JAN
org
2011
FREE
serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, upper Back Bay, Prudential, Longwood Area & Mission Hill since 1974 volume 37, number 1 DECEMBER 31, 2010-JANUARY 27, 2011
West Fens Author’s ‘Revolution’
Rises and Sets With the Sun
S
By Lauren Constantino
olar energy powers Professor Sajed
Kamal’s watch, a device that serves
as a regular reminder of the rapidly
approaching deadline for society to
switch to renewable energy.
Kamal, a world leader in solar energy
installations, has a new book, The Renewable
Revolution: How We Can Fight Climate
Change, Prevent Energy Wars, Revitalize
the Economy and Transition to a Sustainable
Future, published in the United States last
month.
Kamal, a native of West Bengal, India,
has a doctorate in education and has set
up solar energy projects around the world.
He has led several local initiatives, such
as Solar Boston, a program established to
develop strategies for the installation of solar
technologies throughout Boston, and Solar
Fenway, a grassroots organization based out of
Kamal’s home for the integration of renewable
energy technologies in the Fenway areSK:
After chatting about the focus of his new
book and his outlook on the future of world
energy consumption, Kamal enthusiastically
showed off a solar-panel installation outside a
window of his Fenway home, along with his
collection of solar cookers. Kamal, 65, men-
tioned that he recently used a cooker to whip
up tofu curry for students at his sustainable
energy workshop at Brandeis University in
Waltham. With his energy-conscious efforts
in Boston and around the world, Kamal seems
to continually exemplify his assertion that
“there is absolutely no excuse for not doing
what we can do within our limits.”
Fenway News: How diverse is solar energy?
Sajed Kamal: The sun is the source of all
energy. Light, heat, wind, water movement
and photosynthesis are the five sources that
come to us as long as the sun is there. In one
hour, the sun sends enough energy to the
earth’s surface to provide for world energy
needs for one year. In contrast, oil, gas and
uranium are predicted to be depleted within
the next 30 to 50 years, and coal within the
Photo: lauren constantino
Sajed Kamal demonstrates a solar cooker
for reporter Lauren Constantino.
next 250 years. Even if there were more
of these resources, continuing to use them
causes climate change, acid rain and pollution,
so we need to move away from them. Whether
resources are renewable or non-renewable, we
need to look at them critically.
FN: How did we get caught in this
unsustainable trap in the first place, and
how do current policies threaten our
sustainability?
SK: We have always needed energy
to survive. When coal was discovered, it
triggered the Industrial Revolution. Humans
were able to control how energy was
available and how it was distributed. From
the beginning there were some concerns,
but we became so obsessed with using more
and more of it that we seldom paid attention
to them. Unfortunately, government policies
and industrial development have really fueled
each other. And as we have become more
desperate and more powerful, our wars have
become more destructive.
FN: The technology for sustainable energy
exists, and you have said it is economically
viable and socially acceptable. What are the
barriers to implementing it?
SK: One is education and awareness
about renewable options. A second is politics.
They have generally been more favorable
toward non-renewables. That is changing,
and some countries are more committed than
others. Germany wants a full transition to
renewable energy by 2050. It’s an ambitious
goal, but the examples we have show that it
can happen if policies are in the right place.
Access to technology is also a barrier. Even
when people are aware of these technologies,
they do not always have the means to make
use of them. Another is economics. Subsidies
are much less for renewables than non-
renewables.
FN: Who is the most important audience for
your book?
SK: My hope would be a crossover
readership. I was looking at the subject from
multiple disciplines, and at the same time I
have written it as a book that can be both read
and used. I want to educate people as well as
advise policymakers. That was my intention.
FN: When did sustainable energy begin to
draw your attention?
SK: When I was [a
student] at Northeastern,
we were protesting the
Vietnam War. One student
had come back [after sum-
mer break] from Iran: He
noticed that one of the
areas he used to bike to,
near an oil field, was fenced
off. Militarization of…oil
fields was beginning. So I
wondered whether the war
was over or if it was just
shifting [from the spread of
communism, the focus of
the Vietnam War] to natu-
ral resources. We seemed
to be gearing up to go to
war for oil. So my question
was, “What kind of energy
can we use that will not
cause us to go to war?”
FN: What is the
environmental impact of
manufacturing solar panels that currently
have an estimated lifespan of 25 years?
SK: It is very important to not create a
problem by trying to solve a problem. But if
you used the same environmental criteria for
non-renewable sources as renewable, the non-
renewables would have been shut down long
ago. The standard should be universal. What
> Solar Revolution on page 3
WWW.FENWAYNEWS.
Winter Wonderland on St. Stephen Street
Colleges Cook Up an Alphabet Soup
as Residents Debate Proposed Plans
by Stephen Brophy
The Boston Redevelopment Authority
(BRA) board voted unanimously on December
14 to give Northeastern University (NU)
another extension of its master plan, this
time for two years, and to allow it to lease
the former Forsyth Institute building on The
Fenway. The school will also lease office
space in the Christian Science Church
complex and classroom space in the YMCA.
The news comes as the culmination of a
long, sometimes rancorous process in which
the university struggled to get community
approval for its plans.
Next up will be negotiations over
disposition of brick row houses on Mass Ave
at St. Botolph Street. Northeastern acquired
these buildings, known as St. Botolph Terrace,
in 2007 in a secretive deal that frightened
many of the buildings’ tenants and angered
community activists. The buildings have
federal Section 8 subsidies that allow tenants
to pay no more than 30% of their gross income
for rent; Northeastern committed at the time
to maintain this system through its expiration
in 2023, but would not commit to continuing it
beyond that.
Along with the Mission Hill community’s
concerns about the changing character of
their neighborhood due to an influx of off-
campus students, this became a debating
point in the school’s bid to win its neighbors’
endorsement of the master plan extension.
NU Vice President Jack McCarthy announced
early last month that the school would sell the
The city requires large nonprofit entities like hospitals and universities to prepare an
institutional master plan (IMP) every ten years. These two letters were sent to the BRA as part
of the public comment process on granting Northeastern a fourth extension of its IMP:
From Symphony United Neighbors
Dear Gerald:
....Although we have some reservations
about yet another amendment to the
Northeastern Master Plan, we do support it.
Waiting for a new Master Plan would delay
certain plans and undo many years of work
by the Task Force and the neighborhood.
Similarly, we generally favor the leasing
arrangements in this request. One concern
we have, however, is reclaiming the public
parkland that was somehow taken over by
the Forsyth Institute parking lot. Although
the MFA owns the property, we would like
Northeastern to take action to restore this
during the time they lease it.
Now, for the dorm proposal: We know
that it is very early in the process. However,
many of the objections that we as a neigh-
borhood had to the former GrandMarc
project still remain. (We would, by the way,
suggest to the developers that they find a
new name. Bad vibes.) These are some of
Photo: Ginny such
If there was
minimal grousing
about the blizzard
that swept into
town on December
26—the tenth
biggest snowfall on
record in Boston—
that might be
because so many
folks got an extra
day off from work
on Monday the
27th. St. Stephen
Street looked
serene under its
blanket of snow.
property, preferably to an entity that would
continue its availability as affordable housing.
The details of all this remain vague. In a
letter to the BRA supporting the extension, the
Fenway Community Development Corporation
(FCDC) asserted that NU had agreed to sell
St. Botolph Terrace to “a local Community
Development Corporation,” but officials of the
school say only that they are looking for “a
qualified affordable-housing operator” for the
transaction. Further discussion will no doubt
clarify whether these are issues of semantics
or substance The school promises that the
sale “will be a deliberate and transparent
process open to all potential buyers who meet
our qualifications.”
In other institutional-development news,
the task force working on Berklee College
of Music’s master plan has shifted into high
gear since the school’s announcement of
plans for a new building on Mass Ave across
Belvidere St. from the main Berklee dormitory.
The school had to file a notice of project
change with the BRA, which is now a focus
of task force. A meeting on December 20
focused on traffic/circulation issues related
to the proposed building as well as future
development strategies for Berklee.
The Berklee Task Force has set two
more meeting dates, January 10 and 24. To be
notified about the place, time, and agenda of
these meetings, e-mail Gerald Autler, senior
project manager at the BRA at: Gerald.Autler.
bra@cityofboston.gov.
the issues that we hope Northeastern might
think about as they go ahead.
One of our initial major worries about
the proposed dorm was the property tax
status. We have been somewhat reassured
by recent news that it will remain on the
tax rolls. But we’d like a solid guarantee of
that.
Another of our most important
concerns is still the future of the building.
We really wish that Northeastern’s
investment in the building appeared more
lasting and permanent. Being told that the
university has “first refusal” on a future
purchase does not give us that kind of
confidence. At the end of the current lease,
could the building become (once again)
a for-profit open-to-all dorm? That’s just
what we feared with GrandMarc. For
instance, does Northeastern plan to own
the land under the Y property (which would
give more security)? We need guarantees.
> alphabet soup on page 4
 2 | FENWAY NEWS |JANUARY 2011
Photo: wentworth institute of TechnoloGy
Wentworth Spreads Some Holiday Cheer
Instead of a gift exchange this year, Wentworth Institute of Technology’s
Office of Admissions and Student Service Center organized a charity drive
and raised $550. They were able to purchase gifts for 10 children at the New
England Home for Little Wanderers, just down Huntington Avenue.
Fenway Health’s Mayer Helps Update
National Guidelines on Treating STDs
T
by Chris Viveiros
he United States Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention has released
the 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines,
which update guidelines issued
in 2006, to advise physicians and other
health-care providers on the most effective
treatment, screening, and prevention methods
for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Fenway Health played a key role in
helping develop the guidelines, which reflect
the experiences of providers who work
directly with patients that have STDs. Dr.
Kenneth Mayer, medical research director
and co-chair of The Fenway Institute, served
on the advisory committee that provided the
CDC with input on the guidelines and wrote
a background paper on MSM sexual health.
(“MSM” refers to men who have sex with
men, since many such men may not identify
themselves as gay.)
The CDC updates the guidelines ev-
ery three to four years using a scientific,
evidence-based process. Although they em-
phasize treatment, the guidelines also cover
prevention and diagnosis apply to multiple
settings, from family-planning clinics to
HMOs to doctors’ offices.
Over 19 million cases of STDs occur
in the United States each year, with a
disproportionate share among gay and
bisexual men, especially young people and
racial and ethnic minority groups. The
estimated annual direct medical cost of
treating STDs and their follow-on conditions
is $16.4 billion. Left untreated, STDs can
cause serious health problems ranging from
infertility to increased risk of HIV infection.
Data released last March indicate that
rates of HIV infection among gay men and
other MSM are more than 44 times higher
than rates among heterosexual men and more
than 40 times higher than among women.
Rates of syphilis—which can facilitate
HIV infection and if not treated may lead to
sight loss and severe damage to the nervous
system—are even higher.
“Gay and bisexual men and other men
who have sex with men are at increased risk
of contracting sexually transmitted diseases,”
said Mayer. “Consistent use of condoms
during sex can reduce this risk, and STD
testing should be routine for sexually active
MSM. These guidelines are an important tool
for educating medical providers with MSM
patients as well as providing guidance more
generally to help maintain the sexual health of
all patients at risk of contracting STDs.”
Expanded STD screening and treatment
are critical to reducing the severe impact of
these diseases. The STD Treatment Guidelines
play a critical role in this effort—they are the
nation’s most widely used and authoritative
source on STD treatment and management.
Highlights of the new guidelines include:
• expanded prevention recommendations,
including pre-exposure human papilloma
virus (HPV) vaccine;
• revised gonorrhea treatment regimens;
• new treatment regimens for genital warts
and bacterial vaginosis;
• discussion of the role of mycoplasma
genitalium and trichomoniasis in the
evaluation of urethritis and cervicitis and
treatment-related implications; and
• revised guidance on the diagnosis and
management of syphilis.
The CDC calls the recommendations
guidance, not inflexible rules. The guidelines
focus on treatment and counseling of indi-
viduals and do not address other community
services and interventions that play a key role
in STD/HIV prevention.
For nearly 40 years, Fenway Health has
served the Fenway, the LGBT community,
people living with HIV/AIDS and the
broader population. The Fenway Institute
at Fenway Health, an interdisciplinary
center for research, training, education and
policy development, focuses on national and
international health issues. More about all of
our programs and services can be found at
www.fenwayhealth.org.
Chris Viveiros is associate director
of communications at Fenway Health. The
new Treatment Guidelines are available
at www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/, by
contacting CDC-INFO at 800-232-4636, or
by e-mailing a request to cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
Neighborhoods’ Music Schools Grab Grammy Nods
Alumni of both Berklee and the New England Conservatory scored several Grammy
Award nominations this year. From NEC: The Parker Quartet ’08; Darcy James Argue ’02
M.M. and his Secret Society, which includes Mark Small ’00 M.M., reeds, and Jennifer
Wharton ’00, bass trombone; Dave Holland, ’03 hon. D.M.A. NEC visiting artist-in-residence,
and his Octet; Freddy Cole ’56 (and a member of NEC’s Board of Visitors); Christopher
Oldfather ’74 M.M. and Jennifer Frautschi ’94 Prep, ’96 A.D., the pianist and first violinist
for the Fred Sherry String Quartet; John McLaughlin Williams ’83; and the Boston Modern
Orchestra Project, which was named NEC’s “affiliate orchestra for new music” in 1998.
Berklee nominees include Danilo Perez ’88 and Eugene Friesen, both of whom are
currently faculty members, and Makeba Riddick ’99; Esperanza Spalding (faculty); Lewis
(Luke) Tozour ’03; Miles Walker ’04; and Electronic artist BT ’89. John Mayer ’98 is up for
three awards: Best male pop vocal performance, best male pop vocal album, and best solo rock
vocal performance.
Conservancy Moves Into Fenway Digs
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy staff should be settling into the rehabbed Stony
Brook Gatehouse early this month. One of two stone buildings across from the MFA designed
by H. H. Richardson, the 1883 structure originally helped regulate the flow of Stony Brook,
which now runs through a culvert, into the Muddy River. Work has been under way since
September to turn the long-vacant building into a visitor and volunteer center for the Fens.
Former Sox Pitcher Is And MVP for Boston Public Schools
At a double Dutch tournament at a Mattapan school on December 18, former Boston Red
Sox relief pitcher Manny Delcarmen donated $15,000 to the Boston Public Schools (BPS) for
library and athletics upgrades. Superintendent Carol R. Johnson joined School Committee
member Alfreda Harris and BPS Athletics Director Ken Still to accept the check. A graduate
of the former West Roxbury High School, Delcarmen raised the money through charity
bowling tournaments. This is the fourth year he has donated to the BPS.
East Fens Group Looks to Take a Bight Out of Crime
Inspired by the crime watch group in the West Fens, a new organization is up and running
on the east side of the park. Neighbors and businesses gathered on December 21 in the Fensgate
Community Room at 73 Hemenway St. to discuss their mutual concerns about crime. If you
want to be notified of future meetings and activities, contact The Fenway News at 617-266-
8790 or editor@fenwaynews.org, and we’ll pass on your contact information to the organizers.
Election to Fill Chuck Turner’s Seat Draws a Crowd
Sixteen people took out nominating papers to run in a preliminary election on Feb. 15 to
replace former City Councilor Chuck Turner. Each hopeful must turn in 191 valid signatures by
Thursday, Dec. 30, to be listed on the ballot. The two top vote getters will face off in another
special election on March 15. These folks took out papers: Abdillahi Mash Abdirahman
of Roxbury; Anthony Baker of Roxbury; Lee Buckley of Boston; Natalie E. Carithers of
Dorchester; Kevin Dwire of Roxbury; Althea Garrison of Boston; Tito Jackson of Dorchester;
Carla M. Johnson of Dorchester; Cornell Mills of Roxbury; Roy Owens of Roxbury; Sheneal
Parker of Boston; Danielle Renee Williams of Roxbury; David James Wyatt of Roxbury; James
Carr of Fenway; Charles Omekagu Williams of Dorchester; and Candace Sealey of Roxbury.
Lockhart Leads Off Lowell Lectures Line-up
This year’s Lowell Lecture Series gathers luminaries from the arts, journalism, food,
literature, and business under the title “Boston’s Best.” Whether Bostonian by birth or by
choice, these folks contribute the kind of creativity and smarts that keeps the city’s cultural
scene in lively turmoil. Each speaker discusses the experience of breaking new ground in his/
her field and considers how Boston has shaped—and been shaped by—his/her contributions.
The line-up includes Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops conductor (January 13); Jim Koch, Boston
Beer Company founder (March 9); Ellen Goodman, Boston Globe columnist (March 24);
and Jonathan Kozol, educator, author, and social justice advocate (April 6). Wrapping up the
season, on May 24 a panel gathers high-profile chefs Jody Adams (Rialto); Barbara Lynch
(Menton, No. 9 Park); and Lydia Shire (Biba, Towne) to consider the evolution of the city’s
food scene, with former Globe restaurant critic Alison Arnett acting as moderator. All
programs start at 6 p.m. and are free.
St. Cecilia’s is Born Again
photo: patrick o’connor
After months under wraps, a refurbished
St. Cecilia Church on Belvidere Street reopened
last month. The church closed after Easter for a
major overhaul that included new flooring, pews,
painting and a redesigned sanctuary and entrance.
Among delighted parishioners attending the 11
a.m. Mass were numerous contractors, painters,
and construction workers who toiled on the project.
The renovation continues with restoration of the
attached rectory and redesign of the lower church
into a parish center. The parish will celebrate its
125th anniversary in 2013.
—Newslines compiled by Stephen Brophy
Sociedad Latina
invites you to our
Three Kings Celebration
Thursday January 6, 2011
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Mission Church Parish Center
1545 Tremont Street
Roxbury, MA 02120
If you are interested in sponsoring one of our
youth programs, contact Nate Leskovic at
(617) 442-4299
 FENWAY NEWS | JANUARY 2011 | 3

Forging Connections Keeps Fenway Families From Feeling Isolated

rented a larger housing unit with friends,
leave, besides a lack of housing, is that there The Fenway Family Coalition not only

T
By Lara M. Cole
hey call themselves the leading to increasing housing prices and a
are no primary schools in the community. I holds events throughout the year; it also
“Fenwickins” and meet once every shortage of family-friendly housing.
wanted to connect families to resources that tackles initiatives that members think are
month to plan neighborhood they could use to see just how many important to all members of the community,

photo: Valarie Seabrook

events and programs with the educational opportunities there such as community raffles and fundraising
goal of creating strong relationships were in the surrounding area,” Hunt dinners.
between Fenway’s families and making said. “One of our biggest goals looking to
sure that no member of the community Sarah Horsley, civic the future is holding fundraisers and events
feels isolated. engagement director at the FCDC, in order to create a family-friendly park
The Fenway Family Coalition, a works closely with the Fenway somewhere in the community, where parents
program of the Fenway Community Family Coalition. and children can feel safe,” Horsley said.
Development Corporation (FCDC), was “Because the Fenway Family Nearly 16 years after its inception, the
created in 1994 when Tracey Hunt, a Coalition is volunteer-based, we try Fenway Family Coalition strives to make
longtime resident, was unsettled by the to help any way that we can, such the Fenway community feel more safe and
feeling of isolation that seemed to plague as advertising events by mailing connected, Hunt said.
many families in the Fenway, and want- lists or offering technical support,” “It seems like each time we hold a meet-
ed to do something to change it. Horsley said. ing or event, more and more people want to
“The first group of volunteers and I One of the most recent events get involved,” Hunt said. “I think that we have
created the nickname Fenwickins at our that the coalition put on was a proved that families seek to be connected to
first meeting,” Hunt said. “I think that Halloween festival held in the one another, and want to feel involved.”
this helped us to create a sense of unity La mariposa pequeña (the little butterfly) was one of the community room at 73 Hemenway Lara M. Cole is an undergraduate
and common goals. participants at the Fenway Family Coalition’s annual St., a mixed-use building where student in the Northeastern University
“Over the past 10 years or so I have Halloween party in October. FCDC has its offices. The event School of Journalism. The Fenway News
noticed that students are moving into attracted more than 100 families has long referred to Fenway residents as
the Fenway, which makes families move out,” Seeing the growing problem of losing from Fenway and elsewhere and included “Fenwickians,” having borrowed the term
Hunt said. “I, along with a few other parents, families, Hunt began to brainstorm ways to pizza, face painting and a raffle. from the 1959 Peter Sellers movie, The Mouse
wanted to help create a sense of community, create awareness about the coalition, and Horsley said: “It’s wonderful to see That Roared, which takes place in the fictional
involvement and support for all of the families began compiling a comprehensive guide multiple families coming together to share Grand Duchy of Fenwick. And who wouldn’t
with the hope that no more will leave.” about services available to families, such an event like this to foster connections and a want to be a Fenwickian, when Margaret
Hunt said the reason families are moving as babysitters, day-care programs, and strong sense of community.” Rutherford was the Grand Duchess?
away from the Fenway area is the lack of schools in the area. The resource guide has
larger housing units available at reasonable been published once a year and soon will be
prices. She noticed that students looking for available on the Internet.
more affordable off-campus housing often “One of the main reasons that families
The Name May Say ‘Junk,’ But You
> Solar revolution from page 1
Wouldn’t Know It From the Taste
we have seen is that renewable sources are

much more advantageous. Some earlier solar
panels still have not become obsolete. The
solar panel we have in our house was installed
in 1986 and it is still working today. The
recycling industry is working to solve this
problem as well. We must create a loop rather
than a chain.
FN: Taking population increase and
urbanization into account, will solar energy
be able to keep up with the world’s growing
energy needs?
SK: Let’s say we have 50 years of
conventional [non-renewable] resources.
This means we have 50 years to make the
transition to renewable energy. As of right
now, barely 3% of U.S. energy consumption
is renewable energy. The trend right now is
toward a catastrophe. Catastrophe will be in
the form of not having the resources ready,
and more wars will result. When people ask if
we can make the transition that quickly, I say,
“Well, look at how quickly the atomic bomb
was built. Look at what can happen when the
government chooses its priorities.” Although I
hope it will not take building another bomb.
FN: Can you describe the progress of some
of your local projects?
SK: During the Clinton administration,
the Million Solar Roof Initiative was
established. By 2010, the problem was
that they didn’t discuss how you define the
size of [the solar panel systems]. Would
the government subsidize the systems?
There was a lot of confusion and questions.
I launched Solar Boston as part of the
initiative, so we are working to clarify some
of these questions. [The program has a goal
of increasing solar energy system capacity
in Boston to 25 megawatts by 2015.] On
the whole, U.S. efforts are a combination
of flip-flop and regressive policies. We are
making compromises, even with the Obama
administration.
FN: Do you think policymakers sustain the
ambiguity of those projects deliberately,
to avoid being forced to give them the
attention required for their success?
SK: The concern you’re raising seems
to be the reality. If it wasn’t, why would
these things keep happening? If we give $100
million to renewables and $1 billion to non-
renewables, this is not transitioning. This is
entrenching ourselves more. Oil companies
have great influence on our politics. That’s not
to say there aren’t good intentions, but they’re
not showing we’re moving in the direction we
need to. And even though we’re not, we can.
FN: What is the importance of community
involvement in your projects?
SK: Unlike conventional resources
that are centrally controlled, one of the
revolutionary things about renewable energy
is that it can work on a mini scale or a mega
scale. People can design their own system
and implement it in their community.
Communities are realizing they can do things
on their own. They don’t have to wait for
government policies to take effect. There
are some places that are producing more
energy than they use. You can do things at the
community level because sunlight is coming
to you directly.
FN: What can people do right now to
promote sustainable energy?
SK: Think about, “Do I need to turn this
light on?” Not turning it on is conserving.
When you wake up in the morning, instead
of turning on the light, open the shades. I say
this with both humor and seriousness. Start
taking little steps. We’re looking into putting
up a solar energy system on the roof of our
building. I’m wearing a solar energy watch.
Our lights are energy-efficient. That decision
toward renewable energy can start right now.
Lauren Constantino is an undergraduate
student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.
B
By Kat Nicholson
oylston Street in the East Fens is home to many trendy restaurants
and coffee shops, including Spike’s Junkyard Dog, a casual eatery
specializing in nontraditional hot dogs.
David Gettleman is the owner of all three Boston-area Spike’s
franchises, including the Boylston Street site. Gettleman, who said one
of his favorite items on the menu is the cheesy buffalo dog, is a true believer in
Spike’s.
Spike’s, a Rhode Island-based company, spread to Massachusetts in
September 2002, when Gettleman opened a branch in Allston. The success of the
Allston Spike’s led to the opening of the Boylston Street location in 2006, followed
three months later by a store in Davis Square in Somerville.
The junkyard-themed restaurant has a retro feeling, with black-and-white
checkered floors and a giant gumball machine. Various hubcaps line the walls, as
well as road signs and images of the bulldog Spike, the restaurant’s namesake.
Spike belonged to David Drake, the founder of the company. According to the
restaurant’s website, someone saw Spike and said to Drake, “Look at him; he’s a
real junkyard dog.”
But the fast-food spot isn’t known just for its décor. As its website notes,
customers are devoted to Spike’s because the hot dogs are pure beef with no
gluten, artificial sweeteners or fillers, and the signature hot dog buns are freshly
baked French rolls.
“I think it’s the Rolls-Royce of hot dogs,” Gettleman said.
The menu features an array of hot dogs with unorthodox toppings. Gettleman
said one of the most popular items on the menu is the Texas Ranger dog, which is
topped with barbecue sauce, bacon and cheddar cheese. The signature Junkyard
Dog has Spike’s special mustard, tomatoes, pickles, hot pepper rings and
chopped scallions.
Hamburgers and chicken sandwiches are also available, and feature
similarly unusual toppings. The Juicy Lucy burger contains Russian dressing,
Swiss cheese and coleslaw. The T-Bird chicken sandwich features lettuce, honey
mustard and Swiss cheese.
Gettleman also raved about the vegetarian fare, including a fat-free veggie
dog and a veggie burger, both available with the same toppings. He said people
will come up to him and ask him, “Are you sure this is vegetarian?”
Spike’s has garnered a late-night following of primarily college students
who flock to the restaurant before it closes at 2 a.m. The menu bodes well with
the students in the area; the most expensive hot dog on the menu goes for $3.99.
Both the hours of operation and the menu are available on the website.
The cuisine and quirky atmosphere have won Spike’s a devoted following,
which is evidenced in both pictures and comments on the eatery’s website.
Before the Boston locations opened, Bay Staters had to drive to Providence
to eat at Spike’s. Gettleman said one customer, a man from Dubai, visits Boston
once a month on business, and every time he makes sure to stop at Spike’s.
Kat Nicholson is an undergraduate student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.

Therapists!
Are you self-employed? Do
you run a business in the
Fenway, Audobon Circle, or
Mission Hill? Turn neighbors
into clients with a business
card ad in The Fenway News.
Thousands of readers will see
it each month—and you could
find yourself some new clients.
Email advertise@fenwaynews.
org for more info.
4 | FENWAY NEWS |JANUARY 2011

Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon

Circle, upper Back Bay, lower Roxbury, Prudential,
Mission Hill, and Longwood since 1974

For the Record, We Don’t Always Complain About Students

Fenway News Association
Board of Directors
Steve Chase • Helen Cox • Tracey Cusick • Joyce

Y
Foster, president • Steven Harnish • Barbara
ou will notice several new writers in this issue, including provided us with interns and volunteers. In fact Fenway News Brooks Simons • Steve Wolf, treasurer
the author of the interview with Sajed Kamal on the front Online was built by a BU journalism student, Jonathan Kim, who
page. These are student journalists from Northeastern, (unfortunately for us) graduated and got a full-time job in Web Editor: Stephen Brophy
and in some cases this will be their first appearance in a development. Students are part of what makes The Fenway News WEB EDITOR: Nicole Aubourg
non-school publication. The Fenway News has been working with the possible. Production Designer: Steve Wolf
Writers: Sarah E. Blanchette, Liz Burg,
journalism school for a couple of years—we provide a list of topics But they are not the only resource we call on. You and your
Lara M. Cole, Lauren Constantino, Helen
that become class assignments, and if the professors approve of the neighbors are also potential contributors. We have depended on
Cox, Tracey Cusick, Dharmena Downey,
final product, the stories are passed on to us for publication. volunteers since our inception in 1974, and most of our content, Lisa Fay, Laura Finaldi, Lori A. Frankian,
Generally these stories go on our website, but this semester’s including the pictures, is produced by volunteers. Volunteers also Joyce Foster, Marie Fukuda, Galen Gilbert,
harvest has been a particularly good one, so we decided to give you a do the proofreading and committee work that keeps us afloat. We Elizabeth Gillis, Katherine Greenough,
sample of their work. We have gained some good contributors from are hoping that this next year we can inspire people who are part Phyllis Hanes, Steven Harnish, Tim
this project, and I hope that some of this current batch will consider of other neighborhood organizations to write about the work those Horn, Sarah Horsley, Jackie Iskyan, Rosie
doing more community journalism with us in the coming months. groups are doing. Most of this would go on the website, where it can Kamal, John Kelly, Jonathan Kim, Shirley
One of the many blessings of our location is the proximity be more immediately useful. If you would like to do that for your Kressel, Nate Lescovic, Aqilla Manna,
of schools and students. Besides Northeastern, Boston University organization, write me at editor@fenwaynews.org. Erica Mattison, Kat Nicholson, Richard
and Emerson College also host fine journalism programs that have — Stephen Brophy, editor Pendleton, Camille Platt, Mike Ross, Valerie
Sarnataro, Barbara Brooks Simons, Matti
Kniva Spencer, Anne Tobin, Chuck Turner,
Fredericka Veikley, Chris Viveiros, Clyde
> alphabet soup from page 1
Another lingering concern is density in
letters the economic development program for
Whalen, Margaret Witham
PhotographerS: Lois Johnston, Patrick
O’Connor, Valarie Seabrook, Matti Kniva
St. Botolph terrace to a CDC, for which Parcel 18 does not directly involve the Spencer, Ginny Such, Steve Wolf
that small area of St. Botolph St. The Task
there has been tremendous community Fenway, we endorse Rep. Sanchez’s call CALENDAR: Penina Adelman, Helen Cox,
Force initially approved the Cullinane site
and political support.... for completing the requirements on that Ruth Khowais, Steve Wolf, Leah Zwemke
and Gainsborough Garage as dorm sites.
• YMCA Lease Agreement/New Dorm: parcel, which has languished for 18 years. Proofreader: Tracey Cusick
This proposal would add 720 beds in a new
Currently NEU is using “first refusal” We strongly encourage the university to Subscription Coordinator:
site, outside the actual campus property. Cathy Jacobowitz
language in describing the final leasing fulfill all unaddressed MOUs.
If all these sites were to be approved—as BOOKKEEPER: Cathy Jacobowitz
arrangement of the student dorm at • Reconstitution of the Community Task
well as a likely new dorm for NEC on the Distribution: Nicole Auberg, Della
the YMCA building. To insure that Force: A new Community Task Force
same street—the number of students would Gelzer, Aqilla Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt,
Northeastern emerges as the ultimate should be appointed well in advance of the
be overwhelming and unacceptable. This Reggie Wynn
owner of the building, we request that end of the fourth amendment to this IMP....
doesn’t even consider issues like parking,
the BRA require NEU to execute a lease We look forward to moving into a new The Fenway News is published monthly by the
deliveries, etc. on a narrow dead-end
agreement with an ironclad exit clause era of greater trust as the issues above are Fenway News Association, Inc., a community-
street. Northeastern has been unwilling to owned corporation dedicated to community
to assure us that the university will be addressed.
comment on their plans for those sites. journalism. If you would like to volunteer to
We know that the dorm plans are very the ultimate owner. write, edit, photograph, lay out, distribute, or sell
preliminary at the moment. But as plans go • Mechanism to Ensure Progress: Given the advertising on commission, please contact us at:
fact that we are being asked to approve Christian Science Church Respects The Fenway News,
ahead, we still hope that they will provide Minority but Prefers Majority Report
the lease filings in advance of the dorm PO Box 230277, Astor Station
more on-site space for student life and To the Editor: Boston, MA 02123
eating options, to lessen the student impact approval, we expect the BRA and the
The Christian Science Church values 617-266-8790
on the neighborhood and its stores and Inspectional Services Department to editor@fenwaynews.org
issue occupancy permits ONLY if certain the community process with the Citizens www.fenwaynews.org
restaurants....
conditions are met, viz. that NEU has a Advisory Committee, appointed by Mayor
full financing package in place and has Thomas M. Menino, regarding the Church’s Subscriptions $24/year ($15 for limited income)
From The Fenway Community
commenced the Article 80 process. The plan to revitalize the Plaza. We appreciate
Development Corporation: “Comforting the afflicted and
BRA and Inspectional Services should the views of three of the Committee’s
withhold occupancy permits until these members, as stated in the “minority report,” afflicting the comfortable.”
Dear Gerald: conditions are met. portions of which were published in the
....We reviewed Northeastern’s propos- The founders of The Fenway News adopted this
• Dorm Details: We are troubled by the lack December 2010 edition of The Fenway News,
al against our Urban Village Plan (www. motto to express their mission of exposing and
of details about the dorm itself. Given but we would also like to point out that the opposing the dangers the neighborhood faced
fenwaycdc.org/programs/urban-village), the serious concerns we had about the majority of the members of the Citizens in the early 1970s—including rampant arson,
a vision for the neighborhood as a smart- Grand Marc proposal, we want to see Advisory Committee signed a different letter, unscrupulous landlords, and a destructive
growth-oriented community that welcomes schematics and floor plans as soon as indicating its support of environmental and urban renewal plan. If the original motto no
the broadest spectrum of residents. possible, and we want to have input in streetscape improvements and the addition longer fits today’s Fenway, we continue
We will support the extension and the design phase. Though only half the of 950,000 square feet of new buildings to honor its spirit of identifying problems
renewal of the IMP.... We offer our support size of the Grand Marc project, this on three locations on selected edges of the and making our neighborhood a better
with the following considerations: building will nevertheless have a long- Plaza. Their letter of support concludes, and safer place to live.
• St. Botolph Terrace: First, we want to term presence in the East Fens. It is vital “All in all, the development should be a
acknowledge the university’s decision, that a permanent addition to the urban significant improvement for the area, and
announced this month by Vice provide additional generations of Bostonians > Frequency <
landscape have the endorsement of the
President Jack McCarthy, to sell St. a wonderful public amenity supported by The Fenway News reaches the stands every
community. We trust that the university 4-5 weeks, usually on the first
Botolph Terrace to a local Community considers this an essential goal, given private funds.” This letter is available on our
Development Corporation. We consider or last Friday of the month. Our next issue
that it will be the ultimate owner and website, along with the Plaza Revitalization will be appear on Friday, JANUARY 28.
this a noteworthy act of good citizenship has invested so significantly in its own Plan: http://christianscience.com/plaza-
on Northeastern’s part and a significant > Deadline <
physical space. revitalization-project. The deadline for letters, news items, and ads
addition to the stock of affordable • Outstanding Memorandums of
permanent housing in the Fenway. We
Sharon Frey is Friday, JANUARY 21.
Understanding (MOUs): We are concerned Assistant Media Manager
> Advertising <
thank NEU for working with us on this that MOUs Northeastern has signed with The First Church of Christ, Scientist
solution and for its support in selling Contact our business manager at
the BRA have not been fulfilled. While ads@fenwaynews.org

The First Church of Christ, Scientist Mass Ave

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LIVE online: www.ChurchofChristScientist.org
Wednesday Testimony Meetings 24-HOUR
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 FENWAY NEWS | JANUARY 2011 | 5

Snubbing HUD, Owners Could Wipe Out 10% of The Fenway’s Affordable Housing

If
by Dharmena Downey
the owners of Burbank Apartments
get their way, the Fenway may soon
lose 174 affordable homes—nearly
10% of the subsidized housing in the
neighborhood—this coming April
The owners of the development,
William and Robert Kargmen, want to leave
a program that provides 40% of the rental
subsidies to the development. Additionally,
the development’s mortgage, which contains
restrictions imposed by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will
expire this spring. HUD provided subsidized
mortgage 40 years ago so that the apartments
could be offered as affordable housing.
It is hard to understand why the Karg-
mans have expressed reluctance to continue
to work in partnership with HUD to maintain
long-term affordability at the apartments.
They have also repeatedly refused requests to
meet with the tenants whose lives will be up-
ended by the loss of affordable housing.
Perhaps a key can be found in Bill
Kargman’s July 2004 testimony before the U.S.
House Financial Services Committee on the
Displacement Prevention Act of 2004, in which
he stated, “I have also learned that consistency
in the enforcement of regulations depends on
the knowledge and experience of the regulators
and that constant turnover creates changes and
inconsistencies that can dramatically affect the
operations of my business and the opportunity
to earn a reasonable profit.”
But in this difficult economy, it is hardly
the time to let frustration with the federal
government drive people out of their homes,
when the HUD program continues to provide
“reasonable profit”—and when so much is at
stake for the neighborhood and the tenants
who live in the Burbank Apartments.
For tenant Ming Chang, now a social
worker, affordable rent was critical to her
being able to return to school to improve her ey to subsidize their initial mortgage 40 years to those tenants who qualify, not future
job prospects. For tenant Michael Cooney, a ago. Given the profit that public money has tenants. The only way to preserve long-term
bus driver for Greyhound, the location allows generated for them, why can’t the Kargmans affordability is to keep subsidies that are
him to get his job without the need for a car. serve the public and make a choice that pro- attached to the apartments themselves.
Another tenant, Byron Alford, was recently motes the best interests of the community? Losing 10% of all affordable apartments
laid off; like many other tenants, he works Third, tenants and neighbors have con- in the neighborhood would make the Fenway
multiple jobs to make ends meets. tributed to the current value of Burbank Apart- far less accessible to low- and moderate-
In response to the threat to their ments as taxpayers and as residents who have income families and individuals.
homes, several tenants formed the Burbank been active in improving the neighborhood Fortunately, there is still time to save
Apartments Tenants Association (BATA) over the years. The community should continue these affordable homes. The tenants have
last March. They have been working with to benefit from this investment by having ac- called on the Kargmans to 1) renew the
the Fenway Community Development cess to affordable housing for the long term. project-based Section 8 contract for 20 years
Corporation to persuade the owners to renew Finally, not only does the Kargmans’ and 2) work with HUD to keep the rents in the
their commitment to affordability under the decision to opt out of project-based Section non-Section 8 units affordable for low- and
HUD program. 8 affect current tenants, it closes the door to moderate- income residents for the long term.
The tenants make four key arguments. thousands of potential future tenants who Tenants have scheduled a meeting with
First, the owners can achieve a profit, simply won’t be able to afford to live in the City Council President Michael Ross to ask
make the same amount of money, and Fenway. about organizing a public hearing in January
maintain long-term affordability through For their part, the Kargmans have to go on record about this potential crisis,
HUD’s “mark-up-to-market” program. Under expressed concern that current tenants not and they are still attempting to persuade the
that program, the owners recommit to the be displaced and have indicated they would Kargmans to meet with them to work out a
project-based Section 8 program for 20 years pre-pay their mortgage, a move that would solution that keeps their homes affordable and
and receive market-rate rents, which is what allow HUD to offer some tenants “enhanced the Fenway a place they call home.
the tenants would like to see happen. vouchers” that will subsidize their rents. But Dharmena Downey is executive
Second, the owners received public mon- enhanced vouchers will only be available director of the Fenway CDC.
Nipped in the Bud: Late Withdrawal Yields Quiet FGS Election
by Phyllis Hanes Past president Tim Horn cited a year of big accomplishments
Expecting a contest for president of the Fenway Garden and important achievements for our society and setting our path
Society, close to 100 gardeners gathered at Fenway Health, 1340 for future possibilities. He reported that incidents of vandalism
Boylston St., on Saturday, Dec. 6, to nominate new officers for have been very, very low in the gardens in recent years.
the seven-acre community gardens in the Back Bay Fens. Richard Rogers, outgoing vice president of communications,
No disruption occurred, despite previous e-mail messages reported more community involvement than ever before and new
with unflattering remarks implying friction and minor complaints. plans for better services. David St. Jean, outgoing VP of the
Mike Mennonno won the presidency by acclimation after his park, announced applications for 15 plots and 14 open gardens
opponent, David St. Jean, withdrew from the race. to be assigned. St. Jean said he’d like to see first-year gardeners
A surprise entry for vice president of the park was made by have a probationary period, because enthusiasm wanes quickly.
Iory Allison in a brochure delivered before the meeting. Running Mike Mennonno pledged to bring to the job of president
against long-time gardener Richard Dunshee, Allison came out a clarity of vision and a commitment to communication and
on top. Other new officers include Kristen Mobilia, vice president consistency in administration at a time when these qualities are
of administration; Trina Arpin, vice president of communication needed.
and development; and Michael Rosa, treasurer. Phyllis Hanes, a long-time contributor, lives in Bay Village.

Ross Sees Mostly Success in term as City Council President

O
n Dec. 16, I presided over my final with the mayor to enact two of the toughest
meeting as Boston City Council
president. These last two years
have been as challenging as
they have been productive. They have
demanded the very best of me, and for
every one of my colleagues.
We brought a new level of
transparency and accountability to
budgets this City has ever seen. Additionally
we facilitated vital economic activity and
innovation—creating
legislation that will allow
a long-term lease on an
abandoned structure on the
Boston Common, approving
patio opening privileges for
Glaeser—chair of the Citizens’ Committee
on Boston’s Future—and then we held a joint
meeting with the Cambridge City Council to
consider how the two cities might compete
more effectively as a region to attract and
retain the best talent and the best businesses.
In the past two years, the Council has
become more relevant and more responsive
to our residents. It served as their voice in the

Roof Deck the Council. We rewrote our rules restaurants in warm weather debate over several tough issues. We stood

•KENO to fully align it with the state’s open

meeting law and now require every
and potentially creating a
whole new industry—food
up to both labor and the administration,
insisting that a firefighter arbitration award
Now Open document that passes through the body
The Ross trucks. be reworked, saving the City $45 million
ESPN Game Day
•Memorial Plan to be posted online the same day. Just We reached outside in the process. We demanded that libraries
consider that when I became president
two years ago, Bostonians had to come Report this building—and outside
ourselves for inspiration and
providing vital community services remain
open. We prevented approval of a contract that
•Draft Specials
to Labor Day! to City Hall, take the elevator to the
The Fenway
problem solving input. We would have put a multinational corporation in
sixth floor, walk into the clerk’s office, held the first council meetings charge of the school cafeterias that feed our
News has invited
•Great seafood and pay 50 cents at the counter to get
a copy of what their government is
elected officials
who represent the
in the community, traveled
to both New York and Los
children, and we continue to work to give all
our children access to healthy, fresh foods.
Swing
and on in
steak for
tips working on. No longer.
neighborhood to
Angeles to learn about best We also managed one of the saddest
That was a big step forward, and practices, and tapped some of and most difficult tasks a legislative body
lunch & enjoy Tavern we’re still making strides. Starting
contribute columns
the area’s best minds—from like ours will ever face—invoking newly
•BuzzTime
favorites including in January, the Council will use new
on issues of
concern. These will
institutions like Harvard, written rules to remove one of our own. It
technology that will enable us to MIT, Northeastern, The was a difficult decision, but it was made with
interactive
hot dogs for only work smarter as we each work from
appear on a regular
basis in FensViews.
Boston Foundation, and the dignity and respect.

television
$1.50 during Red computer tablets at our desks. Residents
will be able to watch and search meeting
Sox Away Games! videos online.
We weathered one of the worst economic
storms in modern history, working closely
Federal Reserve—to suggest
how we might continue our quest to be the
I was able to accomplish all this—and
more, with your support, your input and your
best city in America. generosity. I look forward to the year ahead
At the final meeting of 2010, we accepted and to your continued friendship.
a report from Harvard Economist Ed

1270 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215
617.867.6526

Visit us online at:

se
TheBa ballTavern.com
6 | FENWAY NEWS |JANUARY 2011

An Unlikely Academy: Teaching history of the blues on Lansdowne St.

The program is a multilevel experience, elements—such as shape, texture and lines— vocabulary for describing artwork and an

A
By Valerie Sarnataro
fter providing more than 1,000
students this past spring with an
interactive education about blues
music through an exploration of
incorporating an art tour of works from of the work they experience. A majority of understanding of a specific culture. That is an
the House of Blues collection and a live the pieces are made by untrained artists using important lesson, Nardone said.
performance demonstrating the influence of recycled materials to express their visions. “The performance went into depth about
American history on blues the Underground Railroad and how music

photo: House of blues

American history, Boston’s House of Blues
has revived its Schoolhouse program.
The program traces the history of blues
from its roots in Africa to its influence
on modern genres of music. The program
transforms the Boston House of Blues into a
multimedia classroom.
The International House of Blues Foun-
dation is committed to nurturing artistic
expression and cultural understanding. The
foundation provides students with an educa-
tion about the cultural impact of the blues and
folk art.
The foundation offers Schoolhouses in
seven other cities, including New Orleans,
Dallas and Chicago. While the curriculum
is universal, every experience is different.
The original House of Blues in Cambridge
fostered artistic development through musical
performances; when it closed in 2003, the
Boston area lost that resource, however.
In the spring of 2010, a year after
opening, the House of Blues in Boston gave
students an intimate look at the culture that
inspired its founder, Isaac Tigrett. Seemingly
every inch of the House of Blues depicts a
sense of cultural unity; it is evident in the
details of the walls and floors, which are
stitched-together swatches of wedding dresses
from African women and jointly woven
carpets from varying countries.
The classroom setting accommodates
350 students from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every
Tuesday, with sessions that began Nov. 30 and
end May 31.
Chief of Staffs: Handel & Haydn Taps
music. Before bringing their
students to the Schoolhouse,
teachers attend a workshop,
where they receive a
classroom guide to resources
and activities designed
to extend the learning
experience.
“When you know a little
about what you’re walking
into, it allows for a richer
experience,” Jenny Nardone,
the program’s director, said.
Every session begins
with a narrative and musical
performance from the Blues
Schoolhouse band. In a
half-hour, the band presents
the transition of blues from
the polyrhythms of Africa
to modern rock, providing
students with opportunities
to dance, clap and sing along.
“The kids’ favorite part
was when they performed Michael Jackson,
they were all singing along,” said Katie
Stevens, a fifth-grade teacher at Edward
W. Brooke Charter School in Boston, who
attended the Nov. 30 program.
The performance did a fantastic job of
connecting blues music to different eras of
history, Stevens said. It chronicled various
genres of music, while making the music
accessible to children and adults.
During the art tour, students discuss
After, the students make works of art using
mud and maple syrup, known as “Sweet
Mud.”
Although the students attend the
Schoolhouse only once, their education
continues with a reflection on their newly
found “creative voices,” as Nardone puts it.
Through the program, students acquire a
Healthy NEA Grant Will Help Sociedad Latina
Mount a Festival of Latino Music This Fall
was integrated into that time of history,”
Stevens said. “The kids are still asking
questions about it.”
Admission is free for students and
teachers of Boston public, pilot and char-
ter schools, but anyone is welcome to par-
ticipate. The Schoolhouse focuses mostly
on educating middle and high school
students, encouraging the development of
artistic expression in young adults.
While other Schoolhouse programs
already offer summer sessions, Boston
House of Blues plans to launch a summer
program this year. The development of a
summer course is in the initial stages, so
details are still uncertain, but Nardone
thinks that children attending summer
camps will be the main participants.
The three sessions held in 2010 were
fully booked, while half of the 13 sessions
for 2011 are still open. Positive feedback
from teachers, students and the Boston
community encourage members of the
foundation to continue their mission of
education in the arts and cultural acceptance,
Nardone said.
“To see what an exciting and instructive
experience this is for the kids is very
rewarding,” Nardone said.
Valerie Sarnataro is an undergraduate
student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.

Y
by nate leskovic said Sociedad Latina Executive Director

Aisslinn Nosky to Become Concertmaster outh development organization

Sociedad Latina has won a $10,000
Alexandra Oliver-Dávila about ¡Viva Nuestra
Música! “The events will increase access
National Endowment for the Arts to the arts in our underserved Roxbury

T
by Stephen Brophy
(NEA) grant to support ¡Viva community and celebrate our Latino
he Handel & Haydn Society has announced the appointment of a new heritage.”
Nuestra Música!, its Latino Heritage Month
concertmaster, who will commence her tenure at the start of the 2011–2012 The music series will be filmed for
music program. The month-long series will
season. Aisslinn Nosky has previously worked with Artistic Director Harry broadcast on the Sociedad Latina website
take place next October and celebrate Latino
Christophers and in fact appeared as guest concertmaster with the ensemble in and production of a DVD. ¡Viva Nuestra
culture with a weekly, evening performance
the October presentation of Mozart: a Musical Journey. Música! will highlight the vital contributions
by some of Boston’s best-known Latino
Nosky will be featured two more times in the current season as guest Latino artists have made to the music scene,
musicians. Artists will also offer afternoon
concertmaster. In the spring she will perform a program featuring Beethoven’s Fifth celebrate the diversity of Latin music, and
workshops for Sociedad Latina Music
Smmphony with guest conductor Richard Egarr on March 18 and 20. She will appear underscore the importance of preserving
Clubhouse participants, their families, and the
again with Harry Christophers for Mozart’s Requiem, April 29 and May 1. This concert cultural traditions through Latino Heritage
community.
will be recorded live for commercial release in September, serving as part two of Month.
Since 1968, Sociedad Latina,
Handel & Haydn’s “Mozart Trilogy” project on Christophers’ recording label, CORO. Sociedad Latina is one of more than
headquartered across the street from Mission
“Aisslinn showed great style and leadership as guest concertmaster,” Christophers 1,000 not-for-profit groups recommended for
Church, has worked with Latino youth to
recently stated. “She has the right combination of energy, experience, and talent to fill a grant as part of the federal agency’s first
cultivate the next generation of leaders by
this important position and assist in leading the Society toward its bicentennial in 2015.” round of fiscal 2011 grants. In total, the Arts
providing educational, cultural, workforce-
One of the many pleasures of living in the Fenway is the opportunity to easily enjoy Endowment will distribute $26.68 million to
development, and community engagement
the varied offerings of America’s oldest choral society in two of the most acoustically support projects nationwide. An independent
programming. The group’s Music Clubhouse
perfect music halls in the world—Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall. Founded in 1815, agency of the federal government, the Nation-
features school-day and out-of-school
H&H gave the American premieres of Handel’s Messiah (1818), Haydn’s The Creation al Endowment for the Arts advances artistic
music lessons, workshops, ensemble and
(1819), Verdi’s Requiem (1878) and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (1879). excellence, creativity, and innovation for the
performance opportunities, beat-making
As venerable as the organization is, however, it most definitely is not stodgy. True, benefit of individuals and communities.
computers, and a recording studio.
it sticks to music composed before 1850 for the most part, but it finds fresh new ways to Nate Lescovic is a development
“We’re excited to have the opportunity
present it. With its emphasis on period instruments and practices, it constantly works to associate at Sociedad Latina.
to showcase Boston’s Latino music talent,”
give audiences the impression that they are hearing a familiar work as if it were being
performed for the very first time.
As good an example as any of this spirit is the annual appearance by pianist Robert
Levin, which, unfortunately for those who missed it, has already happened for this
season. Levin brings an almost adolescent glee to the way he presents his renditions of
works by Mozart and Beethoven; he plays as if he were Duke Ellington doodling his
way into “Take the A Train,” and his enthusiasm is contagious—both to the orchestra
he’s playing with and to his audience.
Levin also likes to stay after the concerts and talk with his audience, and his
conversational style is as delightful as his musicianship. Teresa Neff, Handel & Haydn’s
musicologist, usually joins him on the stage as moderator, and Symphony Hall becomes
something like a particularly ornate living room, with learning and laughing being the
order of the evening. Be sure to get a ticket when he returns in the fall.
Here’s what’s on tap for the rest of the 2010-2011 season:
• Bach’s Brandenburgs 3 & 4—January 21 and 23
• Handel’s Israel in Egypt—February 18 and 20
• Beethoven’s Fifth—March 18 and 20
• Harry’s Vocal Voyage—April 1 and 3
• Mozart’s Requiem—April 29 and May 1
The fourth program will be an a capella choral concert of music by Renaissance
composer Tomás Luis de Victoria and Francis Poulenc. The Friday performance will
take place in the newly refurbished St. Cecilia’s Church on Belvidere Street.
 FENWAY NEWS | JANUARY 2011 | 7

Northeastern’s Positions ‘Open Classroom’ Series as a Way of Giving Back to Boston

development agency. they are up to date on and active in current

N
By Jackie Iskyan
ortheastern University provides
Boston with free lectures open
to the public through the Open
Classroom Policy Series on urban
issues. “It’s intellectually stimulating,” Chris
Bosso, associate dean of Northeastern’s
School of Social Science, Urban Affairs and
Public Policy, said of the lecture series.
Open Classroom meets from 6 to 8
on Wednesday nights in Room 20 of West
Village Building F. This fall was its sixth
semester on campus.
The program features a formal speech,
with a question-and-answer period afterward.
It takes place in either the fall or spring
semester.
Open Classroom began in 2008. The first
series, which focused on “The 21st Century
City: Challenges and Opportunities,” was
co-taught by Paul Grogan, president of The
Boston Foundation and Barry Bluestone,
dean of the School. The series featured guests
such as Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino
and Police Commissioner Ed Davis. It drew
community residents, policymakers, policy
advocates, and business people.
The second series took place over fall
semester of 2008 and focused on “Policy Ad-
vice to the Next President.” It was co-taught
by Michael Dukakis—former Massachusetts
governor, the 1988 Democratic nominee for
president, and a distinguished professor at
NU—and by Bob Culver, chief executive of-
ficer of MassDevelopment, a state economic-
The third series, in spring 2009, focused
on “Economic Growth with Equity.” It was
co-taught by Bluestone and Cathy Minehan,
former president of the Federal Reserve Bank
of Boston.
The fourth series, in the fall semester of
2009, refocused on “The 21st-Century City:
Urban Opportunities and Challenges in a
Global Context” and was taught by Bluestone
and Grogan.
The next Open Classroom took place
in this year’s spring semester and focused
on “Globalization: International Economy,
Security and Culture.” It was taught by
Bluestone and William Dickens, distinguished
professor of economics and social policy at
Northeastern.
Bosso described the lecturers as
“enriching people, knowledgeable about
issues that are really important.”
Four to five staff members of Open
Classroom collaborate and pitch ideas for
possible themes. Ideas come from faculty,
students, and even from people who attend the
series but are not affiliated with the university.
Each theme also has a regular, graduate-
level course attached to it. Speakers and
experts relevant to the topic speak weekly.
Bosso teaches a separate graduate session that
corresponds with the Open Classroom theme
each semester and is treated as a regular
course, with papers and exams.
Those who attend Open Classroom are
usually not connected to Northeastern, but
issues and interested in the news. Some are
retired and some are still working, Bosso said.
“Smart, highly intelligent, active people”
are the types of people who attend Open
Classroom, Bosso said.
Lecture can attract up to 220 people, but
the average is usually 70 to 90, Bosso said.
Northeastern publicizes Open Classroom
through “Greater Boston,” a program,
broadcast at 7 weeknights on WGBH-TV,
Boston’s PBS affiliate.
“Word spreads pretty well,” Bosso said.
Although the university doesn’t have
much money to advertise, the staff of Open
Classroom generates as much publicity as it
can through Northeastern by posting flyers
around campus, word of mouth, and sending
e-mail notices to people who have attended
the lecture series in the past, Bosso said. The
staff of Open Classroom even videotapes the
Historical Society’s Calendar Brims With
Educational Events Geared to the Public
photo: leah zwemke
lectures and posts them on YouTube.
“It’s too good of a set of topics …. It
would be a shame to not share it with people,”
Bosso said.
He said Open Classroom is successful,
especially in engaging Northeastern with the
community outside its campus. That is a good
way to educate people about issues, and an
opportunity to have brilliant and enlightening
people come talk to the public about issues
that are problematic and affect them in one
way or another, Bosso said.
“What good is a university if it only
teaches its students?” Bosso said. “We’re a
part of Boston; we need to give back to the
community, provide a sense of community.
That’s our mission: to be a part of the
community”.
Jackie Iskyan is an undergraduate
student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.

Roxbury’s Mission H.S. Cuts Dropout Rate in Half

By Sarah E. Blanchette a system designed to help students graduate
At New Mission High School in Roxbury,
steps are being taken to help ensure the
graduation and success of every student.
In 2007, the Boston Public Schools
launched an initiative called Graduation for
All. The idea for the initiative was that all
students have the opportunity to graduate
from high school and be prepared to attend
college.
Graduation for All began after an
extensive study showed, among other things,
that students in the ninth grade who fail
English, math, history or science were at
higher risk of dropping out before graduation.
The study, known as the Parthenon
study, also found that in 2005 and 2006, 1,900
students dropped out of high school and fewer
than 60 percent of students graduated on time.
In 2006, more than 4,500 students were “off
track” to graduate on time.
In January 2008, School Superintendent
Carol Johnson proposed a set of strategies
she thought would help lower the dropout
rate. They included the idea of establishing
10 credit-recovery programs for students
attending Boston public high schools.
That summer, the school system began
a credit-recovery program (CRP) to help
students 18 and older who are one or two
classes short of graduating. Credit recovery is
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on time.
The program helps students who have
fallen behind make up coursework in an
effective, timely manner. Students are still
required to attend school on a daily basis, but
are eligible to earn more credits so that they
can avoid being held back a year.
Credit-recovery systems, although new,
have demonstrated some success in helping
students to graduate on time. By October
2009, a total of 129 students participated in
the CRP and earned their diplomas. At New
Mission High School, 3.25 percent of students
who graduated in 2009 participated in a CRP.
Every Saturday morning, students at
New Mission High School work on their
credit recovery with tutors from Northeastern
University. Students can work with either the
Northeastern volunteers or teachers from the
high school. The collaboration of teachers and
volunteers is meant to ensure that the students
understand key concepts in the lessons so that
they can earn credit for the course.
The dropout rate at New Mission High
School has been cut in half in just one
year, according to the Office of Research,
Assessment and Evaluation for the Boston
Public Schools. In the 2007-2008 school year,
the dropout rate was 2.4 percent, but by the
2008-2009, it had decreased to 1.2 percent.
Sarah E. Blanchette is an
undergraduate student in the Northeastern
University School of Journalism.
Massachusetts Historical Society headquarters at 1154 Boylston St. in the East Fens.
By Leah Zwemke
The Massachusetts Historical Society’s public events have in the past
included appearances by Gov. Deval Patrick and the late U.S. Sen. Edward M.
Kennedy, and plans are for this year’s calendar to continue that tradition.
The society’s most popular event is the series “Author Talks,” said Jayne
Gordon, the society’s head of education and public programs.
Author Talks is “a chance to talk to an author about how he or she did their
research,” Gordon said. “People like that.”
The authors chosen for the program are usually those who use the historical
society’s collections for their research, so they are able to explain during their
talks how they used the society’s material. Sometimes an exhibit showcasing the
author’s topic is set up, depending on the subject.
Registration is required for author lectures, and most programs are free.
The society’s seminar series is also popular. Topics include early American
history, history of women and gender, environmental history and immigration/
urban history. Each seminar series yields a different size audience, ranging
from 15 people to 70 or more, Conrad Wright, head of the society’s research
department, said. Wright said those planning to attend should read the paper
prepared for the seminar beforehand.
The series on early American history, environmental history and
immigration/urban history have seven seminars each, and the full set of papers
for the seven talks are $25. The women and gender series has four seminars and
the set of papers is $20.
The topics and speakers for public events are decided in a number of
ways. The public can offer suggestions, the historical society’s committees can

DI ks—Tony
V E present an idea, and the staff submits suggestions.

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One new idea the society intends to pursue is to hold workshops for
teachers, open to them and the public, Gordon said. One teacher workshop
the society has already held examined the American Revolution and the end of
slavery.
Based on the recent success of a program for families with middle-school-
aged children and older, the society plans to add more programs for families to
its calendar, Gordon said.
Planned upcoming events include a series of conversations with three
historians in a program titled “Dangers and Denials: ‘Cautionary Tales for our
Times’,” and the society’s Brown Bag Lunch series in which researchers who
have received a fellowship through the society present their work to date in a
lunchtime setting.
The next Brown Bag Lunch will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on
Wednesdya, Jan. 5. The speaker, Alexander Kluger, will present his work on the
topic “What Is ‘Influence’? German Literature and American Transcendentalism.”
The society’s calendar of events also includes Saturday tours, exhibitions,
open houses, fundraisers and conferences. A complete list of events, their
descriptions, and information on how to register is available at www.masshist.org.
Leah Zwemke is an undergraduate student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.
8 | FENWAY NEWS |JANUARY 2011
Mon, Jan 3 through Mon, Jan 24: “Off Hours:
Annual MassArt Staff Show” continues at
the President’s Gallery in the MassArt
+ Tower Building. Open Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. FREE
Wed, Jan 5 to Sun, Jan 9: Montreal’s ac-
claimed Cirque du Soleil brings a dreamlike three-member panel discussing
fusion of European circus traditions and Ve- “Design and Science Collabora-
gas razzle-dazzle to Agganis Arena for five
days. “Drailion” builds its spectacle from the Subscribe to the series to receive
elements of earth, fire, water, and air. Rang- the paper the panel and audience
ing from $45 to $95, tickets are pricey, but
this troupe puts on an unforgettable show.
Order online through www.ticketmaster.
com (but beware of this site’s many sur-
charges) or directly from the box office at
617-353-4628. Jan 5-8 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan 8-9 at
1:00 p.m.; Jan 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Thu, Jan 6: For the first performances of the
New Year, James Levine leads the Boston
Symphony Orchestra and a selection of
vocal soloists in Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex
and Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle; Frank
Langella narrates. At 8 p.m. (repeates Fri-Sat
at same time). Visit www.bso.org for more
details. Tickets $29 to $108.
Sat, Jan 8: The Parker Hill branch library
offers “a (W)holistic Approach to the Studio
Experience for Artists and Creative People.”
Learn to survive, thrive and live a fulfilled
life as an artist and community-member.
Workshop will deliver practical informa-
tion and is open to visual artists and cre-
ative people in literary, film, theatre, dance,
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—Jan 3: A Christmas Story
(1981); Jan 10: Victor/Victoria (1995); Jan
17: Absence of Malice (1981); Jan 24: The
Other Guys (2010); Jan 31: Fargo (1996)
• 1:15 p.m.: Yoga with Simmons students
(starts Jan 17)
Tuesdays
• 11 a.m: Exercise with Mahmoud
• 12 noon: Documentaries—Jan 4: Joan
Baez: How Sweet the Sound (2009); Jan
11: The Botany of Desire (2009); Jan 18:
El Cantante (2007); Jan 25: Victor Borge:
Then and Now (1992)
Wednesdays
• 10 a.m.-noon: Blood pressure check with
Joyce
• 1 p.m: Yoga with Carmen (new time)
THURSDAYS
• 10 a.m. ESL, with Rudy Corvo
• 12 noon, Bingo
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jan 4, 10 a.m. Planning meeting
Jan 5, 1 p.m. Taxi coupons
Jan 6. 10 a.m., Cookie baking with Penina
Jan 11, 10 a.m., Senior Task Force
Jan 12, noon, Mother/daughter duo sing and
play piano
Jan 13, 10 a.m., Handcare, with Santosh
(PSC fundraiser; $2)
Jan 19, noon, Lunch, with Santosh
Jan 20, 11 a.m., Book talk with Barbara
Boger—Lustre of Lalique
boston cab 617-536-5010
For a trip to the aiport or a night on the town, don’t call any cab, call Boston Cab—your neighbor for 50 years and a proud supporter of The Fenway News.
+
This symbol indicates a free
event. For even more listings,
visit www.fenwaynews.org
and new media. Bring a pen, a pencil with
eraser, and a small marble composition
notebook. Register at the library or at www.
A Moving Look at War’s Human Costs
surveymonkey.com/s/9KGNQ26. Refresh- The Huntington Theatre Company continues a strong season with Ruined, the
ments provided. 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage, running Jan. 7-Feb 6. The gut-
+ FREE, but seating is limited. wrenching play centers on an African
Tue, Jan 11: Mass Historical Soci- civil war and its impact on the women
ety’s series on Boston’s environ- working in a brothel, whose hard-nosed
mental history continues with a owner tries to protect them—and her
livelihood—but may not be able to.
Directed by South Africa native Liesl
tions for Sustainable Urban Life.” Tommy, the ensemble cast features
Tonye Patano (Showtime’s Weeds) as
Mama Nadi. A co-production with
will discuss, or come just to listen, La Jolla Playhouse and Berkeley
Rep. Following most performances,
pick of the month
but you must make a reserva-
tion to 617-646-0568 or register scholars, aid workers, journalists, and
at www.masshist.org/events/ other experts will facilitate audience
behs.cfm. 5:15 p.m at MHS conversations about the issues raised in
+ headquarters, 1154 Boylston the play Tickets $25-$85, but discounts
Street. FREE. are available for seniors, military, BU
community members, patrons under 35,
Sat, Jan 15: Boston Prime Timers and student rush. Call 617-266-0800 or visit www.huntingtontheatre.org.
present Randy Price, morning anchor for
WCVB-Channel 5, discussing “My Life in
the Newsroom.” Price has been on Boston college students. Lecture ticket tains you a free tasting glass. All proceeds benefit
TV since 1983 and is considered the first free admission to the Gardner before or af- USES. 6:30 to 9:30 pm; go to www.uses.org
openly gay newscaster in the US. Hospital- ter the program. for more information.
ity, socializing, and refreshments at 2:30 Sun, Jan 23: The Gardner Museum’s music Sat, Jan 29 and Sun, Jan 30: We’re big fans
p.m.; business meeting and program at 3:30; program presents pianist Jeremy Denk in of the Super Hunger Brunch because it
socializing until 5:30; $2 donation. For info, performances of Bach’s Goldberg Variations benefits the Greater Boston Food Bank and
call 617-447-2344; visit www.bostonprime- and Ligeti’s Etudes. Renovation of the muse- because it provides a good excuse to try a
timers.org; or email bostonprimetimers@ um’s Tapestry Room has forced temporary fancy restaurant we might otherwise never
uses.org. relocation of the series to the Pozen Center set foot in. Restaurants charge $25, $35,
Tue, Jan 18 through March 20: The at Mass. College of Art and Design, directly or $50 for brunch, and all proceeds go to
Photographic Resource Center presents “Jeff behind the museum. Call 617-278-5156 or the food bank. Nearby eateries taking part
Jacobson: Melting Point,” an exhibit of the visit www.gardnermuseum.org for details include Petit Robert Bistro in Kenmore
former ACLU lawyer’s documentary photos and tickets ($5–$23). 1:30 p.m. Square; Summer Shack on Dalton Street;
chronicling the unraveling of common Mon, Jan 24: Aldo Abreu, part of New Eng-
Sel de la Terre on Boylston; The Fireplace in
notions of culture in the last few decades, land Conservatory’s historical performance Brookline, and Jacky’s Table, just west of BU
“when old norms of politics, religion and faculty, joins other NEC faculty in a pro- on Comm Ave. Visit www.gbfb.org/news-
even photography are changing.” 832 Comm gram of baroque concerti, including two of Events/SuperHungerMonth.cfm for a list of
Ave. Tue-Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat-Sun 12–5J.S. Bach’s Brandenbergs, Nos. 2 & 5, three restaurants and note that some only partici-
pate for one day. Reserve your table directly
p.m. Admission $4 (general) or $2 (with ID by Telemann, and the world premiere of a
with the restaurant.
for seniors, students). baroque concerto by music theory chair
Sat, Jan 22: The Gardner Museum continues Larry Thomas Bell. Jordan Hall, 7:30 p.m. Sun, Jan 30: New England Conservatory
For information visit www.necmusic. marks the 200th anniversary of composer
its lecture series on Landscape Visions with
Alexander Reford, director of Les Jardins
+ edu/ or call 617-585-1122. FREE Franz Liszt’s birth with the musical equiva-
de Métis/Reford Gardens and the founder Mon, Jan 24: BU’s Faculty Recital Series
lent of a 21-gun salute at Jordan Hall.
of the International Garden Festival, which presents pianist Boaz Sharon playing Organized by pianist Tatyana Dudochkin,
has become one of the world’s leading con- Debussy, Haydn, Mussorgsky, and Ravel. who teaches at NEC’s preperatory program,
the evening will feature the familiar tones
temporary garden design events. Reford Tsai Performance Center, 685
will present a selection of 100 conceptual + Commonwealth Ave, 8 p.m. FREE. of WGBH announcer Ron Della Chiesa as
gardens exhibited as part of the festival host. Works on the program run a gamut
Thu, Jan 27: United South End Settlements of instruments, from familiar piano pieces
since 2000. At the Kotzen Meeting Center
(USES) hosts a beer-tasting, featuring the (who doesn’t love the Hungarian Rhap-
(Simmons College), 1:30 p.m. Visit www.
products of 6 local brewers. $40 ticket in- sodies?), to choral works (including Ave
gardnermuseum.org for more details. $15
cludes world-class craft beers brewed in Maria), to chamber pieces, songs and Les
general; $12 seniors; $5 members; free for
Massachusetts, food, entertainment, and Préludes. 8 p.m. Tickets ($15–$20) from the
box office at 617-585-1260.
Landmark Center (cor Park Drive & Brookline Ave.), 2nd floor,
Wed, Jan 5: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood District 4 police substation (next to security desk).
Services, William Onuoha, holds neighborhood office hours,
Thu, Jan 20: Mammogram van sponsored by Dana Farber for
3:30-5:30 p.m, YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave.
women over 40. (Your medical insurance will be billed directly;
Thu, Jan 6: Patient-Caregiver Dialogue for individuals aged 18 to financial assistance for those who qualify). 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
28 who use Fenway Health. 11 a.m.-noon. To participate or for Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St. Appt. required. For info and to
more info, email Erica at epollock@fenwayhealth.org or call her setup an appoiontment, call Christina at 617-927-6028.
at 617-927-6142.
Thu, Jan 20: Congressman Michael Capuano’s representative
Mon, Jan 10: Berklee Task Force meeting, 6-8 p.m., site TBD. For holds office hours, 1-2 p.m., at Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St.
info or location, email gerald.autler.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Thu, Jan 20: Alternative insemination orientation. 6-8:30 p.m.
Tue, Jan 11: Ward 4 Democratic Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St. Cost is $50 and pre-registration
South End Branch Library, 685 Tremont St. Community invited. required. For info, to pre-register or to set up an appt., email
Thu, Jan 13: Dana-Farbeer’s Yawkey Center holds an open house, lcoolidge@fenwayhealth.org or call 617-927-6243.
5:30-8:30 p.m., 450 Brookline Ave. RSVP with number of people Mon, Jan 24: Berklee Task Force meeting, 6-8 p.m., site TBD. For
attending to: community@dfci.harvard.edu by Dec 28. info or location, email gerald.autler.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Tue, Jan 18: East Fens Community/Police meeting, 6 p.m. Mon, Jan 24: Longwood Medical Area Forum, 6:30-8 p.m. For
Morville House,1 00 Norway St. location or to verify if meeting will be held, email Laura at
Tue, Jan 18: Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assoc board meeting, lfogerty@masco.harvard.edu.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Harvard Vanguard, 131 Brookline Ave., Annex Tue, Jan 25: East Fens Crime Watch meeting, 6 p.m., Fensgate, 73
Bldg., Rm 3D. For info, call 617-262-0657.
Boston Cab
Hemenway St. (enter through basement door on the south side;
Wed, Jan 19: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood ring bell for “Community Room”).
Services, William Onuoha, holds neighborhood office hours, Tue, Jan 25: Symphony Neighborhood Task Force meeting, 6:30
3:30-5:30 p.m, YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. p.m. For more info or for meeting site, call Councilor Mike Ross’s
Wed, Jan 19: West Fens Community/Police meeting, 5 p.m. office at 617-635-4225.