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June 9, 2014  
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Learn About Genetically Modified Seeds from 'GMO OMG'  at Emerson College 

There will be one showing of "GMO OMG" on Wednesday, June 11th as part of Emerson College's Bright Lights screening and talk series. Presented in collaboration with Mass Critical and Lighter Culture, "GMO OMG" explores the "corporate takeover and potential loss of humanity's most precious and ancient inheritance: seeds."
Director and concerned father Jeremy Seifert is in search of answers as to how GMOs (genetically modified organisms) affect our children, the planet, and our freedom of choice. Seifert takes viewers on a journey from his family's table to Haiti, Paris, Norway, and the lobby of agricultural giant, Monsanto.  

Emerson College's Bright Lights
 screening and talk series gives the public opportunities to see award-winning theater performances and lesser known movies on the big screen at Emerson's Paramount Center (559 Washington St.)Tickets are $10. Click here for more information and to buy tickets. Show starts at 6 pm. 
The 5 - Where to Watch the World Cup 
No Matter Your Team, There Are Several Places to Watch the World Cup in Downtown Boston 

The 2014 World Cup kicks off Thursday with host country Brazil squaring off against Croatia. The US squad's first match is on Monday, June 16th against Ghana. And Downtown Boston has several places for you to watch and enjoy the games. Click here for a full schedule of the group stage games.

Here are five recommended restaurants in the district to watch the World Cup. But there are plenty of other options to watch the games. Please click here for more places in the district airing World Cup games.
 
This is The Merchant's (60 Franklin St.) first World Cup, but they are ready for the games, offering private dining rooms that are perfect for watching the games with your friends. 

Want to watch the games with a French crowd? Check out Petit Robert Central at 34 Summer St., which has flat-screen TVs, and if the restaurant's name is any indication - there will be French fans in the house, too.

Looking for a more casual atmosphere, then visit The Beantown Pub at 100 Tremont St., which will have the games on, and is a great bar to watch sports.

If you're rooting for England this World Cup, then try watching the games at The Elephant & Castle Pub at 161 Devonshire St., which is a British-themed pub and will be airing the games on TVs.

Another relaxed environment is The Hub Pub at 18 Province St., which promotes itself as a great place to watch sports with multiple televisions, giving everyone a front row feel.  
Announcements
Stephen Brookes, Operations Manager for BID Ambassador Program, Going Over The Edge for Special Olympics Massachusetts

Special Olympics Massachusetts takes fundraising to new heights with its Over the Edge event held from atop the roof of the Hyatt Regency Boston. This year, Stephen Brookes, the BID's Clean & Hospitality Operations Manager, pictured below, will be participating in a once in a lifetime opportunity of rappelling down 24 stories - and raising money for the Special Olympics.    

Brookes needs to raise $1,000 for the Special Olympics to participate, and you can help donate by clicking here.
 
The 4th Annual Over the Edge is being hosted by the Hyatt Regency Boston on July 19, 2014 - and there are spots open to rappel down the building! Sign up to "Toss the Boss" and fundraise to send your boss off the roof of the Hyatt. Spots are limited so register here now. 
Internships Available

The Downtown Boston BID is seeking interested students to help out with a variety of projects. Please send cover letters and resumes to [email protected].
Boston Pride Week Events Ongoing Through June 15th

Boston Pride Week goes through June 15th. There are many events around the Boston area throughout the week, including a parade, discussion panels, concerts, and more.
 
Click here for more information and a full schedule of events.
Deals & Promos
Salon Euphoria Moved, Offering 30% Towards Any Hair Care Service 

Salon Euphoria has moved to 333 Washington St., Suite 221, and is offering 30% towards any hair care service
 
Click here for the 30% off coupon. Also, Groupon patrons, please be advised that Salon Euphoria will honor all Groupons that expired within its relocating time frame. Please call 617-742-7951 to book an appointment.
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
Summer Street Getting a Makeover, Godfrey Hotel and More 

Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Then click here.  

BID Ambassador Services & Links
BID Ambassadors Provide Walking Escorts 24 Hours a Day in Downtown 

The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. BID Ambassadors provide walking escorts all day or night - they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining!
 
Please call 617-261-0066 to arrange an escort or for other BID Ambassador services. Please call 20 to 30 minutes prior to desired escort. You can also email [email protected], which is encouraged. 
Additional BID Ambassador Services
  • Providing walking escorts 24 hours/day: contact 617-261-0066 to arrange. 
  • Landscaping, watering flowers, making sure handicapped ramps are not obstructed and storm drain openings are not clogged.
  • Cleaning and powerwashing in Downtown Boston during warm weather. 
  • Friendly, welcoming downtown presence: helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents, etc. 
  • Contact [email protected] for more.

THANK YOU!
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected]
Featured Stories
Now Open: BONAPITA, Serving Delicious Mediterranean Food on Franklin Street

BONAPITA opened its doors last Thursday at 49 Franklin St., serving Mediterranean fare that is never fried and always healthy.

"Foot traffic - food traffic," is the reason why Ilan Barniv, chef/owner, pictured above, decided to open the business in the Downtown Boston area. 
 
"We serve Mediterranean diet, which is a way of life. It's the way people have dined for centuries around the Mediterranean Sea," said Barniv. "We bake our own fresh pita pocket bread in front of our customers." Then customers can opt for one of four fillings for the pita - chicken a la plancha, lemon and herb meatballs, black bean and beet patties, or a dish of mushrooms, lentils and thyme. Customers can also choose to plate their food over Basmati and wild rice and oven cooked vegetables, or toss it with a salad. 

BONAPITA is open six days a week (closed Saturdays) from 11:30 am to 7 pm
 
New Freedom Trail Markings to Last Longer, Cut Maintenance Costs

Nearly 2,000 feet of the painted sections of the Freedom Trail are being replaced with a new thermoplastic treatment (see below) that will last longer and drastically reduce annual maintenance costs. 
 
 
"Over 4 million people enjoy the Freedom Trail and our great city's historic sites annually," said Freedom Trail Foundation Executive Director Suzanne Taylor. "The Department of Public Works' new brick-resembling treatment will stand the test of time and help residents and visitors navigate the Freedom Trail to experience each of the Trail's 16 sites year-round." 

The thermoplastic strip is red, white, and blue-gray, is about 10 inches wide, and will be laid through crosswalks and on the concrete sections of the painted trail throughout Downtown Crossing, Charlestown, and the North End. The project began at the end of May at Congress Street and will be completed by the end of June. Click here for more information about the Freedom Trail. 
BID's New Maps Make Travel Easier for Visitors Throughout Downtown Boston

Fresh off the press is the BID's new Downtown Boston Visitor's Guide map, which is being distributed by our ambassadors, and handed out to concierges of residential buildings. 

 
"Visitors like the simplicity of our new maps. They can find where they are, where they want to go, and how long it will take to walk," said Steve Brookes, the BID Clean & Hospitality Operations Manager. "The new maps were designed to clearly show points of interest in and around the district, including subway stops, Hubway stations, hotels, the Freedom Trail, and parking facilities."
 
If you would like some of our new maps please email [email protected].
Arts, Entertainment & Events
IAM Concert in the Park with Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps

Enjoy the first-ever free Inspire Arts & Music Concert in the Park at the Norman B. Leventhal Park (130 Congress St.) on Thursday, June 12th.

The Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps, pictured above, will play group performances, small ensembles, solos, and percussion features. The event is open to the public starting at 5 pm, with a private cocktail reception hosted by Putnam Investments at 6 pm. Click here for more information about the event and to become a sponsor.
Arroz Con Coco Meets Taco al Pastor: Ana and Marco Performing at Berklee Performances Series This Week  

The Berklee Performances Series, featuring students from the Berklee College of Music, takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is a perfect way to spend your lunch break. 

Performances are at 100 Summer St. (adjacent to Long's Jewelers), from noon to 2 pmAna and Marco, pictured above, are scheduled to play on June 10th and 12th. Ana and Marco is a duo in which arroz con coco meets tacos al pastor. The duo's music has its roots in Latin America merged with different styles. The Jacinta Clussellas Trio will perform on June 17th and 19th. Click here for a full schedule of performers.    
Free Ice Cream from Mix 104.1 Coming to Summer Street Market Wednesdays 

Swarovski jewelry, local honey, and the official popcorn of the Boston Red Sox are just a few of the items for sale at the Summer Street Market. Also, Radio station Mix 104.1's ice cream truck, pictured below, will be giving out free ice cream products at the market once a month on Wednesdays, starting on June 18th, from 11 am to 1 pm
 
 
The market has a new location (125 Summer St.) this year due to construction on upper Summer Street. The market features original artwork from local artisans, specialty foods, and more on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm throughout the summer.  
Celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony on June 13th 

St. Anthony of Padua was known for his compassion for the poor, and those devoted to the mission of St. Anthony will often care for the poor by providing them with meals. Celebrate the mission of St. Anthony on Friday, June 13th, with the Feast of St. Anthony at the St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center
 
Bread will be distributed to all who come to the Shrine from 7 am to 7 pm as a reminder of our common obligation to care for the poor. All daily Masses will celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony. After the 5:15 pm Mass, the Arch Street Band and Friars will perform Italian songs on the 2nd floor of the church. Light refreshments will be served after the free concert. The St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center is located at 100 Arch St.
 
School's Out Summer Celebration to Benefit the Inner-City Scholarship Fund on June 19th 

The Catholic Schools Foundation (located on Federal Street) is hosting a School's Out Summer Celebration to benefit the Inner-City Scholarship Fund on June 19th.
 
The event features a silent auction, an awards presentation, a hosted bar, hors d'ouevre, lawn games, and more. 
 
The event starts at 6 pm at 9OFS (One Federal St.), with tickets costing $75. Tickets must be purchased in advance by clicking here
 
Team Fox Young Professionals of Boston Hosting a Michael J. Fox Foundation Meet & Greet at Scholars Bistro on June 19th

Join the Team Fox Young Professionals of Boston for a Summer Meet & Greet at Scholar's Bistro on June 19th. If you have a personal connection to Parkinson's Disease, or looking to join a worthy cause, this is a good fundraising social event for you. Come and learn about the Boston Young Professionals group of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which is looking for new members. 
 
Generous food will be provided, as well as a cash bar. Please register here early as this event will fill up fast. Please forward any inquiries to [email protected]Scholars is located at 25 School St. The event is from 6 to 8 pm.

City Services 

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