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December 7, 2015
Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Ambassador Services & Links
City Services
In The News
Globe: Boston's Kickoff of Hanukkah in Downtown Crossing with Mayor, Sen. Warren and More 12/7/15

Eagle-Tribune: Salvatore's Lupoli Hands Keys to New Owner 12/6/15 

Jamaica Plain News: Nest Salon is All Natural, Vegan, Eco-Friendly and Chic in Downtown Boston 12/3/15

Eater: Haley.Henry Bringing Tinned Fish and Cheese to Downtown Crossing in 2016 12/2/15

Boston Magazine: Trying Hot Cycling at B/Spoke Studios 12/2/15

Globe: Yvonne's Is Once Again the Place to Be 12/2/15

Eater: Tous Les Jours to Open Downtown at 24 Tremont St. 12/1/15

This Week's Featured Event
View Milk Street Cafe & Roche Bros. 
'8 Nights, 8 Windows' Displays

Two of downtown's businesses are participating in Boston's first juried seasonal Jewish public art project "8 Nights, 8 Windows."

Milk Street Cafe (50 Milk St.) and Roche Bros. (8 Summer St.) are two of eight locations featured in the Hanukkah art project, bringing a fresh understanding of the Festival of Lights to the entire community from Dec. 6th to 14th

The eight chosen pieces were selected by a jury and will be on display throughout the nights of Hanukkah. In addition to the artwork there will also be free public events hosted at several of the windows through the holiday. Click here for info on the project, events and more. 

This public project is sponsored by the New Center for Arts and Culture, in partnership with Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, in collaboration with the Boston Jewish Music Festival and the Boston Jewish Film Festival. 
Meetings & Notices
Next MCDRA Meeting on Dec. 14th at Modern Theatre

The next Midtown Cultural District Residents' Association meeting will be held at the Modern Theatre (525 Washington St.) on Monday, Dec. 14th at 7 pm.


The scheduled agenda includes: the Godfrey Hotel Boston's liquor license application, a safety update from the BPD and MBTA Police and a Imagine Boston 2030's Deputy Director John Fitzgerald will speak. This is a public meeting for anyone to attend. 
 
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].  
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.  
Arts, Entertainment & Events
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
 
Head Wrapping Soiree at 
Temple Place Cafe on Dec. 12th

There will be a Head Wrapping Soiree at Temple Place Cafe (26 Temple Place) on Saturday, Dec. 12th from 6 pm to midnight
This a free event with reggae music by Adowa. There will be a chance to win gifts, drink sorrel, buy head wraps, learn about headwrapping and more. For more info call 617-904-8561 
The 242nd Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party Reenactment on Dec. 16th 

On Wednesday, Dec. 16th, gather at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.), where people met in 1773 to decide what to do about the tax on tea imposed by the British empire. Loyalists and patriots like Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere will be on hand as part of the 242nd Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party Reenactment

Add your own voice to the debate, and after the meeting parade to Griffin's Wharf accompanied by fife and drum. Line the waterfront to witness the destruction of the tea as the Sons of Liberty storm the Brig Beaver and toss tea into the water.

Doors open at 5:45 pm, event starts at 6:30 pm. Click here to get your tickets. 
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.
 
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 through Dec. 23rd from noon to 2 pm. They will also be performing holiday-themed music.

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.
 
Black Nativity at the Paramount Center Thru Dec. 20th

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 through Dec. 20th.  
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.
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.
 
Globe Santa in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 17th

Globe Santa and his truck will be in Downtown Crossing on Dec. 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.
Featured Stories
Must See for Families and Children: Holiday Night Lights Show at Walgreens Plaza

Get into the spirit of the season with our Holiday Night Lights Musical program at Walgreens Plaza (Washington and School streets)This is fun, must-see entertainment for families and children. The program incorporates projected moving snowflakes as holiday-themed music accompany the light show. 

The Holiday Night Lights Musical Program at 
Walgreens Plaza (Washington and School streets) is occurring daily from 5 to 8 pm every 30 minutes. 

Also, more than 100 trees have been lit, and 200 wreaths have been hung on streetlamps throughout the Downtown Boston area. The 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. 

Sen. Warren, Mayor Walsh, Congressman Kennedy and More Celebrate 
First Night of Hanukkah

US Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Joe Kennedy III, Israel Consul General Yehuda Yaacov, Mayor Marty Walsh and more came together on Sunday night to light a 15-foot tall menorah to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Like previous years, Rabbi Rachmiel Liberman of Congregation Lubavitch Synagogue led the festivities. 

"Hanukkah is very important because it represents the first fight of freedom of religion," said Liberman. "Now more than ever, the message of the Hanukkah flames should be spread forth. All people should be able to display symbols of their religion publicly, as we do here."
 
The event featured live music from the 19-piece US Navy Band as hundreds of spectators enjoyed the event. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Leon for the City of Boston)
 
Giving Back During the Holidays: 
How to Donate to Four Area Shelters 

The holiday season can be a very dark place for many people. Please think about donating items and more to these four area shelters who help homeless individuals and the poor. All four are non-profits and donations are tax-deductible.

You can donate to St. Francis House (39 Boylston St.) by clicking here. Another way to support is by hosting a boot drive for men's boots sizes 8+ and women's sizes 6+, or a coat drive for sizes XL+. All shoe and boot donations can be dropped off at St. Francis House, seven days a week.

The Boston Rescue Mission (39 Kingston St.) accepts donations in multiple ways. Click here to learn about financial and property donations or setting up a coin box. Click here for a wish list of items, including flip-flops, bedding, new white socks and more. 

You can donate to Bridge Over Troubled Waters (47 West St.) by clicking hereYou can check out their Amazon Wish List here. Gift cards in $5, $10 and $25 increments to Burger King, CVS, Macy's Primark, TJ Maxx, Walgreens and other Downtown Crossing merchants are also welcome. MBTA passes, Charlie Cards and tickets to local museums, AMC Loews Boston Common, events and more are also welcome. Donors with questions, interest in running a drive or wishing to donate materials or financial support should contact LaTenya Allen at [email protected] or call her at 617-423-9575, ext. 226.

The New England Center and Home for Veterans (17 Court St.) accepts donations in numerous ways. Click here to see the organization's Amazon Wish List and more for desired items. You can provide a monetary donation by clicking here. You can also donate your vehicle by clicking here
Announcements
Help Thousands of Homeless Children Enjoy 
'Christmas in the City' 

Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy (45 Franklin St.) is once again spearheading "Christmas in the City" to provide gifts to thousands of children who live in homeless shelters throughout the Boston area. The all-volunteer non-profit needs your help to provide unopened gifts for infants to teenagers -- toys, arts and crafts, clothes and more. Items do not need to be wrapped.  

Gifts can be dropped off at Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy at 45 Franklin St. from 6 am to 10 pm every day through Dec. 19th. Monetary donations are also desired.

"These kids would wake up with nothing on Christmas," said Jake Kennedy, above. "We want them to know there is magic during the holidays and that Santa keeps his word."

Click here to learn more about Christmas in the City, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
 
Deals & Promos
DeScenza Diamonds Celebrating 100th Anniversary with Open House on Dec. 10th

DeScenza Diamonds (387 Washington St.) is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Thursday, Dec. 10th with a special open house from 5 to 8 pm

Save up to 40% off retail on in store purchases of diamond, gold, silver and pearl jewelry. This does not apply to previous purchases, gift cards, watches, gift ware or selected designer lines. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and is applicable only for in stock merchandise.
Next Three Saturdays: Hot Cocoa Bar at the Avery Bar 

Warm up with a tasty cup of cocoa and treats at Avery Bar's Hot Cocoa Bar (10 Avery St.) as you sit by the fireplace. This special holiday offering is available the next three Saturdays.

Choose your favorite cocoa, top it with a selection of candies, cookies and creams, served with scrumptious holiday sweets and pastries such as Avery Bar's own miniature red velvet cupcakes or peppermint chocolate torte. The Hot Cocoa Bar will be open 3 to 5 pm on Dec. 12th, 19th and 26th. The cost is $36 per adult and $28 per child.
 
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 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. 
 
A Holiday Lunch Tradition is Reborn at Yvonne's on Winter Place

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. 10, 11, 17, 18 and 24 with seatings at noon, 12:30, 1 and 1:30 pm
 
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.  
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
MBTA Construction, Millennium Tower, 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? Click here.

BID Ambassador Services & Links
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. 
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.
City Services


Boston City Seal
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 [email protected].  
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: [email protected]