OCT WWW.FENWAYNEWS.

org
2010
FREE

serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, upper Back Bay, Prudential, Longwood Area & Mission Hill since 1974 volume 36, number 10 OCTOBER 1-28, 2010

NU’s Tobin Pledges More Guidance for

Students, an Open Door for Neighbors Hurrah for the Red, White & Blue
Doesn’t this picture

photo: matti Kniva Spencer

make you want to break

I
By Stephen Brophy 27 in his offices on Columbus Ave. With
n early July, City Councilor John M. Moving Day (September 1) a recent memory, into a George M. Cohan
Tobin Jr. surprised the City’s political and the new P.L.E.D.G.E Program ongoing, song? West Fens resident
establishment by announcing that he he had plenty to talk about. “We had 40 Mahmoud Gamil became a
was stepping down from his elected reps from the university on Mission Hill on U.S. citizen on September
position to become Northeastern’s vice Moving Day, including student advisers who 17 in a lavish ceremony at
president for city and community affairs. The handed out leaflets [about proper garbage Fanueil Hall. It was a triply
university was facing a host of issues with its disposal and appropriate behavior in the special day for him, as the
surrounding communities and had partially neighborhood]. We also had trash trucks there ceremony took place on
reorganized its Office for Government and and in the Symphony Road area that took out Citizenship Day—and his
Community Affairs. In August Tobin stepped 25.5 tons of garbage in just two days.” own birthday. Originally
into a redesigned job that had been previously Tobin emphasized the work that the from Egypt, Gamil teaches
held by Jeff Doggett, who left NEU earlier administration had done to educate incoming exercise classes at the
this year. freshmen about community standards. “We Peterborough Senior
Tobin sat down with The Fenway News held a mandatory meeting in Matthews Center. (If you’ve recently
for an introductory interview on September Arena for all of them, with a short video and become a citizen, or know
representatives from Campus Police as well as someone who has, send us a
other administrators to inform them about the photo of the new citizen at

vote
P.L.E.D.G.E Program” or after the ceremony, and
The Huntington News, an independent we’ll run it.)
NEU student newspaper, characterized
the program this way: “The acronym
encompasses both a pronouncement of Tobin argues that “the proof is going to But those discussions are taking place above

November 2 Northeastern’s respect for its surrounding be in the results. We can’t let up. I know that
communities and a message to off-campus anytime I’m coming by here at night I go up
students, urging them to be good neighbors.” to the Hill—and others from this office do the
same thing. We also have an email address
for people to use that is monitored 24 hours a
our heads. We understand people’s frustration
that a commitment to dormitory construction
was not followed through on because of the
economic downturn. Ultimately we hope to
be able to require all of our freshmen and

Chowing Down for a Cause day nupledge@neu.edu. We want students who

live on Mission Hill to use it as well, because
sophomores to live on campus.”
Turning to a discussion of various
we know that the majority of them need peace community initiatives undertaken by
photo: valarie seabrook

and quiet to get their homework done and Northeastern, Tobin was prepared. “When
maintain a successful student life.” I first met with President Aoun, he told me
After discussing the increased police things about the university’s work in the
presence on the Hill, and how representatives surrounding
from NEU, Wentworth, and Mass. College communities
of Pharmacy ride in police patrol cars, Tobin that even I, a

photo provided by northeastern university

spoke more intently in avowing that “we city councilor
don’t want to be in the business of arresting who represented
people—our students work very hard to a small corner
get here. Rather than have a stupid mistake of Mission Hill,
bounce them out, we’d rather be in the was not aware
prevention business, focusing on education of.” He touched
and setting the right tone. on programs
As a former city councilor who worked like the Stony
closely with Mike Ross, Tobin is aware Brook Initiative,
of the underlying dynamic of real estate the Center for
speculation that has made life more expensive Community Northeastern’s new vice
for remaining residents, and he’s also aware Service, the president, John Tobin
The Peterborough Senior Center’s fall fundraising brunch drew seniors and
juniors alike to the Baseball Tavern on Sunday, September 25, where we caught of the university’s need to provide more on- Service Learning program familiar to many
(left to right) Martha Fitzgerald, Elvira Castillo, Jana Peretz, Suzanne Comtois, campus housing. “I’ve told people on the Hill non-profit organizations in the area. Space
T. Cusick, and Helen Cox. that no one wants to see an announcement of does not permit us to detail every program he
new dorm construction more quickly than us. mentioned here, but we’ll post a much longer
list at Fenway News Online as an adjunct to

One of Many Happy Endings from CDC’s Walk to Work Program

this article.
Vice President Tobin has been well
prepared by his previous political career
The Fenway Community Development Corporation focuses mainly on and the rest is history. Initially it seemed like there was no way to listen to constituents and try to find
building and maintaining affordable housing, but it has several other out for me, but God gave me Kris, who runs the program. [Kris answers to their problems. He promises to
projects as well. The Walk to Work Program helps residents find jobs Anderson was raised in the Fenway and has worked at Fenway CDC put that experience to work representing
in the neighborhood’s hospitals, colleges, and other large institutions.
for many years. —Editor] the needs of Mission Hill and the Fenway to
Not only does this help keep the Fenway economically viable for I remember some days I would cry; I didn’t feel like the Northeastern administration. He is also
residents, but it increases the number of people who dressing or washing my face or coming out of my prepared to represent the university to its
photo: kris anderson

can walk to work, cutting carbon and air pollution by
keeping more cars off the street.
Walk to Work recently helped a single mother
supporting a son in college find a job as a certified
nursing assistant in Brighton. Kathy Taylor had
been a member of Walk to Work for about a year
before she was placed as a per diem worker at
Presentation Nursing and Rehabilitation last April.
She was recently upgraded to full benefits and given
an “Above and Beyond” award for her achievement
there. This is her story.
—Kris Anderson, Walk to Work senior
employment specialist
apartment, but Kris would keep me focused and neighbors, and wants people to know that
on track; she gave me hope. I attend job search they can talk with him. He asked The Fenway
workshops, job fairs and one-on-one sessions; News to publish his phone number (617-373-
Kris would assist me with resume, cover letter 5810) and email address (j.tobin@neu.edu) to
and interview preparation and point me to any emphasize that. Take him up on his promises,
community resources to assist me with life’s and contact him.
challenges. I learned how to match my skills to East Fens resident Stephen Brophy is
prospective jobs, etc., and had access to the editor of The Fenway News.
Timothy Smith Computer Lab to conduct my job
search and apply for jobs.
It still was a daunting process, especially With help from the weather,
as the holidays rolled around; New Year’s came 2010 Fensfest draws a crowd
and went, and through it all Kris, the Fenway CDC Fensfest 2010 went off as scheduled on

I
By Kathy Taylor and Walk to Work were a stable presence in my life. Saturday, September 11. The weather was
’m a member of the Fenway CDC’s Walk to Kathy Taylor proudly Finally, I was offered a job at Presentation Nursing perfect! More than 100 people gathered under
Work program. I’ve been living in the Fenway displays the commendation & Rehabilitation and have been employed there for tents in the Victory Gardens to share burgers,
for one and half years and love the area. she received for her work as over 7 months. Since being employed, I received hot dogs, grilled corn, baked potatoes and
When I first moved to this area I had no job a CNA. flowers, a cash award, and personal recognition wonderful desserts. Even non-meat eaters got
and was very depressed, didn’t know if I could (the Above and Beyond plaque). I am truly grateful their veggie burgers.
or would hold on. I knew I had to get help, so I checked out my for Kris, the Fenway CDC’s Walk to Work program, and the We have the full report on music,
neighborhood and found the Fenway CDC. I was referred to the Timothy Smith Computer Center; I’m gainfully employed, able to gardening prize winners, and the raffle, as
Walk to Work Program and met Kris Anderson. support myself and my son, and living and loving life today! well as photos, at www.fenwaynews.org.
“I filled out an intake form, was assessed and interviewed Thanks be to GOD.
2 | FENWAY NEWS | OCTOBER 2010

Conservatory Raises Curtain on New Building, Oct. 13-16 Fred Astaire—English Teacher???
The Boston Conservatory will celebrate the grand opening of its revitalized Hemenway Operation PEACE has come up with an intriguing way to teach intermediate ESL
Street building on Oct. 13-16 with a series of performances by students, faculty, alumni, and (English as a Second Language): a focus on the songs, films, and life of Fred Astaire. The son
special guests collectively called Opening Note:

Photo: Handel Architects LLP

Building Dreams. The $32 million renovation took
16 months and adds 16,000 square feet of rehearsal
and performance space to the building, as well as
a completely renovated, state-of-the-art 300-seat
theater with new orchestra pit, air conditioning and
a host of technical upgrades and accoutrements. The
opening performance will include musical numbers
from Sister Act, Curtains and A Chorus Line; a
guest appearance by Joseph Silverstein (former
concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra)
with the Conservatory’s Hemenway Strings; a world
premiere by Gianni DiMarco of the dance faculty;
and more. The performances will culminate Saturday
evening the 16th with a special performance by
Conservatory alumnus Chad Kimball, a 2010 Tony
Award nominee for best actor in a musical (Tony
winner Memphis). While tickets to that event are
expensive, you can get a free guided tour of the new Boston Conservatory’s building
building on Friday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and at 31 Hemenway Street combines
on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. renovation and new construction.
Developer Thinks (Parcel) 13 May Be Its Lucky Number
In a move that may foreshadow a new development model for the neighborhood, developer magazine. He becomes the eighth MacArther laureate associated with NEC, joining former
Trinity Financial has teamed up with Boston Architectural College to submit a proposal for
the air rights above the Mass Pike’s Parcel 13. Residents with reasonably long memories will
recall the furor that erupted in 1998 over a plan for parcels 12-15 that included a 59-story
building just across Mass Ave from 13, which sits at the northeast corner of Boylston Street
and Mass Ave. After two years of acrimonious debate and extensive public meetings, a task
force appointed by the mayor and the then-Turnpike director issued guidelines for development Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Tropical Album, and Best Latin
of all air rights parcels in Boston. The size and massing of the new proposal appear to follow
those guidelines quite carefully: Trinity and BAC propose a building that rises 11 stories at the Juan Luis Guerra (’83) leads the pack with four nominations. His album A Son De Guerra is up
parcel’s Mass Ave end but gradually steps down to six stories at the far end, next to Dillon’s bar for Album of the Year and Best Tropical Album. “Bachata En Fukuoka,” a song from that disc,
and the old Institute of Contemporary Art (which now belongs to BAC). The building would
include 11,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor; 84 condos; and dorm space for
200 BAC students clustered at the Dillon’s end. The developers also propose to refurbish and
reopen the long-closed Boylston Street entrance to the Green Line’s Hynes stop, which runs
through the parcel.
Gardner Museum Wants YOU—As a Docent
Preparing for the opening of its much-anticipated addition, the Isabella Stewart Gardner
Museum is looking for a few good men and women to lead tours at the landmark museum. The
program, however, is not for the faint of heart. Beginning in 2011, docents will undergo ten
months of training in museum teaching and art history and will be expected to make a two-
year commitment beyond that. To start, potential trainees must attend a required informational
meeting on Wednesday, October 20. For information about the meeting, to receive an
application for the program, or to RSVP for the meeting, contact Bridget Hennessy at 617-278-
of German immigrants, he became a worldwide celebrity as dancer, actor, and communicator
of the English language. Eight weeks of classes start Thursday, October 14, at the Peterborough
Senior Center, from 4-5 p.m. For more information, contact Operation PEACE at 617-267-1054.
The Emerald Necklace Adds a Little Function to its Beauty
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy broke ground for its new Visitor and Volunteer
Center on September 21. Guests included Mayor Thomas M. Menino; Antonia M. Pollak,
commissioner of Parks and Recreation; Rick Sullivan, commissioner of the Commonwealth’s
Department of Conservation and Recreation; Ann Beha, project architect; and Malcolm
Rogers, director of the Museum of Fine Arts. The center will operate out of the H. H.
Richardson-designed Stony Brook Gatehouse located just north of the MFA in the Back
Bay Fens, the oldest park in the Emerald Necklace, itself designed by Richardson’s equally
important contemporary, landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. “A once-forgotten
architectural gem will sparkle again,” said Julie Crockford, Conservancy president.
‘Genius’ Grant Lands at New England Conservatory
Jazz pianist Jason Moran won’t forget this past September for a long time. In addition to
starting his first semester on the New England Conservatory faculty, Moran learned late in
the month that he’d been named a 2010 MacArthur Fellow by the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation. One of 23 recipients of the so-called “genius grants,” Moran, 35, had
already been recognized as “Up-’n-Coming Jazz Musician” of 2003 by the Jazz Journalists
Association and called “the most provocative thinker in current jazz” by Rolling Stone
President Gunther Schuller; current faculty members Ran Blake and Miguel Zenón; former
faculty members George Russell and Steve Lacy; and alumni Regina Carter and Cecil Taylor.
Berklee Alumni Snag 11 Latin Grammy Nomination
Five Berklee alumni shared nominations for a total of 11 Latin Grammy Awards, including
Jazz Album. Winners will be announced at the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony November 11.
is nominated for Best Tropical Song and Best Short Form Music Video. Guerra already has nine
Latin Grammys and two Grammys on his shelf. Other nominees include Tommy Torres (’93),
Benny Faccone (’78), Gavin Lurssen (’91), and Miguel Zenón (’98).
Byron Rushing Joines Library’s Board of Trustees
State Rep. Byron Rushing, a historian who represents much of the Fenway in the State
House, was named to the Board of Trustees of the Boston Public Library by Mayor Thomas
Menino last month. “Representative Rushing brings a keen understanding of community needs
and an appreciation of how important libraries are today and will be for future generations,”
said Amy E. Ryan, library president of the Boston Public Library.
—Newslines compiled this month by Stephen Brophy and Steve Wolf

Mass Ave
5147 or via email at bhennessy@isgm.org.

Boston Prime Timers Meet Oct. 16 Lock Co. BOSTON RESIDENTS

The following events take place at the
Peterborough Senior Center, located two
blocks from Boylston between 100 and 108
Jersey St. (walk down the alley and look left).
For more information, call 617-536-7154.
Recurring
Mondays
• 9:30 a.m: Breakfast Club with Matti
• 11 a.m: Films—Oct 4, Grace is Gone
(2007); Oct 11, Center CLOSED for
holiday; Oct 18, The Color Purple (1985);
Boston Prime Timers, an educational,
cultural and social activities support network 24-HOUR Leaf & Yard Waste
of gay and bisexual men, meets the third
Saturday of the month at USES Harriet
EMERGENCY SERVICE 6-Week Collection
Tubman House, 566 Columbus Ave. (corner BONDED LOCKSMITH Boston Public Works will collect and compost residents’ yard waste
of Mass Ave). Hospitality begins at 2:30 p.m.;
business meeting and program at 3:30; $2 125 St. Botolph Street Six weeks: October 18 - November 27
donation at the door. For more information, ON YOUR RECYCLING DAY.
Phone 247-9779 • Fax 536-8709
phone 617-447-2344 or visit www.
bostonprimetimers.org. Place leaves in large paper leaf bags or open
For the group’s October 16 meeting,
Police Locks • Doors
barrels marked “yard waste.”
the speaker will be Dr. Richard York, a Opened For free “yard waste” stickers, call 617-635-4500
gay psychologist, who will speak about A Mailbox Keys • Master Keys (up to 2 stickers available per household).

FREE Electronics Recycling

Christian Spirituality and Psychotherapy;
Oct 25, 11 am, Frost/Nixon (2008) Systems • Padlocks
Tuesdays
and A Gay Psychologist’s Practice of Clinical Cut branches to 3’ maximum length
Theology. His recent book on these subjects Door Closers and 1” maximum diameter.
• 11 a.m: Exercise with Mahmoud
will be available for sale and signing after his Keys Made by Code Tie branches with string.
• 12 noon: Documentaries—Oct 5, noon,
Young @ Heart (2007); Tue, Oct 12, Emil
presentation. Guests are always welcome. Open to the Public
Place leaves and yard waste
Gilels: Recital (2003); Oct 19, Kirov Ballet: Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010 at the curb by 7am
Sleeping Beauty (1982); Oct 26, What the
#$%* Do We Know? (2004) Electronics Recycling
(rain or shine) ON YOUR RECYCLING DAY.

FREE!9am – 3 pm
NO PLASTIC BAGS
Wednesdays Yard waste will not be collected
• 9:30 a.m: Yoga with Carmen Open to
(no appointment the Public
necessary) during the two weeks before
the Oct. 18 start date.
• 10 a.m.-noon: Blood pressure check with Please hold onto
Joyce Saturday, Oct. 9,Center
Bayside Expo 2010 your yard waste
• 12 noon: Indian lunch with Santosh (rain
200 orMtshine)
Vernon St from Oct. 1 to
Oct. 18, when

SPECIAL EVENTS 9am–3 pm MA 02125

Dorchester, collection begins.

Wed., Oct. 6 (no

weappointment
will unloadnecessary)
your car!
• Short story discussion—Anton Chekhov &
Bayside Expo Center
Items Accepted:
Kate Chopin
• 1 pm TAXI COUPONS
200 Mt. Vernon
computers, Sttelevisions, LCD panels, printers,
monitors,
other computer related equipment, stereos, cell and
Thurs., Oct. 7 Dorchester, MA 02125
other phones, power supplies, electronic games, VCRs,
• 11 am Berklee Singalong begins again circuit boards, microwaves, and other household
we will unload your car!
electronics. Hard drive and other memory devices are
• 12:15 pm Pie-baking with Richard Dunshee physically destroyed!
Items Accepted:
Wed., Oct. 13 Noon, watercolor class computers, monitors, televisions, LCD panels, printers, other computer-related
Items Not
equipment, Accepted:
stereos, cell and other phones, power supplies, electronic games,
Wed., Oct. 20
air conditioners,
VCRs, dehumidifiers,
circuit boards, microwaves, and
and other white goods
household electronics
• Short story discussion: Two by Hawthorne Thomas M. Menino, Mayor
(washers,
Items dryers, stoves, refrigerators, etc. )
Not Accepted:
• 12:15 Hallowe’en party and lunch air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and Thomas M. Menino,
Wed., Oct.27, 11am, Mass.College of white goods (washers, dryers, stoves, Mayor
refrigerators, etc.)
Pharmacy health education program Thomas M. Menino, Mayor
 FENWAY NEWS | OCTOBER 2010 | 3

AUCTION A p u b l i s h e d r e s e r v e A u c t i o n . . . y o u b i d i t, y o u w i n i t, y o u o w n i t !

25 Condos located within Kenmore/Fenway

Minimum bids from
$195K

Preview Daily
through October 18th
16 Miner St., Boston 617-266-0661
Monday-Friday: 11 to 6
Saturday and Sunday: 11 to 5

Auction Day:
Tuesday, October 19th

A sample of the 25 auction units

Unit Last Asking Minimum Bid Slash in Min Bid
Unit Type Sq. Ft.
No. Price Price Price $/SF

510 Studio / 1 BA 663 $419,000 $195,000 -53% $294

506 1 BR / 1 BA 734 $479,000 $225,000 -53% $307

607 2 BR / 1 BA 1030 $689,000 $305,000 -56% $296

604 2 BR / 2 BA 1067 $799,000 $325,000 -59% $305

Visit auction website for a complete listing.

Auctioneer: Ken Cullum ©2010 Oral representation cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representation of the de-

www.AudubonAuction.com
Lic# AUNR002557 veloper. For correct representations, make reference to the documents required to be furnished by
developer to a buyer or a lessee. Not an offer where prohibited. Price, features, amenities and square
footage are approximate and subject to change without notice. Information believed to be accurate
but is not warranted. See Auction Information Center for details. Price per square foot based on the
minimum selling price.
4 | FENWAY NEWS | OCTOBER 2010

Comfort? Afflict? The Debate Continues Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon
Circle, upper Back Bay, lower Roxbury, Prudential,
Mission Hill, and Longwood since 1974

L
by barbara brookS simons
ast month, an editorial by Fenway News editor Stephen
Brophy questioned the appropriateness of the paper’s long-
familiar motto—“Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the
comfortable since 1974.” Brophy pointed out that the times,
the neighborhood, and the paper itself have all changed in 35-plus
years. “Back in the day,” he said,” the other side had to lose for us to
win, but that’s no longer the case.”
For many readers, keeping or changing the motto was a non-
issue. Many had probably never noticed or thought about the words,
their meaning, or the history behind them. But others had very
different, and often passionate, reactions. Some have left comments
on the Fenway News website; others discussed their reactions with
friends and neighbors.
One theme of the comments was that dropping the old motto
would mean that the paper was abandoning its principles and its
mission to resist wealthy outside developers and “gentrification.”
They felt it would erase the earlier events and issues that inspired the
paper’s founders. Some pessimistically said that, in fact, this battle
was lost long ago, claiming that “ordinary people” can no longer
Morality and Economics Both Demand a ‘No’ Vote on Question 2
afford to live in the Fenway.
On the other hand, some Fenway residents wondered just who
are the “comfortable” today? One reader asked, “If you are a home
owner in the neighborhood, are you the comfortable? A number of
people think so. Is that what we mean?” Fenway News Association
Board of Directors
The Fenway, after all, is not the Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Many Steve Chase • Helen Cox, president
hard-working “ordinary” people who could not be called wealthy Tracey Cusick • Joyce Foster • Steven Harnish
now own condos and coops in both the East and West Fens. Should John Kelly • Barbara Brooks Simons
the paper try to “afflict” them? Despite some comments, pleasant and Steve Wolf, treasurer
livable rental units are still available. And the neighborhood also has Editor: Stephen Brophy
a large supply of “affordable” housing. WEB EDITOR: Jonathan Kim
There was a middle ground of comments, too. These readers felt ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Chelsea Brown
that the important thing is for the paper to continue to represent all Production Designer: Steve Wolf
the voices of this fascinating neighborhood. Writers: Liz Burg, Helen Cox,
Do you as a reader also have an opinion on the old motto? A Tracey Cusick, Dharmena Downey, Lisa
suggestion for a new motto or mission statement? Share your thoughts Fay, Lori A. Frankian, Joyce Foster, Marie
by posting a comment at www.fenwaynews.org or sending an email to Fukuda, Galen Gilbert, Elizabeth Gillis,
editor@fenwaynews.org. Katherine Greenough, Steven Harnish,
Erin Harper, Rosie Kamal, John Kelly,
Barbara Brooks Simons is an East Fens resident and member of Ruth Khowais, Jonathan Kim, Shirley
The Fenway News board of directors. Kressel, Marc Laderman, Lauren Landry,
Aqilla Manna, Erica Mattison, Richard
Pendleton, Camille Platt, Mike Ross, Barbara
Brooks Simons, David Hugh Smith, Matti
Kniva Spencer, Ann Tobin, Chuck Turner,
Fredericka Veikley, Clyde Whalen,
Margaret Witham

O
By Dharmena Downey
n November 2, Massachusetts voters will have the
opportunity to strike a blow for working families and
to insist that surburban communities do their share to
house not just the wealthy, but moderate- and low-income
residents as well.
On the 2nd, voters will be asked to support or oppose three
referendum questions. Question 2 would repeal the law known
as chapter 40B, the primary law promoting the development of
affordable housing in the Commonwealth. 40B is responsible for 80%
of the affordable housing built in Massachusetts—outside of major
cities—over the last decade. According to a study just released by
the Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts, in just the
last decade nearly 22,000 homes have been built under
the law. Construction of these homes produced a total of guest opinion
47,700 jobs and $9.25 billion in economic activity. In total,
the affordable-housing law has enabled builders to create 58,000 new
homes in cities, suburbs, and small towns across Massachusetts.
Despite such enormous success, there is an uninformed and
reckless attempt to repeal 40B by referendum. We must protect our
seniors and working families, the primary beneficiaries of the law, by
voting NO on Question 2.
The affordable-housing law produces new homes, increases
equity among communities, and creates opportunities for working
families. Who lives in the homes 40B has built? Nurses, teachers,
construction workers, bank tellers, store clerks and managers, social
workers and other people critical to our workforce—and, indeed, to
our society. These homes make it possible for them and their families
to remain in the Commonwealth, and for them to do the work that
keeps Massachusetts running.
The affordable housing law sets the reasonable goal that each
and every Massachusetts community have at least 10 percent of
PhotographerS: Lois Johnston, Patrick
its homes affordable. It encourages construction of new homes by O’Connor, Valarie Seabrook, Matti Kniva
providing a comprehensive permit and flexible zoning for developers Spencer, Steve Wolf
who want to build affordable homes. Under the law, the number CALENDAR: Helen Cox, Stephen Brophy,
of cities and towns that have reached the 10 percent affordability Penina Adelman
threshold has more than doubled from 24 in 1997 to 51 today, with an Proofreader: Tracey Cusick
additional 40 communities now above 8 percent. Subscription Coordinator:
Massachusetts needs the affordable-housing law today more Cathy Jacobowitz
than ever. Even after the housing-market meltdown, home prices and BOOKKEEPER: Cathy Jacobowitz
Distribution: Nicole Auberg, Della
rents remain out of reach for many—and the recession has made life
Gelzer, Aqilla Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt,
even harder for many families struggling to get by because of layoffs
Reggie Wynn
or reduced work hours. 12,000 homes currently in the pipeline will
not be built if the repeal succeeds. This is the worst time to give up The Fenway News is published monthly by the
jobs, economic activity, and the housing for Fenway News Association, Inc., a community-
working families and seniors those homes
represent.
owned corporation dedicated to community
journalism. If you would like to volunteer to
write, edit, photograph, lay out, distribute, or sell
The Vote No on 2 Campaign has come together to stop advertising on commission, please contact us at:
40B’s repeal, a grassroots coalition of well over 1,000 groups and The Fenway News,
individuals committed to protecting the law that has done so much PO Box 230277, Astor Station
for the Commonwealth. We include civic, business, religious, Boston, MA 02123
and academic leaders as well as senior, environmental, housing, 617-266-8790
editor@fenwaynews.org
and civil rights groups. And think about this: All four candidates www.fenwaynews.org
for governor—people who disagree on almost everything—call
repealing 40B a terrible idea. All four have urged voters to vote NO Subscriptions $24/year ($15 for limited income)
on Question 2.
©2010 Fenway News Association, Inc.
For more information or to get involved in the campaign to
protect 40B, go to www.protectaffordablehousing.org or email info@
protectaffordablehousing.org. And remember: on November 2, vote “Comforting the afflicted and
“NO on 2” to protect affordable housing throughout Massachusetts. afflicting the comfortable since 1974.”
Dharmena Downey is executive director of the Fenway
Community Development Corporation.
> Frequency <

A New Name for Westland Ave.?
Dear Editor:
While civic organizations and our
representatives work to gain Westland
Avenue its deserved priority “neighborhood
improvement zone designation,” it is time
for the renaming of this important avenue
letters
leading into the Fens and Christian Science
Center. It may look a bit shabby now, but the
future is looking brighter here. Residents,
Fenway Civic Association, City Councilor
Mike Ross, and some City department chiefs
are banding together to bring real changes and
improvements.
One important change will be to
rename the avenue in honor of the founder of
American landscape architect, Frederick Law
Olmsted, who created the very concept and
plans for Boston’s Emerald Necklace of green
space. The East Fens deserves the honor of a
new Olmsted Avenue.
Will Johnson
east fens
The Fenway News reaches the stands every
4-5 weeks, usually on the first
or last Friday of the month. Our next issue
will be appear on Friday, OCTOBER 29.
> Deadline <
The deadline for letters, news items, and ads
is Friday, OCTOBER 22.
> Advertising <
Contact our business manager at
ads@fenwaynews.org
 FENWAY NEWS | OCTOBER 2010 | 5

☞ f e n wa y h I S T O R Y ☜

Here Came Mr. Jordan the Great Fire of 1872 he donated blankets for the firemen and contributed $10,000 to the
firemen’s fund. If an employee was ill he sent someone to the home to see if the family
By Elizabeth Gillis needed anything. He donated to the New England Conservatory of Music.

H
e had one dollar and twenty five cents left after he paid for his boat ticket from
Portland to Boston. Eben Jordan was fourteen years old and had saved his money
from working on a farm.
Once when he was asked what he would do with his life he replied, “Well, I shall get
all I can.” And he did that from working on a farm in West Roxbury to being an errand boy.
With the help of a man who admired his work ethic, he opened a small dry goods store in
the North End. Jordan noticed that the boats came in from Maine and the Maritimes at
4 a.m. so he opened his shop at 4 a.m. No one had thought of that before, so his business was
a great success.
In 1861 Jordan and his business partner Benjamin Marsh changed their wholesale store
into one that sold to the public. It was known as Jordan Marsh & Company and was located
on Washington Street. It became a huge success.
Jordan did indeed get everything he could, but he used it well. During the Civil War
he established a recruiting center in the store. If an employee enlisted in the army he gave
him a uniform and decreed that his salary would be paid in full during his service. During
Eben Jordan, Jr., was reluctant to join the business. He had talent as a singer but he
knew that would be a difficult career. He expressed his interests in the arts by donating
Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory. Later he helped to create Jordan Hospital in
Plymouth and supported the Boston Opera Company until 1915.
Eben and a business partner devised a new type of store—a department store. There
were fashion shows, art exhibitions, concerts, a bakery and a waiting room where ladies
could write notes to their friends on store stationery. The store had electric lights and
telephones. The customers were offered charge accounts, a novelty at the time. The store
was the first to have full page newspaper ads.
Eben used his fortune for many good causes but he also enjoyed luxuries. When he
took the train from Boston to his estate near Plymouth a carriage met him. There were four
horses, a coachman at the front and a footman at the back. Two Dalmatians ran along with
it. He didn’t forget his neighbors. He and his wife hosted Christmas parties with gifts for the
children. And when he saw the need he donated a fire engine to the town.
Elizabeth Gillis lives in the West Fenway.

the well-to-do move in while their friends

With No Jobs or Prospects, Violence Haunts Boston’s Youth and families scramble to find places they can
afford.
The answer to youth joblessness is a

T
By Chuck Turner
he most difficult issue I have faced
during ten years as a City Councilor
is that of crime and violence,
particularly homicides involving
youth. Four years ago I asked Darrin
Howell, a new staff member, to develop a
comprehensive report on homicides within the
district and the city during the last 20 years.
His report revealed that half of all
homicides during that period were of youth
between the ages of 14 and 25. Even during
the “miracle years” of 1997–1999, when
the percentages of homicide victims aged
20 to 25 were 25%, 17%, and 32%. Thus,
even during the “miracle years,” homicides
among those 14–25 were at or above 40%.
The reality is that despite a variety of efforts
under two different mayors and many police
commissioners over 20 years, the percentages
of homicides among the youth in this city has
remained between 40% and 50% with the
average being slightly less than 50%.
The other constant in the areas of Boston
with the highest numbers of homicides
(Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan) during
work. While the School Department has made
significant strides in reducing dropout rates,
the reality is that the number of young people job creation program. An October 2 rally in
in Boston out of work and out
of school continues to climb.
If we are serious in
Boston, in Massachusetts,
and across the country about
curbing youth violence, we
can no longer focus on easy
answers like targeting those
most likely to commit crimes.
Ten thousand youth, out
mammoth national government-sponsored
Washington, called by a coalition of
civil rights and labor organizations, is
designed to focus the attention of the
nation on the need for a jobs program
not only for our youth but for our
adult,s who make up the majority of the
17% un- and underemployed.
However, we cannot wait on
Washington to take action. It is time
that Boston leadership acknowledged

The Turner
murders dropped in the city from 43 to 35 those years has been a high unemployment of school and out of work, that we need a jobs strategy that focuses
to 31, the percentages of 14- to 19-year-olds rate among young people. Many studies are kindling for the fires of on youth, particularly in low-income

killed were 11%, 31%, and 13%. Beginning
in 2000 the rate began to climb, reaching a
peak in 2005, when 27% of the 75 murdered
individuals were aged 14 to 19.
During the same years (1997–99),
have documented joblessness among youth
during that time, most recently (2007), Prof.
Andy Sum, a Northeastern University labor
researcher and statistician, conducted a
nationwide survey among Black and Latino
youth. His conclusion was that 40% to 50% of
Black and Latino youth in urban areas were
unemployed.
The City Council got a stark reminder
of the extent of youth unemployment
in Boston at a hearing in 2008, when
another Northeastern researcher said
that the American Community Survey,
conducted each year by the Census, reported
approximately 10,000 young people between
16 and 24 who were out of school and out of
Report
crime and violence. It is our communities of color as well as white
responsibility as adults to working-class communities. That is
develop strategies to enable why I plan to call to a hearing civic,
them to use their energy The Fenway religious, government, and business
productively. News has invited leaders to explore strategies for putting
While youth homicides elected officials our youth to work. Its time that Boston’s
in Boston are primarily who represent the leadership acknowledged that a youth/
among Black and Latino neighborhood to young adult development strategy
youth, I believe the drug contribute columns with no jobs is no more an answer to
overdose/suicide problem on issues of the problem of crime and violence
for youth, particularly in concern. These will among youth than is a jobless economic
Boston’s white working-class appear on a regular recovery an answer for men and women
communities, is tied to a sense basis in FensViews. wanting to work.
of hopelessness that children Chuck Turner represents District
from those neighborhoods, resulting from 7, including part of the Fenway, on the
the unemployment and poverty they see as Boston City Council.

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We even have a regular philosophy discussion For more information, you might stop by
Kaji Aso Studio Finds a Landscape with that starts around 9 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
We don’t think that once you have learned
the studio at 40 St. Stephen St. and pick up a
brochure. Or you can visit www.kajiasostudio.
Plants and People in ‘Living Garden’ something you are finished—we want to help
people to keep growing.”
com or call them at 617-247-1719. New faces
and old friends are always welcome.

T
By Stephen Brophy can see the art. It’s fun to sit there and watch
he Kaji Aso Studio on St. Stephen people, listen to their responses. Kids respond
St. will host an exhibit this month so much more positively than we give them Fenway Becomes City’s Arts Epicenter on the 11th
of works by its students, faculty and credit for, and so much more honestly.” Kera

photo: holly redmond

members She became more Washington
celebrating the enthusiastic as she talked about of Zili Misik
many inspirations the show. “Several students performs for
to art provided and staff work together to the crowd
by gardens. From set it up—we do everything. at The First
Oct. 23 through We build the walls, paint and Church
Nov. 14, the show, install them. This work binds of Christ,
“The Living us together. We have to do it Scientist Plaza
Garden,” will grace at night because of the amont stage.
the walls of the of foot traffic during the days.
Gallery Nature & At first we would be working
Temptation on the well after midnight, but we’ve
studio’s first floor. become much more efficient.”
Fenway News Finnegan invites her
talked with the neighbors (she lives close to Fifteen music events, twelve explorations, six art events, four dance
studio’s director, the studio) to get more familiar performances, plus theater, film, and hands-on workshops make up Boston’s
Kate Finnegan, with the many offerings at Kaji largest single day of free arts and cultural events. On Opening Our Doors Day,
recently to get Aso. “Mr. Aso really wanted October 11, the 22 institutions of the Fenway Alliance join 30 community partner
more details on this space to become a home organizations to welcome visitors from the Fenway and across the region.
the exhibit and Lisa Kaufman’s watercolor, for something like the great The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the Boston Children’s Chorus on the
find out what else Communion, will be part of the salons of Europe, where people Christian Science Plaza near the intersection of the Huntington (aka, Avenue
is going on at Kaji exhibit, “The Living Garden” at from many cultural pursuits of the Arts) and the Mass Ave. (dubbed Avenue of Music). For information on
Aso. Finnegan Kaji Aso Studio from October 23 to come together. Besides our participating organizations, the day’s programs, and an interactive map, visit
started with a quote November 14. exhibitions and classes, we www.fenwayculture.org/
from the Studio’s founder. “Mr. Aso always also have poetry readings and musical events.
said ‘art comes not from art but from life’,”
she remembers. “To get material for art you
have to reach out to life, especially in nature. Looking for a Fresh showcase, Young Artists Turn to Publishing
Nature is so endless that you always keep

A
By Stephen Brophy in schools in or near the Fenway, primarily looking for ways to make things happen,
looking at it.”
collective of local artists called either Mass. College of Art or the Museum organize group projects, find new ways to
Finnegan reminded her listener that
Rifrákt has published an excellent School, but also of Emerson College and interact with our communities.”
humans are a part of nature, and that gardens
book, 25 Emerging Boston Artists Boston Architecture College. The Fenway Due to the expense of producing a
offer a particularly good example of the
2010, and just over half those News recently talked with Stephanie Goode, high-quality art book with a limited print
interaction of humans with other nature. “By
emerging artists got their formal education one of the collective’s cofounders, to find out run, the collective sees only about $10 of
painting gardens, we paint both humans and
how the book came together. the book’s $85 or $95 (depending on cover)
nature together,” she asserted.
“The collective came together because price. “Putting this together was definitely a
The show will have works by all levels Levine Looks set to return after we got out of school many of us missed learning process,” Goode confided. Rifrákt
of artists, some of whom have been studying As we go to press, classical music the critique groups we had in studio arts hopes to sell the volume mainly from its
for years at the studio. Lisa Kaufman—whose fans—and not just in Boston—have programs, and we needed more interaction website, www.rifrakt.com, but the group
watercolor, Communion, is reproduced here— their eyes on Symphony Hall with our fellow artists,” she said. “Boston is open to other suggestions. They were
has been studying with Gary Tucker, one of wondering if conductor James Levine tends to have a very segregated art scene, represented in the recent Open Studios event
the Kaji Aso instructors, “for at least 5 years,” will join the BSO for its season opener usually organized around particular galleries. in the South End, for example.
Finnegan told us. Her work, with its poetic this month. A string of injuries have We wanted to set up situations in which our The collective has organized shows in
title, really represents the idea of the exhibit. forced him out of dozens of concerts work was viewed by fresh sets of eyes, and living rooms and other non-standard spaces,
As well as the gallery, Kaji Aso Studio over the last few years, but media we wanted to cross the traditional boundaries and hopes to organize more public art projects
also has a teahouse and a small, contemplative reports suggest he’ll be back in the of media. Rifrakt has members who work in in the coming year.
garden with a carp pool. Yankee magazine BSO saddle on October 2. traditional painting, sculpture, photography An longer version of this article appears
this year named the teahouse at Kaji Aso one
and many other media, and we are always at www.fenwaynews.org.
of the five best in New England. Finnegan
conducts a traditional tea ceremony there
on Sundays from 4-6 p.m.; if you’d like to
experience one, make a reservation at least
a week in advance and be prepared to pay
$30 for the event. Finnegan also offers tea
apprenticeships to those who have attended a
ceremony and want to become more expert.
In November members of the studio
will organize their 6th annual exhibit at the
Prudential Center. “We did this on our 30th
anniversary and thought it would be just that
one time,” Finnegan remembers. But it’s such
a beautiful setting, with its skylights and
natural lighting. Anyone walking through

Support the advertisers that support The Fenway News.

 FENWAY NEWS | OCTOBER 2010 | 7

Introducing the Fenway’s Mr. Green Genes

Ashok Kamal, born and raised in the East
kamal family photo

Fens (shown here with his mother, Rosie),

2 – may 7
co-founded Bennu with two partners in
2009. The socially responsible start-up
makes backpacks out of fabric composed
entirely of recycled plastic bottles (20
16-ounce bottles per pack, to be precise).
Harvesting the plastic in the bottles
requires only 30% as much energy as
producing “virgin” plastic—and a big
Oct 2 – May 7

season october
part of the Bennu pitch is its sustainable
business practices. “When people ask me
how I became involved in sustainability,
I tell them I was born with green genes,”
Ashok says, who fondly recalls childhood
recycling runs with Rosie and his father,
Sajed.“I’m proud of Ashock and his
partners” for starting a green business,” James levine, conductor
says his mother. “Many of today’s business opEnIng nIghT Bryn terfel, bass-baritone
executives could learn from them.” One aT SyMphony ALL WAGNER PROGRAM
Bennu specialty is customized bags for oct 2 sat 6 pm * Overture and “Die Frist ist um”
schools; those in the photo were created (The Dutchman’s Monologue)
for Brookline’s Corner Co-op nursery, from The Flying Dutchman

2010–2011
where Rosie is director. There’s more Ride of the Valkyries, Wotan’s Farewell,
about Bennu at www.bennuworld.com. and Magic Fire Music from
Die Walküre
Siegfried Idyll
☞ i n m e m ori a m ☜ james levine bryn terfel
Monologue (Hans Sachs) and Act 1
Prelude from Die Meistersinger
Barbara Adam, 83 von Nürnberg
*Supported by The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
By Elizabeth Gillis
arbara Adam, long time West Fens resident, died at age 83 on Sunday, August
James levine, conductor
29, at Sherrill House, where she had been a resident for three years. MahlEr layla claire, soprano
Barbara grew up in Silvermine, Connecticut, an art colony where writers,
poets and artists lived. After graduating from Vassar she lived in Greenwich Village
rESurrECTIon karen cargill, mezzo-soprano
during a brief marriage that produced a son.
oct 7 thur 10:30am tanglewood Festival chorus,
oct 7 thur 8pm John oliver, conductor
She began a career in publishing and wrote two children’s books. Then came a
oct 8 fri 1:30pm MAHLER Symphony No. 2, Resurrection
second career teaching young children in San Francisco. Moving back to New England
to be near a granddaughter was the next stage in her life. oct 9 sat 8pm

After living in San Francisco again for several more years Barbara retired here in oct 12 tue 8pm
1988. In an interview with Kerry Mooney a few years ago she said, “To me the Fenway
is the best place to live in Boston. It has a good combination of city life and nature.
What I love about living in the city is the diversity, the energy, the theater and cultural
events.”
In addition to taking part in events at the Peterborough Senior Center Barbara
was active at First Church Boston, where she took part in planning an adult education l ay l a c l a i r e k aren cargill

lecture program and a movie group. A memorial service was held there recently.
One had to admire Barbara’s courage and perseverance in struggling to maintain James levine, conductor
her independence despite severe physical limitations. harbISon & MahlEr HARBISON Symphony No. 3
Elizabeth Gillis lives in the West Fenway. SyMphonIES MAHLER Symphony No. 5
oct 14 thur 8pm
 15 fri 1:30pm
james levine music director

oct
oct 16 sat 8pm
Vincent ‘Sa’ Davis, 56
By Ellen Pfeifer
ew England Conservatory is mourning the death on Aug. 25 of percussionist
Fincent “Sa” Davis, 56, who taught hand drumming to NEC’s college,
preparatory and continuing education students from 1980 until his death.
james levine
According to his brother Richard Harris, Davis’s death came as a shock because he had
not been ill.
Davis’s work as a musician was at the cutting edge of a new generation of hand pInChaS ZuKErMan Marcelo lehninger, conductor
drum technique, developed from the musical traditions of Afro-Cuban, African, jazz, pinchas Zukerman, violin
oct 20 wed 7:30pm*
Latin, rock, fusion, hip-hop, and pop drumming styles. Davis worked with such artists BARBER Overture to The School
21 thur 8pm
oct
for Scandal
as Tom Scott, Grover Washington, Jr., Billy Cobham, Freddie Hubbard, and Lalah
oct 22 fri 1:30 pm BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto
Hathaway. He performed at Carnegie Hall with George Benson, appeared on The
oct 23 sat 8 pm TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5
Arsenio Hall Show, and completed special projects for Nova and Adventure on PBS.
oct 26 tue 8pm *Sponsored by Harvard University Extension School
In demand as a studio musician, Davis performed on motion picture and television
soundtracks and produced sound effects for the film The Brother from Another Planet.
His work can be heard on more than 40 recordings.
A native of Boston, the percussionist’s “lifelong association with music began
at an early age,” as he recalled in a memoir he wrote in 1993. “At seven years old,
I commenced on an elementary study of the piano, and soon progressed to voice,
marcelo lehninger
as a part of the Twelfth Baptist Church youth choir, where I received my first real pinchas zukerman

experience with public speaking and vocal performance. My membership in this choir
open rehearsals are noted in light type .
lasted over four years, just until the summer before my twelfth birthday, when my voice
changed from soprano in range to something less than a natural singing voice.”
Davis’s first drum instructor was Tony Pryor, whom he met while working in 617-266-1200 • bso.org TICKETS: $20 – $118
his uncle’s barbershop. Pryor was a member of the Nine Lords, a popular vocal group Visit bso.org for entire schedule. All programs and artists subject to change.
performing in Boston at that time. His parents encouraged him to continue his studies pre-concert tAlks Pre-concert talks are offered in Symphony Hall prior to all BSO concerts and
at New England Conservatory’s Extension Division (the earlier incarnation of the Open Rehearsals. Free to all ticket holders, these talks begin at 6:45pm prior to evening concerts,
12:15pm prior to Friday afternoon concerts, and one hour before the start of each Open Rehearsal.
Preparatory School) where he met Ran Blake, who changed his life.
there is a $5.50 per ticket handling fee for tickets ordered by phone/internet.
“Although he was not a percussionist, Ran was the first person to get me involved
in listening to music as a personal tool for musical development,” Davis wrote. That tdd/tty 617-638-9289. For services, ticketing, and information
for persons with disabilities call 617-638-9431.
“exposed me to a world of music that was part of my cultural heritage.” Blake was also
among the first of Davis’s teachers who “did not look upon black music as something
that was popular but illegitimate when compared to the classics of European music.
He was also the person who introduced me to the music of Miles Davis, Thelonious
Monk, Stan Kenton, Jeanne Lee, and Chris Connor, as well as his own compositions. In
retrospect, I introduced him to the music of Sly Stone, James Brown, and Jimi Hendrix.
“My early years at the Conservatory were the catalyst that propelled me into a Season Sponsor:
career in music,” Davis concluded. “In my final years of high school, my classmates at
the Conservatory were a ‘Who’s Who’ of the local, national, and international music
scene, many of whom have gone on to be well-respected and endeared musicians and
composers in their own right.”
A memorial concert is planned for the near future. For further information, check
the NEC website at: http://necmusic.edu/faculty/sa-davis . supporting partner official hotel official chauffeured
Ellen Pfeifer is the public relations manager at New England Conservatory. transportation provider
8 | FENWAY NEWS | OCTOBER 2010

+
This symbol indicates a free
event. For even more listings,
visit www.fenwaynews.org

mothers—one selfish and ruthless who

despises her daughter, the other gentle and
Boston’s Literary Lights Shine at Book Fest

pick of the month

Now through Dec 30: “Graphic Intervention: dominated by a strong-willed daughter.
25 Years of International AIDS Awareness $7 general admission (one free ticket In only its second year, the Boston Book Festival has mushroomed in size. On
Posters 1985–2010” serves up 150 AIDS with BU ID at the door on the day of the Saturday, October 16, the free event brings 40 panels on bookish topics to
posters from around the world produced performance). Info at 617-933-8600 or the main branch of the BPL and three new venues
by everyone from grassroots groups to www.bu.edu/cfa/events/ (Trinity Church, Emmanuel Church, and the Back
government agencies. Mon-Sat, 12-6pm, Fri, Oct 8: NEC violist Kim Bay Performance Center). Berklee has organized a
Wed, 12-8 p.m. Opening reception Thu, Oct Kashkashian leads the first of three free performance stage in Copley Square, featuring
7, 6-8 p.m. 621 Huntington Ave. Info at concerts to benefit the Greater Boston music and spoken-word artists all day. And the
+ 617-879-7333. Free. Food Bank for which admission festivities wrap up with The Book Revue, a benefit
is donation of canned or other concert at 7:30 that unites musicians who write
Now through Sun, Oct 17: Bus Stop, William (including Throwing Muses’ Kristin Hersh and
Inge’s little-revived comedy, gets a critically nonperishable food. Emmanuel
Church, 15 Newbury St., at 6 p.m. the tuneful Joe Pernice of Pernice Brothers) and
praised dusting-off from the Huntington writers who perform (including comic essayist Steve
Theatre. At a small roadside restaurant Mon, Oct 11: The national tour of Almond). If you’ve even thought about buying or
outside Kansas City, a snowstorm isolates a stars from the show So You Think You checking out a book in the last year, you’ll recognize
disparate group of travelers. Tue-Thu, 7:30 Can Dance arrives at BU’s Agganis many of the 130 presenters, from Joyce Carol Oates
p.m.; Fri-Sat, 8:00 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 2:00 p.m. Arena. Why this would be any more (in picture) and Tom Perrota to Allegra Goodman,
$25-$82.50, with discounts for seniors, appealing in person than on TV we Dennis Lehane, Joseph Stiglitz, poet Kevin Young,
BU affiliates, and people under 35. 264 can’t fathom, but here’s chance to and über-book designer Chip Kidd. Much, much
Huntington Avenue. Info at www.hunting- find out. 7:30 p.m. at 925 Comm Ave. more information at www.bostonbookfest.org.
tontheatre.org or from 617-266-0800. Tickets $37.50-$55 from 617-353-4628 +
Sat, Oct 2: Lolita Parker Jr.’s gift for or the ticket office (M-F, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
capturing unguarded moments of honesty Tues, Oct 12: To celebrate the 85th birthday Grieg and Weber. This group comprises Broadway hit to reliable chestnut for
will be on display in a retrospective of her of former president (and composer and jazz some of the most talented young musicians local theater in about three seconds, but
photographs at the Haley House Cafe. scholar) Gunther Schuller, the NEC’s Wind from greater Boston and is well worth Wheelock works unexpected magic with its
Certain themes pervade her work from Ensemble hosts none other than…Schuller hearing. 3 p.m. at Symphony Hall. $25-30 plays and promises that this production will
four decades: masculinity/femininity, himself, conducting his own transcription through www.bos.org or BYSO’s ticket line pay special attention to the show’s depiction
race consciousness, social justice, and the of Duke Ellington’s first long-form at 617-353-5353. of the gap between rich and poor. Fri-Sat
struggles and joys of daily life. Opening composition, Reminiscing in Tempo. The Tue, Oct 19: John Irving reads from his new at 7:30 p.m., Sat-Sun at 3 p.m. 200 The
reception 6-8 p.m. includes refreshments. program also features works by Debussy, novel, Last Night at Twisted River at the Riverway. Tickets $20-25-30. Info at www.
Call 617-445-0900 or visit www. Mozart, and, yes, Schuller. 8:00 p.m. in BU School of Communication. 640 Comm. ovationtix.com/trs/pr/776935 or call 617-
haleyhouse.org/cafe for more details. + Jordan Hall. FREE Ave., Room 101, at 7 p.m. Contact 879-2300.
Wed, Oct 6: Fathom Events broadcasts live Thu, Oct 14: Our musical choices lean
+ crwr@bu.edu for details. FREE Sat, Oct 23: The Friends of Parker Hill hold
special events into movie theaters across the toward the classical because that’s what Thu, Oct 21: In Fallujah, by 2010 BU grad their fall 2010 Book Sale in the library at
U.S, including the Regal Fenway 13. One a the Fenway offers in great quantities. For a Evan Sanderson, an American journalist 1497 Tremont St. from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Minute LIVE Supporting Susan G. Komen change of pace, how about the popular new becomes captivated by the stories of the Many bargains available. Call 617-427-3820
for the Cure offers a panel discussion about country-music stars known for their tight people he encounters while embedded with or email ParkerHillLibrary@gmail.com
research advances and a documentary on harmonies, Lady Antebellum, who perform a combat unit in Iraq. After his return, an + for more info. FREE.
breast cancer. Lest that sound dull, ex- at Agganis Arena? 7:30 p.m. at 925 Comm encounter with the ghost of a dead soldier Sun, Oct 24: Boston Conservatory’s String
pect lots of celebrities, including Melissa Ave. Tickets $39.50, plus the usual welter compels him to return to Fallujah on the Masters Series presents cellist Andrés
Etheridge, Olivia Newton-John, Deepak of Ticketmaster service charges at www. eve of its destruction. The play will be BU’s Diaz in a program of works by J.S. Bach,
Chopra, and Kelly McGillis. Tickets are $15; ticketmaster.com. entry in the 2011 Kennedy Center American Kodaly, and the Ravel Duo, played with
follow the links from the event page at www. Fri, Oct 15 & Sat, Oct 16: Period-instrument College Theatre Festival. Oct 21 at 7:30 his sister, violinist Gabriela Diaz. 8 p.m.,
fathomevents.com. Other events: Tue, favorites Boston Baroque mix orchestral p.m., Oct 22-23 at 8:00 p.m., Oct 24 at 4:00 Seully Hall, 8 The Fenway, $15/$10. http://
Oct 19 & Tue, Oct 26: Sing-along Sound of perfromances (Beethoven’s 7th Symphony p.m. 855 Comm Ave. Call 617-353-3390 bostonconservatory.ticketforce.com/ or
Music, which played at the Coolidge Corner for details or visit www.bu.edu/cfa/
last year and is just what it sounds like (6:30
and Mozart’s 33rd) with Beethoven and
Cherubini arias performed by powerhouse
+ events/. FREE
617-912-9222.
p.m., $12.50). Thu, Oct 21: Live simulcast of Sun, Oct 24: From the Top returns to Jordan
soprano Barbara Quintiliani. 8:00 p.m,, Thu, Oct 21: Long before the Red Sox- Hall with its mix of old-time live radio,
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Jordan Hall. Tickets $25-66. Call 617-484- Yankees rivalry the Boston Post Road American Idol, and a chamber concert. The
Keilor (8 p.m., $22; repeats Mon, Oct 25 at 9200 or visit www.bostonbaroque.org. tied the cities together in the colonial era. pre-college musicians perform challenging
7:30 p.m., $18). Fathom also distributes The
Sun, Oct 17: The accomplished Boston Former New York Times reporter Eric Jaffe classical pieces with feeling and extremely
Met: Live in HD simulcasts; although the
Youth Symphony performs Beethoven’s discusses his new book, The King’s Best refined technique. The show’s affable host
October performances are already sold out
7th (a popular choice this month) and Highway: The Lost History of the Boston Christopher O’Riley charms his young per-
at the Fenway, the series continues through
Shostakovich’s 1st symphonies, along with Post Road, the Route that Made America. formers in interviews designed to showcase
next spring.
Reception at 5:30 p.m., lecture at 6:00. them as regular kids who balance their
Thu, Oct 7-Sat, Oct 23: In the Summer House Registration required at 617-646-0560, by unusual musical gifts with a host of more
by Jane Bowles, part of BU’s Fringe Festival, The calendar for the email to education@masshist.org, or on the relatable interests and experiences. 2:00-
which this year spotlights Bowles and her Peterborough Senior Center Mass Historical Society website, www.
novelist husband Paul. A portrait of two appears this month on page 2
+ masshist.org. FREE
3:30 p.m. at Jordan Hall. Tickets ($20-25-30)
are available online at www.fromthetop.org
Fri, Oct 22-Sun, Nov 21: Annie went from or, beginning Oct. 4 at the Jordan Hall box
office (617-585-1260).
Annex Bldg., Rm 3D. For more info, call 617-262-0657. Thu, Oct 28: Aquila Theatre Company pres-
ents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at North-
Tue, Oct 5, NIH’s Blue Ribbon Panel holds a critical meeting on Tue, Oct 19: Ward 5 Democratic Committee Meeting., 7 p.m.
eastern’s Blackman Theatre. The New York
risk assessment of the National Emerging Diseases Lab (BU’s Community Church of Boston, 565 Boylston St., Copley Square.
Times calls NYU-based Aquila “classically
Level IV BioLab in the South End), 6:30-10 p.m., Mainstage at Wed, Oct 20: Fenway liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Neighbor- trained, modernly hip.” 8 p.m. at Blackman
Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave. hood Services, William Onuoha. Office hours: 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Auditorium. $20 (general public), $10 (fac-
Wed, Oct 6: Fenway liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood the YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. No appointment necessary. ulty, staff, alumni, students). Info at www.
Services, William Onuoha, holds office hours: 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Wed, Oct 20: West Fens Community/Police meeting., 5 p.m. centerforthearts.neu.edu/event1.html
the YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. No appointment necessary. Landmark Center (corner of Park Drive & Brookline Ave.), 2nd fl, Thu, Oct 28-Sun, Oct 31: Boston Conserva-
Wed, Oct 6: “Great Parks = Vibrant Cities,” a panel discussion District 4 Police Substation next to security desk. tory presents Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sond-
moderated by former Governor Michael Dukakis with nationally Thu, Oct 21: Congressman Capuano’s Representative holds office heim’s merrily bloody musical tale of re-
known speakers, part of the Friends of the Public Garden’s 40th- hours. 1-2 p.m. at Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St. Community venge set in early-19th-century London. The
anniversary series. 4 p.m. Boston Public Library, main branch, residents’ questions/concerns welcome. new Conservatory Theatre at 31 Hemenway
Rabb Auditorium. For more info and to RSVP, email friends@ Street. Thu-Sat, 8 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 2 p.m.; $15-
harronandassociates.com FREE. Sun, Oct 24: Enjoy Mexican food at the second Fenway News
20-25. Info at http://bostonconservatory.
Benefit Brunch. 12-3 p.m., Casa Romero, 30 Gloucester St., (Back
Tue, Oct 12: Ward 4 Democratic Committee meeting considers ticketforce.com/default.asp or 617-912-
Bay). $40 and up. RSVP or for more info, call 617-536-1251.
endorsements of ballot questions and candidates and discusses 9222.
get-out-the-vote efforts for the Nov. 2 election. 6:30 p.m., South Mon, Oct 25: Longwood Medical Area Forum, 6:30-8 p.m. For
Fri, Oct 29: Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre cele-
End Public Library, 685 Tremont St. location or to verify if meeting will be held, email Laura at
brates its 25th year, and many of those years
lfogerty@masco.harvard.edu.
Fri, Oct 15: Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz’s representative holds were spent in a small building on Mass Ave
Office hours. 8-9 a.m at Espresso Royale Cafe, 44 Gainsboro St. Tue, Oct 26: Symphony Neighborhood Task Force, 6 p.m. To in the Fenway. Realm of Suspense combines
For more info, call Melina Munoz at 617-722-1673 or email her at verify location, call Councilor Mike Ross’ office at 617-635-4225. two pieces from the company’s repertory
melina.munoz@state.ma.us. Sun., Oct 31: Halloween celebration and trick-or-treating for with a world premiere ballet. Sanctuary
families, sponsored by Fenway CDC’s Fenway Family Coalition. Theatre in the Old Cambridge Baptist
Tue, Oct 19: East Fens Community/Police Meeting., 6 p.m.
Raffle prizes, face painting, pizza and beverages: 4-6 p.m. Trick Church at 400 Mass Ave. Tickets $38; Fri-
Morville House, 100 Norway St. Sat at 8:00 p.m., Sun at 4:00 p.m.; repeats on
or Treating to neighborhood businesses: 5-8 p.m. Community
Tue, Oct 19: Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assoc. board Room at 73 Hemenway St. (walk down path along south side of these days through Sun, Nov 11. Call 617-
meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Harvard Vanguard, 131 Brookline Ave., the bldg, ring bell). Fenway families and friends welcome. 354-7467 or visit www.ballettheatre.org.