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November 3, 2014  
Meetings & Notices
Deals & Promos
Announcements
BID Ambassador Services & Links
Remember to Vote on Tuesday! Statewide Election & Ballot Questions on November 4th 

There is a statewide election on Tuesday, November 4th. Click here to learn to learn where to vote. Click here to learn about the four statewide ballot questions. Click here to to see all the 2014 statewide election candidates.
 Please remember to vote! There are no local or special elections scheduled in Boston.
Meetings & Notices
Downtown Boston BID Annual Meeting 

The 2014 annual meeting of the Downtown Boston BID will take place at the Omni Parker House (60 Tremont St.) on Wednesday, November 19th, from 4-6 pm

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will deliver the keynote address. The business portion of the meeting will take place from 4 to 5 pm, with socializing, cocktails and appetizers from 5 to 6 pm. The meeting is taking place in the King Room (second floor). RSVP to [email protected]
In The News




This Week's Featured Event
Boston Ballet's 'Swan Lake' at Opera House Through November 16th 

The Boston Ballet's world premiere performance of Mikko Nissinen's "Swan Lake," the classic fairy tale of sorcery, betrayal, and love, will be at the Boston Opera House through November 16th. 

This is the second collaboration between Mikko Nissinen and award-winning designer Robert Perdziola (set and costume designer for Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker"), and has a new prologue and scenic details that recall the emotion and impact of Petipa and Ivanov's original ballet. The show runs from October 30th to November 16th, with tickets varying in price from $29 to $152. Click here to purchase tickets.
Arts, Entertainment & Events
ArtsEmerson's Polish Film Festival Running Through November 16th 

ArtsEmerson is presenting a three-week film festival celebrating Polish arts and culture. The festival began on October 31st and runs through November 16th

The festival will feature selections from renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese's series Masterpieces of Polish Cinema and the US premiere of Andrzej Wadja's "The Possessed Years Later," (November 14th & 16th) a documentary recalling the creation of his seminal theatrical adaptation of Dostoyevsky's "The Devils."

Click here for a full list of movies, showtimes, and tickets.
Enjoy an Afternoon with Nathaniel Hawthorne at the 
Old South Meeting House 

Massachusetts author Nathaniel Hawthorne never gave a public reading in his lifetime. But on Friday, November 7th, the reclusive author returns to Boston to share his literary prowess with an audience at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.)

Hawthorne is best known for his novels including "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of Seven Gables" that were originally published in Boston. Hawthorne will read from some of his short works exploring the dark side of human nature. A question and answer session will follow. Hawthorne will be portrayed by literary historian Rob VelellaAdmission is $6, and free for Old South Meeting House members. Tea and cookies will be served. Click here to become an Old South Meeting House member.

Melissa Etheridge Concert at Orpheum Theater on November 7th

Musician Melissa Etheridge will be in concert at the Orpheum Theater on Friday, November 7th

The concert starts at 7:30 pm. Click here to purchase tickets. 
Deals & Promos
Macy's Private Shopping Night on Sunday, November 9th 

Macy's is hosting a Private Shopping Night on Sunday, November 9th from 6 pm to midnight. Private shoppers can just walk in, no reservations are needed.

Take an extra 25% off apparel and designers that are usually not discounted. There will be 20% in the Home department. Enlist the help of Macy's personal shoppers and get your holiday shopping done in one night. Enter through the red carpet entrance. Enjoy free gifts and gifts with purchase throughout the Cosmetics department. There will be a Selfie Booth. 
Complimentary Italian Style Buffet After Work on Fridays at GEM 

GEM Italian Kitchen, Nightclub & Lounge is offering a complimentary Italian-style buffet every Friday after work as part of its Thank GEM It's Friday promotion. No catch.

This offer is every Friday from 5 to 7 pm. GEM is located at 42 Province St. Call 617-482-1213 for more info and make reservations for other events.
Free Lunch When You Turn In Your Smartphone at Salvatore's on Mondays 

Salvatore's (545 Washington St.) is now offering guests free entrees if they can part with their smartphones long enough to enjoy a meal. All five locations are offering a buy one entr�e, get one free deal every Monday from noon to 3 pm if diners turn in their tech at the host stand.

Every diner in a party must agree to turn over their devices before being seated. The phones will be tagged and bagged and returned when the diner finishes their meal. Those dining alone are also eligible with a 50% discount on Mondays if they join the revolution.
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, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. 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
  • 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. 
  • Remove litter and graffiti 
  • Friendly, welcoming downtown presence: helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents, etc. 
  • Contact [email protected] for more.

Construction & Utility Work Updates 
Godfrey Hotel Being Built on West Street and Millennium Tower Going Up and Up... 

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.   

 

City Services


Boston City Seal
Featured Stories
Remembering Former 
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino 
1942-2014 

The longest-serving mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, passed away on October 30th, 2014. He was 71, and there isn't a neighborhood in the city that wasn't touched by his advocacy for new community centers, libraries, green spaces, and more.

"We will always be grateful for the commitment and vision Mayor Menino provided for Downtown Crossing and the entire Downtown Boston Business Improvement District," said BID President Rosemarie Sansone. "It is almost impossible to walk down the street looking at the enormous transformation without thinking of his leadership and inspiration. He will be remembered for years to come with deep gratitude and respect."

In appreciation of Mayor Menino, BID staff and ambassadors installed a temporary public memorial on the city seal on Summer Street, which bears Menino's name. People left flowers, posters, and other items. GT Florists (at corner of Washington and Winter streets) donated a memorial wreath. 

Menino was a huge supporter of the Downtown Boston BID, and enjoyed Downtown Boston events like the Summer Performance Series, above in 2010.

"To any who had come to know him, it is no surprise that more than half of Boston had a direct interaction with Tom Menino. No man possessed a greater love for our City, and his dedicated life in service to Boston and her people changed the face of the City," said current Boston Mayor Marty Walsh

"With sheer determination and unmatched work ethic, he took a city that is not as big in size as we are in stature and put us on the world stage as a national leader in health care, education, innovation and the nitty gritty of executing basic city services," added Walsh.


Above (left to right): At the Burnham Building groundbreaking in September 2013 - Christopher Jeffries, Founding Partner of Millennium Partners; Boston Mayor Thomas M Menino; Pam Hamlin, President of Arnold Worldwide, Boston; Edward Roche, Owner and COO of Roche Bros. Photo Credit: Russ Campbell. 

Click here to see all of The Boston Globe's coverage of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's passing.
A 'Doggone Halloween' Costume Parade a Howling Success in Downtown Crossing 

A grrrrrreat time was had by canines and humans alike on Halloween during the "Doggone Halloween" costume parade. The event was cosponsored by the BID and the MSPCA, and held on Summer Street outside of Macy's. 

The grand prize was won by Thomas McKitteerick and his Pembroke Welsh Corgi, who were dressed up as Davy Jones and the Sorcerer, above. They won a dog picnic basket courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, along with a gift certificate to the Artisan Bistro. 

Emceed by WCVB meteorologist Danielle Vollmar, above on the stage, the event drew dogs big and small, large and tall, like the Elle Woods lookalike and her dog dressed up as Bruiser from "Legally Blonde."  

All dog entrants received gifts, and also had the opportunity to taste Puppa Nutter by Nutty Canine, like the bulldog, above, who won Scariest Costume. Three winners received a gift bag from Puppa Nutter, and also a 2015 desk calendar from Pawblo Picasso aka Melissa King, who was on site painting doggie portraits.

Click here for a large photo gallery of the entire event. Got pics of the event? Please share them on social media using the hashtags #DoggoneHalloween or #thisisDTB. 
New Walgreens Open at Washington and Boylston Streets 

A new Walgreens store (620 Washington St.) opened at the corner of Washington and Boylston streets across and adjacent to the Chinatown MBTA station. 

The store is open seven days a week from 7 am to 10 pm. The pharmacy is open the same hours, but 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The store's phone # is 617-279-0662.
Announcements

Brigham and Women's Hospital Opens

Public Voting for Stepping Strong Innovator Awards


Brigham and Women's Hospital opened public for the $100,000 Stepping Strong Innovator Awards. The first annual competition inspired by Gillian Reny, a student and aspiring dancer pictured below, who nearly lost her life when she was injured by the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon.  


Gillian and her family launched the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Fund in February 2014. This fund is designed to inspire innovative research in limb reconstruction, limb transplant, advanced stem cell technology, orthopedic and plastic surgery, and bio-engineering. 


Public voting opened Oct. 20 with a reception at the Lafayette City Center (2 Avenue De Lafayette) and continues through Nov. 20Click here to vote. Every vote matters and you can help change the future of trauma care. The winner will be announced at the 3rd annual BWH Research Day on Nov. 20, and will receive a $100,000 grant to advance trauma research and care.

Review & Offer Public Comment on Boston's Open Space Draft Plan for 2015-2021 

The City of Boston's Open Space Plan Draft for 2015-2021 is now available for review and comment. To view it, please click here.

This draft plan represents a significant update of the current 2008-2014 plan. It examines Boston's open spaces such as Post Office Square Park, above. This draft plan reviews open space neighborhood by neighborhood, and provides overviews of special types of open spaces, such as community gardens, urban wilds, natural areas, greenways, and bikeways.

The review period began October 23rd and ends on November 26th. Comments should be sent via email to [email protected] or by mail to Draft Open Space Plan Comments, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston MA 02118
Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Anthony Shrine on November 10th 

A Red Cross Blood Drive is occurring at the St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St.) on Monday, November 10 from 9 am to 2 pm. This is being held at the Shrine Auditorium. 

Remember to bring a photo ID. Please have breakfast or lunch before donating. Please drink water or fluids frequently before and after donating. Plan to stay for at least one hour and 15 minutes. 
Make Your Neighborhood Safer: Report Crimes to the Boston Police Department 

Remember you can help make your neighborhood safer. If you have any information about a crime that has happened, or a crime that could happen, call CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800- 494-TIPS or text the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).  

The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity. Your tip is 100% anonymous. Click here for more safety tips from the Boston Police Department
Donating $1.92 Will Feed One Person Through the Boston Rescue Mission 
Annual Thanksgiving Campaign  

The Boston Rescue Mission has been providing food and shelter to the needy for more than 115 years, and has launched its Annual Thanksgiving Campaign. A mere $1.92 feeds one hungry person a complete Thanksgiving dinner, helps provide shelter, or other care.

A gift of $15.36 offers a hot meal to eight people, and and $28.80 provides 15 people with hot meals. You can 
donate online by clicking here
, or by calling 617-338-9000 ext. 1201 or 1209
 
Apply Today: Roche Bros. Hiring for New Downtown Crossing Location

The new Roche Bros. supermarket will be opening in early 2015 on Summer Street in Downtown Crossing. Roche Bros. is now hiring for part and full time positions for all departments

Please apply online by clicking here
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].  
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]