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serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, upper Back Bay, Prudential, Longwood Area & Mission Hill since 1974 volume 37, number 5 APRIL 29-May 26, 2011
PhotO: Lois Johnston

Seniors Making Noise, Onstage and Off

Video series aims to show what
neighborhood means to residents

T
By Laura Newton
he Fenway Community Development Corporation has kick-started a video
initiative, “Fenway Stories: Voices from the Urban Village,” to provide insight
into the lives of Fenway residents.
Callie Watkins, community planning associate at the CDC, set in motion
the video project. The first video is set to debut May 3 at the group’s annual meeting.
“The Fenway is a very activist community. I feel like the minute you come in here,
you feel this energy,” Watkins said, noting that the neighborhood “is a diverse residential
community, made up of different personalities and experiences.” The video project aims
to increase participation and support from residents for the further development of the
community.
“There were a lot of misperceptions about the Fenway,” said Watkins, who has a
master’s degree in city and regional planning from Cornell University.

B
by stephen brophy
erklee College of Music definitely
knows how to stage an awards
ceremony. On April 16 it gathered
faculty, students, administrators and
neighbors for a lively ceremony recognizing
folks who have done extra-good work within
the school and out in the world. Fenwickians
from the Peterborough Senior Center, in pho-
to, gave a rousing performance of La Bamba
and Twist and Shout. They have benefited
from weekly visits by students from Berklee’s
Music Therapy Department, which received
an award for its work.
Berklee is also a major sponsor of the
Walk for the Senior Center scheduled for
May 5 (rain date May 6). Looking for ways
to increase the funding, members decided to
organize a pledge walk. Berklee musicians
will serenade them along their way. The walk
starts at noon at Jersey and Boylston streets
and will proceed east to Hemenway Street.
Then the walkers will go on to Agassiz Road
and return to the Center for a potluck lunch
and a gala concert called “Women of the
World,” performed by Berklee voice students
and alumnae.
Penina Adelman, the Senior Center’s
director, explains that “The purpose of the
walk is twofold. One, we need more resources
to be able to keep programming concerts,
trips, celebrations, art shows, classes in yoga,
exercise, haiku, reiki and dance. We also need
funds for the daily costs of running the Center
and paying staff. Two, we are walking to
show the world who we are: ‘An Outstanding
Senior Service Center in the City of Boston,
2008,’ as named by the Mayor’s Office and the
Elderly Commission; the only Senior Center
She said the neighborhood tends to be defined by cultural institutions such as the
in the Fenway neighborhood; and a home
Museum of Fine Arts and the Christian Science Church. Many people don’t realize the
away from home for seniors in Boston.
extent of the neighborhood, which also encompasses 18 colleges and 10 major medical
“We are asking neighbors, friends,
institutions, Watkins said.
relatives and local businesses to sponsor us
The idea for the video project came about in late November. In cooperation with
as we walk, with any and all amounts. We are
Fenway resident Sonia Weinhaus, who had previously worked producing documentaries
also asking people to join us on the walk.”
for PBS’s “Nova” series, Watkins reached out to interview people from a demographic
The following is a partial list of
and geographic cross-section of the neighborhood Weinhaus and Watkins looked for
businesses that have contributed support
people who were actively engaged in the community.
for the Walk for the Peterborough Senior
“Fortunately, there’s a whole lot of people who care,” Watkins said.
Center: Wingate Management; Berklee
Among the residents interviewed was Gloria Platt, who has lived in the Fenway
College of Music; Fenway CDC; Bon-Bon;
since the 1960s. Her children, who have since started their own families, chose to
J’s Tomodachi Sushi; Floyd’s Barbershop;
remain in the community; they too are featured in the video, Watkins said.
Supreme Pizza; Whole Foods Market;
The goal is to release a video a month on the CDC’s website. Each video is planned
Trader Joe’s; Hemenway Variety; Milu’s
to deal with one person. That might change, depending on whether a decision is made
Hair Salon; Shaw’s Supermarket; Marshall’s
at the corporation’s annual meeting to orient the videos toward specific issues in the
Farmer’s Market; Baseball Tavern; Operation
community or the residents themselves, Watkins said.
P.E.A.C.E.; Jersey Liquors; Hidyan Café;
Through the video project, Watkins aims to show what the Fenway means to its
Trattoria Toscana; Thaitation Restaurant;
residents and why they consider it their home. By engaging in a dialogue with those
Salon 54; The Ramrod; Cappy’s Pizza;
interviewed about memorable moments in the community and about how it has changed,
Cappy’s Corner
she hopes to understand what they would like to see in the future. “I want to make sure I
Boston Aurobindo Yoga Center; Rite-
give the community a voice,” Watkins said.
Aid; Dorothy’s Boutique; College Pizza;
She said the videos are only part of a larger strategy to make the community’s
Fenway ZPizza; Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar
planning process more involved.
and Grill; Bradley Liquors; Crossfit Fenway;
“There’s people who have invested in what the Fenway is today. If we’re not putting
Boston Cab Association; Amazing Video;
people at the center, we might risk pushing them away,” Watkins said.
Rutman’s Violins; Symphony Mart; Oasis
Laura Newton is an undergraduate student in the Northeastern University School
Guest House; Subway Subs; King of Records;
of Journalism.
Canastero’s; Choice Liquors; Phillipo Style
Hair Studio; Bombay Café; Pizza Pie-er;
Woody’s Grill; Burtons Grill; Boston Fire
Department House Fund. PILOT Stunt Stings Some Big Fenway Names
Many more individuals and businesses Looking for more revenue from tax-exempt institutions, the City of Boston last month
contributed, more than we could possibly reminded prominent nonprofits that it wants them to ante up for its Payment in Lieu of Taxes
list. In many cases managers and staff of (PILOT) program. Sixteen of the institutions that received faux tax bills are in the Fenway,
local businesses contributed out of their including the MFA, the BSO, Northeastern, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
own pockets. A more complete list will be Collectively, they now pay about $6.1 million in PILOT donations (80% of that figure comes
available at www.fenwaycdc.org. from BU). The City wants to see those payments nearly quadruple to $22 million.

Conservancy Throws Out A Big Welcome Mat With Visitor Center’s Grand Opening
By Amanda Devaney
he Emerald Necklace
Conservancy holds a
grand opening April 30
and May 1 for its a new
Visitor and Volunteer Center
in the Back Bay Fens in hopes
of bringing Boston together as
a community in celebration of
nature in the city.
“In cities, it is particularly
important to create naturalistic
environments to help people
deal with their everyday
stresses,” said Jeanine Knox,
director of external affairs
and spokeswoman for the
conservancy. “We wanted a
place where all people from all
walks of life can come enjoy the
outdoors.”
The Conservancy
opened the center in early
January. To accomplish that,
the conservancy began by
proposing to restore the
then-neglected Stony Brook
Gatehouse, which was
decommissioned in the 1970s
as a result of vandalism and
general lack of interest, by
establishing in its place the
inaugural Visitor and Volunteer
Center.
“It was a neglected
area,” said Emily Muldoon,
a communications and
public relations intern for
the Conservancy. “I am a
Northeastern student, and last
year I was living in Melvin Hall
[about a half block away] and I
would always see this building
and have no idea what it was.”
Frederick Law Olmsted,
who designed Central Park and
other famous parks (and whose
birthday was just celebrated
on April 26), began working
on the Emerald Necklace park
system in 1878 to establish a
more naturalistic environment in
Boston. The park stretches from
the Back Bay to Dorchester,
giving Boston residents and
others an opportunity to respect
and appreciate nature by the Fens so that they can lead program. The Fenway Garden
walking, running or biking along tours through the park. Society has scheduled a series
the park trails. “I think this will be a of coordinated events in the
“It is a linear park system, jumping-off point for younger Victory Gardens
which means you can walk from people and everyone else in this “We have had a couple
the Back Bay Fens, through the community who hasn’t seen the little open houses, but this is a
Riverway, and all the way down parks to go out and explore and big one. We thought we would
to Franklin Park,” Muldoon said. realize that there is this resource wait for the nice weather,” Knox
“It is all connected, and it is in their community, and they said. “It will begin with a ribbon
something that a lot of people, should use it,” Muldoon said. cutting with Mayor Thomas
especially college students, do The conservancy’s grand- M. Menino and some local
not realize exists.” opening weekend will be a representatives and legislators
The Emerald Necklace combination of indoor and and people from the community.
Conservancy has a number of outdoor events, including It is open for the public.
events planned for the grand outdoor yoga, bike rides, fun “I want to see it really
opening weekend A docent runs, film showings, walking well-loved and well-used and
training program will begin for tours, and kids’ activities, led by to be a destination as well as a
volunteers to learn more about members of a youth leadership starting-off point,” Knox said.
“As we face many environmental
 April 30 May 1  challenges today, public parks
and urban parks become even
Following a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Menino at noon on Saturday, the more important because they
conservancy visitor center will host free activities for two days, from fun provide trees; they are the lungs
runs to walking tours to a kids’ activities table. View the full schedule at of the city.”
www.emeraldnecklace.org/visitorcentergrandopening/ And visit Amanda Devaney is an
the Garden Society’s website to check on its schedule of related activities undergraduate student in the
Northeastern University School
at www.fenwayVictorygarden.org
of Journalism.
2 | FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011
DCR Grant Will Fund Traffic Study to Support Duck House Effort
A
By Ann Musheno
s part of an effort to renovate the
historic Duck House in the Back
Bay Fens and lease it to a business,
the Massachusetts Department
of Conservation and Recreation has agreed
to pay $26,000 for a traffic feasibility study
of Agassiz Road, the street along which the
building sits.
The grant, provided by the Department’s
Partnerships Matching Funds Program, is
double the amount of contributions from 18
organizations, including many local colleges
and cultural institutions.
Erica Mattison, a Fenway
resident, member of the Fenway
Civic Association, and chair of
the working group for the Duck
House restoration, said the study
will include holding community
meetings, collecting information and
presenting findings in the form of a
report.
Mattison said information
will be collected about the bicycle,
pedestrian and automobile traffic on
Agassiz Road. She said a consulting company
will begin collecting the information in late
April or early May and that the study will
continue until about July.
A presentation on the Fenway Civic
Association’s website details the findings
of a similar data collection, conducted by
volunteers in November 2009. The data
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from that study indicated that the traffic including lighting, the lack of wide sidewalks,
was primarily pedestrian. Mattison said the and the “tough shape” of the street’s
working group thinks that “having more data infrastructure.
from a different time of year is valuable.” Mattison said “a substantial amount of
Marco Baldassarre, a board member investment” will be needed to make necessary Fri., April 29 7:10 p.m.
of the Fenway Civic Association, said the improvements to the road. Sat., April 30 7:10 p.m.
results of the study would help determine According to the Fenway Civic
Sun., May 1 1:35 p.m.
what type of business would be successful in Association’s website, restoring the Duck
the Duck House. If the study showed mostly House and Agassiz Road will bring the Mon., May 2 7:10 p.m.
pedestrian traffic, a café or a business geared building back to life, increase public safety, Tues., May 3 7:10 p.m.
toward quick stops by customers would likely build community, enhance the location, and
succeed, he said. If the area was used by serve the needs of park users. The project is a Wed., May 4 7:10 p.m.
more bicyclists, the location would be most complement to the Muddy River Restoration Thurs., May 5 1:35 p.m.
Project, where the Army Corps of
Engineers will clean out and redirect Fri., May 6 7:10 p.m.
the river, and beautify the surrounding Sat., May 7 1:10 p.m.
landscape.
The Fenway Alliance, a Sun., May 8 1:35 p.m.
consortium of academic, cultural Mon., May 9 7:10 p.m.
and arts organizations in the Fenway
area, was one of the organizations that Mon., May 16 7:10 p.m.
donated to the study. Tues., May 17 7:10 p.m.
Kelly Brilliant, executive director
Wed., May 18 7:10 p.m.
of the Fenway Alliance, said the
Alliance and many of its member Thurs., May 19 7:10 p.m.
institutions donated to the study Fri., May 20 7:10 p.m.
suitable for “a bike shop or a bike rental shop because they “thought this was a wonderful
or anything that’s geared toward recreation,” way to enliven the park, and a great idea that Sat., May 21 7:10 p.m,
he said. Erica’s group has gotten together.” Sun, May 22 8:05 p.m.
Mattison said the working group was Ann Musheno is an undergraduate student
“not focused on attracting drivers,” because in the Northeastern University School of Mon., May 30 7:10 p.m.
parking is limited in the area. Journalism. Tues., May 31 7:10 p.m..
Baldassarre said the study would also
focus on safety concerns of Agassiz Road,
The First Church of Christ, Scientist
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10 am and 5 pm (no evening service July & Aug.)
Wednesday Testimony Meetings
12 noon and 7:30 pm (2 pm online)
Hazardous Waste,
Sunday & Wednesday Live Services Online Tire And Propane Tank
ChristianScience.com/OnAir
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Near the corner of Huntington & Mass. Ave. Free Parking at all services.
UMass Parking Lot, Morrissey Blvd
T Hynes, Prudential, Symphony, or Mass. Ave.
For further information, call 617.450.3790 Saturday, June 25 9:00am to 2:00pm
or visit www.ChristianScience.com
Public Works Yard , 315 Gardner St,
West Roxbury
Residents may bring up to 50 pounds of products labeled toxic,
flammable, reactive, corrosive, or poisonous; such as:
paint, motor oil, pesticides, solvents, glues, bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, weed
killers, photo chemicals, pool chemicals, car batteries, and used motor oil.
NO COMPUTERS, MONITORS, TVs, OR ELECTRONICS
NO COMMERCIAL WASTE ACCEPTED
The City reserves the right to reject materials
PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIRED
Boston Public Works Department
Thomas M. Menino, Mayor; Joanne P. Massaro, Commissioner
For more information, please call 617-635-4500 or visit
www.cityofboston.gov/recycling
Have fun!
 FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011 | 3

Historic Ruggles Baptist Hopes to Raise $500,000 Erin Kelley is an undergraduate student
By Erin Kelley Showalter hopes that after the renovations, “People come and go; usually the average in the Northeastern University School of

T
he Ruggles Baptist Church in Audubon
Circle plans to launch a $500,000
capital fund-raising campaign to
continue renovations the church began in
2008, originally landing the church on the
National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
In his quaint office located in the back
more churches can use the extra space. person here is two to five years. So, we call it Journalism. Ruggles Baptist Church is at
a network church rather than a neighborhood 874 Beacon St. in Audubon Circle. Worship
Showalter receives several calls each month
church,” Showalter said. services are at 10 a.m. Sundays.
from small church groups hoping to use rooms
for worship services, because renting function
rooms elsewhere can become costly.
The building is home to other For Spring Break, These Kids Went to...Boot Camp??
churches, including a Chinese and an

of the church, the Rev. Larry Showalter
explained that after an evaluation for
renovations by the Boston architecture firm
Menders, Torrey
Photo provided by Ruggles Baptist Church
Anglican congregation. Spiritual, dance,
and community-based groups use rooms as
well.“ That is part of our ministry, that is part
of what this building is here
I
By Nate Leskovic
nactivity is a proven factor in chronic health problems, so instead of taking
it easy during April vacation, Sociedad Latina’s youth Health Educators kept
active by hosting their first annual Youth Fitness Boot Camp at the Tobin

& Spencer in for, for that purpose to build Community Center.

2008, architectural other churches than my own,” The free, week-long event from April 19-22, part of Health Educators’ Healthy
preservationists Showalter said. The history of Mission Hill Initiative to improve the wellbeing of the community, was attended
suggested that the building dates to 1914, when by more than 60 youth ages 10-21. It included fitness activities, health-focused
the church apply the church housed a Unitarian workshops, and life-skills trainings aimed at reversing negative health trends in
for listing on the congregation. the city. One-third of Boston’s high school students are now overweight or obese,
National Register. Well-known historical according to the 2010 Health of Boston report.
“They figures, including the Mather “Sociedad is the way I make a difference in the community,” says Health
recommended that family, belonged to the Educator Taydavia Martinez. “A lot of people don’t know about living healthy.
we apply for this original Ruggles church. We’re showing them the facts, and that it’s not that big of a deal.”
because it will lead Three generations of Mather With partners such as the Whittier

photo by Nate Leskovic

to other resources for other renovations, so we
agreed to that, and they did a wonderful job
for us,” Showalter said.
The National Register process took
an architectural preservationist from the
Menders, Torrey & Spencer staff about a
year to complete and submit for approval,
Showalter said.
“There [was] a large amount of research
that had to be done on the history of the
building and the architectural aspects,”
Showalter said. “We knew that the building
had the history and the architecture; there was
no doubt about that.”
The capital fund-raising campaign,
which was recently announced to the
congregation, is still in the first stages of
planning. It is expected to begin this spring,
and run until 2014, the 100th anniversary
of the church. The church hopes to raise
$500,000.
“The purpose is to expand the capacity of
the church building because there are places
that are not usable,” Showalter said.
The basement needs the most work.
men—Samuel, Increase and Cotton—were Street Health Clinic, Health Resources in
American theologians, famous for their Action, Renewal House, and Girls’ LEAP,
ministry, writings and involvement in the Health Educators offered activities such
Salem witch hysteria. as kickboxing, yoga, girls self defense,
In 1970, Ruggles Baptist Church bought and Zumba, and workshops on HIV/AIDS,
the building and moved into it. “They moved nutrition, healthy relationships, and body
from a church on Ruggles Street in Roxbury image.
because of a variety of reasons … the “Boston’s communities of color live in
neighborhood was changing, generally some the shadow of some of the nation’s most
good things and some not so good things,” prestigious medical institutions, yet they
Showalter explained. continue to suffer from disproportionate
Neighborhood construction and growing rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease,” says Health Educators Coordinator
violence became factors in the congregation’s Tatianna Montañez. “These health inequities—unnecessary, avoidable, unjust, and
decision to uproot and move to Audubon unfair—are often due to racism, socio-economic conditions, and barriers to health
Circle. care options. And due to low education and income, our community members are
With 63 members, the present- easily caught in a cycle of poor diet and lifestyle choices. This Boot Camp is an
day Ruggles Baptist Church is stitched effort to turn that around.”
together through relationships. Because Sociedad Latina’s Health Educators in Action program tackles health
the congregation is small, many members inequities, intervening before it is too late and direct healthcare services are
meet outside church on a weekly basis needed. The youth development organization hires 15 young residents each
in small groups. Surrounded by Boston year to identify health issues linked to racial health inequities, research causes
University housing and the MBTA Green and solutions, and take their knowledge back into the community and work for
Line, the church is located in an area with positive change.
high turnover, sometimes causing those Nate Leskovic is on the staff of Sociedad Latina.
relationships to be short-lived.

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Boston Public Works will collect and compost residents’ yard waste

Four weeks: April 25 - May 20

ON YOUR RECYCLING DAY.

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barrels marked “yard waste.” staff provide the highest quality eye care for our patients in a comfortable, caring,
For free “yard waste” stickers, call 617-635-4500 and compassionate environment. And our optical shop carries the latest styles from
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Place leaves and yard waste

at the curb by 7:00 AM
ON YOUR RECYCLING DAY. zine 20
08
n Maga to n
NO PLASTIC BAGS
Bosto
f Bo s
Best o
BARy
Yard waste will not be collected

DIVEks—Ton
during the two weeks before

Th an
the April 25 start date.
Please hold onto
your yard waste
from April 11 to
April 25, when
collection begins.

Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

4 | FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011

Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon

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

Fenway News Association

Three-Night Sampling Shows Arts Are Thriving in the Fenway Board of Directors
Steve Chase • Helen Cox • Tracey Cusick • Joyce
Foster, president • Steven Harnish • Barbara

A
by Stephen Brophy the play, but she made the transformation both subtle and effective. Brooks Simons • Steve Wolf, treasurer
few weeks ago I went to three cultural events in the Moving on from high school to college, the Boston Conservato-
Fenway on three evenings. I came away from the ry’s musical comedy was pure delight. The new stage in the renovat- Editor: Stephen Brophy
experience marveling at what an incubator for talent our ed Hemenway St. building gave the cast and crew many more options WEB EDITOR: Nicole Aubourg
Production Designer: Steve Wolf
neighborhood is. On a Thursday I went to the Boston than were available to the BAA students, or even to Conservatory
Writers: Penina Adelman, Daniel Alfaro,
Conservatory’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado. The students a couple of years ago. Using these resources the director, Alison Barnet, Susie Blair, Liz Burg, Bob
next evening I attended a Handel and Haydn choral concert in the Kirsten Z. Cairns, emphasized color in costumes, decor, and lighting, Case, Helen Cox, Tracey Cusick, Amanda
newly renovated St. and gave us a visual experience as pleasing Devaney, Dharmena Downey, Lisa Fay,
Cecilia’s Church. Then as an Easter egg basket. Lori A. Frankian, Joyce Foster, Andrew
on Saturday evening I She had two complete casts to work Frederick, Marie Fukuda, Galen Gilbert,
photo: Max Wagenblass

watched a presentation with, and those who performed on the night Elizabeth Gillis, Katherine Greenough,
at the Boston Arts I attended certainly set a high bar for the Sam Harnish, Erin Harper, Sarah Horsley,
Academy (BAA) of other group to jump over. Their mastery Matthw Juul, Rosie Kamal, Erin Kelly,
George Bernard Shaw’s of the patter provided by the lyricist would Shirley Kressel, Erica Mattison, Kristen
satisfy the sternest G&S fan, and their McCleary, Ann Musheno, Laura Newton,
St. Joan.
Richard Pendleton, Camille Platt, Karla
Taking the last ability to stick with the choreography while Rideout, Mike Ross, Barbara Brooks
first, I was, as always, delivering it was at a professional level. Simons, Matti Kniva Spencer, Anne Tobin,
impressed with how well The orchestra, conducted by Beatrice Jona Steve Tolman, Fredericka Veikley, Chris
the high school students Affron, held up its end quite well, and the Viveiros, Clyde Whalen, Margaret Witham
and their teachers make whole evening went by much too quickly. PhotographerS: Aaron Barrera, Lois
use of the comparatively Harry Christophers, the artistic Johnston, Patrick O’Connor, Valarie
limited resources at their director of the Handel and Haydn Society, Seabrook, Matti Kniva Spencer, Ginny Such
disposal to create theat- got his start as a choirboy in England. He CALENDAR: Penina Adelman, Helen Cox,
rical magic. The small L-R: Stephanie Scarcella, (Pitti-Sing), Jacquelyn Viña (Yum- put together a stirring collection of sacred Ruth Khowais, Steve Wolf,
Proofreader: Tracey Cusick
theater on the top floor Yum), Sarah Shechtman (Peep-Bo) charm their audience. music written by Tomás Luis de Victoria
Subscription Coordinator:
of the school has a rather in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Cathy Jacobowitz
ramshackle appearance as you walk in, and the staging obviously coupled with 20th-century work by Francis Poulenc in a program BOOKKEEPER: Cathy Jacobowitz
didn’t involve lots of dollars—but you forget all that when the lights called “Harry’s Vocal Voyage.” Distribution: Nicole Auberg, Della
go down and the play commences. For St. Joan the students created a The concert would have been quite wonderful in Symphony Gelzer, Aqilla Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt,
theater-in-the-round experience, constantly changing the orientation Hall or Jordan Hall, but it made maximum use of the special setting Reggie Wynn
of the stage as each new scene, but so deftly that the audience was provided by the beautifully remodelled space in St. Cecilia’s.
The Fenway News is published monthly by the
never confused. Christophers’ juxtaposition of the Renaissance stylings of Victoria Fenway News Association, Inc., a community-
The most impressive element is the acting of the students. with the sometimes harsh modernist sounds of Poulenc helped his owned corporation dedicated to community
Their teacher chose this play to emphasize how audience to pay closer attention to journalism. If you would like to volunteer to
anyone can, and should, stand up for what they from the editor the beauties of each style.
Perhaps some of the members
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believe, especially when they are opposed. Leah
Ogawa embodied this quite nicely in her portrayal of Joan, and those of his chorus also gained their educations at one of the schools in the The Fenway News,
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actors who played her persecutors definitely gave her something Fenway. The experience of these three evenings underscores just how Boston, MA 02123
to fight against. One actor in a minor role who stood out for me is special our neighborhood really is. People travel from all over the 617-266-8790
Yoshiko Shepherd, who played a page. Her “master” was a difficult, metropolitan region to attend events here, and students come from all editor@fenwaynews.org
demanding person, not as smart as her character. She was at first over the world to prepare themselves for professional careers in the www.fenwaynews.org
subservient but gradually got more forceful in telling him what he arts. We can only count our blessings that we have so much beauty
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needed to know. This occupied just a few minutes at the beginning of available to us, and all within walking distance.
©2010 Fenway News Association, Inc.
“Comforting the afflicted and
Today in Massachusetts, 660,000 people those in need. Consider walking, donating, afflicting the comfortable.”
Every dollar raised, every hour
donated helps the Walk for Hunger do not have enough to eat. It’s a large number organizing a Walk Team, or becoming a The founders of The Fenway News adopted this
To the Editor:
in a year of very large numbers. Programs volunteer. It’s the year to do something, motto to express their mission of exposing and
On Sunday, May 1, Project Bread will like ours serve the most desperate who need anything—because every dollar, every mile, opposing the dangers the neighborhood faced
celebrate the 2011 Walk for Hunger, begin- help right now. At the ABCD Parker Hill / every volunteer hour donated will help. And in the early 1970s—including rampant arson,
ning and ending at the Boston Common. Fenway Food Pantry many people seeking the money from The Walk for Hunger stays unscrupulous landlords, and a destructive
food assistance are working; their wages are in our own community and state. urban renewal plan. If the original motto no
As the economy is slowly recovering, there longer fits today’s Fenway, we continue
are still many families struggling to put just too low to cover all of their housing and All the information and helpful tools
food expenses. Many families are forced you’ll need are at www.projectbread.org, or to honor its spirit of identifying problems
food on their table. This year’s Walk is very and making our neighborhood a better
important for the many Massachusetts fami- to make hard choices between buying food call Project Bread at 617-723-5000. If you
and safer place to live.
lies who are seeing their monthly income or paying their rent or utility bills. This can’t be there this year, support someone
stretched beyond capacity. program allows them the opportunity to not who can or be part of the “virtual walk”

letters
As Director of ABCD
Parker Hill/ Fenway Neigh-
borhood Service Center, I witness the human
cost of this crisis every day—families who
are newly unemployed, children eating two
meals a day, seniors giving up food for medi-
cine. I urge all Boston residents to take part
in this important event that helps families
right here in our city who struggle to put food
on the table.
have to choose
between basic
necessities. As
the crisis continues, and more and more
families turn to us for assistance, we will
have to cut back on the help we can give.
And yet, we feel strongly that hunger is
something no one should have to face alone.
It’s a pretty straightforward equation:
the funding from The Walk for Hunger
enables us to provide nourishing food to
with a donation. I urge you to help us at
ABCD Parker Hill / Fenway to stand up for
one another and provide for the most basic
human need—food.
Sincerely,
Milagros Arbaje-Thomas, MSW, LCSW
Director, ABCD Parker Hill / Fenway
Neighborhood Service Center
arbaje@bostonabc.org
> Frequency <
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, May 27.
> Deadline <
The deadline for letters, news items, and ads
is Friday, May 20
> Advertising <
Contact our business manager at
ads@fenwaynews.org

Fenway News Association Sets Annual Meeting for June 19, 2011

T
he Fenway News Association will hold its 2011 annual meeting
on Sunday, June 19, in the Fensgate Community Room at 73
Hemenway St. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Elections to
the board of directors and votes on proposed amendments to the
bylaws and articles of incorporation, if any, will be held.
Any resident of the neighborhoods that we serve may join and vote on
June 19 by mailing a notice expressing an interest in joining to: Fenway
News Association, Inc., P.O. Box 230277, Astor Station, Boston, MA
02123. Anyone can also send an e-mail notice of interest to editor@
fenwaynews.org. We must receive such notices by Sunday, June 5, to
comply with our bylaws, which require members to join at least 14 days
prior to the meeting date if they wish to vote. A list of current members
appears at right.
For information about the meeting or the Fenway News Association,
please call the Fenway News office, 617-266-8790, or e-mail editor@
fenwaynews.org.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION AT PUBLICATION DATE: Penina Adelman, Daniel Alfaro, Iory Allison, Delia
Alvarez, Arlene Ash, Nicole Auberg, Mwagale Babumba, Jonathan Ball, Alison Barnet, Aaron Barrera, Richard
Barry, Susie Blair, Sarah E. Blanchette, Stephen Brophy, Chelsea Brown, Liz Burg, Bob Case, Steve Chase, Brian
Clague, Lara M. Cole, Suzanne Comtois, Lauren Constantino, Helen Cox, Eleanor Cummings, Tracey Cusick,
Amanda Devaney, Bennie diNardo, Dharmena Downey, Richard Dunshee, Johnette Ellis, Lisa Fay, Laura Finaldi,
Mary Finn, Tom Fitzgerald, Peter Flannery, Nikki Flionis, Courtney Flynn, Michael Foley, Joyce Foster, Lori
Frankian, Andrew Frederick, Marie Fukuda, Slim Gelzer, Galen Gilbert, Elizabeth Gillis, Brett Greene, Kathy
Greenough, Phyllis Hanes, Sam Harnish, Steven Harnish, Erin Harper, Duke Hartin, Mary Ellen Hendrickson, Tim
Horn, Sarah Horsley, Jackie Iskyan, Tito Jackson, Cathy Jacobowitz, Lois Johnston, Matthew Juul, Rosie Kamal,
Sajed Kamal, Kyle Katz, John Kelly, Joseph Kenyon, Ruth Khowais, Rudy Kikel, Jonathan Kim, Shirley Kressel,
Marc Laderman, Lauren Landry, Nasreen Latif, Nate Lescovic, Barbara Loo, Gil Loo, Aqilla Manna, Don Mathieu,
Erica Mattison, Kristen McCleary, Joan McGaw, Kerry Mooney, Joan Murphy, Ann Musheno, Kat Nicholson, Laura
Newton, Patrick O’Connor, Richard Orareo, Catherine Pedemonti, Richard Pendleton, Jana Peretz, Camille Platt,
Gloria Platt, Lauren Dewey Platt, Alison Pultinas, Michelle Reinstein, Bill Richardson, Karla Rideout, Mike Ross,
Rosaria Salerno, Valerie Sarnataro, Valarie Seabrook, Helaine Simmonds, Barbara Brooks Simons, Matti Kniva
Spencer, Ginny Such, Mat Thall, Eric Tingdahl, Ann Tobin, Theresa Tobin, Steven Tolman, Bob Tomposki, Chuck
Turner, Fredericka Veikley, Chris Viveiros, Clyde Whalen, Margaret Witham, Steve Wolf
 FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011 | 5

Clarifying Some Finer Points of the Kargman Story Kargmans chose not to take any steps to
keep the apartments affordable after that
date.

T
by Sarah Horsley cated to equity and diversity, Fenway CDC owner. Burbank is owned by a company
also applauds The Fenway News for empha- named Burbank Apartments Company. (The At the same time that the mortgage
he recent Fenway News article,
sizing the disparate impact of the loss on Kargmans are involved in the ownership of expired, the Kargmans also voluntarily
“Tenants, Backers Crowd Council
people of color, seniors, families and people both companies.) opted out of the project-based Section 8
Hearing” (April 2011) provided a
with disabilities. Second, the project-based Section 8 program. This program provided further
compelling picture of our efforts.
In the interest of providing the most contract did not help the Kargmans purchase subsidies to make 40% of the apartments
Coverage of the devastating and widespread
accurate information to your readers, I also Burbank Apartments. Instead, HUD offered at Burbank available to very-low and low-
effect of the owners’ actions—98% of af-
offer some corrections. First, First Realty financing through the Below-Market Interest income tenants. The ending of the mortgage
fordable apartments in Boston lost in the last
Management provides management services Rate (BMIR) 221d(3) mortgage program. and the owners’ decision to opt out of
five years are owned by the Kargmans—was
for Burbank Apartments but is not the The mortgage expired on April 1 and the project-based Section 8 have resulted in the
especially valuable. As an organization dedi-
loss of all 173 affordable apartments.
Third, enhanced vouchers (EVs) are

The New District 7 Councilor Introduces Himself provided by HUD, not by the Kargmans.
HUD started providing EVs in the mid-
professions allowed me to develop strong 1990s in an effort to protect tenants who

I
Dear Friends, backgrounds. Students, working families,
relationships with organizations across the young professionals, and many others enjoy were losing their homes when owners
represent District 7 on the Boston City
converted to market-rate. Through another
Council. This area encompasses parts of state and the country. These relationships that vibrancy. However, as First Realty
are assets that must be utilized Management decides to leave the HUD’s program, called Mark-up-to Market, HUD
the Fenway, the South End,
to get the people of District 7 Section 8 program, so does diversity in offered to pay the Kargmans market-rate
Dorchester, Jamaica Plain
back to work with good, stable, the Fenway. Affordable apartments give rents in exchange for keeping long-term
and all of Roxbury. I reside in my
well-paying jobs. Encouraging hope to people who need it, and they create affordability. They refused.
childhood home in Grove Hall.
entrepreneurship in District 7 communities where people of different But BATA and Fenway CDC continue
These neighborhoods I represent
will lead to economic growth for backgrounds develop common purposes the fight to keep Fenway affordable! With
are prepared for robust economic
the neighborhoods and thus for and interests. That’s the Boston to which we the help of Greater Boston Legal Services,
revival, educational enhance-
the City of Boston. Success in should aspire. we have filed a lawsuit and will explore
ment, residential stability, and
legislative approaches.

Tito
increased public safety. areas like the Fenway and Dudley Warmly,
Square is irrevocably tied to the Tito Jackson Sarah Horsley is the Civic Engagement
I possess ample experience
success of Boston. I am prepared Director of the Fenway CDC.

Jackson
across a range of subjects as
a result of my work in the and committed to working with
healthcare and marketing Mayor Thomas Menino and
industries, and my time in state The Fenway my fellow Councillors to make
government. I was most recently News has invited Boston better.
the political director on Governor elected officials As many of you know,
Deval Patrick’s successful re- who represent the the pending loss of affordable

O
election campaign. Before that, neighborhood to housing in the Fenway will n August 3 of this year I will be 92 guy says, “You work the curtain”.
I worked in the Governor’s contribute columns have a resounding impact on years old and looking forward to Last week was my birthday and
administration to bring 2,500 on issues of the neighborhood and the entire one hundred. Over 40 years ago I somebody sent me a gift through the mail.
valuable technology jobs to concern. These will city. Apartment complexes submitted a test to The Hollywood I heard it ticking and I thought it was a
Massachusetts. I am proud of my appear on a regular like the Burbank Apartments School of Comedy Writing, and thought you bomb, so I stuck it in a pail of water. Know
work with Governor Patrick and basis in FensViews. transformed the Fens into the might get a snicker out of some of my jokes. anybody who wants to buy a cuckoo clock
look forward to achieving similar diverse and exciting community The director, Ron Carver, sent me a great that gargles?
successes as a Boston City Councillor. that it is today filled with people of all letter and graded my work and thought I was The doctor was so expensive that when
My work in the marketing and health different ethnicities, professions and quite talented, and my friend he took your temperature, he
Mary found this and we got a charged you whatever it registered.
good laugh at some of the jokes. I was in the third grade so
street Cleaning times So here are a few.
The commercial was so
long, my teacher’s father demanded
to know my intentions.
The city cleans Fenway residential
long that Speedy Alka Seltzer The dog was so friendly,
streets between 12 and 4 p.m. on
had slowed down to a walk. he married a cat just to give her
the first and third Wednesdays of the
Noted writer Charles Lamb kittens a name.
month (odd-numbered side) and the
had a habit of coming in late The air in the country is so
second and fourth Wednesdays (even-
to the office. One day his boss fresh, in order to get a good night’s
numbered sides). Get more info at
called him on it. “I noticed sleep, you have to bring an electric
617-635-4900 or www.cityofboston.
you’re late every morning!” fan and your own bag of dust.
gov/publicworks/sweeping. The state
Lamb said, “I know, but I make I saw an ant struggling with a
cleans streets that border the Fens on
up for it by going home early.” West Fens resident large twig and was about to help,
this schedule:
A little girl arrived at Clyde Whalen gives but it dawned on me that if I did, he
• Second Thursday kindergarten all out of breath “The Fenway Report” might become dependent on me. So
Roof Deck The Riverway, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. with excitement. “Why, what’s every other week rather than saddle myself with that
•KENO •Second Friday the matter?” asked her teacher. on cable channel responsibility, I stepped on him.
Now Open The Fenway (includes inside lane),
Charlesgate Extension, and Forsyth
“We’ve got a new baby at our
house,” she replied. “Won’t you
9’s Neighborhood Over the entrance to the used-
car lot, the dealer had his coat-of-
ESPN Game Day
•Memorial Plan Network News.
Way, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. come and see it?” “Oh, thanks!” arms. Crossed fingers against a
•Second Friday said the teacher, “but I think I’d better wait field of stacked bibles.
•Draft Specials
to Labor Day! 8 to 54 The Fenway (includes inside
lane), Charlesgate Extension, 12:00–
until your mother is better.” “It’s all right,”
said the girl. “You don’t have to be careful—
Here’s one I threw in: The Alzheimer’s
Annual get together was called off for the
3:00 p.m. it’s not catching!” 25th year, because nobody showed up.
•Great seafood •Third Tuesday A couple of out-of-work comics were
discussing ways to land a job. One guy sez,
Well, the closest many of us may ever
get to college is right on Queensberry Street
Swing
and on in
steak for
tips >Park Drive (includes inside lane),
“Hey, let’s team up!” The other says, “What at College Pizza.
upper Boylston Street, 8:00 a.m.–
lunch & enjoy Tavern 12:00 p.m. kind of act do you have in mind?” He says, Science came up with Medicine, which
•BuzzTime
favorites including >Park Drive, from Holy Trinity
Orthodox Cathedral to Kilmarnock
“Well, for openers I’ll come out and sing a
half dozen songs. Then, the curtain comes
corrected many illnesses and people began to
live longer. Medicine may soon allow man to
interactive
hot dogs for only Street and from the Riverside
Line overpass to Beacon Street,
down and goes up and I do a fast tap routine,
the curtain goes down and up and I go into a
live forever by simply taking a couple of shots
every hundred years or so to be returned to an
television
$1.50 during Red 12:00–3:00 p.m. juggling act, some tightrope walking and a
little unicycle bit, and the curtain goes down
age of your own choosing, mine being 32.
Well bless your hearts and all your other
Sox Away Games! www.mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm has a
and up.” The other guy says, “Hold it right vital organs. See you next month.
complete schedule and maps.
there! Where do I come in?” and the other

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6 | FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011

With Launch of New Program Berklee Brings Banjo Stars to Boston

T
By Andrew Frederick American Roots Music Program, said he A program brought

Photo by Phil Farnsworth.

hree of the country’s most
innovative and technically proficient
superstars of banjo visited Berklee
College of Music in March and
April, marking the beginning of Berklee’s
new Banjo Masters Residency Program.
The program, made possible through
an anonymous $90,000 gift to the school
and sponsored by Berklee’s American
Roots Music Program, grants 12 Berklee
students the opportunity to work with several
established professional banjoists periodically
during the next three years. The first three
special guests, Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny,
and Béla Fleck, visited Berklee’s campus to
give those students, all of whom study banjo
as their principal instrument, both group and
private lessons.
Matt Glaser, artistic director of the
A
‘ laddin’ Rubs Our Critic the Right Way
thinks that, for the program’s duration,
students will be able to gain more experience
than in a traditional residency course.
“This program provides a real-world
learning experience with much less structure
than the typical music residency,” Glaser said
in a press release from Nick Balkin, Berklee’s
publicist. “Students will have time to hang
out, one-on-one, with the masters of their
craft and absorb new skills and ideas.”
Each of the three banjoists visited
for a period of two days, staggered during
March and early April. They taught from
early morning to late evening, working with
the banjo students in groups and individual
sessions or offering criticism to the various
student groups that performed for them.
Trischka visited Berklee March 2 and 3,
Pikelny on March 28 and 29, and Fleck on
three banjo masters
to Berklee to work
with twelve banjo
students. Here, Tony
Trischka, left, works
with student Lukas
Pool.
April 5 and 6.
Pikelny is the
recipient of the 2010
Steve Martin Prize for
excellence in banjo and
bluegrass and a member of the genre-defying have to learn this too.”
bluegrass band Punch Brothers. Pikelny said Berklee freshman Christine Laskowski,
that, for the most part, he was impressed with a banjo student who worked with all three
the musicianship of the students he worked guests, said that overall the attitude of the
with and complimented the kind of intensive banjo students toward the opportunity is still
peer-to-peer instruction afforded by the one of disbelief.
program. “We’re all really floored by it,”
“I’m a big fan of banjo players furthering
themselves on their instrument and subjecting
Laskowski said. “It’s too good to be true.”
Trischka, named “one of the most
themselves to the same kind of rigorous impressive banjo players alive,” by Billboard

I
by Alison Barnet
loved it,” said a little girl training as, say, a conservatory or a classical Magazine, is best known for his solo
sitting in front of us, “except school,” Pikelny said. career and work with the bands Skyline
for the scary parts.” Scary For many of the banjo students who and Psychograss, as well as his regular
parts? Nothing seemed that worked with Trishka, Pikelny and Fleck, the appearances on the radio show “A Prairie
scary to us, but that’s the wonder program provided an opportunity to meet and Home Companion.” Fleck, the versatile 11-
of children’s theatre. Maybe it was learn from some of their musical idols. time Grammy Award winner best known for
all that popping in and out of holes Kyle Tuttle, a sophomore music his work with the bands New Grass Revival
in the stage, including an echoing performance major with banjo as his principal and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, has also
genie, or the golden swing instrument, said Fleck was in some ways his been featured by numerous modern artists,
descending from above. Luckily, inspiration for studying at Berklee. including Chick Corea, Dave Matthews Band
kids, their attention on the play, “I basically started studying jazz because and Phish.
didn’t seem to notice when the of Béla,” Tuttle, 24, said. “I learned that that’s Andrew Frederick is an undergraduate
“wonderful lamp” itself slid what he was studying and influenced by, so I student in the Northeastern University
off the stage into the audience. thought that if I wanted to sound like him, I’d School of Journalism.
Rubbed by the wrong hands, that
would have been scary!

T
Aladdin and the Wonderful
Lamp is entertaining, fun, and
From Jazz to Japanese Relief, Three Discs
full of special effects. All the Boast a ‘Made in the Fenway’ Flavor
basics of the folklore of the exotic
Mideast—a flying carpet, a magic
by Stephen Brophy Many of the artists plan to perform the
ring, genies, poison powder, and hree CDs have been produced songs featured on the release in Boston-area
an evil magician—are present, in the Fenway in recent weeks shows to promote the album and raise money
and there’s lots of action in the worthy of attention. Two of for the charity.
aisles. The set is exceptionally them are from Berklee people, Berklee’s student-run Jazz Revelation
colorful, with a beautiful pink/ and the other is the second record of Persian Records (JRR) has released an album called
orange glow as a backdrop, blue in Act II. The costumes, creative variations on Middle-Eastern Blue, a jazz band fronted by East Fenway Octave (because it is the label’s eighth
garb, are the work of Melissa Miller, who was honored before the show began for her thirty property manager Shah Hadjebi. release). The album is loaded with great
years of designing and building costumes at the Wheelock Family In response to the earthquake and music, showcasing some of Berklee’s top
“Aladdin and the Theatre. tsunami in Japan, students, faculty, and staff jazz players from around the world. The
Wonderful Lamp” Aladdin is Sebastian Kim, an 8th grader at Buckingham, Browne from Berklee College of Music have JRR team is responsible for choosing the
plays until May 15. and Nichols. He transitions quite nicely from tailor’s son to prince. donated 46 original songs artists; producing, engineering,
Tickets are $20, $25 In addition to his acting credits, he’s done a number of commercials. for a compilation titled and promoting the
and $30. Free and Samantha Boucher, a sophomore at Newton South High School, plays Love Conquers All: Music album; and designing
discounted tickets, Princess Badroulbadour—lucky for us, her father, the tyrannical for Japan to help raise its artwork. In addition
as well as birthday Sultan, has dubbed her Adora. Aladdin and Adora are mismatched in money for disaster relief. to the annual CD and
packages, are height but still a nice couple. As usual with WFT, there are some very The digital album is concert, JRR produces
available. 617-879- young actors; they are among the Slaves of the Lamp, Slaves of the available for immediate shows at the all-ages
2300 or tickets@ Ring, and the Citizens. download on www. Cafe 939 on Boylston
wheelock.edu. Larry Coen, the evil magician, steals the show. His facial musicforjapan.org for Street and at the Berklee
Wheelock Family expressions and the strange sounds that come out of his mouth a donation of $10 or library. For a free
Theatre, 200 The amuse the audience no end, and his collapse after drinking tainted more, with 100% of the download, go to http://
Riverway. wine is spectacular. Coen is well known for his work with several proceeds going to Save jrrecords.bandcamp.com/
Boston theatre companies, including Ryan Landry’s Gold Dust the Children’s relief Shah Hadjebi will
Orphans. Interestingly, Wheelock and Gold Dust now have a working efforts in Japan. It is celebrate the release of his
relationship; director/set designer James P. Bryne, technical director Matthew T. Lazure, and also available as a $20 bundle with a limited- new album, Departure,
others are part of that other Fenway theatre company known for drag of a different stripe. edition t-shirt. with a party at Johnny D’s in Somerville’s
With Wheelock, it’s never just about the play but the whole phenomenon: a room full of The album was released on April 14, just Davis Square. Hadjebi calls the music “warm,
young children who are quieter and more attentive than many an adult audience. My friend 34 days after the double disaster in Japan. sophisticated jazz that speaks about the joys
Kim was impressed with how well the theatre manages the experience, making helpful Berklee student Julian Weisser conceived the peace allows, while acknowledging the awful
announcements about parking and doing a remarkably efficient job of getting everyone back compilation and recruited Dean Davis and silences of war.” The release party runs from
into the theatre after intermission—on time! Ethan Schiff to help spread the word about 7-9 p.m. on May 14; see our calendar listing
Alison Barnet lives in the South End. song submissions. for more details.

Therapists!
Are you self-employed?
Turn your 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.

Thu, May 12: In “How Americans Learned to
Shop: John Singleton Copley and the New
to Judy Garland). Tickets for opening night American Consumer” Katie Pfohl traces
range from $40 to $121; visit www.boston- the relationship between John Singleton
pops.org, call 888-266-1200, or buy at the Copley’s portraits and what has been called
box office at 301 Massachusetts Avenue. the consumer revolution of the mid-to-late
18th century in the US. An unprecedented
Wed, May 11: Stephen Puleo, a history pro-
escalation in wealth from trade, land
fessor at Suffolk University and author of speculation, and new forms of production
Dark Tide: the Great Boston Molasses Flood created a new kind of American with the
of 1919, discusses his most recent book at money, power and access to buy and display
the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. an absolutely unprecedented amount of
A City So Grand: The Rise of an American stuff from around the world: furniture, silk
Metropolis, Boston 1850-1900, examines the petticoats, silver teapots, wigs—and even
period in which Boston became one of the
paintings. Meet in the Sharf Visitor Center.
world’s great metropolises, achieving global 11am. FREE with museum admission.
prominence in politics, medicine, education,
science, social activism, literature, com- Sat, May 14: Fenway jazz artist Shah
merce, and transportation. Go to www.bpl. Hadjebi hosts a party to celebrate release of
Departure, the new CD by his band, Persian
+
org/central/calendar for details. In
the Boston Room, 6:30-8pm. FREE Blue. You’ll have to go to Davis Square for it,
but it will surely be worth the ride. 7-9pm at
Johnny D’s, 17 Holland Street. $10 cover.
Show at Museum School Brings Art of
Traveling Scholars Winners into Focus
By Matthew Juul and
“I wanted to make an immersive
T
Kristen McCleary
raveling abroad while creating art is
experience,” Kotker said.
Each piece in the room was handmade,
a dream come true for the recipients
from the rug made from newspapers to
of the School of the Museum of Fine
Fank’s untied shoelaces.
Arts’ Traveling Scholars award.
“Putting it together was the most
In 2009, the proposals of artists Kate
exciting part,” Kotker said.
Sinnott, Ariel Kotker, Nathan Boyer and
A faux stuffed bird lies on Fank’s shelf.
David D’Agostino were selected by two
Kotker chose to display the bird as it was in
blind panels of art professionals. The school
death.
financed the winners as they travelled across
“As painful as it is, that’s reality,” she
the country and around the world, studying
said.
and working on their art, which was on
Her work not only reflects life’s posi-
display from March 30 to April 30 at the
tives, but subtly mirrors death’s darkness.
SMFA’s 2011 Travelling Scholars Exhibition.
In her travels, Kotker hired a guide in New
Sinnott’s piece is the latest incarnation
Hampshire to teach her how to hunt and
of a work five years in the making. The
dress birds. Kotker, a longtime vegetarian,
idea began as a paper sculpture, but when
said she was torn throughout the process, but
prompted to build the walls of her studio
found the experience to be “very positive.”
herself, Sinnott found inspiration in
The residents of this fictional town eat song-
architecture and building materials.
birds, another testament to the piece’s faintly
“I put up the walls of the studio, so I
veiled morbidity.
thought, I can do anything I want to them,”
“Killing something beautiful was
she said.
interesting to me,” Kotker said.
Using such ordinary materials as
Juxtaposing the images of life and
drywall, white house paint, and fluorescent
death, Kotker details Fank’s journey toward
lights, Sinnott blends architectural elements
a realization of his mortality.
with sketching, creating an intricate
Nathan Boyer and David D’Agostino
environment where the drawings turn three-
use video to challenge their viewers.
dimensional.
In “Arthur Knight Hammer: King of the
Sinnott used her Traveling Scholars
Bears,” Boyer, a documentary filmmaker,
award to travel through Spain, specifically
profiles a gay man who attempts to make his
Barcelona, and into France.
own interpretation of Christianity after the
“I didn’t really have an itinerary,”
fundamentalist movement rejects him.
she said. “I would wake up and just start
D’Agostino displays “Dr. Skullface”
walking.”
and “Mystery Talk,” two of his performing
During that time, she worked making
arts videos, at the show. The two pieces,
furniture from old Spanish wood and
like his other works, look into how cultural
doors, drawing inspiration from everyday
models become the basis for people’s
constructions that most people overlook.
personas.
The way an environment affects
Curator Joanne Knight enjoys the
someone’s perception of a piece of art
challenge of showcasing different works in
intrigued Sinnott.
the same show.
“What’s happening around the sculptures
“I love getting in and trying to get in
is a lot more interesting to me than the
the brains of these very different people,”
sculptures themselves,” she said.
she said.
Kotker stayed closer to home, exploring
Knight is confident about the exhibi-
the small town life of Western Pennsylvania.
tion’s choices.
Her creation, “His Room as He Left It,” is a
“It’s not driven by the exhibition; it’s
“walk-in novella,” an interactive room where
driven by who is the best,” she said. “All you
each item details the life of the teenaged
have to do is choose the best art you see.”
character, Drey Fank, and his interactions
Matthew Juul and Kristen
with the residents of Sparkleton, a fictional
McCleary are undergraduate students
Pennsylvanian town.
in the Northeastern University School of
Kotker tells the story of a teenager who
discovers his own ethical awareness.
Journalism.
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FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011 | 7
Sat, May 14: The Longwood Symphony Or- Mass. Historical Society on “Founding Gar-
chestra, whose players are primarily medical deners: How the Revolutionary Generation
professionals, presents a concert in Jordan Created an American Eden.” This lecture
Hall. As usual the proceeds will benefit a offers a look at the revolutionary generation
local organization, this time the Asian Task from the unique and intimate perspective
Force Against Domestic Violence. Program of their lives as gardeners, plantsmen and
includes Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto farmers. For the founding fathers, garden-
ing, agriculture and botany were elemental
No. 2 (Charlie Albright, the soloist, will ap-
pear with the Boston Pops a few days later), passions, as deeply ingrained in their char-
Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and works by acters as belief in liberty for the nation they
Malcolm Arnold and Franz Schreker. Visit were creating. Go to www.masshist.org/
http://necmusic.edu/longwood-sympho- events/ for more information. 6pm at 1154
+
ny-orchestra for details. Ticket price TBA. Boylston St. FREE, but registration
required.
Sat, May 21: Boston Prime Timers meets at
Harriet Tubman House (corner of Mass. Sat, May 28: From prehistoric cave painters
and Columbus aves). On the program is to contemporary environmental artists, the
“Creating a Healthy Diet,” a discussion and natural world has been a consistent inspira-
interactive demonstration of healthy foods tion to artists in all eras. In this gallery talk,
and diets by Phoebe K. Flemming, a regis- Beth Pugliano examines works that incor-
tered dietitian for Kit Clark Senior Services. porate or respond to nature in a variety of
Prime Timers is an educational, cultural ways and examines the appeal of the natural
and social activities network for older adult world to artists and viewers, how nature has
gay and bisexual men and their friends. influenced the subjects and appearance of
Meeting at 2:30pm; program at 3:30pm. For art, and what it means when an artist con-
more information, visit www.bostonprime- sciously abandons nature in favor of some-
timers.org $2 donation at the door. thing else. Meet in the Sharf Visitor Center.
Thu, May 26: Andrea Wulf speaks at the
Noon. FREE with museum admission.
Laughing at Misery, ‘prophets’ ends run
By Susie Blair
The newest production to come to the Huntington Theatre Company, “Sons of
the Prophet,” offers an unexpected and humorous perspective on tragedy.
Partially based on playwright Stephen Karam’s experience growing up in
Scranton, Pennsylvania, the play chronicles the misadventures of brothers Charles
(Dan McCabe) and Joseph Douaihy (Kelsey Kurz), who are dealing with the recent
death of their father and a slew of other obstacles.
Karam is best known for writing the Off-Broadway hit “Speech & Debate,”
which he is adapting to film.
“Sons of the Prophet” features the Broadway-experienced Yusef Bulos as
the brothers’ Uncle Bill and Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason as Gloria. The
Huntington Theatre’s artistic director, Peter DuBois, collaborated with Karam and
directed the cast.
“It follows Joseph’s story and his interaction and all the crazy, wondrously
colorful people in his life,” said actor Kurz. He was recently featured in a Broadway
production of “The Merchant of
Venice” and is playing the role of
Joseph in his first collaboration
with the Huntington Theatre.
Joseph is a third generation
Lebanese-American, Maronite
Christian, openly gay former
marathon runner. Throughout the
play he has to cope with the loss
of his father, his own mysteriously
declining health, and his elderly
uncle, who has come to live with
him and his younger brother.
“He tries to solve everyone
else’s problems. He thinks that will
solve his own, but he learns that
we’ve got to take care of ourselves
sometimes,” Kurz said.
Kurz insists that while the
subject matter is inherently dark,
it is still a comedic performance.
“The play tackles those moments in our lives when things can’t seem to get
worse … and all of a sudden it starts raining and we’ve forgotten our umbrella. And
there’s nothing we can do but laugh at how funny that moment is,” he said.
“The audience should expect the chance to laugh at misery, which is
something I think people are afraid to laugh at, especially today,” Kurz said. “I think
this play offers us a glimpse into that world again where laughing at our pain and
our misery is OK.”
“Sons of the Prophet” runs through May 1 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the
Boston Center for the Arts. Tickets are available online at huntingtontheatre.org.
After its premiere at the Calderwood, “Sons of the Prophet” will be performed Off-
Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City this fall.
Susie Blair is an undergraduate student in the Northeastern University School
of Journalism.
LooseR Style Lights Up Fenway Painter’s Canvases
By Lisa Fay It is when Stitt paints the countryside
Ed Stitt showed a loosening of style in and the gardens in an urban environment
his recent exhibition, “Everyday Glories,” that this loosening styles shows up. Larz Oak
which ran at Gallery NAGA from March 4 and Winsor Tree look like balloonscapes as
through March 26. these trees are centered in these paintings.
“I wanted these painting to be reduced The Rose Garden Trees, my favorite painting,
to only the essentials,’’ Stitt said in a Gallery shows patches of deep red and light purple
NAGA press review. “It’s very freeing not to almost lilac mixed with splashes of pink to
be enslaved by each object. I am using less color these leafy trees.
detail and broader strokes. I think this really Stitt dropped out of the seminary to
become a painter, “figuring God could use
energizes the paintings.’’
The Fenway Studios painter aims for a happy painter rather than an unhappy
architectural accuracy in Boylston Greetings, missionary,’’ according to his website. This
Musical Alley, and Sunrise West Tremont decision has been a blessing for Fenway
Street. Every brick, shadow and sunlight are residents for over 25 years.
so neatly in place, one almost forgets this is a Lisa Fay lives in the West Fenway.
painting, and not a photograph.
 8 | FENWAY NEWS | MAY 2011

+ This symbol indicates a free

event. For even more listings,
visit www.fenwaynews.org

Hacin has put his stamp on the South End’s

For This Play, the Headphones Go On SoWa section with a half-dozen distinctive
pick of the month

buildings and he created the master plan

After shaking up Boston’s arts scene in its first season at the restored Paramount Sat, May 1: The Terezín Music Foundation
for renovation of the arcade and lobbies at
Theatre, ArtsEmerson moves outdoors with an intriguing British import, Church Park on Mass Ave. 6pm. Info
which The Guardian called a “a theatre experience in which there are no actors
and only one member in the audience:
and Temple Israel present a memorial ser-
vice for Holocaust Remembrance Day with + at http://the-bac.edu/x3698.xml.
Free.
Cantor Roy Einhorn and local survivors;
you.” In Susurrus, audiences use a map to a screening of Creating Harmony, an Thu, May 5: The 27th Boston LGBT Film
wander through the Public Garden as they award-winning documentary about music Festival gets underway at the MFA with a
listen to the piece, adapted especially for and the Holocaust; and a performance by screening of Tom Tykwer’s latest movie, 3
Boston, on MP3 player and headphones the celebrated Hawthorne String Quartet (Drei). For a full rundown of the festival,
(both provided). Snippets about opera, of music composed in the Terezín camp. which runs through May 15 and also screens
memorial benches, and botany meld into At Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave. at the Brattle Theatre and Fenway Health,
what one British critic called “a sensual 617-566-3960. Parking $7 at 375 Long- e-mail media director Charlotte Robinson
reinterpretation of A Midsummer Night’s
Dream with a contemporary edge.” The
piece runs 80 minutes, although you can
+ wood Garage. Suggested ages 12+,
3-4:30pm. FREE
mediadirector@bostonlgbtfilmfest.org.
7:30pm Tickets $8-$10.
set our own pace. Journeys leave every 20 Sat, May 1: New England Conservatory Fri, May 6-Fri, 13: Interested in “a surrealis-
minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. college and prep students join forces tic interpretation” of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda
and cover roughly a mile. Susurrus Opens with faculty, A Far Cry, and other NEC- Gabler? If so, the BU Theatre on Huntington
May 20. Buy tickets ($25) or learn more at affiliated musicians to present a benefit Ave. has your production, an MFA directing
www.artsemerson.org or call 617-824-8000. concert in support of Japan in the wake project for student Ellie Heyman that also
of the devastating March earthquake features students and designers from the
and tsunami. 8 p.m. in Jordan Hall. NEC School of Theatre. Tickets $10-$12; available
faculty members performing include Paul at www.BostonTheatreScene.com.
Biss, Lucy Chapman, Kim Kashkashian, Fri, May 6: Peter Pansy, Ryan Landry’s new
Laurence Lesser, Lisa Saffer, and Masuko show opens at Machine and runs through
THURSDAYS
The following events take place at the
Peterborough Senior Center, located two
• 10 a.m. ESL, with Rudy Corvo + Ushioda. Donations will be collected
in the lobby. FREE
May 29. The story of “a very mischievous
boy who not only has the ability to fly but
blocks from Boylston between 100 and 108 SPECIAL EVENTS Sun, May 1: Spend your Sunday at Kaji swishes quite effeminately while doing so,”
Jersey St. (walk down the alley and look left). Tue, May 3: Aso Studio and sample the arts, culture, Landry’s latest extravaganza takes place in
For more information, call 617-536-7154. • 10am—Planning Committee meeting and food of Japan. There will be demos of the enchanted land of Provincetonia. 8pm at
• noon—Annual meeting calligraphy, tea ceremony, and traditional 1254 Boylston St. Tickets $35-$45 at www.
Recurring Wed, May 4:
Japanese music, and the winners of the 2011 brownpapertickets.org.
haiku contest will be announced. Sushi and
Mon, May 9: The Friends of the Libraries at
Mondays • Short story discussion: John Updike
more, at 40 St. Stephen St. Call 617-247-1719
Boston University will host an evening with
• 10am: Breakfast Club with Matti • Taxi coupons available or visit www.kajiasostudio.com for more
actor Leonard Nimoy, aka Spock on the
• 11am: Films—May 2. Grumpy Old Men Thu, May 5: noon—Walk for the Senior information. 2–7pm; admission $10-$8. original Star Trek. A Boston native, Nimoy
(1993); May 9, Seven Brides for Seven Center
Brothers (1954); May 16, On the Waterfront Wed, May 11: 11am—Diabetic shoe clinic byTue, May 3: Northeastern University presents will lecture on his long career in Hollywood.
(1954); May 23, Titanic (1997); May 30, LifeCare Medical Ensemble l’Arsenale, a chamber music 6pm in the Tsai Performance Center. For
From Here to Eternity (1953) ensemble from Treviso, Italy, and Ecce, a more information, please call 617-353-3696
Thu, May 12:
Tuesdays Massachusetts chamber music ensemble, or visit www.bu.edu/archives. $25, but free
• 11am—Feedback on the Walk, led by Don
• 11 a.m: Exercise with Mahmoud in a concert of music by contemporary to Libraries Friends and members of the BU
• 12:15pm—Haiku brush painting, and tea composers. Program includes What the community.
• 12 noon: Documentary films—May 10, Wed, May 18:
Marilyn at the Movies (2002); May 17, Wave Meant (2007) by Nicolas Tzortzis, and Wed, May 11: Broadway and jazz stalwart
• 11am—Short story discussion: Grace Paley Self, Analyzed (2010) by Travis Alford as
Elvis, Through the Years (2008); May 24, Linda Eder helps Keith Lockhart open the
The World of Nat King Cole: This Way Out • noon—Mass. College of Pharmacy well as music by Lorenzo Tomio and Filippo new Boston Pops season with a tribute to
(2006); May 31, The Ocean’s Eleven Story presentation Perocco. Fenway Center, 77 St. Stephen St., Judy Garland. Attendees are also invited
(2001)
Wednesdays
Thu, May
Gloria
19: noon—Mini-concert with
+
7:30pm. Reserve seats at tickets.neu. to dress as their favorite character from
edu. FREE The Sound of Music; 20 costumed audience
Wed, May 25: 11am—May birthdays Wed, May 4: For the final lecture in its spring members will join the chorus on stage for a
• 10–noon: Blood pressure check with Joyce
celebration series, Boston College of Architecture Sound of Music sing-along (although we’re
• 1 p.m: Yoga with Carmen
Thu, May 26: 12:15pm—Book & Artist brings prolific young architect David Hacin having a hard time seeing the connection
Discussion with Barbara Boger to Cascieri Hall at 320 Newbury Street. calendar on page 7 >

Sat, Apr 30: Annual “Birds of the Back Bay
Fens,” a bird walk guided by Dr. Gwilym
Jones, professor of biology, NU, sponsored
by Fenway Civic Assoc, 7am. Meet at
Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose
Garden (by footbridge behind MFA). Bring
binoculars.
Sat-Sun, Apr 30-May 1: Open House Week-
end at Emerald Necklace Conservancy Visi-
tor & Volunteer Center. 125 The Fenway.
Events include guided tours of Fens, show-
ing of “The Olmsted Legacy,” lectures and
more. For more info, visit www.emerald-
necklace.org or call 617-522-2700.
Sun, May 1: Guided walk thru the Fens led
by Emerald Necklace Conservancy docent.
1-2:30pm. Departs from Visitor Center, 125
The Fenway. For more info, call 617-522-
2700 or visit www.emerarldnecklace.org.
Tue, May 3: Christian Science Plaza CAC
Working Session sponsored by BRA.
8-10am. Christian Science Publishing
House Bldg, 210 Mass Ave. (enter at
Christian Science Monitor entrance). For
ning in Boston on People.” Panelists: Ezra
Glenn, MIT lecturer; Karla Rideout, active
Fenway resident, Berklee Task Force co-
chair; John Rosenthal, president of Mere-
dith Mgmt.; State Rep Byron Rushing; Kai-
ros Shen, BRA director of planning. Light
supper at 5:30pm, meeting at 6pm. Fenway
Health, 1340 Boylston in West Fens. To
request child care, interpretation or trans-
portation, or for more info, call Sarah at
617-267-4637x19 or email her at shorsley@
fenwaycdc.org.
Wed, May 4: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s
Office of Neighborhood Services, William
Onuoha, holds office hours: 3:30-
5:30pm, YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. No
appointment needed.
Thu, May 5: Walk to raise funds for the
Peterborough Senior Center, noon, (rain
date: Fri, May 6). Meet at Jersey & Boylston.
For more info, see front pageor call Center
at 617-536-7154, Mon-Thurs, 9:30-2pm.
Mon, May 9: Berklee Task Force meeting,
sponsored by the BRA. 6-8pm. Location
Thu, May 12: Public hearing on institutional
master plan and 168 Mass Avenue project.
5:30pm. BRA Board, 9th fl, City Hall.
For more info, email Gerald.Autler.bra@
cityofboston.gov.
Tue, May 17: East Fens Community/Police
mtg, 6pm. Morville House, 100 Norway St.
Tue, May 17: Audubon Circle
Neighborhood Assoc. board meeting,
6:30-8:30pm. Harvard Vanguard, 131
Brookline Ave., Annex Bldg., Rm 3D. For
more info, call 617-262-0657.
Tue, May 17: Ward 5 Democratic Committee
meeting. 7pm, First Church, 66 Marlboro
St., cor.of Berkeley and Marlboro streets,
Wed, May 18: Justine Mee Liff Fund Party in
the Park (adjacent to Kelleher Rose Garden).
Noon. For ticket info, call 617-522-2700.
Wed, May 18: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s
Office of Neighborhood Services, William
Onuoha, holds office hours: 3:30-
5:30pm, YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. No
appointment needed.
Prevent Violence to Humans & Animals.
Public meeting, 6-8pm. Boston Room,
Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street,
RSVP to: safepeoplesafepets@yahoo.com
For more info, visit: www.safepeople-
safepets.org or www.animalessegurosper-
sonasseguras.org
Thu, May 19: US Rep. Michael Capuano’s
liaison holds office hours: 1-2pm. Fenway
Health, 1340 Boylston. Residents’
questions/concerns about federal agencies,
national issues or legislation are welcome.
Mon, May 23: Longwood Medical Area Fo-
rum, 6:30-8pm. Location TBD. For location
or to verify if meeting will be held, email
Laura at lfogerty@masco.harvard.edu.
Tue, May 24: Symphony Neighborhood Task
Force meeting, 6:30pm. For more info or
for location, call City Councilor Mike Ross’s
office at 617-635-4225.
Tue, May 24: Fenway CDC Urban Village
Committee. 6pm. Get involved in
monitoring development in the Fenway and
advocating for the kind of neighborhood

more info email Lauren.Shurtleff.bra@
cityofboston.com or call her at 617-918-
4353.
Tue, May 3: Fenway CDC annual meeting
featuring a discussion of “Focusing Plan-
TBD. For more info email Gerald Autler at
Gerald.Autler.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Tue, May 10: Ward 4 Democratic Committee
mtg. 6:30pm, South End Branch Library,
685 Tremont St;
Boston Cab
Wed, May 18: West Fens Community/Police
meeting., 5pm. Landmark Center (401 Park
Drive), 2nd fl, District 4 Police Substation
(next to security desk).
Wed, May 18: Safe People, Safe Pets—Help
you want. Community Room, 73
Hemenway St., side door. For more info,
email Callie at cwatkins@fenwaycdc.org or
call her at 617-267-4637x16.

boston cab 617-536-5010

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