Greater Boston Concierge Association

Newsletter

September / October 2014

 

                   

 

 

Important Links

GBCA web site 

 

Les Clefs D'or

 

ArtsBoston.org 

 

Convention & Visitors Bureau 

 


 

 

Lights on!

Opening Our Doors 2014

October 13

The Fenway Cultural District

 

Ringling Brother Circus

October 15th

TD Garden

 

Howl At The Moon Event

October 20th

 

The Point Event

Oct 22nd

 

Swan Lake

Oct 30th and 31st

Boston Opera House

 

 

 

 

 

 

GBCA Discover Gloucester Fam Trip
September 15, 2014
Members of the GBCA were treated to a day of fun and adventure when we took an all-day excursion to Gloucester Mass. A big thank you to Gina  Walker COO of Be Driven Passenger Transportation Solutions for providing such comfortable travel accommodations during our day. www.bedriven.com  Our members were picked up at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and the Copley Marriott before heading to Gloucester. We arrived at the Stage Fort Park in just 35 minutes. The historic park was home to the Gloucester's first settlers in 1623. The fabulous park boasts two beaches, an incredible visitors center , a playground and more. The park hosts outdoor concerts, storytelling, nature walks and special events. The park is pet friendly and the scene of many  wedding photos because of its incredible beauty.  At the very special welcome center we were treated to delicious refreshments while meeting and mingling with the members of the visitors center team.www.DiscoverGloucester.org 
 
Our Be Driven coach was then directed by our host, Executive Director of Discover Gloucester, Linn Parisi [email protected] Along the way out of the park we picked up Discover Gloucester Board member John Orlando, owner of the Harborview Inn. The Harborview Inn is located on 71 Western Avenue, Gloucester,www.HarborviewInn.com.The inn is rich in history, built in 1839. It offers magnificent accommodations with its amazing view of Gloucester Harbor surely make it a destination location for anyone seeking a comfortable place to stay in Gloucester.  Our next stop was at the Man at the Wheel & Fisherman's Wife Statues for a group picture. We then traveled the scenic route of Gloucester before arriving downtown for a tour of the Cape Ann Museum. The museum was amazing having just completed a major renovation process. Our members were some of the first to explore this new space.  www.capeannmuseum.com  After a quick visit to the Beth Williams Studio to meet the famous Beth Williams and see how she creates her incredible glass jewelry,  www.bethwilliams.com we were given lots of discount coupons for shopping on Main Street on our own.
Our next stop was lunch at The Seaport Grille. Members were able to order anything on the menu while gazing at Gloucester Harbor.  The Seaport Grill uses the freshest ingredients prepared by a warm welcoming team.  They have a full bar and large dining room with lots of tables to accommodate any size group. A big thank you to owner Sheree Zizik and her team for providing such delicious food and accommodations for our members  [email protected].
We were then joined by Jeanne Hennessey, Sales Mgr. [email protected]. Jeanne was a delight, so knowledgable about the restaurant, cruise port where the restaurant is located and just outside the door the Beauport Princess. These three unbelievable venues are worth a whole day trip themselves. Jean was such a wonderful guide taking us through all three locations,  sharing with us what makes each one of them so special. The restaurant, the Beauport Princess and the Cruise Port. The Seaport Grill overlooking Gloucester Harbor has delicious food, a heated deck, a large bar and the best staff ever. Everyone was so obliging we cannot wait to go back. The Cruise Port where many of Boston's Cruise ships pull into, to allow visitors to enjoy a day in Gloucester is amazing. It has two incredible floors of function space as well as an outside deck. The 6,000 square foot ballrooms share a beautiful view of the waterfront including a large outdoor balcony. It's hard to believe this is Gloucester's Marine Terminal when you're here for weddings and events. www.cruiseportgloucester.com.  Just when you thought it can get no better, Jean escorted us to the Beauport Princess Cruiselines. This magnificent ship offers sailing for lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. The ship has indoor seating for up to 300 guests but my favorite was the upper outside deck where we relaxed on comfortable outdoor seating. The ship also hosts theme parties and events throughout the year, Valentine's parties, Reggae and Caribbean  nights and more. Folks can dine, dance or just enjoy a leisurely cruise along Gloucester Harbor waterway. The ship has all the elegance of a wedding destination and the comfort of a casual cruise. Jean invited us all back to experience a Beauport Princess cruise first hand.  www.beauportprincess.com  
Once on the road again Linn never disappointed us as she shared with us the rich history of Gloucester as we traveled the scenic back shore road through Gloucester and Rockport. We stopped by the Ryan & Wood Distillery, the first distillery on the North Shore since the abolish of prohibition. The family owned business offers tours and sampling to its visitors. Tours are offered daily and the distillery was recently awarded the "Best Distillery Tour' by Yankee Magazine.  You really need to stop in for a free tour and see what goes into making "The Spirit of Cape Ann" www.ryanandwood.com.
After the distillery, we were back on our coach for more magnificent views of Cape Ann before stopping at historic Gloucester Harbor for a cruise aboard the  Schooner Thomas E. Lannon. Captain Tom  Ellis and his family were amazing hosts, sharing refreshments and guiding us along the harbor.   The Schooner is 65 feet of magnificence, its beauty has to be seen to really be appreciated.   What an amazing ship and a wonderful crew, our members were even invited to raise the sails as we glided along the sights and sounds of the Gloucester coastline. The Schooner Thomas E. Lannon is available for private or public cruises and folks are encouraged to take the time to relax and enjoy the magnificent history of the Gloucester seacoast as told by Captain Tom. Tom, Kay and their son were so experienced with the harbor and the area surrounding it . Just when you thought there was nothing else you could see and learn Captain Tom came up with more details of the sea. He even sent us home with a few artifacts he had carved himself. www.schooner.org
Our last stop of the day was dinner at the Harbor House Restaurant. This is also a restaurant not to be missed. The restaurant's hosts are owners and managers Lenny and Dotty Linquata. www.thegloucesterhouse.com  The restaurant is an amazing place with delightful food and incredible staff. The Gloucester House uses locally caught Atlantic seafood right from its Seven Seas Wharf just outside the door. They offer so much amazing space "The Pub" its meeting and function room and the Compass Rose Room as well as a comfortable relaxed bar area and dining room. Lenny wears many hats at the Gloucester House, chief function coordinator, host,  but the part we really got to enjoy was the historian and story teller role he displayed. We walked in as guests, but came out as friends. I cannot wait to share all the stories Lenny shared with us to my many guests and friends.
What an incredible experience this day was in Gloucester. Everyone we met from the moment we left Boston was exceptional. We learned how quickly and easily it was to travel from Boston to Cape Ann. We shared many delicious meals,  heard great stories, we cruised on a Schooner and we met amazing folks who  shared with us what makes Gloucester so special. Please take the time to share what you have just heard and reach out to these amazing folks and learn firsthand what they do. No visit to Boston could be complete without a stop in Gloucester for our visitors to experience the vibrant Cape Ann.
Thank you again Linn Parisi and Gina Walker,  this astounding trip would not have been possible without your support.
With pride in service,
Betty Salemme

 

        


Adult Class           

At Drawing the Animals, a three-week course on Saturdays, October 18, 25, and November 1, from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, students will learn basic drawing skills that they can continue to improve independently. Participants will practice drawing techniques in the classroom, followed by sketching animal specimens in the galleries.

 

Fees: $95 members/$110 nonmembers. Advance registration required. Register online.  

Kids' Class           

Sketch face-to-face with a zebra, ostrich, tiger and more at Animal Artists, a four-week class on Tuesdays, October 21, 28, November 4, and 18, from 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm. Learn to draw animals from the museum's collections, focusing on new animals each week. Students will gain greater confidence in their skills as well as a new appreciation for the animal world.

 

Fees: $80 members/$95 nonmembers. Advance registration required. Register online.  

Family Program            

Come dig in the dirt at Exploring Science Together: Plants!, on Saturday, November 8, from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Learn together with hands-on activities that show us why plants are such an important part of our daily lives. Explore the museum's amazing Glass Flowers gallery, examine dried specimens from the botanical collections, and dissect a flower. Plant some seeds to continue the learning at home. All activities are designed to be a fun and interactive experience for families with children in grades K-5.

Per person fees: $10 members/$20 nonmembers. Includes museum admission. Advance registration required. Register online. 

 

Glass Flowers Tours            

In charge of programs for your club or alumni group? Consider offering a docent-led group tour of the remarkable Glass Flowers, offered every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm. Tours now include a visit to the new exhibition Sea Creatures in Glass, which contains glass models of marine invertebrates. For information on group tour pricing, please see our website.  

 

JSD Group | Jeffrey Boston

75 Newbury St Suite #2 Boston 02116 

 

 

 

J S D group specializes in modern haircutting and modern hair color design. Housed in a chic 2000 sq ft loft space, the vibe is welcoming and effortlessly cool. Featuring the revolutionary R+Co product line. Listed as one of the top 100 Salons in the U.S. by ELLE magazine for 2014 and voted Best Haircut by Details Magazine.

 

 

  www.jeffreyboston.com/

 

 
 

FRIDAY, October 17th 2014 AT 7:00PM

Club 137

Row: AA, BB, CC seats 1-9

Row: A, seats 1-9

Row: B, C, D, seats 1-15

TICKETS ARE $22.00 EACH

 

SATURDAY, October 18th 2014 AT 3:00PM

Loge 8

Row 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

TICKETS ARE $32.00 EACH

 

Club 137

Row AA, BB, CC seats 1-9

Row A, 1-9

Row B, 1-15

TICKETS ARE $32.00 EACH

To purchase tickets please call:

Betty Salemme at 617-385-4510 or email:[email protected]

Natalia Wilk at 617-385-5049 or email: [email protected] 

Dead line is October 8, 2014

 

 

 

Old Town Trolley Tours would like to thank all who attended our Ghosts & Gravestones tour on September 11, 2014. It was a fun way for us to introduce the tour to those concierges who have never taken our Ghosts & Gravestone Frightseeing Tour, welcome back those who have taken it in the past, and to get everyone familiar our new Ghosts & Gravestones online reservation system. After our tour, which included stories from our actors, "Mercy Witherer", "Franklin Lynch", and "Devlin Cormac", stops at Copp's Hill and Granary Burial Grounds, and the Boston Common, complete with live bats (that was an added bonus!), we went to the Central Wharf Company, operated by the Glynn Hospitality Group, for food, cocktails and socializing. We thank the Glynn Hospitality Group, long time partners with Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston, for the wonderful generosity that they showed us.
 

 

 

 


 

 

WHERE Good Logo  
Newbury Street Stroll
 
We could not have asked for a better night for Where Boston's annual Newbury Street Stroll on September 22nd. The concierges strolled down Newbury Street and visited five stores and ended at a restaurant. Our stops included: Bauer Wine & Spirits, Fjallraven, Frye Company, Peruvian Connection, and Reflections. We finished our stroll at Papa Razzi where they greeted us with drinks and a delicious platter of hors d'oeuvres. Along with the goody bags we received at each stop, raffle prizes were given out left and right. A good time was had by all and we cannot wait to see everyone at the next event.
 

 

 

With Sadness...

Our good friend and colleague Julie Hennebury, concierge at the Marriott Long Wharf and long-time member of the concierge community's  mom has passed away. Our deepest sympathy to Julie and her entire family.  

 

The services for Ann Guide are listed below.  

 

Ann C. "Nancy " Guide of Morton St., Winthrop passed away at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on September 19, 2014. She was 82 years old. Born in Boston, she was the beloved daughter of the late Mary (Healy) and Eben Wheeler.

 

She was the devoted wife of John R. Guide and the loving mother of Julianne Hennebury of Quincy, Christine Alviti of Melrose, Maria Antonuccio of Melrose, John R. Guide of Winthrop and Nanette Guide of Winthrop. Dear sister of Mary O'Connell of Hyde Park, Joan McLellan of Brewster and the late Robert, Thomas, Edward, Ruth and George Wheeler. Also survived by 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

 

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from Caggiano's Funeral Home 147 Winthrop St 02152 617-329-5886 on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow the mass in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

 

Betty Salemme

GBCA President


 

 

GBCA 2014 Board

President: Betty Salemme

Vice President of Operations: Daymeyn Gantt 

Vice President of Public Relations: Evan Martin
 
 Vice President of Membership: Ellen Coppinger

Chief Financial Officer: Gina Guange

Recording Secretary: Bonnie O'Hare

Affiliate Representative: Julie Doherty
 
 

Advisor: Elizabeth Carey

Lobster

 

 

Help Wanted....

 

 

 

Craigslist Boston  

 

HCAREERS 

 

BOSTON.COM MONSTER 

 

The links above will direct you in your search for concierge positions and other industry related careers.

 

if you have a position at your hotel or condominium and business concierge desks, please let us know.

 

Please send details to us so we can announce them here.

 

[email protected]

 

Thank you and Good Luck!

 

President's Letter 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear members and friends:

 

These last few weeks of summer have brought us so many exciting meetings and events.

 

Our GBCA all member meeting at the City Performing Arts Center was a huge success thanks to the dedication and commitment of Joe Donlavey;  Director of Sales & Corporate Development. Joe who enlisted the support of so many of his friends and colleagues from the arts community who made this event the highlight of the year. Be sure to read all of Bonnie's minutes from this exciting event and reach out to Joe and all of the speakers from that night and show your support for what they do each day to educate us on the best Boston has to offer. [email protected]

 

A great big thank you to Mark Miller; Publisher of Where Magazine and his team for hosting the first ever Newbury Street Gallery Tour and their ever popular Annual Newbury Street Stroll. Both events were an exciting opportunity for concierges to meet, mingle and learn about the businesses that make Newbury Street the sensational shopping destination it is today. Read more in our newsletter to see what all the enjoyment was about. And reach out to Mark with your words of praise for two wonderful opportunities to learn about this Back Bay destination we call Boston's Version of Rodeo Drive!!!    [email protected]

   

Thank you to Julie Doherty Pagano and the folks at Bay State Cruises!  Their annual Boston to Provincetown excursions were greatly appreciate by all of our members. And the fabulous New England weather did not disappoint us!! Be sure to send all of your letters and emails of appreciation to Julie at [email protected].                  

 

Also on our fabulous agenda was the all member tour of extraordinary Lexington. This fun filled educational day in history was the highlight of the season for most of us. Enjoy the article and the photos for this wonderful adventure and be sure to share what you learn with all of your visitors and guests. Read more and be sure to reach out to our host Alexa and thank her for her support.

 

And let's not forget the Gloucester occasion on September 15th, 2014. This once in a life time opportunity brought out so many members who commented that it was the best "FAM Trip" they had ever experienced before! Read more and be sure to share!

 

And how about the overabundance of theater offerings we received?    Thank you to Joe Donlavey Marketing Director for the City Performance Center. Again Joe has worked with our Arts Community to bring us so many incredible shows.

 

I encourage you to take the time to send your emails and thank you letters to all of our many hosts. These trips, tours and shows are above and beyond what is expected in our membership and we want to show our appreciation by sharing our experiences with all of our visitors and guests. So direct your guests to these exciting locations, purchase tickets and spread the word. This is why we do what we do every day. Because every visitor to Boston and beyond looks to us to share with them what makes our city and state so special.

 

Lastly I am including the information for the 2014 election process taking place next month. This is an exhilarating opportunity for you, our members to get involved in the decision making process of our organization. As we enter into our 25th year, I am eager to share with you why I am so proud to be a part of the GBCA.

 

Please read further to learn how you may become more active.  If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me, I am always here to assist you. [email protected].

 

With pride In Service

Betty Salemme

GBCA President

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting Minutes By Bonnie 

 

Citi Performing Arts Minutes Document  


Citi Performing Arts

Meeting Photos by Evan Martin

 


 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

ArtWeek Boston: September 26 - October 5
Roberto Carlos: October 4
Neil Young: October 5 & 6
October 24 - 26
Mamma Mia!: October 28 - November 2
His Holiness The Dalai Lama: Eight Verses of Mind Training:October 30
Annie: November 5 - 16
Ryan Adams: November 18
White Christmas: December 16 - 28

For more info contact Joe Donlavey
Director of Sales & Corporate Development
Citi Performing Arts Center
270 Tremont Street | Boston, MA 02116
(617) 532-1126
 

 

  

 

GBCA Experience Revolutionary Hospitality in Lexington!

 

Members of the GBCA were treated to a fun-filled, educational day in Lexington on Thursday, August 28, 2014. The exciting day, orchestrated by Alexa Ing Stern, Project Manager for The Inn at Hastings Park, was the highlight of our summer. Alexa worked with the business and tourism leaders that make Lexington and Concord the destination location it is to provide this exciting event for our members.

 

The day began with a pick up at the Alewife Red Line T Station for those taking the subway  and then on to the Lexington Center Visitors Center where we joined those members choosing to drive the easy route from Boston. Together we are rode the Liberty Ride the Trolley Tour of Historic Lexington and Concord. Our tour guide Masha Traber, the Liberty Ride Coordinator,  took us through the exciting 90 minute journey that follows the route along the Battle Road Scenic By-Way Convenient to attractions, hotel, shopping and dining with easy free re-boarding. The hop on hop off trolley is also air conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

 

A very exciting part of our day was the generous reception at The Inn at Hastings Park, a brand new luxury boutique inn. Our members enjoyed delicious refreshments while touring The Inn's lovely historic restored two guest houses and barn. Each of the 22 guest rooms and suites are unique with all the amenities of a fine hotel but without taking away from the special quaint country inn atmosphere. The inn, owned by Trisha P�rez Kennealy and designed by Robin Gannon, is exquisite! Every room in the public and private space is unique and has to be seen to really be appreciated. You and your guests will be amazed at the sites of The Inn at Hastings Park. The dining room and the parlor area are exquisite in their warm refreshing charm.  At The Inn's restaurant, Artistry on the Green, Executive Chef Matthew Molloy and his culinary team will dazzle you with delicious items such as Crispy Braised Pork Gillette and Housemade Pappardelle Pasta while creating the chef's own traditional Yankee Pot Roast, like nothing you have ever enjoyed before. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a favorite for guests traveling near and far. For me just a chance to sit and enjoy the property while relaxing in the parlor was worth the trip. And what a pleasure it was to meet General Manager  Daniel Braun  and his team, everyone made our members feel so welcome. www.innathastingspark.com 

 

 

 

Just a short walk from the Inn with our costumed guide we were brought to the Lexington Battle Green and the famous Buckman Tavern www.lexingtonhistory.org  where we explored the site where the local Militia faced the British Regulars on April 19, 1775. This is also the site of where 7 of the 8 Militias are buried. Costumed guides in character will help tour you through this amazing site. www.tourlexington.us

 

A short stop in the famous Buckman Tavern, the headquarters of the Militias where they gathered to await the British Regulars in early morning of April 19, 1775. The Buckman is the oldest tavern in Lexington with the interior much the same as it was in 1775. Touring this site will make you feel as if you are stepping back in time. This is not to be missed and your guests will love you for recommending it. www.lexingtonhistory.org

 

As if this was not already an exciting day, our members met back at the Lexington Visitors Center where we learned about the renowned Minuteman Bikeway and how incredibly easy it is for folks to  travel from Boston to Lexington and Concord and back.http://www.minutemanbikeway.org.  The incredibly knowledgeable staff at the visitors center has everything you would ever need to explore Lexington and Concord with a guide or on your own. Everyone attending was given generous swag bags with brochures and gifts and an invitation to come back and tour on our own.  Don't wait - this is an adventure you won't want to miss! Look up anyone or all of the folks that made this walk into history possible. Be sure to mention you are a GBCA member. Alexa and all of the folks we met are eager to meet you and share what they believe make this destination a must-see for all of your visitors and guests. For those attending I am sure you want to send all of your words of appreciation to Alexa Ing Stern at [email protected]

 

With pride in service,
Betty Salemme

 

 


 

CANOBIE LAKE PARK

SCREEEMFEST HALOWEEN HAPPENINGS

&

OCTOBERFEST


 

September 27, - November 1, 2014

 

DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE

Adult $27.50 each

To Purchase Tickets Contact:

BETTY SALEMME  

617-385-4510

E-MAIL [email protected]

Or

NATALIA WILK AT: 617-385-5049,

E-MAIL

[email protected]

Ticket Purchases Are CASH ONLY!

 

 


 

Here's what's new at The Briar Group!


 

Guinness Lattes and Irish Breakfast in the Back Bay
We're offering a new Sunday brunch menu at MJ O'Connor's Park Plaza with Guinness Lattes, our classic Irish Breakfast and more (open at 11am). We are also one of the only places in the neighborhood with the NFL Sunday Ticket - every game, every Sunday! View the full menu. For online reservations.  


 

Octoberfest Party and Stein Hoisting Competition
 
Celebrate the season with us! We'll have complimentary food, Samuel Adams samples, and a stein hoisting competition. Thursday, October 16th, 5:30-7:30pm at MJ O'Connor's Westin Waterfront.
Details and Sign Up. 

 

Event Offer - $100 Gift Card Referral
 
Refer a contact to host their holiday party with us and when they book you'll each receive a $100 gift card to use at any Briar Group restaurant. We have a dozen venues in Boston to choose from. Offer ends 10/31/14.
View our venues.  Interested parties can email me directly! [email protected] 


 

Cheers,

Hannah Huke
The Briar Group
@hannahhuke
[email protected]
Cell: 617.470.3462

   


GBCA Lapel Pins

Show your GBCA pride at your hotel with an official GBCA lapel pin!

Available at our next meeting for only $10!

 
GBCA Information

The Greater Boston Concierge Association
304 Newbury St.
Box # 526
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
 
 


Lobster  
GBCA Member News
We love hearing from our members! If you have any special events, awards, recognitions please let us know. We would love to share your info with fellow GBCA members in any of our newsletters. Please send any info you like to [email protected]
so we can get it into our next newsletter.