News & Events
August 2006

Items that missed the printed issue:

C-11 Police Station Community Meeting
Community Meetings will resume in September.

The Phoenix Project
The Phoenix Project is a group of 30 college students from around the country that come to Boston (and Dorchester) for six weeks this summer. These students will receive training in the forms of yoga and martial arts as well as serving and teaching in the communities around them. These community activists are looking for venues to teach yoga and martial arts in the Dorchester community. They are also interested in park clean ups, refurbishing local community centers, and tutoring/mentoring refugee children. If you know of any community organization that could utilize these services or of any space that they could teach free classes please contact the Phoenix Project Captain, Andrew Varyu online or at (206) 909-8868. To learn more about the Phoenix Project, visit www.bodynbrain.org. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide these young leaders to help make Dorchester and the greater Boston area a better and more peaceful place.
~Mary Stone

Upham’s Corner Safe Neighborhood Initiative
Sponsored by the Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley’s Office. Meets every other month. Next meeting is Wednesday, August 9th at 6:30 pm in the Community Roomm at 36 Alexander Street.

MBTA Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley shutdown
The MBTA will shut down the Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley for one year beginning Saturday, June 24. During the shutdown, the T will replace the viaduct that brings trolleys in and out of Ashmont station and will renovate Mattapan Station. Buses will replace the trolleys during the construction period. Passengers can board the buses in the busways in Ashmont and Mattapan Stations, and at stops near all stations along the line. For further info, please call the MBTA hotline at 617-222-6757.

MBTA Red Line Schedule Changes - Weekends
Bus Replacement Service Between Ashmont & JFK/UMASS: Friday August 4th to Sunday August 6th. Effective Fridays at 9:00 pm thru the end of service each Sunday. Bus Shuttle Service will replace service between ASHMONT and JFK/UMASS Stations. Normal Red Line service will resume at the start of each Monday. Ashmont, Shawmut, Fields Corner, and Savin Hill customers can access service along Dorchester Avenue in both directions.

C-11 Party Line
The party line will run on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00pm to 4:00am until Labor Day weekend. The number to call is (617) 343-4906. Please utilize this service for quality of life issues such as loud parties, public drinking, loud music, gangs disturbing etc. As always, if there is an emergency that requires immediate police response, please call 911. To report Graffiti that needs to be removed from public areas, please call the City of Boston at 617-635-4500.

BPD New Alert Network
Please note: the Boston Police Department has begun a program called "Citizen Observer" which will alert residents of crimes and emergencies. If you want to sign up for Alert Network, go to www.CitizenObserver.com and follow the directions.

Dorchester Illustration of the Day
The Dorchester Illustration of the Day is brought to you on weekdays by the Dorchester Historical Society. If you are interested in seeing interesting pictures of what Historical Dorchester look liked in a different time and era, contact Earl Taylor of the DHS. It's very nice to see what Dorchester looked like in the past.

Free Yoga!
Every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Codman Square Health Center on Washington Street. Wear comfortable clothes; bring a mat and a bottle of water. Call 617-282-6722 or 617-524-6234 for more information.

Free GED Classes!
FREE GED Classes for English-speaking residents. Vine St. Community Center at 339 Dudley Street near Dudley Square. Bring proof of Boston residency. For more information, call 617-635-4920, x2302.

Noontime Music Recitals
Every Tuesday at noon at Historic King's Chapel, located in downtown Boston at the corner of School and Tremont Streets. Admission to the Noon Hour Recitals is a suggested donation of $3 per person. The donations are given to the performing musicians. Hailed by residents and visitors alike as a treasure in the midst of a bustling city, the year-long series features a wide range of programming from classical to jazz and more! Weekly programs begin at 12:15 pm and last approximately 35 minutes. For more information, call 617-227-2155 or visit www.kings-chapel.org.

Cuba in Black & White
FREE. Photography by Richard Wilkins. The exhibit is open until Aug 31st at the Haley House in Roxbury. The exhibit focuses on the people of Havana and intimate images of Havana Street Life. THe Haley House is at 2139 Washington Street. For info call 617-445-0900.

Faces of Boston
FREE. Now until September 1st at the Boston City Hall Mayor’s Gallery and Scollay Square Gallery. A portrait exhibit highlighting the diverse individuals that shape our unique city. The exhibit showcases over 200 portraits of people from the neighborhoods of Boston. From photographs to oil paintings to videos. For info see: www.cityofboston.gov/arts.

Boston Cow Parade
FREE. The Boston Cow Parade (Public Art Event) is sponsored by the Jimmy Fund. Ends September 10th. There are 117 cows on display throughout the city. Sites include The Freedom Trail, Copley Square, Boylston Street, Newbury Street, Boston Common, Downtown Crossing, City Hall Plaza, Post Office Square, Quincy Market, Rowes Wharf, Back Bay. Hynes Convention Center, Prudential Center, Copley Library, Copley Square Park, State House, Christopher Columbus Park, The Waterfront, The Financial District South Station, and Boston Convention Center. For info: www.boston.cowparade.com or call 1-800-SEE-Boston.

Cow Hospital
FREE. The Cow Hospital, Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 9pm; and Sunday from 11am to 6pm at the Prudential Mall across from Au Bon Pain. The exhibit’s visitor center which offers Parade Merchandise, the Visitor’s Guide and Artists make necessary repairs to the cows.

Franklin Park Farmers Market
Support local farmers by attending this market. Open-air/seasonal: Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm from July thru October. WIC Coupons. Franklin Park Road next to zoo main entrance, Boston. For more info: Jamiese Martian, 617-822-7134.

Fields Corner Farmers Market
Support local farmers! Open-air/seasonal: Saturdays, 9:00am to Noon from July thru October. WIC Coupons. Capitol Supermarket parking lot, Dorchester. For more information: Ronnie Hastings, 617-323-5525.

Dudley Square Farmer’s Market
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00pm across from St. Patrick’s Church at 600 Dudley Street.

Free Architecture Exhibit
FREE. DWELLING: Memory, Architecture and Place. An ongoing exhibition through October 1st. A self-guided tour of the exhibition will be available at the map stand near the main entrance of Forest Hills Cemetery.

Ambassadors of Abolition Exhibit
FREE. Now through November 18th at the Museum of Afro-American History. This exhibition illuminates the inspiring story of black and white people working together to end slavery. 46 Joy Street in Boston, near the Park Street T Station. 10:00am to 4:00pm on Monday thru Saturday. For info call Tracy Gibbs at 617-725-0022.

Free Teen Evening Program at YMCA
FREE Teen Evening programs at the Dorchester YMCA is open for 14-19 year olds on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 8:00 to 11:00pm for the rest of the summer. It's free. Movies, open gym, music, swimming, internet access and more. You don't have to be a member. Just bring your friends and show up! The YMCA is located at 776 Washington Street in Dorchester.

Cyber Institute Girls Traiing
FREE Cyber Institute. This girls training program is an entrepreneurship, leadership and job readiness program that reinforces academic achievement. Participants learn the ins and outs of running a business by actually running the CyberShop. The program also focuses on healthy eating, exercise, and life-skills building. Participants receive a stipend for their work upon successful completion. Ages: 14-17 (Girls Only). Location: Codman Square Tech Center at 450 Washington Street, Dorchester. Contact Information: Marilyn Forman, Program Coordinator at 617-822-8279. Days and times of the school yearare Monday thru Thursday, 3:30pm.

Studio 450 Teens
FREE. Studio 450 Teens receive academic support and guidance, technology training, athletic activities, social and recreational activities, and an extensive hip-hop arts curriculum. Special effort is made to establish relationships with parents, schools and teachers to support the academic development of each student. Additionally, through the hip-hop arts curriculum, there is an option to create digital music and students may become qualified to use Studio 450’s electronic music studio. Ages: 13-19. Location: Codman Square Tech Center at 450 Washington Street, Dorchester. Contact Ted Campbell, Program Coordinator at 617-822-8144. Days and times of school year: Monday thru Friday, 2:00 to 7:00pm.

Blue Hill Boys and Girls Club
Extended Hours:
Do Something wants you!
Youth Advisory Council applications are available so apply now, be heard later. Members of Do Something’s Youth Advisory Council discuss programs, score grant applications, and take a trip to NYC for a huge brainstorm session with staff. The deadline for applications is August 26th. Visit: www.dosomething.org/about/yac/.

Earn A Bike!
Earn yourself a bicycle (to keep!) while learning how to fix it in this fun after-school program. Go for rides, learn a lot of bike mechanics and bike safety, and explore environmental issues. You pick out a bike and learn how to rebuild it; and then keep it! The Summer EAB sessions will meet from August 3rd thru 18th on Mondays thru Fridays from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Currently the only openings are for GIRLS. You do need to make a commitment to a whole session to earn your bicycle. For more info, contact Matt or Dana at 617-442-0004 or visit www.bikesnotbombs.org.

Get Moving Dorchester - Neighborhood Walking Groups
Come join us for a walk around Dorchester. Residents to walk in their neighborhoods at least once a week for 30 to 60 minutes. The walks promote physical activity and are also an opportunity for residents to meet new people and show community spirit. What a great way to spend time with friends and meet new people. Check Out: Invite a Friend!
Download one of our flyers and share it with your neighbors! Bring a friend to the next CSHCA meeting.
Below is a list of the Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association's Merchant Members. The folks who run these businesses support us and have invested in our community. Please extend the same support to them by shopping in their stores, eating in their restaurants and seeking their services.
A Hohmann Oil Co. Inc.
1146 Dorchester Ave		 Alliance Auto Glass
902 Dorchester Ave
Anna's Bakery, Inc.
1035 Dorchester Ave		 At Home Real Estate Group
109 Savin Hill Ave
Avenue Auto Wholesales, Inc.
1121 Dorchester Ave		 Avenue Liquors
82 Savin Hill Ave
The Banshee Pub
934 Dorchester Ave		 Bayside Exposition Center
200 Mt. Vernon Street.
Best Liquors
1088 Dorchester Ave		 Boston Glass & Boarding
1068 Dorchester Ave
The Boston Globe
135 Morrissey Blvd		 Brook's Pharmacy
1100 Dorchester Ave
C.F. Donovan's Restaurant
120 Savin Hill Ave		 Coleen’s Flower Shop
912 Dorchester Ave
Corcoran Jennison Mgmt.
150 Mt. Vernon Street		 Creative Wrappings
22 Carson Street
dBar
1236 Dorchester Ave		 Dorchester Ave Auto Repair
887 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester Tire Service, Inc.
1160 Dorchester Ave		 Dorchester Market
951 Dorchester Ave
First Spine & Rehab
916 Dorchester Ave		 Gately Insurance Co.
983A Dorchester Ave
The Harp & Bard Restaurant
1099 Dorchester Ave		 Lambert's Fitness Center
735 Morrissey Boulevard
Lee Myles Transmission
1110 Dorchester Ave		 Lee's Store & Bakery
982 Dorchester Ave
McKenna’s Café
113 Savin Hill Ave		 Murphy Funeral Home
1020 Dorchester Ave
Nash’s Pub
1154 Dorchester Ave		 NEALCO Environmental Svcs.
5 Caspian Way
Olde Towne Real Estate
862 Dorchester Ave		 P. Gioioso & Sons Construction
50 Sprague Street, Hyde Park (BWS project)
Pat Jay’s Pharmacy
940 Dorchester Ave		 Restaurante Laura
688 Columbia Road
Savin Hill Suds/Kennedy Cleaners
119 Savin Hill Ave		 Savin Hill Variety
110 Savin Hill Ave
Shanti Restaurant
1111 Dorchester Ave		 SPIRE Printing
65 Bay Street
Sports Lab
1152 Dorchester Ave		 Tom's Barbershop
1000 Dorchester Ave
Venice Pizza
39 Savin Hill Avenue		 Victorian Realty
1859 Dorchester Ave
Vina Realty/MSC Travel
988 Dorchester Ave		  

Merchant Memberships are only $25.00 per calendar year. Please note that this is a non-voting membership. If interested in becoming a Merchant Member please print and complete the membership form on the Membership page. Merchant Members are listed every month in our newsletter. Funds are used towards neighborhood improvement projects and activities.

Volunteers Needed!
  • Thursday August 10th at 4pm. Digging Holes to Plant trees at the Annapolis Apartments
  • Friday August 11th at 6pm. Planting Trees at the Annapolis Apartments Tools Provided
  • Saturday August 12th at 6pm. Planting Trees on Sumner Street. Come to #84. Tools Provided


Tenacity Tennis & Reading Program
FREE for Boston Youth Ages 7 to 15. Starts Wed. July 5th to Sat. Aug 19th. Youth will participate in Tennis Instruction, League Play, Citywide Competitions and Reading Activities. Sessions are Monday – Friday from 9am to Noon or 1pm to 4pm. Register via phone at 617-562-0900 x3 or www.tenacity.org. Sites include Savin Hill Park (Savin Hill Ave & Grampian Way), or Dorchester Park (Near The Carney), or Franklin Park White Stadium.

Free movies
You can see free movies at the following locations:
  • Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell at Sunset. Movie info: call 617-787-7200 or visit www.wbz.com/
  • Movies by Moonlight at The Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston. Every Friday until September 1, 2006. Enjoy free movies by moonlight projected on the Harbor this summer at Boston Harbor Hotel.
  • Family Movie Series at Pope John Paul II Park. Gallivan Boulevard on Thursday Evenings in August 5:30pm to 8pm. Bring a blanket and popcorn. Enjoy a family movie under the stars. Go to www.bostonnatural.org for clues of the movies playing. First Movie July 6th will be kicked off with kite flying. You can bring a kite or make one there. Also, there will be stunt kites.

First Generation College Bound
This comprehensive college preparation course is for juniors and seniors in high school. It includes SAT preparation, college counseling, assistance with college application essays, assistance applying for financial aid, college life-skills education and visits to local colleges. Ages: 13 to 19. Locations: Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester and Codman Square Tech Center, 450 Washington Street. Contact Gracie Trotman at 617-740-2297. Course days and times: Monday thru Thursday, 3:30 to 6:00pm. Cost: $25.00 deposit which is returned at completion of the program.

CityLab Academy
CityLab Academy is a FREE 9-month academic and biomedical laboratory skills training program in biotechnology at Boston University. Students receive 12 free undergraduate BU credits and a certificate for successfully completing four courses. The next class starts September 2006. Apply now! Applicants must be a Boston resident, with a high school diploma or GED and able to commit to 4 evenings a week for two semesters from September thru May. For info, call 617-638-5664 or see www.bu.edu/CityLabAcademy.

Brian Honan Fellowship
Brian Honan Fellowship is accepting applications. This is a service-learning initiative that empowers youth from across Boston to become engaged in and influence change in their community, develop leadership skills, and stimulate an interest in public service. Fellows learn about government and politics, identify neighborhood concerns, complete service projects, and meet with public officials and advocates. The program includes a paid summer internship in a community agency or government office and culminates with a student-led community action project to create positive change in the City of Boston. Applicants must be residents of Boston entering 10th or 11th grade in September 2006.  To learn more visit www.brianhonan.org. Applications are due by September 5, 2006. For more info or questions, contact Ann Walsh at (617) 787-4044 x32.

Boston Election Dept. Recruits Poll Workers
The City of Boston’s Board of Election Commissioners is calling upon Boston’s registered voters to assist in the important work of staffing the City’s 254 precincts for the upcoming State Elections on September 19th (Primary) and November 7th (Final). There are stipends ranging from $135 to $175 for Poll Workers. While it is encouraged that all Poll Workers be available from 6:00am to the closing of the polls, those workers serving as Inspectors or Interpreters may opt for a half-day shift: 6:00am to 2:00pm or 1:00 to 9:00pm. All prospective Poll Workers will be required to attend a mandatory training session prior to the Elections. Poll Workers must be Boston residents and registered voters in the City. However, the guidelines for Interpreters are more flexible. All Poll Workers must exhibit a professional and helpful demeanor, and must be respectful and mindful of the ethnic and cultural diversity of Boston’s voters. Download an application form. For more information, contact Lynne Onishuk (617-635-4491), or Martin Kain (617-635-3830).

If you would like to join the CSHCA, membership information and flyers are available at our Membership page.