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Highlight of the Month: Toni Morgan
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Toni Morgan (center) celebrates in the company of her loved ones and those who helped her along the way, like USES staff member, Leah Samura (left).
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In a packed Harriet Tubman House on February 2 during USES' Brewers Helping Neighbors event, USES program participant, Toni Morgan, spoke to the dreams that United South End Settlements helps make a reality every day.  Please give generously to support the work USES has been doing in our community since 1891. USES continues to have a remarkable impact on the lives of individuals while acting as a resource to the community-at-large.
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Event Recap: Brewers Helping Neighbors drew a sellout crowd
United South End Settlements' (USES) held its third annual Brewers Helping Neighbors fundraiser on February 2nd. A sellout crowd of more than 300 guests sampled beer from Blue Hills Brewery, Clown Shoes Beer, Harpoon Brewing Company, Mayflower Brewery, Mercury Brewing Company, and Sam Adams Brewing Company.
Mix 104.1's Kennedy Elsey hosted the evening between sets by Los Three. Four New England Patriots Alumni made special appearances as well.
 The night, however, was highlighted by USES' program participant, Toni Morgan. "I don't know where I would be without the help of United South End Settlements. USES stood by me when the father of my children passed away. USES was there for us," Morgan said.
USES President & CEO, Kevin Hepner, summed up the spirit of the night best, "We all gathered in a spirit of fun and celebration for the sole purpose of helping our neighbors in need."
 The event raised close to $17,000 to support the work USES does every year to serve the low-income individuals and families in the South End/Lower Roxbury community.
If you missed out on the event this year, make sure to save the date for BHN 2013 - February 7, 2013.
Thank you to our wonderful BHN 2012 sponsors:
South End Pilsner Sponsors:
Anonymous
Cabot Risk Strategies LLC
M|C Venture Partners
Raphael & Raphael LLP
Friends:
Camp Hale Alumni Association | Donna Owens | Jim Wade
Brewers:
Blue Hills Brewery | Clown Shoes Beer | Harpoon Brewery
Mayflower Brewery | Mercury Brewing Company | Sam Adams Brewing Company
Caterers:
Clerys | Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen | New York Pizza
Not Your Average Joe's | Starbucks
Media Sponsors:
Bay State Banner | Bay Windows | El Mundo
South End News | Stuff Magazine
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Volunteer Spotlight: Lori Hobson
 For the past couple of years, Lori Hobson has been spending the better part of her mornings at United South End Settlement's 48 Rutland Street location, lighting up the lives of many of the children in USES' Early Childhood Education program. Now in her third year of Jumpstart - second at USES - as a Team Leader for the Dolphin classroom, Lori consistently brings a smile to the faces of all the children she teaches.
Outside of volunteering with USES, Lori is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is a life-long Boston resident, growing up a few minutes away in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.
Having gone through the Boston Public School system for both elementary school and high school, Lori witnessed first-hand the need for early education intervention for children.
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Lori with some USES children during circle time
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"I don't think it is fair that by the time that these children get into kindergarten, they are already at a disadvantage just because of where they live," Lori says. "Studies show that once you get behind in education, it's hard to get caught up. For these kids, early intervention is the key to success."
Throughout her time at USES, she has built many memories on which to look back. Her favorite part of the day is circle time, where the children have a chance to practice rhyming. "I love seeing the shy kids that want to speak up, and then get so excited when they get something right," says Lori.
The work Lori does is much appreciated by the Dolphin classroom teachers, Cassie Alexander and Melody Valdes. "We love having her here. Lori's knowledge and infectious personality are a great addition to the classroom. She is a great leader, keeping the children organized and engaged," Melody raves.
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Lori bringing a smile to one of the children in her classroom
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Lori's work with young children will not stop once she leaves the doors of USES. After college, she wants to continue her education by going for a Masters Degree in Education. She has aspirations to teach kindergarten classrooms in Boston, giving back to her hometown school system.
We wish Lori the best of luck as she continues her career and want to make sure she knows she always has a home here at 48 Rutland Street.
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Step on Board planning underway
Now that Brewers Helping Neighbors is completed, we are fully gearing up to make our annual gala, Step On Board, a great success. We will be honoring the contributions to the South End/Lower Roxbury community made by Representative Byron Rushing, Frieda Garcia, and Paulette Ford. These individuals have shown an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our neighbors in the South End, and it will be our pleasure to honor them on June 12, 2012.
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A look ahead...
At 2:00pm on March 29 at the Harriet Tubman House, USES is set to host an Inter-generational Concert. This FREE event will celebrate all stages of life that USES touches as we host some special guests, including Lake Highland Academy Singers from Orlando, Florida, and USES' very own Platinum Singers!
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STAY CONNECTED
 
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SAVE THE DATE
Through April 5
Compositions: Art Inspired by Music
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
February 16
Senior Council Meeting
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
February 24
After School February Vacation Talent Show
48 Rutland Street
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
February 27
April Vacation, Summer Arts & Spring Registration Begin
36 & 48 Rutland Street
Starting at 8:00 am
March 2
Computer Training for Employment Graduation
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
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SPOTLIGHT ON:
ZOCALO COCINA MEXICANA
Chef Erwin Ramos is originally from the Philippines where his family owns three restaurants. He has been in the restaurant business for more than a decade, opening Ole Grill in 1999. Since then, he has been widely recognized with accolades for his restaurants' quality food & service.
At Zocalo Cocina Mexicana, the menu is constantly changing every four months. Chef Ramos welcomes everyone to come to his restaurants and explore his innovative interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Zocalo Cocina Mexicana can be found in the heart of Boston's South End. It is located at 35 Stanhope Street. It offers contemporary Mexican cuisine based on traditional culinary recipes utilizing high quality, authentic, fresh ingredients. Visit their website to learn more and see their menu at www.zocaloboston.net. 
How do you like being in the South End?
We love it. Since we opened Ole Mexican Grill in Cambridge, we had so many customers that were coming over the bridge to try our food and all I ever heard was, "When are you going to open in Boston?!" The opening of Zocalo was a new chapter and we're super excited to be part of the community. Why did you move to the South End?
I always wanted to be in the South End. There are so many amazing restaurants offering a true eclectic mix of styles and fare. The one thing that the neighborhood didn't have was authentic Mexican fare presented the way that we do it. With an upscale flair. From day 1 we've been lucky and have a very busy restaurant, amazing customers and we're part of the patchwork that makes up a truly urban dining experience in the South End. What has been your most memorable experience in the South End so far?
I think it was the first day I had a moment to reflect on what we had done. I looked over at a busy restaurant, filled with a bustling patio and people filling the bar. It was kind of an out-of-body experience and it made me extremely proud to be in such a supportive neighborhood. I run this business with my family who all work extremely hard with me to make our restaurants work. The South End is truly an extension of that family. |
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