December 14, 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

Boston.com: First Time Since Original Tea Party, East India Co. Tea Being Dumped During Boston Reenactment 12/13/15

New Haven Register: Webster Bank Taking Over 14 Citibank Locations, Including Downtown Crossing
12/11/15

Curbed: Latest Renderings of Proposed Tower at 171 Tremont St. 12/10/15

Curbed: The Eight Mega-Proposals Vying for Boston's Winthrop Square 12/10/15

Globe: City Council OKs Ownership of Winthrop Square Garage Clearing Way for Redevelopment 12/9/15

BBJ: Bullhorn Plans Hiring Spree, Moving to 100 Summer St. in Downtown Boston 12/8/15

Globe: Yvonne's Nets 'Greatest Transformation' in Globe's 2015 Boston-Area Restaurant Awards 12/8/15

Eater: Zermatt Gelatria and Cafe Coming to The Corner Mall in Downtown Crossing 12/8/15

BostInno: Inside Brick Boston, Boston's First Luxury CrossFit Gym 12/7/15

This Week's Featured Event

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. Also, for the first time since the original tea party, tea from the East India Co. will be dumped in the harbor.

Doors open at 5:45 pm, event starts at 6:30 pm. Women in colonial garb will be at Walgreen Plaza (Washington and School streets) from 6 to 7:30 pm as part of the reenactment (because they weren't allowed in the Old South Meeting House).

Click here to get your tickets. Even if tickets are sold out you can still watch or participate in the parade!

Meetings & Notices

Tonight: MCDRA Meeting at

Modern Theatre

The next Midtown Cultural District Residents' Association meeting will be held tonight (Dec. 14th) at the Modern Theatre (525 Washington St.) 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 scawley@bostonproperties.com.

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 Jsunseri@bizjournals.com

704-973-1813 to learn more about advertising opportunities for this special section.

Arts, Entertainment & Events

Last Night: Milk Street Cafe & Roche Bros. '8 Nights, 8 Windows' Displays

Tonight is the last chance to see two local businesses "8 Nights, 8 Windows" window displays.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Featured Stories

A 15-Foot Tall Gingerbread Lighthouse, Egg Nog Drinks and Holiday Latte Art

Holiday food and drink are some of the best things about the end of the year. Gingerbread houses, egg nog drinks and holiday-themed latte art, are just a few of the options in Downtown Boston.

The pastry team of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common built a 15-foot tall gingerbread macaron lighthouse inspired by the nautical history and Harbor Islands of Boston.

Mast' (45 Province St.) is offering an aged, house-made egg nog that is pasteurized and potent.(Pictured above)

Boston Brewin' Coffee (45 Bromfield St.) is offering egg nog chai lattes!

Back Deck (2 West St.) has a house made egg nog with fig, vanilla-infused Berkshire bourbon and freshly grated nutmeg.

Also, Ogawa Coffee (10 Milk St.) is serving their cappuchinos with snowmen, reindeer and Christmas tree latte art, all designed by Haruna Murayama, the 2010 World Latte Art Champion. (Pictured below)

HomeStart Helps Place Families From

Streets and Shelters in Housing

This time of year gives all of us an opportunity to provide a gift for someone less fortunate. If you are thinking of a holiday gift, please consider donating to HomeStart (105 Chauncy St., Suite 502) whose mission is to prevent and ultimately end homelessness.

Most of HomeStart's clients are living below the poverty line. Many are single parents, victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, persons with disabilities and veterans. Due to generous support, last year HomeStart was able to help place 660 families from the street and shelters into housing. HomeStart also prevented 407 evictions saving those households from the crisis of homelessness. HomeStart's programs are proven effective, and combined with support, they are saving lives. Click here to donate and learn more.

Mayor Walsh and Boston Bruins Hand Out Coats at Macy's Annual Coat Drive

Mayor Marty Walsh, two Boston Bruins and Macy's employees handed out dozens of coats to children during Macy's Annual Coat Drive on Friday afternoon.

After being measured for their correct size, Walsh, Bruins
Frank Vatrano and David Pastrnak and more helped children pick out their preferred coat.

Walsh thanked Macy's for being a great community partner to Boston for events such as their annual coat drive that provides coats to less fortunate children.

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

Earn Points and Cash with Newly-Offered Ogawa Coffee Rewards Program

Ogawa Coffee (10 Milk St.) is now offering a coffee rewards program to show appreciation to their loyal customers. The program allows frequent visitors to earn points and cash value for every cup of coffee they order.

Free Lunch! Capital One 360 Caf� Year End Community Appreciation Day on Dec. 16th

The Capital One 360 Caf� (129 Tremont St.) is hosting a Year End Community Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Dec. 16th.

Free lunch will be served from noon to 2 pm, followed by free hot or iced coffee or tea from 2 to 3 pm. There will also be free cupcakes from 3 to 5 pm. Limit one per person while supplies last. No purchase necessary and you don't need to have a Capital One account.

Next Two 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 two 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. 19th and 26th. The cost is $36 per adult and $28 per child.

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.

Sign Up for January Classes at

Boston Area Spanish Exchange

Want to learn to speak Spanish? Registration is now open for the next course period at the Boston Area Spanish Exchange (50 Milk St.). The next course period begins the week of January 19th.

Click here to see the winter 2016 course schedule and register by Jan. 9th. Also, receive 5% off registration when using the coupon code "BostonBID5" through Dec. 31st.

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 help@bostonbid.org, 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 info@bostonbid.org for more.

City Services

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

For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, newsletter editor, at: dertischek@bostonbid.org