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December 1, 2015
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Meetings & Notices
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Deals & Promos
Announcements
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Ambassador Services & Links
City Services
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This Week's Featured Event
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Visit Santa Claus on Summer Street Outside Macy's on Weekends
Santa Claus will be outside of Macy's on Summer Street each weekend leading up to Christmas. It is free to tell Santa what you want for Christmas -- just bring your own camera for photos.
Santa Claus, seen above with the Downtown Boston Holiday Brass Band and the Twilight Carolers, will be on Summer Street outside of Macy's from noon to 2 pm and 3 to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. |
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Employment Opportunity:
Chief Financial Officer
The Downtown Boston BID is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Reporting directly to the President/Chief Executive Officer, this position will be responsible for the financial operation and integrated management and implementation of all programs administered by the BID. The CFO will efficiently oversee a cost-effective and public-spirited operation and possess excellent financial and organizational management skills. In addition the CFO will be a collaborative participant in a wide variety of strategic initiatives. Please click here for a full job description.
Qualified applicants should email their resume with a cover letter and salary history or requirements to BID Board Director and member of the CFO Search Committee Stacy Cawley
at [email protected].
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Advertising Opportunity to Support the BID's 5th Anniversary
Boston Business Journal Special Section
The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID) is partnering with the Boston Business Journal to publish a special advertorial section in January in the form of a five-year anniversary report.
This report will focus on the revitalization and renaissance of Downtown Boston, which has captured local, national and international investment and media attention. We invite you to support the report by adding your marketing message. Please contact Jaclyn Sunseri at [email protected]
704-973-1813 to learn more about advertising opportunities for this special section.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Tonight (Tuesday): 2nd Annual Grand Wine Tasting at Boston Wine Exchange
Tonight (Dec. 1st) the Boston Wine Exchange (181 Devonshire St.) is hosting its 2nd Annual Grand Wine Tasting from 4 to 7 pm. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
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'Journey with the Giant' Screening at Modern Theatre on Dec. 3rd;
Q&A with Director Gabbe
On Thursday, Dec. 3rd enjoy a free screening of the documentary film "Journey with the Giant" by James Isaiah Gabbe that addresses the world's burning questions about China's potential rise as the next global super power in the 21st Century. There will be a Q&A with Gabbe following the screening.
Gabbe completed extensive field research in mainland China and the current nations under its power. The film presents a vast array of perspectives, giving outsiders an inside glimpse into the lives of people comprising the People's Republic of China.
This screening is sponsored by Suffolk University's
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Imagine Boston 2030
Traveling Selfie Photo Booth in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 3rd
Imagine Boston 2030 is welcoming the public to take selfies against a futuristic backdrop at a traveling photo booth. The "Picture Yourself in the Future" campaign is a way for those who live, work and play in Boston to help shape Boston's first citywide planning effort in 50 years. The photo booth will be in Downtown Crossing on Summer Street from 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday, Dec. 3rd.
Take a selfie and share your photo via social media using the hashtag #ImagineBoston.
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Globe Santa in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 3rd & 17th
Globe Santa and his truck will be in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 3rd and 17th from 11 am to 2 pm. The Boston Ballet's Nutcracker Bear will also be present.
Since 1956, Globe Santa has delivered joy to local children. Throughout the holiday season, Globe Santa travels around to various locations to raise awareness and funds to provide holiday presents to families in need throughout the Greater Boston area. Click here for more info about Globe Santa. All donations go directly to support Globe Santa, a program of The Boston Globe Foundation.
Globe Santa will be at 413-425 Washington St. near The Corner Mall.
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Black Nativity at the Paramount Center Opening Dec. 4th
Produced by the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Black Nativity is a performance of Langston Hughes' song-play of Jesus Christ's birth. There will be 12 performances at Emerson College's Paramount Center starting Dec. 4th.
This play is a joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. Boston's production is the longest running performance of Hughes' song-play in the world. Click here for tickets and more info.
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Holiday Open House at Old South Meeting House on Dec. 4th & 5th
The Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) is hosting its Holiday Open House -- Whigs, Tories and Family Fun on Friday, Dec. 4th and Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10 am to 4 pm. The open house is free and open to the public.
Warm up with a cup of tea, peruse the Museum Shop for unique holiday gifts, meet colonial characters, learn about tea rituals in historical Boston and view diary entries from young Anna Green Winslow, who attended the church at the OSMH in the 1770s.
On Friday, Dec. 4th will be "And One For the Pot..." about tea in colonial America at 12:15 pm. Join two ladies from The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum as they demonstrate the finer points of 18th century tea brewing and discuss the place of tea in their society. This program is free and open to the public. Click here for a daily schedule at the OSMH. |
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Public Menorah Lighting on Dec. 6th Outside of Macy's
On the first night of Hanukkah there will be a public menorah lighting outside of Macy's (Summer and Washington streets) led by Rabbi Liberman of Congregation Lubavitch Synagogue on Sunday, Dec. 6th.
This event will be from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. There will be a concert starting at 4:30 pm with performances by the US Navy Band and more. Mayor Marty Walsh is scheduled to attend. |
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The Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' at Opera House Thru Dec. 31st
The Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet is being performed at the Boston Opera House through Dec. 31st.
Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker will capture your imagination and transport you to a magical world of brave toy soldiers and dancing candy canes. Follow Clara as she embarks on her journey filled with colorful characters, breathtaking costumes, and majestic scenery. There are many days with multiple shows, including 1 pm (perfect for little ones). Click here for tickets and more info. |
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Two Strolling Performance Groups This Holiday Season: Downtown Boston Holiday Brass Band & Twilight Carolers
The BID is sponsoring two strolling groups this holiday season: the Downtown Boston Holiday Brass Band and the Twilight Carolers.
The four-piece Downtown Boston Holiday Brass Band will be strolling everyday through the district through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm. They will perform holiday-themed music.
The Twilight Carolers will be strolling everyday through the district starting Dec. 1st through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm. They will also be performing holiday-themed music.
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Sweet Harmony Performing
Saturdays and Sundays on
Summer Street During Holiday Season
The singing group Sweet Harmony will be performing holiday-themed music and more on Summer Street (outside of Macy's) on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Hyde Park-based group will bring even more holiday cheer to Downtown Crossing during the weekends. They will be performing on Saturday and Sundays from 12:30 to 3 pm through Dec. 20th. This is BID-sponsored entertainment. |
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Must See for Families and Children: Downtown Boston Is
All Dressed-Up This Holiday Season
We have dressing up Downtown Boston for the holidays. Trees have been lit colorfully, snowflakes are being projected onto sidewalks and streetscapes, and the famous holiday starlight banners are now LED and hung once again above streets.
The Holiday Night Lights Musical Program at Walgreens Plaza (Washington and School streets) will be daily from 4 to 8 pm every 30 minutes. This is must-see entertainment for families and children. The program incorporates projected moving snowflakes as holiday-themed music accompany the light show. Click here for a video of last year's program.
Also, more than 100 trees have been lit, and 200 wreaths have been hung on streetlamps throughout the Downtown Boston area. |
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Enjoy Freedom Trail
Historic Holiday Strolls
Enjoy one of Boston's best traditions -- the Freedom Trail Foundation's Historic Holiday Stroll.
These merry 90-minute tours are led by Dickensian costumed guides leaving from Faneuil Hall Thursdays through Sundays at 3:30 pm. The stroll is complete with a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail, a visit to the Omni Parker House for signature refreshments. Guests receive discounts off museum store purchases at several Freedom Trail sites. Tickets are $29 for adults, $19 for children, and reservations are required 24 hours in advance. All Freedom Trail tours are available as private family or group tours. For reservations and more info please call 617-357-8300. |
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Macy's Tree Lighting Show Kicks Off Holiday Season; Celebrates 50th Anniversary of
'Charlie Brown Christmas'
To the delight of hundreds of spectators, Macy's annual tree lighting occurred on Black Friday. Mayor Marty Walsh and Santa Claus lit the tree after a countdown with audience participation. Walsh addressed the crowd and thanked Macy's for being "a great partner to our city."
The holiday season was officially kicked off in Downtown Crossing to a packed audience with performances by R&B and soul singer Chrisette Michele, Boston-based alt-pop trio Best of Friends, the Boston Children's Chorus, saxophonist Elan Trotman, and The Voice's Meghan Linsey. New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was also on hand, seen below.
Macy's also unveiled its fantastic Peanuts-themed grand windows featuring Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and of course, Snoopy. This year is the 50th anniversary of the beloved "A Charlie Brown Christmas" TV special, which was highlighted during the event.
Below: Macy's Boston GM Laura Britton with Snoopy and Santa Claus. (The first three photos are courtesy of Brian Rettman, the fourth photo is courtesy of Macy's.)
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FriendshipWorks Reminds Us to Think of Our Elders this Holiday Season
As the holiday season begins, while busy with our shopping and preparations, we often forget our elder neighbors. FriendshipWorks (105 Chauncy St.) is a 30-year-old Boston nonprofit that is dedicated to addressing the needs of the growing population of older adults in the area, many of whom are frail, alone and isolated. FriendshipWorks' mission is to reduce elder social isolation, enhance quality of life and preserve the dignity of older adults in Greater Boston.
"The purpose of our volunteers is to provide the power of friendship to our elders by doing exactly what friends and family would do for each other," said Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, executive director of FriendshipWorks. "As a volunteer you're their friend, you're their support, you're their champion."
All of FriendshipWorks programs are provided to elders for free. FriendshipWorks programs include: Friendly Visiting -- providing friendship and support through weekly home visits; Medical Escort Program -- providing physical and emotional support to elders on their medical appointments; Friendly Helpers assisting with short-term tasks or errands; PetPals providing pet visits to local nursing homes and elder facilities; and La Cadena de Amistad, a Spanish bilingual program housed in FriendshipWorks' Jamaica Plain neighborhood office.
If you would like to find out how you can make a difference in an elder's life, please click here or call 617-482-1510. Click here for a video about FriendshipWorks.
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Macy's Friends & Family Sale
Dec. 2nd - Dec. 10th
Macy's Friends & Family Sale starts Wednesday, Dec. 2nd and runs through Thursday, Dec. 10th.
You can shop online one day early starting today (Dec. 1st) and use the promo code "FRIEND" at checkout to receive savings. During the sale take an extra 25% off storewide, or take an extra 10% off electrics/electronics, furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings. |
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A Holiday Lunch Tradition is Reborn at Yvonne's on Winter Place
Beginning Dec. 4th, Yvonne's (2 Winter Place) is bringing back the holiday lunch tradition established by its predecessor, the Locke-Ober.
The seasonal lunch menu will pay homage to the location's storied past with dishes inspired from classic offerings straight from the Locke-Ober archives. Reservations are required and can be made exclusively by emailing [email protected]. This exclusive lunch will be available on Dec. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and 24 with seatings at noon, 12:30, 1 and 1:30 pm. |
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Enjoy Sugar Plum Fairy Tea with Boston Ballet Nutcracker Performers at
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common
Enjoy a Sugar Plum Fairy Tea where guests mingle with costumed characters from Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common (10 Avery St.).
Come for delicious desserts like fresh macaroons, red velvet cupcakes, and dried cherry scones, as well as sing-alongs and interactive holiday crafts courtesy of Catching Joy. This special event is being offered on Saturday, Dec. 5th and Sunday, Dec. 6th at 11 am in the Washington Ballroom. The cost is $60 per adult and $42 per child.
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Mayor's Holiday Special:
Over 100 Holiday Shows Now on Sale
Now through New Year's weekend, you can save on more than 100 holiday shows through the Mayor's Holiday Special. The Mayor's Holiday Special is produced by ArtsBoston, created in partnership with Mayor Marty Walsh, the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) and presented by the Highland Street Foundation. This special deals site gives you access to thousands of ticket deals to more than 100 theater, music, and dance performances throughout the region, as well as free festivities, dining deals, gift ideas, and more. Click here for more info and tickets. |
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Macy's Visitor Center Holiday Package
The Macy's Visitor Center has a new holiday package for $35 that includes a $25 Macy's gift card, Macy's holiday bag, Macy's Boston ornament, Frango chocolates and more.
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AMC Boston Common Hiring for Holiday Season in Anticipation of Star Wars Release
The AMC Boston Common 19 theater is hiring film crew (box office, usher, concession) for the holiday season to prepare for the highly-anticipated Star Wars movie. Click here to apply and may the force be with you.
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Help the MBTA Plan For You By Filling Out the MBTA Rider Census
The MBTA wants your help to plan for you by filling out the MBTA Rider Census. The census only takes five to 10 minutes. Click here to take the survey.
 When the Census is completed, a summary of the results will be posted on the MBTA's web site. |
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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Millennium Tower Headed Towards Completion 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.  |
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BID Ambassador Services & Links
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BID Ambassadors Provide Walking Escorts and Directions
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 or snowing!
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.
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Additional BID Ambassador Services
- Friendly, welcoming downtown presence: helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incident, etc.
- Making sure handicapped ramps are not obstructed and storm drain openings are not clogged.
- Cleaning and powerwashing in Downtown Boston during warm weather.
- Landscaping, watering flowers during warm weather.
- Remove litter and graffiti
- Contact [email protected] for more.
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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]. |
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected] |
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