The City's Transportation and Public Works Departments will host a public meeting Thursday, Nov. 16, to finalize many of the design elements for re-routing the streets leading into Peabody Square. The meeting will take place at 6:30 PM, at All Saints Church Hall, 209 Ashmont Street.

The new design will improve traffic flow, simplify pedestrian crossings, and create space for use as plazas, landscaping and art.

At the meeting, the City will present:

• Detailed plans of the design (which has evolved since the June 2006 design portrayed here)
• Streetscape, landscape and other materials preferred for the Square
• An update on the project schedule and how it will be coordinated with other ongoing initiatives such as the Dorchester Avenue Project

If you're in an artistic mood, looking for a fun activity for the kids, or need to work off some stress, stop by SMAMS' newest business, Plaster Place.

Located at 1730 Dorchester Ave., across from St. Mark's Church, Plaster Place features an assortment of hundreds of plaster figurines. Choose one and paint it in any of 25 colors; owner Lisa Kelley or her helpers glaze it for you while you wait, and you go home with a new masterpiece!

Lisa, a SMAMS resident, got the idea for Plaster Place while driving her son to a similar shop in a suburban mall. She questioned why we couldn't have this kind of wholesome entertainment in our own neighborhood, and answered the question by opening her own business. After two years in Grove Hall she joined us on Dot Ave., and she welcomes all children and adults to "Come in and Paint Something!"

That slogan comes from an adult customer who stopped by after a rough day, saying "I just felt like I had to paint something." With prices starting at $6.99, and located right in Dorchester, Plaster Place's therapy/fun is a great alternative to the psychiatrist or mall.

Store hours are Sunday and Monday Noon - 6:00 PM, Tuesday - Saturday Noon - 7:00 PM. For more information, please call 617-436-0035.

The Peabody Square Tree Lighting and holiday party will take place Saturday, Nov. 25, 6:30 PM at the Peabody Square Fire House. There will be hot chocolate and a sing-along at 6:30. Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive to light the tree and hand out goody bags at 7:00 and the Fire House crew hosts the party at 7:15. For more information, or to help with preparations, please call the SMAMS office at 617- 825-3846.

The Boston Public Health Department has awarded a $20,000 grant to SMAMS as part of its "Walkable Main Streets" initiative. The program allows districts to design programs that encourage walking in local shopping districts.

Realizing that a perception of safety will encourage people to visit the district, SMAMS will use part of the grant to pay for police details at strategic times. We will also fund a walking/ shopping guide to neighborhood businesses, sponsor public events like the tree lighting celebration and the Dot Ave. Scavenger Hunt, and install bike racks at strategic locations throughout the district.

The Boston Home's 125th Anniversary Celebration: "Campaign for Care" will take place Thursday, Nov. 9, at the UMass-Boston Campus Center. The evening will feature performances by Livingston Taylor and Katani & Friends, plus special guest Rev. Liz Walker. VIP reception at 5:30 PM, concert at 7:00, followed by coffee and 125th birthday cake. Stay clear of the candles. For further information, call 617-825- 3905.

The Dorchester Substance Abuse Coalition presents Substance Abuse among Dorchester Youth - Available Resources and How To Access Them Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, at Caritas Carney Hospital, 2100 Dorchester Ave. A light dinner will be served at 6:30. All attending will receive a complimentary copy of a Resource Guide to Substance Abuse Services in our Community. RSVP by November 13 to Lanelle C. Fleming at 617-282- 3200 ext 503.

UMass-Boston presents "Art and the Art of the Self-Portrait," an exhibit through November 29 in the Walter Grossman Gallery, on the 5th Floor of the Healy Library. The exhibit features works by Dorchester artists Elie Alperowicz, Liz Carney, Madeline Carney, Elaine Croce-Happnie, Vincent Crotty, Lee Leonard, Amy Baxter MacDonald, and Melody Winnig.

And much more! For more information on what's going on in Dorchester, and to publicize your Dorchester events, visit SCI Dorchester's D orchester E-Blast

Please support The Connection's sponsors:real estate broker John Nguyen, House Call Cat Grooming Service, and JXD Kids Furniture

John Nguyen is a sales agent with Olde Towne Real Estate Company, 862 Dorchester Avenue. You can reach John at 617-979-1119, 617-861-7249 or jnguyen@oldetownere.com

House Call will groom your cat (or small dog) in your home, where they feel safest. The service offers waterless and full baths, pedicures, soft paws, brush and comb-outs, de-matting, shave downs and lion cuts. For information or to make an appointment call Cynthia Goodridge at 617-265-1800.

JXD Kids Furniture, one of the newest businesses in the SMAMS district, is located at 1825 Dorchester Ave. They specialize in furniture for children, but they also carry adult-size pieces. JXD is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6:00. For more information, please call owner Francisco Gomes at 617-780-0492.