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August 29, 2016
Featured Stories
In The News
Meetings & Notices
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
BID Services & Links
Construction & Utility Work Updates
City of Boston Services
In The News
Metro: Downtown Crossing to Get a Pop-Up Plaza on Tuesday 8/29/16

Boston.com: Bruegger's on Summer Street One of the Most Popular Bagel Shops in Boston 8/26/16

Metro: Inside Look at Two Loft Apartments in Downtown Boston 8/24/16

Globe: When Benjamin Franklin Statue Fell Down They Called Him 8/23/16

Zagat: RUKA and PABU Boston Among Most Anticipated Fall Restaurant Openings 8/22/16

Zagat: Parker's Restaurant One of Boston's Best Restaurant Landmarks 8/21/16

BostInno: Millennium Tower and Winthrop Square Garage Proposal Among Development Moves to Watch 8/20/16
Meetings & Notices
Learn About BID's Strategic Planning Process at DBRA Meeting on 
September 12th

The Downtown Boston Residents' Association will meet on Monday, September 12th at the Modern Theatre (525 Washington St.) at 7 pm. 

The agenda includes a brief safety update from the Boston Police Department, and business updates from haley.henry wine bar and NimNim. 

BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone will discuss the strategic planning process the BID is currently undergoing. This will be a great opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the future of the neighborhood.  

This is a public meeting. Click here for more information about the Downtown Boston Residents' Association. 
This Week's Featured Event
Fireworks Return to Boston Harbor on September 3rd

Boston Harbor Now and the City of Boston is bringing back fireworks over the Boston Harbor on Saturday, September 3rd. 

The barge will be located in the center of the inner harbor, with viewing from the North End, Seaport, and East Boston. The best viewing locations are the North End's Christopher Columbus Park and Long Wharf, East Boston's Piers Park and the Seaport's Fan Pier.  The fireworks and music will also be televised live on New England Cable News (NECN) beginning 8 pm, with music also broadcast on via the Atlas PyroVision smart phone app beginning at 8:30 pm. 
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Boston Calling Block Party at 
Dewey Square with 
The Nonplussed on September 1st

This week's Boston Calling Music Festival Block Party in Dewey Square will feature music from The Nonplussed on Thursday, September 1st. The block parties are free and open to all members of the public aged 21+.

The block parties are a partnership with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Shock Top, Wicked Wines, RadioBDC, CHEN PR and the BID. All block parties will feature local musicians. The parties are from 5 to 8 pm and have a cash bar, lawn games and promotions.
Unearthing Boston Series at Old South Meeting House on September Tuesdays

Learn about the archaeological history of Boston during "Unearthing Boston," a Lowell Lecture Series at the Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) on Tuesdays in September.   

This series is being presented by the Paul Revere Memorial Association. This series is scheduled for: Sept. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th at 6:30 pm. It is free and open to the public.  
Signup for Seminar on Pop Music and Artists from 1955 to 1963 at 
Paramount Theater

Sign up now for David Maister's High School Hop, a seminar on pop music and artists from 1955 to 1963.

Artists to be discussed include Paul Anka, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, Leslie Gore, Little Richard, Buddy Holly and of course, Elvis Presley. 

The seminar costs $32.60 and you can register by clicking here.The seminar will be from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on eight Sundays starting September 18th and taking place at Emerson College's Paramount Theater. Contact David Maister at david@davidmaister.com for more info. 
Boston's 386th Birthday on Boston Charter Day and Events Throughout 
Next Two Months

Celebrate Boston Charter Day throughout September and October with numerous events in and around Downtown Crossing. This year's Charter Day theme is "Passionate Puritans: Marriage, Love, and Sex in 17th Century Massachusetts." 

Admission to the Old South Meeting House is free on Boston Charter Day, September 7th. The Partnership of Historic Bostons has organized events from September 7th through October 26th celebrating Boston's birthday. Events include tours, discussions on numerous topics, including myths and the reality of puritans and sex, the women of Boston's colonial elite and more. Click here for a full listing of all events. 
'Ben Franklin: Son of Boston' Tour on September 8th

Boston By Foot is celebrating the return of the Benjamin Franklin statue at Old City Hall with the "Ben Franklin: Son of Boston" tour on Thursday, September 8th.
Last May the Benjamin Franklin statue at Old City Hall fell down due to a strong gust of wind. The statue was sent away for repairs and will be returning this week. 

Celebrate his return with a walking tour about Ben's haunts and homes in Colonial Boston. Meet in the plaza at Washington and School streets between Walgreens and the Irish Famine Memorial. The tour is $15 per ticket and $5 for Boston By Foot members. It is taking place from 6 to 7:30 pm. Click here for more info and to buy tickets. 
Watch 'Minions,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' and 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' on the Boston Common

Mayor Walsh's Movie Nights return to the Frog Pond on the Boston Common on Friday, September 9th with the smash hit "Minions." 

On Friday, September 16th the classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" will be screened and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is being screened on Friday, September 23rd.

All shows begin at dusk (approximately 7:45 pm) and are sponsored by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Northeastern. Free popcorn will be provided by AMC Loews Boston Common 19. 
St. Paul's Lunchtime Performance Series on Mondays and Thursdays Through September

The BID launched a new lunchtime music series this week outside of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (138 Tremont St.). Solo artists will be performing on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 pm through September (except for Labor Day).

Rachel Sumner, above, is performing Sept. 1st, 8th, 19th and 26th. Holly McGarry is performing Sept. 12th. Kesnel Personnel will be performing Sept. 15th, 22nd and 29th.

Live Soloist Performers at 133 Federal Street Three Days a Week

The BID sponsors soloist performers outside on the 133 Federal St. Plaza on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for everyone to enjoy. 

Hsin Hou Sun will perform on Wednesday, August 31st and Friday, September 2nd. Performances are from noon to 2 pm.
MIXCLA Performing at
Free Berklee Concert Series at 
100 Summer Street Plaza

The Berklee College of Music Summer Concert Series continues at the 100 Summer Street Plaza. The series offers free musical performances every Tuesday and Thursday by Berklee students.

MIXCLA will perform on Tuesday, August 30th and Thursday, September 1st. MIXCLA is led by composer, pianist, and singer Zahili Gonzalez Zamora with Gerson Esteban Lazo Quiroga on bass and backing vocals and Takafumi Nikaido on percussion. This mixture of cultural spices makes the perfect recipe for a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

All performances are from noon to 2 pm. Performances may be cancelled due to weather or changed due to scheduling. Click here to see all of the upcoming performances. 
Redcoats are Coming to Occupy Boston's Freedom Trail

This summer, the Freedom Trail Foundation and the BID offer the opportunity to experience British soldiers in 18th-century Redcoat uniforms reenact guard duty on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between noon and 2 pm.

This historical program utilizes experienced 18th-century costumed Freedom Trail Players who bring the daily actions and atmosphere of British-occupied Boston to life. Residents and visitors can meet the soldiers and engage them in talk about their postings in the hostile environment of colonial Boston as they "occupy" Downtown Boston on Washington, Summer, and Winter streets. 
City of Boston Services
Featured Stories
New Executive Director Wants Your Support for The Genesis Foundation for Children

The Genesis Foundation for Children (60 Temple Place) recently named Kelli Rafferty as their new executive director and one of her goals is to get more people involved with the nonprofit organization. 
Dr. Murray Feingold, left, passed away in 2015. He founded The Genesis Foundation for Children in 1982.

The Genesis Foundation for Children is a non-profit organization that provides funding for the diagnosis and compassionate, coordinated care of children born
with physical, intellectual, and genetic disorders, and to aid them in achieving their full potential. The Foundation primarily supports The Feingold Center for Children, MotherToBabyMA and Therapy and the Performing Arts - Cape Cod (TPA). The Genesis Foundation also provides support to others who share its mission to provide coordinated care to children with special needs.  

"We welcome the opportunity to bring new volunteers and supporters into The Genesis Foundation for Children community," said Rafferty. "We will be having special events throughout the year aimed at raising funds and awareness for The Foundation and the exceptional care given to children with physical, intellectual, and genetic disorders at the Feingold Center for Children."  
The Genesis Foundation for Children staff: Left to right: Alyssa Adams, Special Events Manager; Matthew Hoffman, President; Kelli Rafferty, Executive Director; Christine O'Donnell, Director of Events; Marylou Lemieux, Accounting & Human Resource Manager.
Please click here if you are interested in learning more about The Genesis Foundation for Children. 
Experimental Plaza Popping Up on 
Franklin Street on Tuesday;
Who Wants Free Coffee? 

On Tuesday, August 30th anyone is welcome to enjoy complimentary coffee at an experimental sidewalk plaza on Franklin Street by Arch Street. The Boston Transportation Department is widening the sidewalk to create a plaza from 8 to 11 am.
An artistic rendering. This is not the design being tested.

"We recognize that Downtown Crossing is an area of the City where most people get around on foot and we want to create a better walking environment for them," said Mayor Martin Walsh. "We hope that this test allows us to do more tactical projects elsewhere in downtown and across the City."

The current intersection of Franklin and Arch streets is particularly wide because it was once the location of architect Charles Bulfinch's Tontine Crescent. In the 1790s row houses were built there and the wider area was a small park with trees. 
This is an annotated plan of the project.

"With the T station at Franklin and Washington reopening soon, we know foot traffic will pick up on the street," said Chris Osgood, City of Boston Chief of Streets. "In the future we can imagine a whole network of parks and plazas from Shopper's Plaza to Post Office Square and onto the Greenway."

The Boston Transportation Department is working with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Public Works Department, Millennium Partners and the BID on this project. 
Enjoy Chef Demos from 
Top Downtown Boston Chefs at 
First Taste of Downtown Crossing 
September 25th 

Ever wonder how restaurant chefs create delectable dishes? You'll get to learn about their culinary ways during chef demonstrations at the first-ever Taste of Downtown Crossing. The Taste will be on Sunday, September 25th and will feature more than 20 restaurants and attendees will get to sample fare from all of the restaurants. 

Executive Chef Kelly Armetta, above, of the Hyatt Regency Boston, will be just one of numerous chefs who will be sharing how he creates mouthwatering meals. 

The Taste of Downtown Crossing is a destination event that will showcase the diverse food, culture and entertainment of Downtown Boston. Attendees will enjoy a streetside cafe with performing musicians, a wine and beer garden and chef demonstrations. 
Participating restaurants include: Artisan Bistro, Avenue One, Back Deck, Boston Chops, Central Bistro, David's Tea, Fajitas & 'Ritas, Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors, JM Curley, Kingston Grille & Bar, Legal Crossing, Marliave, Mast', The Merchant, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Papagayo, Roche Bros., Sa Pa, Serafina, Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen, Teatro and Yvonne's.   

The event is from noon to 4 pm. Tickets in advance are $15 or $20 at the event. Click here to purchase tickets.
BID Staff Celebrates End of of Summer at Zermatt Gelateria & Cafe 

Last week the BID staff took a field trip to the Zermatt Gelateria & Cafe inside the Corner Mall for delicious gelato. All gelato is made fresh on the premises every day.

"It was better than ice cream. The Zermatt Gelateria is a hidden gem inside the Corner Mall," said Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, who enjoyed his banana gelato.  
Announcements
IIIC Expands Intern Work & 
Travel Program for Hospitality and Tourism

The U.S. State Department has granted the Irish International Immigrant Center's request to expand the occupational categories for the placement of Irish university graduates in the J-1 Intern Work & Travel visa program.

These graduates have completed degree courses in hotel and restaurant management. The IIIC program offers them the opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and practical work experience. For more info contact the Irish International Immigrant Center (100 Franklin St.) at 617-542-7654 x23, visit www.iiicenter.org or email J1placements@iiicenter.org. 
BID Baggo League Players of the Week

The BID Baggo League Players of the Week are Harsh Gagoomal, left, and Jason Connell, right, both from CIC Boston.
Edible Arrangements (241 Washington St.) is the official sponsor of the BID Baggo League and has been providing gift certificates to players of the week.

The BID Baggo Lunchtime League is a free league that anyone can join. If you are interested in playing please contact Mike Testa, above middle, at 617-482-1928. 
Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market at 
Walgreens This Week

The Downtown Boston Arts & Crafts Market features local vendors offering handmade products.

Vendors will be at Walgreens Plaza (School and Washington streets) from 11 am to 6 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Now You Can Submit Your Own Event to the Downtown Boston BID Website

If you have an upcoming event you can now submit it 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 the newsletter or on the BID social media accounts and promoted elsewhere. 
Deals & Promos
Unique Boutique Back-to-School Sale 

Save money during Unique Boutique's ongoing back-to-school sale on hats, sweatshirts and sports t-shirts. 

Unique Boutique operates two vendor kiosks on Washington Street outside of Old South Meeting House (310 Washington Street) and 7-11 (306 Washington St.). 
BID Services & Links
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. You can also email help@bostonbid.org.     
  • 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
Additional BID Services & Info
  • Communication and Business Networking
  • Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood affairs 
  • Entertainment programming
  • Member Advocacy
  • Capital/Public Improvements
  • Wayfinding
  • Please click here for the 2016 BID Report to learn about the transformation of Downtown Crossing 
  • For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
Construction & Utility Work Updates 
New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects 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. 
THANK YOU!
Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update

BID Logo Lo Res

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