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April 25, 2016
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Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
This Week's Featured Event
Deals & Promos
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Construction & Utility Work Updates
BID Services & Links
City of Boston Services
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You're Invited:
BID Members Meeting on May 5th;
Celebrating Five Years of the BID!
The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID) will host a BID Members Meeting on Thursday, May 5th from 5 to 7 pm. This will be a celebration of the BID's 5th anniversary! Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing
This meeting will be held in the second floor lobby space of 101 Arch St. and is being catered by Central Bistro. The lobby space is where the campaign to start the BID was kicked off! Please RSVP to Doug Meyer at [email protected]. |
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Impact Advisory Group Meeting for Proposed Development at 533 Washington St. on April 28th
The first Impact Advisory Group (IAG) meeting regarding the proposed development at 533 Washington St. will be on Thursday, April 28th. This meeting will take place at the Modern Theatre (525 Washington St.) from 6 to 7:30 pm.
The proposed development is for a 30-story, 305-foot, 94-unit residential tower. If time remains at the end of the meeting, Boston Redevelopment Authority staff will open the floor for public comment. IAG meetings are open to the public but traditionally community meetings that occur after IAG meetings are the more appropriate meetings for public comment and feedback. Please contact Raul Duverge of the BRA at [email protected] or 617-918-4492 for more info. |
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Vendors Wanted: Downtown Boston
Arts & Crafts Market 2016
The BID is pleased to announce we are expanding the Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts program for 2016 and are seeking vendors.
The market will be operated in various locations throughout the BID district on Wednesdays and Fridays from May 18th to September 17th.
All artwork, crafts and food offerings must be original and handmade by the vendor, vendor studio or enterprise. No mass produced or imported goods are allowed.
Arts and crafts in many categories are desirable, including fiber arts, paintings, photography, stained glass, ceramics, metal, wood, furniture, clothing, children's clothing, toys, items for pets, artisan foods, jewelry and more.
Click here for the vendor application packet, which includes info about the market, participation criteria, cost and regulations. |
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This Week's Featured Event
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Author Talk at Old State House: 'A History of Boston in 50 Artifacts' on
April 28th
Join Joseph M. Bagley, Boston's archaeologist and author of "A History of Boston in 50 Artifacts" for a look at Boston's history by examining ancient fishing grounds to red-light districts. This event is at the Old State House (206 State St.) on Thursday, April 28th at 6 pm.
Bagley will discuss cannonballs, ancient spears, chinaware, and the significance of numerous artifacts to Boston's history. Book sales and signing to follow. This event is free, but space is limited so register here. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Boston Ballet's 'Swan Lake' Opens on April 29th at Opera House
The Boston Ballet's "Swan Lake" takes the stage again at the Boston Opera House on April 29th through May 26th.
"Swan Lake" was first performed in 1877 and is set to Tchaikovsky's romantic and ageless score. The story has been told many times, but is always different in some way. Click here for tickets and showtimes. |
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Health & Wellness Series at marlo marketing: 'What is Ayurveda and Why Should I Care?' on April 27th
marlo marketing (38 Chauncy St. Third Floor) continues its Health & Wellness Series with "What is Ayurveda and Why Should I Care?" on April 27th.
If you're not familiar with the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda, this is a great introduction to secrets of this holistic lifestyle. The cost is $25 per person, which includes an acupressure hand tool set with a one-hand roller and a pressure ring, as well as a laminated acupressure hand/foot chart. Click here to RSVP. This event is from 6 to 7:30 pm at marlo marketing's office. |
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'Boston's Market District and Haymarket: Yesterday and Today' at
Old South Meeting House on April 28th
Learn about the history of Haymarket at a lecture at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) on Thursday, April 28th at 6 pm.
Haymarket began as an expansion to Quincy Market in the 1830s and has changed immensely through the years as Boston has changed. Through it all the market served residents, immigrant families, students and tourists. Historic New England's and author Kenneth Turino will present an illustrated lecture about the market from yesterday and today. Book sales and signings will follow the lecture. This event is free and open to the public, but preregistration is requested by clicking here. Historic New England is a cosponsor of this event.
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Irish International Immigrant Center's 7th Annual Business Leaders Breakfast on April 28th
The Irish International Immigrant Center will hold its 7th Annual Business Leaders Breakfast featuring guest speaker Attorney General Maura Healey on April 28th.
This is a great opportunity to hear Healey speak, participate in a question and answer session and network.
If you would like purchase tickets please contact Mary Kerr at [email protected] or 617-695-1554. |
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'Blood on the Snow' Sneak Peek at Old State House on April 30th
During ArtWeek, the Old State House is offering a free sneak peek of the play "Blood on the Snow" with a behind-the-scenes look, too. This event is on Saturday, April 30th at 4 pm at the Old State House (206 Washington St.). You will get to watch part of a rehearsal, talk to the cast, director and more.
"Blood on the Snow" is a new compelling, site-specific drama that takes place in the very room that the actual events took place 250 years ago -- the aftermath of the Boston Massacre. Click here to register for this free event. The actual play is running from May 12th to May 29th and many shows are sold out, so click here now to get into the shows still available.
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How Well Do You Know Boston? Old South Meeting House Quiz Night on
May 4th
The Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) is hosting a Celebrate Boston Quiz Night on Wednesday, May 4th at 6 pm. Compete for prizes, bring friends to make a team or come by yourself to test your Boston knowledge.
Author and historian Susan Wilson will be the quiz master for this event looking to stump everyone. Get your tickets here now because space is limited and this event sells out. General admission is $15, $10 for students and $5 for OSMH members (with code). Your ticket includes complimentary food and a cash bar will be available. This event is cosponsored by the BID.
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New Flash Forward Festival Art Exhibit in Lafayette City Center Passageway
[Photo]gogues: New England (Part 4), a new Flash Forward Festival art exhibit debuting last week in the Lafayette City Center Passageway. This new and free exhibit is not a definitive study of New England Photography Pedagogues, rather it is a sampling of faculty members from the region.
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| Untitled (Marti) Havana, Cuba
by Dana Mueller |
This exhibit is comprised of the work from nine photography instructors who were invited to exhibit their work by Paula Tognarelli and Frances Jakubek, executive director and associate director of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester.
This exhibit is being presented by the Lafayette City Center, the Downtown Boston BID, Magenta Foundation, the Flash Forward Festival Boston 2016 and the Griffin Museum. The Lafayette City Center Passageway links Macy's with the Hyatt Regency Boston and is open 10 am to 9 pm on Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday. This exhibit will run from April 11th to August 26th.
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Three-Story Forever 21 Now Open in Downtown Crossing
Crowds of eager customers waited in line to get into the brand new three-story Forever 21 on Washington Street in the heart of Downtown Crossing on Saturday. After a ceremonial ribbon cutting customers quickly shopped in the fast fashion destination.
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| | Customers lined Washington Street before the grand opening (Photo by Craig Caplan at @CappyinBoston) |
The first 300 customers in line received gift certificates. This is the 510th Forever 21 store in the country, with 760 stores worldwide in 49 countries. The 19,000 sq. ft. store carries Forever 21 apparel and accessories, as well several Forever 21 lines -- Contemporary, Men, Plus, active, basics, cosmetics, denim and footwear.
The store's phone is 617-542-8292. The store's hours are: 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays.
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See the Designers of Tomorrow!
Open Runway Fashion Show in Downtown Boston on April 29th at Noon
Using the same premise as an open mic night, Open Runway will provide an opportunity for local fashion designers to show their creations in the middle of Downtown Crossing. This event is on Friday, April 29th at noon at Summer and Washington streets.
Fashion designers at every stage of their careers (that includes student fashion designers) are invited to participate in this open air fashion show in Downtown Crossing.
Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week, will serve as host. He will be joined by a team of former LAUNCH designers who debuted their first collections during Boston Fashion Week 2013 and 2014: Jeffrey Dickerson, Tatiana Tejedor, Chynna Pope and Carlos Villamil.
This free event is being presented by the BID, Boston Fashion Week and Platform Downtown. Click here for more info. |
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Signup Now for the Downtown Boston Lunchtime Baggo League
The next Downtown Boston Lunchtime Baggo League is kicking off its season in mid-May. This is a free league and games only take about 30 minutes -- so you'll be back at the office without missing a thing.
Games will be played at 100 Summer St. and 133 Federal St. from noon to 2 pm. Players typically have one game a week. There will be playoffs with prizes awarded after the championship. Please contact Mike Testa at [email protected] to signup or if you have questions. |
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Now You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website
If you have an upcoming event you can now submit your own event to the Downtown Boston BID website. Click here to submit your own event.
Once approved by BID staff your event will be on the BID's calendar section and could be featured in this newsletter on social media and promoted elsewhere.
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Office Space Available at 294 Washington St.
Two fourth floor offices with over-sized windows and a shared waiting room that overlooks the Irish Famine Memorial at 294 Washington St.
This suite would be ideal for therapists, lawyers, accountants, writers or a small startup. It's in the Old South Building, an 11-story office and retail building between State Street and Millennium Tower. It has entrances at 10 Milk St and 294 Washington St. Please contact Nicole Kontos at [email protected]. |
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Macy's Friends & Family Sale Ongoing Through May 2nd
Mother's Day is right around the corner and mom deserves a special gift -- so take advantage of Macy's Friends & Family Sale.
There will be a 25% off discount storewide and 10% off electrics/electronics. The presale to reserve your purchases is through April 23rd and the sale is from April 24th through May 2nd. |
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Boston Area Spanish Exchange Classes:
Next Course Period Begins May 9th
The next Boston Area Spanish Exchange (50 Milk St. 16th Floor) course period will begin the week of May 9th. It's not just Spanish being offered, there's also Intro to Portuguese and more.
Register by April 29th and invite somebody for a free course. Click here for more information about classes and to register. |
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Signup for 'David Maister Presents
High School Hop' Series
Signup now for Downtown Boston resident "David Maister's High School Hop Series" on Sundays starting in September.
Although this 8-week seminar isn't for five months, you should signup now because it books up quickly. This seminar will cover pop music and artists from 1955 to 1963.
This seminar is being held at the Paramount Center's Bright Family Screening Room (559 Washington St.). Only $30 for all eight sessions. Please send a check for $30 per person (plus your email address) to: David Maister, 1 Avery St. Unit 32A, Boston MA 02111. |
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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. |
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BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services in Downtown
The Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
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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| | The daffodils are in bloom in Downtown |
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassador powerwash in Downtown Boston during warm weather
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping by watering flowers
- Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
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Additional BID Services & Info
- Communication and Business Networking: Along with the weekly newsletter; safety and construction/utility alerts and more are provided that affect the district and businesses
- BID staff schedules individual meetings with BID members to discuss neighborhood affairs
- Entertainment programming: The BID sponsors and organizes entertainment throughout Downtown to engage the neighborhood
- Member Advocacy: The BID works collaboratively with the City of Boston and other agencies on behalf of the district. For advocacy-related assistance or questions please contact [email protected]
- Capital/Public Improvements: The BID coordinates and develops streetscape beautification, provides tables and chairs with umbrellas, public art, plantings and more
- Wayfinding: The BID is installing a wayfinding signage system to assist pedestrians throughout the district
- Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing
- Contact [email protected] for more
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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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