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March 28, 2016
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Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
BID Ambassador Services
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Candidates Forum for 1st Suffolk & Middlesex State Senate Seat on
March 29th
The Downtown North Association is hosting a candidates forum on technology and innovation with five candidates running for the open 1st Suffolk and Middlesex State Senate seat on Tuesday, March 29th at 5:30 pm. This BID is located in this state Senate area.
The following candidates are scheduled to attend: Lydia Edwards, Diana Hwang, Jay Livingstone, Steven Morabito and Dan Rizzo. The candidates will offer their visions for how technology and innovation can impact residents and business owners.
This forum will be moderated by Lauren Dezenski of Politico Massachusetts and is occurring at the Boston Uber offices (239 Causeway St.). |
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This Week's Featured Event
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The Hills are Alive with 'The Sound of Music' at the Boston Opera House
The American musical classic "The Sound of Music" will be at the Boston Opera House starting March 29th through April 10th.
Enjoy the story of Maria and the Von Trapp family as they sing lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. "The Sound of Music" has won Tony, Grammy and Academy awards. Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Book Discussion 'Picturing Frederick Douglass: The Most Photographed American of the 19th Century' at the
Old South Meeting House
On Tuesday, March 29th, learn about Frederick Douglass, the most photographed man of the 19th Century at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.).
Newly discovered photographs revealed that Douglass -- not Lincoln, Whitman or General Custer, as previously claimed -- was the most photographed American of the 19th Century. Learn from University of Nottingham Professor Zoe Trodd as she traces Frederick Douglass' visual journey from fugitive slave to elder statesman, and outlines the legacy of 160+ photographs of Douglass. Book sales at this event are courtesy of More Than Words, a Waltham-based nonprofit. This event is at 6 pm, free and open to the public, but registration is requested by clicking here. |
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Free Movies: 'Cheatin'' and 'Forbidden Room' at Emerson College's
Bright Lights Film Series
Emerson College's Bright Lights Film Series is a free movie series that is open to the public at the Paramount Center's Bright Family Screening Room (559 Washington St.).
On Tuesday, March 29th enjoy the animated movie "Cheatin'," which is about a fateful bumper car collision that brings together the most loving couple in the long history of romance. A discussion with director Bill Plympton will follow the screening.
Showing on Thursday, March 31st will be the movie "Forbidden Room," which is about a never-before-seen woodsman who mysteriously appears on a submarine that's been trapped underwater for months. A discussion with director Guy Maddin will follow the screening.
All screenings start at 7 pm and seating is first come, first served. There is no advance registration. Please click here for more info about screenings and updates on special guests. Click here for a trailer about the spring Bright Lights Film Series. |
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Sip & Learn 'Superfoods' at
Thirst Juice Co. on March 31st
Thirst Juice Co. (44 School St. on Province Street) is hosting a Sip & Learn event about "Superfoods" on Thursday, March 31st.
The term "superfood" appeared in our lexicon in the early 2000's, and since then, foods from chia seeds to bone broth have been revered as "superfoods." But what does that really mean and what's so super about these foods anyway?
Thirst Juice Co. founder Heather Stevenson will discuss the health benefits of some superfoods and introduce you to a few less well-known superfoods. You'll try some easy-to-make make food and drinks that incorporate the foods you've just learned about and receive recipes for the foods you try. This event is from 6 to 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. |
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Former President of Ireland
Mary McAleese to be Honored at Eire Society of Boston's Annual Gold Medal Dinner on April 2nd
The 79th Anniversary Gold Medial Dinner and Award Ceremony of the Eire Society of Boston will be on Saturday, April 2nd at 6 pm at the Omni Parker House (60 School St.). The Gold Medal honoree will be former President of Ireland Mary McAleese.
The awards ceremony will feature Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen as master of ceremonies. For more info or to make a reservation, please contact Cathleen McGrail, event chair, at [email protected] or call 866-560-1050.
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Discuss 'Curation and the Politics of Listening' at Emerson College's
Public Dialogue Series
Emerson College's Public Dialogue Series continues on Tuesday, April 5th with "Curation and the Politics of Listening."
How do we choose what art an audience gets to see? How do we know what they will like, what we like, what will entertain and provoke, and what will sell tickets? How is our curatorial practice a reflection of our own identities and the identities of the audiences we imagine? These questions and more will be discussed at this free event at the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre at the Paramount Center. It will be moderated by Abe Rybeck, artistic director of The Theater Offensive. Click here to RSVP. This event is at 7 pm. |
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Celebrate Women in Fitness on April 5th
You're invited to Celebrate Women in Fitness on April 5th at Women's Fitness Together (27 School St.).
Women's Fitness of Boston is hosting a festive celebration of a community of women committed to fitness and fun in Downtown Boston. No RSVP is required to attend. Meet with any enjoy free samples from vendors including David's Tea, The Vitamin Shoppe, Salon Euphoria and more. This event is from 5 to 7 pm. |
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Tasting at Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars on April 7th
Enjoy a casual tasting of the superb 2013 vintage from Stag's Leak Wine Cellars at Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors (39 Temple Place) on Thursday, April 7th.
Considered one of Napa Valley's first-growths, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars produces world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignons from its historic estate vineyards. Six different wines will be tasted.
There is no cost for this tasting, but spots will fill up so email [email protected] to reserve your seat. This tasting is taking place from 5 to 7 pm. |
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Learn About 'Frederick Douglass: Orator for the Ages' at Old South Meeting House on April 8th
On July 5th, 1852, Frederick Douglass told a group of abolitionists, "This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn." His speech "What to the Slave is the 4th of July," will be discussed during Middays at the Meeting House - Frederick Douglass: Orator for the Ages on Friday, April 8th.
Harvard professor and Mass Humanities board member John Stauffer will discuss the significance of Douglass' speech at its time, the public programs it has inspired and its resonance in 21st Century America. This is part of the Oratory and the Power of Talk series, and is cosponsored by Northeastern University's Department of History. The cost is $6, and it is free for OSMH members. This is taking place at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.). Click here to purchase tickets.
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Last Weekend for Revolutionary Women Freedom Trail Tour
The Freedom Trail Foundation is piloting a new Revolutionary Women Tour, inviting visitors to discover four centuries of women who changed history from Boston. The tour is taking place on Saturdays and Sunday in March, in celebration of Women's History Month. This 90-minute tour feature tales of the early religious rebellions of Anne Hutchinson and Mary Dyer, patriotic actions of Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren, abolitionist movements of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Harriet Tubman, prolific writings of authors Phillis Wheatley and Louisa May Alcott, and landmark speeches of Margaret Sanger and Susan B. Anthony. Led by 18th-century costumed guides, tours will visit the places where these women's voices were heard, their works published, and laid to rest along Boston's iconic red line.
The Revolutionary Women Tour departs from the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (139 Tremont St.) on Saturdays and Sundays in March at 12:45 pm. Freedom Trail Foundation walking tours are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $8 for children. |
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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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The Four Oldest Buildings in Downtown Boston and Why They're Significant
Ever wonder what the oldest buildings are in Downtown Crossing? The City of Boston Archaeology Program has a list of the 100 oldest buildings in Boston. Here are the four oldest in our area and why they're significant (besides being old). All four of these buildings are along the Freedom Trail and rightfully so.
The oldest building in the area is the Old State House, which is above the MBTA station on State Street and was built in 1712. Within these walls, Samuel Adams, James Otis, John Hancock, and John Adams debated the future of the British colonies. Just outside the building, five men were among the first casualties of the battle for independence, in what would later be known as the Boston Massacre. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the balcony to the citizens of Boston in 1776.
The second oldest building in the area is The Old Corner Bookstore at Washington and School streets. This is the oldest commercial building in Boston, and was built in 1718 as an apothecary shop and home on property once owned by Puritan dissident Anne Hutchinson.
The Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) was built in 1729. It was the largest building in colonial Boston, and the site of dramatic meetings leading to the American Revolution. On December 16, 1773, more than 5,000 men crowded into the Old South Meeting House and joined in a fiery debate on the controversial tea tax, which led to the events of the Boston Tea Party.
King's Chapel (58 Tremont St.) was built in 1749. But its history dates back to 1688 when Royal Governor Andros ordered the chapel be built on a town burying ground when no one in the city would sell the congregation desirable land to build a non-Puritan church. The first structure was a small wooden chapel used by a small but growing Anglican community. By 1749, the building was too small for the congregation, which had grown to include a number of prominent merchants and their families.
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Broadway In Boston Announces 2016-2017 Season; 'Wicked,' 'Jersey Boys' and More
Broadway In Boston announced its 2016-2017 season that includes returning shows and new shows not seen yet in Boston. Renew your Broadway In Boston subscription now or get a new subscription by clicking here. The 2016-2017 season includes Something Rotten!, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The King and I, Finding Neverland, The Illusionists, Cabaret, Wicked and Jersey Boys. And coming in the 2017-2018 season will be the smash hit Hamilton! |
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Downtown Boston Organizations Offer
Free Education Services for
Older Youth and Adults
Did you know there are numerous organizations in Downtown Boston offering free education services to older youth and adults who need to improve their English skills or complete a high school diploma? There are actually four organizations in the BID that provides these services: Jewish Vocational Services (75 Federal St.), Bridge Over Troubled Water (47 West St.), the Irish International Immigrant Center (100 Franklin St.) and the International Institute of New England (1 Milk St.).
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| | Graduates from Jewish Vocational Services |
Classes are held during the day and evenings. Adults seeking instruction should check these organizations' websites (links above).
The JVS Adult Diploma Program is a day program. Classes start at 9 am and 12:30 pm. Each student receives an individualized schedule based on his or her availability and outside responsibilities.
Irish International Immigrant Center classes are offered at various skill levels with the assurance that they are matched with the class most appropriate for students' educational goals, learning styles and language needs.
International Institute of New England micro-enterprise programs are offered to immigrants and other lower-income entrepreneurs working towards owning their own business, completing higher education and owning a home.
Bridge Over Troubled Water classes help prepare youth to earn an alternative high-school degree on a flexible schedule with small class sizes. There is rolling admission to enable youth to enroll at any time. Morning and afternoon classes are available to accommodate students who work.
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Donate to One Boston Day Children's Book Drive at Hyatt Regency Boston
The Hyatt Regency Boston (1 Ave de Lafayette) is hosting a One Boston Day Children's Book Drive now until April 30th. The Hyatt is collecting 502 children's books to match the number of rooms in the hotel and is welcoming donations.
To commemorate the Boston Marathon bombing, the City of Boston declared April 15th as One Boston Day. Many organizations are creating One Boston day events - click here for more info or to let the city know about your One Boston Day event.
All children's books will be donated to schools and organizations in need of books. Please donate children's books for kindergarten to middle school or donations to purchase books and book cases. Please drop off books in the 3rd floor lobby. |
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Sign Up for 8-Week Irish Language Course at Irish International Immigrant Center Starting on April 5th
Are you of Irish heritage and have always wanted to learn the language of your ancestors? Do you just love languages and would be excited to learn something new? The Irish International Immigrant Center and Cumann n Gaeilge i mBoston are presenting an 8-week Irish Language Course starting April 5th.
The level of the class is aimed at complete beginners. Irish culture, literature and history will be incorporated into the classes. The classes will be on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 pm starting April 5th at the Irish International Immigrant Center (100 Franklin St. Lower Level). Contact Deirdre McCann at 617-542-7654 x32 or [email protected] to register. The price is $112 for CnaG members and $128 for non-members. You can become a CnaG member by clicking here. |
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Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Membership Opportunity
Are you interested in partnering to promote Greater Boston as a leading destination for conventions, group tours and leisure travel? If so, please consider a membership with the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB).
GBCVB membership benefits include access to Boston's visitors, conventions and the group tour market. Highlights include invitations to GBCVB's monthly open house networking events attended by 300+ hospitality industry guests from 1,200 member organizations. For a complete list of member benefits click here or contact Kamilla Carmignani for more info at 617-867-8277 or [email protected]. |
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Ruth's Chris Steak House 5-Course Dinner Veuve Clicquot Champagne Dinner on
March 30th & 31st
Ruth's Chris Steak House (45 School St.) is offering a 5-course dinner featuring Veuve Clicquot champagne on March 30th and 31st.
The main course is filet mignon and the price is $120 per person. Click here for the full menu and to RSVP. |
A very nice volunteer of St. Francis House donated two round-trip tickets to anywhere JetBlue flies -- and the tickets are being raffled off. Each raffle ticket is $25 and all of the raffle money goes to St. Francis House. Click here to purchase a raffle ticket. The raffle closes on April 1st, with the drawing happening on April 4th.
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Macy's Great Shoe Sale Through April 3rd
Macy's is hosting a Great Shoe Sale that if you buy more, you save more on women's shoes.
The sale is through April 3rd. Buy one pair and save 25%, buy two or more pairs and save 30%. Earn Macy's Money Reward card money with a pre-sale purchase of $50 or more. |
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Construction & Utility Work Updates
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What's Being Built? Millennium Tower, Congress Square 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. |
| | Photo of Congress Square development by BLDUP.com |
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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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