It is especially important that every member who is eligible seriously consider contributing to the organization by taking an active role. running for a position on the Board is one of the best ways that members can show their support and encourage growth in the GBCA.
Next up was Betty Salemme who informed us of the decision to contribute $2000 to the Ocular Immunology and Uvietis Foundation. this donation was made in honor of Riat M. Pagano, the mother of Julie Doherty Pagano who passed away recently. Julie's sister has this disorder. This large contribution also spoke of the esteem of the GBCA for the outstanding work Julie has done as the Affiliate Representative over the past two years and comes from the $6000brought in from the Trade Show in
April.
The first speaker of the night was Sarah Manoog from the Boston Symphony management. She stated that it had been far too long since the BSO last hosted us. She informed us of the many new amenities and programs. Symphony Plus is a rewards programs for BSO patrons. There are pre and post concert receptions, special dinners, wine and appetizers before concerts. Patrons can buy drinks tickets in advance on line now to speed throught the long lines at the bar during intermission. BSO also now offers special pricing options to encourage younger people to enjoy classical music such as $20 tickets for people under 40 (thanks to assistance from an anonymous donor) and $25 college cards which allow attendance at up to 15 concerts.
An important piece of news was the start of a
Concierge Hot Line for tickets which communicates directly with a person in the box office, not SymphonyCharge, and will enable concierges to purchase tickets for guests.
The Hot Line number is 617.638.9451.
Sarah Manoog then raffled off a table for the Holiday Pops which was won by Muriel Gardner of the Marriott Newton. The GBCA then extended a complimentary Affiliate membership to the BSO for 2010 and we presented them with a check for $2000 as part of our way of giving back to the city and to help sustain the arts as a vibrant part of our lives.
Babz Clough of Boston by Foot then spoke about the Beacon Hill with a Boo. This is the last regularly scheduled tour of the season and it offers a wonderful evening of viewing historic Beacon Hill in a different light: the light of the moon and spooky jack-o-lanterns, with gracious homes whimsickly decorated for fright, and tales of the macabre doings on the hill (and we're not talking about the State House here).
Joe Donlavey of ArtsBoston offered the GBCA comp tickets for the Barnum and Bailey Circus on Oct. 14th or 15th.
Guy Neil spoke about the new Post 390 Restaurant at 406 Stuart St. It's concept is an American Tavern food in a very comfortable environment spread over two floors, with 5000 bottles of wine and 12 beers on tap. Eric Brennan formerly of the Four Seasons, Harvest and other well know restuarants directs the kitchen. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday, dinner on Saturday and brunch and dinner on Sunday.
Guy then spoke on behalf of the Election Committee re-iterating that all positions are open to any eligible member. Letters of Intent to Run for Office must be submitted to Where Magazine by Oct. 23rd (this was later extended to Oct. 29th) to be printed on the ballot. Only those who have submitted a Letter will speak at the meeting, but other write-in candidates are allowed. We welcome Kevin Murphy, the new publisher of Where Magazine, who is assisting Guy in the election process. We are very indebted to Nicole Patti for the work and support she has given to the GBCA through her work at Where Magazine the past few years. We also thank Maureen Howlett for her contributions over the past couple of years; Maureen recently resigned as publisher of Where to pursue other options.
Ted Kennedy of Lucca is hosting our election meeting and he spoke of how they have changed the name of Sasso to Lucca Back Bay to tie it together with the reputation of the North End restaurant. Anthony Rizzata the chef at Lucca Back Bay is keeping a lot of the Sasso menu, but enhancing it with traditional style dishes of the other Lucca.
Affiliate News:
Danielle Slapak spoke about the Oct. 25th opening of the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science (through Feb. 5th) and we thank her for the invitation to the GBCA for the preview on Oct. 22nd. The exhibit features more than 200 props and costumes displayed in settings inspired by the films.
Courtney hadden of Boston Ballet offers concierge a direct number to call her Monday through Friday at her office, and on weekends you can call the box office at Boston Ballet (not the Opera House). Concierge can call the Thursday before a performance and obtain $25 tickets for themselves and a guest. Don't forget, The Nutcracker begins performances on Nov. 27th.
Tim Montgomery spoke of the over 50 years that Panorama Magazine has been published. It is the flagship publication of the New Ventures Media Group which also publishes Playbill. They are actively involved in developing tourism marketing between Korea and Boston. last year they brought a production of Rent to Korea and they are assisting in presenting the Boston Ballet in Seoul.
Unofficial Tours has been delighting visitors to Harvard and Harvard Square since 2006 when it was started by Dan Andrews. It is offered 7 days a week with 6 tours a day. Private tours in a variety of languages can be arranged at a cost of $150.
The meeting wrapped up with Matt Helk of the BSO giving a desciption of the Symphony's performance that night for which the BSO generously supplied tickets for members and their guests.
