor.” 7pm at the First Church of Sep 21: • 12 noon: Documentaries—Sep 6, Jazz For more information, call 617-536-7154. 11am-noon—Short story discussion; Giants of the 20th Century (2007); Sep 13, Christ, Scientist, 210 Mass. Ave. Or listen author TBD live at www.christianscience.com/ SPECIAL EVENTS Make ’Em Laugh: The Funny Business of + Sep 26: Halle Zucker of Boston College will september11. FREE Sep 7: America (2009); Sep 20, Tony Bennet: The 11am-noon—Short story discussion; talk about memory during the aging process. Music Never Ends (2007); Sep 27, Strange Fri, Sep 16: The Fenway’s own jazz band, stories by Edith Pearlman Recurring Days on Planet Earth (2005) Persian Blue, plays an 8:30pm set at The Sep 8: 10:30am—Visit to Franklin Park Zoo. Wednesdays Precinct, at 70 Union Square in Somerville. Cost of admission is $12 per person, so be Mondays • 10–noon: Blood pressure check with Joyce sure to sign up ahead of time. 11am: Films—Sep 12, Selena (1997); Sep 19, • 1pm: Yoga with Carmen

Wed, Sep 7 • Fenway CDC Family Coalition. Join other families in sharing resources, advocating • Last day to register to vote in preliminary city elections. For more info, call Boston for family needs, and implementing family projects. Please bring a dish to share. Call Election Dept. at 617-635-3767. one week ahead to request childcare for all children under 13. Email Kris Anderson at • Fenway liaison for Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, William Onuoha, holds [email protected], or call her at 617-267-4637x29. office hours: 3:30-5:30pm YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. Bring your concerns about city • Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assoc. board meeting, 6:30-8:30pm Harvard Vanguard, services. No appointment. needed. 131 Brookline Ave., Annex Bldg., Room 3D. Info at 617-262-0657. • Fenway CDC Civic Engagement Committee. Mobilizing to preserve affordable housing • Turnpike Air Rights CAC working session sponsored by BRA. 6:30pm Site in Back and finding ways to make our voices heard. 6:30pm. Note new location! 70 Burbank St., Bay TBD. For site or for info, email Johathan Greeley, project manager at jonathan. lower level. Email Sarah at [email protected] or call her at 617-267-4637x19. [email protected] or call 617-918-4486. Wed, Sep 21 Thu, Sep 8: Ward 5 Democratic Committee meeting; District 2 City Council Candidate Forum followed by endorsements. 7pm, First Church, 66 Marlboro St., corner of Berkeley. • Fenway liaison for Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, William Onuoha, holds Sat, Sep 10 office hours: 3:30-5:30pm YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. Bring your concerns about city services. No appointment needed. • Memorial service for Kip Tiernan, founder of Rosie’s Place and outspoken advocate for • West Fens Community/Police meeting, 5pm, Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive, 2nd fl, the poor. 11am, Old South Church, Copley Square. police substation (next to security desk). • Fensfest, sponsored by Fenway Garden Society. Music, food, tag sale, raffle, and much Sat, Sep 24: more. 11am-3pm in the Victory Gardens across from 11 Park Drive. Memorial services for Maja Wiesl, longtime Mission Hill political and Tue, Sep 13: community activist. 2pm, Community Church of Boston, 565 Boylston St., Copley Square. Ward 4 Democratic Committee meeting. 6:30pm, South End Branch Library, Mon., Sep 26 685 Tremont St. Thu, Sep 15 • Longwood Medical Area Forum. 6:30-8pm. Location TBD. For location or to verify if meeting will be held, email Laura at [email protected]. • Rep. Michael Capuano’s liaison holds office hours: 1-2pm at Fenway Health, 1340 • Preliminary City Council elections for District 7. 7am-8pm For more info, call Boston Boylston. Bring questions and concerns about national issues or legislation. Election Dept at 617-635-3767. • Fundraiser with guest speaker State Treasurer Steve Grossman. Sponsored by Ward 5 Tue, Sep 27 Democratic Committee, 7pm at Lir, 903 Boylston St. Suggested donation $50. • Symphony Neighborhood Task Force meeting, 6pm For location, email Johanna at Sun, Sep 18: Free concert by the Dan Bowden Group sponsored by Friends of the Muddy [email protected] or call 617-635-4225. Neighborhood invited. River. 3pm Riverway Park at intersection of Riverway, Brookline Ave. and Netherlands • Fenway CDC Urban Village Committee meeting at 70 Burbank Street, lower level (note Road. Handicap accessible. Info, rain location, at 617-566-9720 or www.muddyriver.org. new location!). We monitor development in the Fenway and advocate for the kind of Tue, Sep 20 neighborhood we want. Email Sarah at [email protected] or call her at 617-267- • East Fens Community/Police meeting., 6pm Morville House, 100 Norway St. 4637x19.