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November 17, 2014  
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Ambassador Services & Links
Meetings & Notices
Last Chance to RSVP for the 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 with your name and business affiliation or local residence to info@bostonbid.org . 
Open to the Public: BPD District A-1 Community Meeting on Nov. 19th

The Boston Police District A-1 Community Meeting is taking place on Wednesday, November 19th at District A-1 (40 New Sudbury St.). 

The meeting begins at 6 pm in the Guard Room. This meeting is open to the public. 
In The News





This Week's Featured Events
'The Trip to Bountiful' Starring Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams at Emerson's Cutler Majestic Theatre

Cicely Tyson is reprising her Tony Award-winning performance as the feisty and funny Carrie Watts in "The Trip to Bountiful," a story of inter-generational family dynamics. Tyson was also honored with a lifetime achievement proclamation by the City of Boston at The Strand Theatre on November 17th, and November 17th, 2014, was declared Miss Cicely Tyson Day in Boston. 

Vanessa Williams and Blair Underwood co-star in the production that is running at Emerson's Cutler Majestic Theatre from Thursday, Nov. 20th through Sunday, Dec. 7th. 

Please note that Williams will not appear in performances on Saturday, Dec. 6th, and Underwood will not appear in the Wed., Nov. 26th performance. The show is being produced by ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage, Jonathan Reinis Productions in association with the Center Theatre Group. Please click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
Salt 'N Peppa's Spinderella DJing at Good Life on Nov. 22nd 

Get out your Adidas bboy gear because Spinderella of Salt 'N Peppa will be DJing at Good Life (28 Kingston St.) on Saturday, Nov. 22nd.  

The music will be a mixture of new and old hip hop, dirty south, reggae and party jams, with plenty of scratching and quick mixing. The event is from 9:30 pm to 2 am with opening DJs before Spinderella. This is a 21+ event and costs $15. Click here for more info.
Arts, Entertainment & Events
The Boston Ballet's 'Nutcracker' Debuts on November 28th - Get Your Tix Now

The Boston Ballet's "Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition for the entire family. This critically-acclaimed production debuted in 2012 with new sets and costumes, and drew raves from critics. This year's production opens on November 28th and runs through December 31st. 

Get swept away by the music of Tchaikovsky, with choreography by Mikko Nissinen. Please click here for tickets and showtimes.
Don't Miss Macy's Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 28th 

Macy's Christmas tree lighting will occur on Friday, November 28th at 5 pm. There will be musical acts, a visit from Santa Claus, pyrotechnics, and a confetti blizzard. The tree will be decorated with 10,000 multi-colored lights and will shine brightly on Summer Street during the holiday season.
 
Boston's Official Christmas Tree Arrives on Nov. 21st, Being Lit on Dec. 4th

The City of Boston's annual Christmas tree will be delivered on Friday, November 21st at 11 am to the Boston Common. The tree will be installed near the Boston Visitors Center at 139 Tremont St., where it will be met by the Boston Parks Commission Chris Cook, Nova Scotia's Minister of Energy and Minister of Communications Andrew Younger, and local schoolchildren. 

This year marks the 43rd anniversary of Boston's Christmas tree being an annual gift from the people of Nova Scotia. This is a way for the people of Halifax to thank Boston for providing emergency assistance when Nova Scotia's capital was devastated by a wartime explosion in 1917.

Click here for the driving and entrance route of the tree, which will be escorted by Boston Police. 

The official tree lighting ceremony will take place from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, December 4th, with the tree being lit at approximately 7:55 pm. 
Artists Crossing Gallery Art Reception for Painter Bernal Murillo on Nov. 20th

The Artists Crossing Gallery (431 Washington St.) is hosting an art reception featuring acrylic paintings by Bernal Murillo on Thursday, Nov. 20th from 5 to 8 pm. Click here for more information.
 
'Which Way Home' Screening & Panel Discussion at Irish International 
Immigrant Center 

The Irish International Immigrant Center (100 Franklin St., Lower Level 1) is hosting a free screening and panel discussion of the documentary "Which Way Home" on November 19th. 

"Which Way Home" shares the story of immigration through the eyes of unaccompanied children from Central America who face harrowing dangers to make it to the United States. The panel discussion will include Avi Chomsky, Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies Coordinator for Salem State University; Jeannie Kain, IIIC Managing Attorney; and Cristina Aguilera, Director of Organizing for MIRA. Advanced registration is advised by emailing/calling Johanne Meleance at jmeleance@iiicenter.org or 617-542-7654 ext. 13. Registration starts at 5:30 pm on day of event and the program starts at 6 pm. Light refreshments will be served.
Historic Holiday Stroll on the Freedom Trail with Deliciousness at the Omni Parker House

Enjoy the Historic Holiday Stroll this holiday season by walking the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston's holiday traditions evolved. Led by 19th century costumed guides, this tour is complete with Boston cream pie, hot chocolate, tea, or wine at the Omni Parker House. 

The Historic Holiday Stroll is running now through January, Thursday to Sunday, 3:30 pm, and is a 90-minute tour. The tour departs from the ArtsBoston BosTix Booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Tickets are $32 for adults, $22 for children. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For reservations and questions please click here or call 617-357-8300.  
Deals & Promos
Mayorsholiday.com Saves You $$, Provides Info on Free Events, Dining Deals, and More 

Now through New Year's Day, Mayorsholiday.com  is a great way to learn about thousands of 1/2 price tickets to more than 100 theater, music and dance performances throughout the Greater Boston region. The website also provides info on free festivities, dining deals, gift ideas, and more. 

Mayor's Holiday is produced by ArtsBoston, and created in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Martin Walsh, and the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Click here for the website. 
Pre-Sell Happening Now for Macy's Friends and Family Sale 

Macy's Friends and Family Sale is back and just in time for the your holiday season shopping. 

Find a gift for everyone on your list, and take an extra 25% off  most purchases, including designers such as: Northface, Levi's, Helly Hansen, Polo, Hotel Collection and more. Cosmetics and fragrances are excluded. Also, take an extra 10% off electrics, electronics, and mattresses. Pre-sell your items now for the best selection, as the pre-sell started on November 10th and goes through December 2nd. The event starts on December 3rd. No time to shop? Call Macy's By Appointment line and let them do the shopping for you at 617-357-3491/3485.
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
Floor by Floor, Millennium Tower Going Up 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.   

 

THANK YOU!
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 info@bostonbid.org.  
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: dertischek@bostonbid.org
Featured Stories
Craving a Kale-Idoscope? Thirst Juice Co. Now Open on School Street Has You Covered With On-the-Go Healthy Options 

Downtown Boston just got healthier with the addition of the Thirst Juice Co. (44 School St.), which opened today (November 17th). The new business features juices, smoothies, acai bowls (food bowls with acai as a base), bottled cold-pressed juices, and small batch house-made soups. 

Husband and wife team Heather Stevenson and Chris Roche, both former lawyers are "aiming to dispel the common misconception that healthy beverages can't be both good for you and great tasting."


"Thirst Juice Co. is the place you go to try green juice for the first time and discover that you actually like it," said Stevenson to Boston Magazine. "We want to offer Bostonians a different kind of on-the-go food and beverage option that makes them feel good about what they're putting in their bodies." 

 
Thirst Juice Co. is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Click here for their website and more info.
Lion and Unicorn to Return Atop the Old State House with New Time Capsule 

Weather permitting, the lion and unicorn statues will be hoisted onto their perches atop the Old State House on Sunday, November 23rd at 10 am. 

(Above photo taken by Reuters) The lion and unicorn have been restored and are eagerly awaiting to return to their homes. The Bostonian Society is also installing a new time capsule in the crown of the lion, which had a time capsule from more than 100 years ago removed after it was taken down to be restored in October. The new time capsule will include letters from three local journalists, a Boston Marathon medal, an iPhone without a battery, and more.
St. Anthony Shrine New Counseling Center Open to Anyone of Any Faith (or No Faith)

The St. Anthony Counseling Service (100 Arch St.) recently opened to provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, and couples. All are welcome to receive counseling from the new service, and you don't need to be Christian, or be a member of a religion or faith.

"The St. Anthony Counseling Service is a new ministry here at the Shrine. We have the Mychael Judge Center for recovery which deals strictly with people in recovery from substance abuse. But that deals mostly with people in crisis or needing to do 5th step work," said Brother Paul O'Keeffe, above. "We also have many friars and lay people who provide spiritual direction through the spiritual direction office but that's also different from what I do in counseling."

Once again, all are welcome, although at this point the Shrine cannot take insurance. A sliding fee scale based on income is offered. Appointments can be made by phone by calling 617-542-2964. Click here to learn more about the new counseling service.
Thanksgiving Info
Major Retailers Store Hours During the Holiday Season 

The BID has compiled a list of holiday season store hours for major retailers in the district. Click here to see when stores are open. Don't see your business listed? Please email dertischek@bostonbid.org with your holiday hours.

Thanksgiving Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton with Turkey, Prime Rib, and More

Make your reservations today to eat Thanksgiving Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton. Indulge in a feast featuring carving stations of roast turkey, prime rib, and a seafood station with shrimp, Jonah Crab claws and oysters. 

There will be family-friendly foods, pastries, live music, and dessert decorating stations. Seating is available from noon to 2:30 pm. $98 for adults and $48 per child. Please call 617-574-7184 to make reservations.
Enjoy Thanksgiving at The Merchant with a Prix-Fixe Three-Course Menu

Make your reservations today for Thanksgiving at The Merchant (60 Franklin St.), which will offer a special prix-fixe menu on that day from noon to 8 pm. 

The prix-fixe three-course menu costs $40 per person and offers your choice of one of five appetizers, one of four entrees, and one of two desserts. Click here to see the full menu and to make a reservation, or call 617-482-6060. 
Make Your Thanksgiving Reservation at Ruth's Chris Steak House Now

Enjoy Thanksgiving without having to do the dishes by dining at Ruth's Chris Steak House (45 School St.). Make your reservations today for a three-course meal that costs $39.95 per adult and $12.95 per child. 

You will have your choice of one of three appetizers, then your main course, a selection of one of four sides, and then dessert. Click here to see the full menu and to make your reservations, or call 617-742-8401.
Announcements
Open Houses for Torit Language Center Montessori Elementary School 

The Torit Language Center Montessori (45 Province St.) is hosting two upcoming open houses for its elementary school (through third grade). The curriculum differentiates for each child, including language and culture study offered in Mandarin, Arabic and Spanish. 

The open houses are being held on Thursday, Nov. 20th from 4:45 to 6 pm, and Tuesday, Dec. 9th from 11 am to noon. The school accepts enrollment contracts beginning February 1, 2015 on a first-come, first-enrolled basis for all families who have visited prior to February 1. To schedule a visit, please register by clicking here on Torit's website and choose an available date that fits your schedule. 

Voting Ends November 20th for 

Brigham and Women's Hospital   

Stepping Strong Innovator Awards


Brigham and Women's Hospital opened public voting on October 20th for the $100,000 Stepping Strong Innovator Awards. The first annual competition was

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. 20. Click 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.

Write a Letter to Santa and Macy's Will Donate $$ to Make-A-Wish

Macy's 7th Annual Believe Campaign began on November 7th and continues through December 24th. Based on the New York Sun's "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial, Macy's "Believe" campaign invites believers of all ages to drop off letters to Santa at any Macy's store. 

Letters should be deposited in special, designated Santa Mail letterboxes. For each letter received in-store or online, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. 
Kaji Aso Studio's Donor to Match Dollar for Dollar of Kickstarter Campaign 

The Kaji Aso Studio (who partnered with the BID on a recent art project) were able to raise $10,000 through a Kickstarter campaign, and now a generous donor has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar for the next $10,000. 

Please donate via  . The Kaji Aso Studio is a non-profit that offers classes in painting, ceramics, poetry and more. They also have exhibitions in their onsite gallery. Click here to learn more about the studio. 
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 help@bostonbid.org, 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 info@bostonbid.org for more.

City Services


Boston City Seal