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July 28, 2014  
In The News





This Week's Featured Event
R.S Thomas' Poetry in King's Chapel Garden

King's Chapel is holding Poetry in the Garden at its Parish House Garden (64 Beacon St.), from 6 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 30th. The work of Welsh poet R.S. Thomas will be read with a focus on "tracing the spirit of our times."  

Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is appreciated by calling the Parish House at 617-227-2155.
Deals & Promos
50% Off Your Next Suit from Donating to Men's Wearhouse National Suit Drive 

Donate any gently used professional clothing to a Men's Wearhouse location, such as the one at 481 Washington St., and you can help someone transform his life - and receive 50% off your next purchase.

This offer excludes shoes, clearance, and Exceptional Value items.


Donations will be accepted through July 31st, and you will be provided with a sale tax receipt from a local non-profit partner organization. Let people know you #giveasuit on social media and Men's Wearhouse will donate $1 (up to $20,000) to local non-profits each time you do. Click here for more info.
Picnic with Your Dog During Shakespeare on the Common Thanks to Artisan Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton 

Enjoy Shakespeare on the Boston Common with one of three special picnic baskets from Artisan Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is putting on "Twelfth Night" from July 23rd to August 10th (see this week's Featured Event), and you only need to call Artisan Bistro at 617-574-7176 at least 24 hours in advance to order your picnic basket

There are three baskets: The Boston Common is $85 per basket and includes your choice of two specialty sandwiches, two salads, two side dishes and two desserts; The Public Garden is $125 per basket and includes your choice of four gourmet open face sandwiches, two salads, and two desserts; The Rover (for dogs!) is $50 per basket and includes an Orbee-Tuff durable frisbee, a Chuck-It toss ball, a Planet Dog reusable travel bowl, and a hamburger cookie treat baked fresh from Boston Barkery
Limited Time Offer: $15 Tickets to 2014 Boston Tea Party Reenactment  

On December 16th, 2014, you can go back in time 241 years to the Boston Tea Party, and for a limited time only you can save 60% off the regular price of $25 by booking $15 tickets through August 31st
Click here for tickets for this event presented by the Old South Meeting House and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. The offer expires Aug. 31st, with ticket prices jumping to $20 on September 1st.  
Announcements
Boston Recognized as National Historic Site in Journalism in Due Part to Washington Street's Newspaper Row 

Boston was recently named a National Historic Site in Journalism by the Society of Professional Journalists. Emerson College journalism professor Manny Paraschos was mainly responsible for nominating the city.  

Boston has a long history of journalism, such as publishing five of the first seven newspapers in North America. Paraschos' students created The Boston Journalism Trail website, which has an interactive map highlighting major moments in Boston's journalism history. The map highlights "Newspaper Row" along Washington Street through Downtown Crossing. The Row had approximately eight newspaper offices at one time. 
BID Internships Available 

The Downtown Boston BID is seeking qualified, enthusiastic interns to assist with the following projects:

  • Office administration and customer service
  • Policy research and analysis
  • Data collection, input and management
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].  
BID's New Maps Make Travel Easier for Visitors Throughout Downtown Boston

Have you requested your free new Downtown Boston Visitor's Guide map? The new maps are being distributed by our ambassadors to hotels, restaurants, ground level retail stores, and to residential concierges. If you are interested in receiving our new maps, please email [email protected]

Construction & Utility Work Updates 
Summer Street Makeover In Full Swing, Burnham Building Restoration, 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? 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
These Bricks Were Made for Walking On, And That's Why We're Fixing 'Em 

Have you noticed the brick sidewalk on Franklin and Washington streets is being repaired? Starting this summer the BID has employed two masons who have been fixing the broken bricks one at a time. 

The masons, like Angel Castillo, pictured above, began their work on the walkway around Marshalls (350 Washington St.) because there were multiple areas that were causing problems for pedestrians. The BIDs masons will continue to address serious pedestrian hazards throughout Downtown Boston.
King St. Tavern Offers Seven Nights of Entertainment & Prix Fixe Menu at Ames Boston Hotel

Looking for a relaxed place to hang out after work to get a drink, grab some food, and listen to live entertainment? Then check out the newly-opened King St. Tavern on the first floor of the Ames Boston Hotel (One Court St.)

The Tavern's menu includes a la carte and 3-course prix fixe options ranging in price from $19 to $56. Click here for the full menu.

King St. Tavern also features live entertainment seven days a week. King St. Live starts at 7 pm, followed by King's After Party from 10 pm to closing time. Each night features different local bands and DJs, like DJ Jules from Jammin' 94.5 FM, or Wednesday night's The Squabble, a stand-up bass and steel pedal guitar-led group. King St. Tavern opens at 4 pm daily, and closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 2 am on Friday through Saturday.
Winter Place Alley Gets a Makeover 

The Winter Place Alley recently got a makeover thanks to Jim Robertson, owner of Origen Property Investments

"We sealed the bricks so they're easier to wash, and we also solved the persistent puddle problem. We dredged the dry well that was constantly backing up. It's made a big difference," said Robertson. Seasonal planters were also put out in Winter Place Alley, which connects Winter Street to Temple Place

Arts, Entertainment & Events
Go Back In Time with Arthur Griffin Photography Exhibit at Lafayette City Center Passageway 

Arthur Griffin was one of New England's top photojournalists during the 1930s and 40s with the Boston Globe Rotogravure Magazine, as well as Life and Time magazines. Now through October 6th you can see his work of Boston and New England at the Lafayette City Center Passageway through the free exhibit "Arthur Griffin: A Singular Vision." 

The Lafayette City Center Passageway is at 2 Avenue De Lafayette between Macy's and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The passageway opens at 10 am daily and closes nightly when Macy's closes. This exhibit is brought to the public courtesy of the Lafayette City Center, the Griffin Museum of Photography, and the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District.
Luke Niccolli: Performing at Berklee Performance Series This Week  

The Berklee Performance 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 pm. Luke Niccolli, pictured above, is scheduled to play July 29th and 31st. Niccolli was the first place winner of the 2013 BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship. The singer-songwriter's music is described as "...combining the acoustic and pop sensibilities of John Mayer with the edge and arena rock energy of Kings of Leon." Kathryn Hallberg is scheduled to perform on August 5th and 7th. Click here for a full schedule of performers.    
See 'Twelfth Night' for Free on the Boston Common Through August 10th 

The 19th season of Shakespeare on the Common began on July 23rd with the classic comedy "Twelfth Night." 

One of The Bard's most popular plays, "Twelfth Night" follows the journey of Viola and Sebastian, twins separated by a shipwreck, as they encounter loss and love in the mythical land of Illyria. The show is directed by Steven Maler and runs through Aug. 10th. Shows on Tuesdays through Saturdays are at 8 pm, and Sundays at 7 pm. Click here for more information.  
 
Live Music at Readers Park/Irish Famine Memorial Plaza During Lunchtime  

The Readers Park/Irish Famine Memorial Plaza Lunchtime Music series continues with Carlos V. Ramos, pictured below, on August 1st and 2nd.

The series runs on Fridays and Saturdays in front of the Walgreens Emporium (intersection of Washington and School streets) from noon to 2 pm

Carlos V. Ramos is scheduled to play on August 8th, and Vessela Stoyanova is scheduled for August 9th. Click here for a full schedule of performers. 
Looking for a Gift? Shop at the Summer Street Market on Wednesdays & Fridays  
Delicious popcorn, handcrafted jewelry, soy soaps, and candles are just a few items for sale at the Summer Street Market on Wednesdays and Fridays

The market has a new location (125 Summer St.) this year due to construction on upper Summer Street. Original artwork, food, crafts, and more are for sale by local artisans. The market is open 11 am to 6 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. 
$3 Movies at AMC Boston Common 19 Support Good Causes 

All summer long AMC Boston Common 19 is showing $3 movies Monday through Wednesday at 9:30 pm. All proceeds will go to the Will Rogers Institute, the Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, and AMC Cares

"Pompeii" is being shown July 28th through the 30th. "Need for Speed" is being shown August 4th through the 6th. Click here for more info and all movie schedules. 
Art Opening Reception at Artists Crossing 

The Artist Crossing (431 Washington St.) is hosting an opening art reception featuring acrylic paintings by Karen Lammers on Friday, August 1 from 6- 8 pm.

The art reception is free and open to the public. Click here for more info.  

City Services 

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