Don't miss the last beach party till June! Stop by The Blarney Stone, 1505 Dorchester Ave, on Wednesday, November 17, 7-10 p.m., for the sixth annual Martinis on the Avenue! Try out the new Tiki-Tini, and support SMAMS' and Fields Corner Main Street's work revitalizing our Dot Ave business districts.

Prices have been lowered this year, to $25. Admission includes the Blarney's great hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and a live auction hosted by Craig Galvin. Free parking is available in the Fields Corner Mall.

To purchase tickets online via PayPal, please click here.  If you are mailing payment, please make checks payable to "SMAMS" and mail to St. Mark's Area Main Street, 1914 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124.  (Please mail before Nov. 10.)

For more info on the event, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please call the SMAMS office at 617-825-3846.

Thanks to our major sponsors! The Blarney Stone; Wainwright Bank; The Dorchester Reporter; boston.com/yourtown; Trinity Financial; CWC Builders; WinnResidential; H. Levenbaum Insurance Agency; Neighborhood Health Plan; Boston Main Streets; The Boston Main Streets Foundation; Dorchester House Multi-Service Center; Mt. Washington Bank; Tedeschi Food Shops; Viet-AID; Lavender Designs; HNN Law; Hon. Martin Walsh; Hon. Maureen Feeney; Cedar Grove Gardens; Century 21 Cahill Associates; Domino's Pizza; McCourt Construction Company; Metalsmiths; My Xuyen Gift Shop; Tedeschi Food Shops; Yankee Insurance.

Under a golden autumn sun, Sleeping Moon was dedicated Tuesday, Oct. 26 on Ashmont Station Plaza.  Thanks to the many friends and neighbors who joined sculptor Joseph Wheelwright (in photo), MBTA General Manager Richard Davey, the Boston City Singers, Dorchester Arts Collaborative and SMAMS in welcoming this beautiful landmark.    Watch for more photos and info in a future SMAMS Connection.

Major funding for Sleeping Moon provided by The Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund, the New England Foundation for the Arts, Trinity Financial, DAC Board members, and many community residents.  Site donated by MBTA.

Not to mention what you'll find at the farm stands -

meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, cookies, pastries, flowers, herbs, and all kinds of fall produce from Langwater Farm (now certified organic!), Farmer Dave's, Spring Brook Farm, and Cedar Grove Gardens.  

Free parking available for shoppers at ODWIN Learning Center, 1943 Dot Ave.  Also, two-hour free parking is available on the Ave.

Thanks to Vicki Rugo for photo, and to our market co-sponsors:  Wainwright Bank, ODWIN Learning Center, Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition, Trinity Financial, CWC builders, WinnResidential, The Food Project, and The Boston Main Streets Foundation.  And thanks also to our market hosts, the MBTA.

First in an occasional series on local business gems



There's much more to the SMAMS district than the bright lights of Dorchester Avenue.   The neighborhood is also home to many low-profile yet high-quality businesses tucked away on side streets.  A prime example is Northwind Woodworking, located at 15 Banton Street.  Owner/local resident Thomas Guevin has been "in the trade" for 39 years, specializing in "producing affordable cabinets" (especially built-ins) "that blend in nicely with the surrounding details."  Northwind also does furniture repairs and restoration.  According to Thomas, "The one thing that brings the most satisfaction is a customer who is pleased."  For more information, please  click on the link above and, for additional examples of their work, click here. You can also give Thomas a call at 617-287-0311.