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serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, upper Back Bay, Prudential, Longwood Area & Mission Hill since 1974 volume 37, number 6 May 27-JUNE 30 , 2011

Restaurant Row is Almost Home, Sweet Home

photo: kyle katz

Like LA, Only Colder

S
By Lori A. Frankian
pring flowers started to bloom
into their glorious colors just as
the Restaurant Row owners and
construction teams began peeling
down the boarded layers of mystery, exposing
the impressive reconstruction progress made
throughout the frigid winter. The electrical
fire on Jan. 6, 2009, had the community
devastated over the neighborhood tragedy
and quite sad at the mere thought of not
experiencing their community lifestyle and
PhotO: Lori frankian
for a casual, cozy and modern dining feel
with dim lighting. But there is also very
nice contrast set by the lighter tones on the
walls”, says owner Lee. The entire menu is
reasonably priced, has something healthy for
all and also caters to individuals with food
sensitivities.
Passersby are in awe, seeing for them-
selves that Restaurant Row is very much alive
and returning with a fresh, modern, appeal
surrounded by endless windows, welcom-
ing the much needed light. Property owner,
Monty Gold
other technical areas are in the process of
being worked out so each team can continue
to move forward. There is potential for a
special Summertime Restaurant Opening
Day. One of the next steps is designing a
new patio that will meet Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. This will
provide a fully accessible surface that will
open up the exterior dining area, giving it a
unified community feel.
Gold is grateful to the city at large, the
always-supportive City Councilor Mike Ross,
the Fenway FCDC, Fenway Civic, and to all

stated that he who became a loyal extended family over the

Now that the plywood has come down, operators are rushing to finish
construction and receive the City’s okay to open.
dining favorites, El Pelon, Thorton’s Grille
and Rod Dee Thai.
As most know by now, all three
restaurants have been working tirelessly to re-
build and re-open for their loyal supporters.
Newcomer Swish Shabu, a Japanese hot
pot and sushi restaurant will be taking
over Sorrento’s space. They have a healthy,
is “most cer- past 25 years. Everyone will have their long-
tainly looking awaited opportunity to resume the social lives
forward to they once had and experience the wonderment
opening! The of Peterborough Street’s electric vibe.
likelihood El Pelon owner Jim Hoben and his crew
of everyone moved right into their old space as soon
opening at as they got the green light. They became
the same time trailblazers throughout the rebuilding process.
is not foresee- “The layout is almost identical. We had to Standing in front of Church Park last
able. Once make a couple of concessions to the sprinkler month, actor Mark Wahlberg watched
each restau- system and the upgrading of the interior and technicians set up a scene for the film
rant is done, exterior,” stated Hoben. “Ted,” in which he stars and which
they will get He continued: “John Lynch from the has several location shots in the
their own Department of Neighborhood Development Fenway. Wahlberg’s brother Donny
permits and has been our point person and he’s been great visits the Fenway this month with the
certificate of through this whole thing—his job has been to reconstituted New Kids on the Block,
occupancy. help us open.” who join the Backstreet Boys in a
Each owner Hoben continued, “Mr. Lynch under- concert at Fenway Park on Saturday,
is moving as stands the regulatory barriers and has been June 11. If your 20-years-ago self
fast as they can.” down to the property numerous times. He could only imagine how close you are
Right before press time, the electrical also played a major part in moving a grant now to both Wahlbergs!
crew was inside working their magic, and restaurants on page 3 >
Muddy River: From Wishing and Hoping to Planting and Dredging

W
By Kelsie Dodier massive spring rainstorms in 1996 and and urban development have changed the
creative menu and cooking style like no ork will begin this summer on 1998 caused extensive flooding in areas landscape of the Emerald Necklace parkland,
other. Owners William Lee states, “the term restoration of Boston’s Muddy surrounding the Muddy River. The resulting hindering its ability to act as a buffer between
“swish shabu” comes from the technique in River and the parkland that $85 million in combined damages made it the Muddy River and the city. The aim of the
Japan—hot pot —which is known as “shabu frames it, a project 12 years and evident that the flood control along the river $90 million project is not only to restore the
shabu.” When you have the meat swash $90 million in the making. was inadequate. park to its original beauty, but to restore the
through the broth and metal strainers—the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, “The parks are intended not only as project area’s ecosystem and wildlife habitat
exact translation for that process is swish. As Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City parkland, but also to serve as a natural for various species of birds, fish and other
the meat swishes through the broth, it makes of Boston, and the Town of Brookline have floodplain,” Catherine Pedemonti, project small creatures.
the sound swish, swish as they brush against collaborated to draft a plan to restore the manager with the Emerald Necklace The first phase of the restoration will
each other. I thought it would be nice to have river habitat and surrounding parkland to Conservancy, said. involve “daylighting” of the river near the
a fusion of the two. its original purpose. The project also aims With the change in seasons, it is natural Landmark Center, at the intersection of Park
“We have other cultural influences as to restore Frederick Law Olmsted’s original for the river to swell and flood its banks. Drive and Brookline Avenue. The river passes
well, such as Korean and Thai. We offer a vision for a section of Boston’s Emerald The parkland around the Muddy River was through that area in two large, underground
variety of dining choices, hot and spicy or Necklace, more than 1,000 acres of greenery designed to handle the excess water, absorbing culverts. Daylighting involves removing
mild and flavorful.” The Hot Pot combinations that stretch nearly seven miles from Boston it before it reaches roads, basements, or some of the culverts to allow the river to flow
are prepared at each table. The menu offers Common to Franklin Park. subway tracks. naturally above ground in some areas, while
a large assortment of diverse meats, fish Support for the project came after In recent years, however, pollution muddy river on page 3 >
vegetables and sushi. The ambiance is, “set

Clyde Pens A Farewell Column With a Little Help From His Friend

I
by mary finn
am Mary Finn, and Clyde Whalen is my
closest friend. I regretfully have to tell
you that this is the last Clydesides. Clyde
has been very ill, but with no pain, and is
in the Hospice Unit of the Brockton Veterans
Hospital. The colon cancer he had seven
years ago has spread to his liver and lungs. I
thought, as a tribute to Clyde,
that I would put together
some of his one-liners and a
few humorous items from his
previous work:
• Never underestimate your ability to work,
others will do that for you.
• A clock passes the time by keeping its
hands busy.
• There’s no way you can rest from doing
nothing.
• When you’re old, fun becomes a lot of work.
• Too many people worry about what they’re
eating, but they never worry about what’s
eating them.
• I was on the right track once but outgrew it.
• I noticed that people who did things were driveways?
criticized, so I did nothing and they still • When you’re a kid, you learn important
picked on me. facts at your mother’s knee. Later on you
• Two feet on the ground beats one in the learn important facts in many other joints.
mouth. Keep smiling, it’s not all bad.
• They put a stallion in a compound with a • Don’t hesitate to give advice. Generally,
female zebra to keep him company. In the nobody listens anyway.
morning, they both looked wasted, but the • If you know the difference between right
and wrong,
it’s all the
advice you’ll
ever need.
stallion said “I spent all night trying to get • How come women with loose habits always
her pajamas off.” wear tight clothes?
• In the good old days, I used to party all • Pioneers who blazed the trails, now have
night. Now it takes me all night to party, descendants who burn up the roads.
and I have to do it alone. • If you act like a skunk, someone will get
• Are you sexually active? No, I just lie there. wind of it.
• Why is abbreviation such a long word? • Reputation is what you get caught at.
• Why is it that when you transport • Success is getting what you want and
something by car, it’s called a shipment, but happiness is wanting what you get.
when you transport something by ship, it’s • Women can’t be trusted too far, men can’t
called cargo? be trusted too near.
• Why do we drive on parkways, and park on • A bean supper will be held Saturday
evening in the church basement. Music will
follow.
• My husband said he needs more space, so I
locked him outside.
• Life goes on. Though your dreams may not
come true, string along—there are many
just like you. So that heartache you feel
today, tomorrow will surely pass away to
make way for other heartaches later on.
Life goes on leading you a dizzy pace.
When you’re gone, someone else will take
your place. So make the most of whatever
you have got and you’ll find life will give
you a lot.
Well, that’s it for Clydesides, I hope you
enjoyed it. I know many used to tell me that
it was the first thing they read in The Fenway
News every month. He can’t really deal with
visitors, but if you would like to send him a
note or a card, use this address: Clyde c/o
Mary Finn, 108 Kilmarnock Street, # 102,
Boston, MA 02215. I will be happy to deliver
them. Thank you from Clyde—he enjoyed
every minute of it.
2 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011

Opening-Day Festivities at Fens’ New

☞ f e n wa y h I S T O R Y ☜

Fenway Group Turned Braille into Books

Visitor Center Leave Some Breathless

H
by elizabeth gillis

ow did a three-year-old French boy influence the future of education for
the blind? Louis Braille was playing in his father’s leather shop when he
accidentally poked himself in the eye with an awl.
Later, when he was completely sightless, he was sent to a school for the
blind in Paris. Most of the lessons consisted of teachers reading to the children. Louis
was impatient because he was so eager to learn to read a book by himself. Others had
devised a system of raised letters but the result was a bulky and heavy product. Louis
improved on that with variations of six dots representing letters of the alphabet. The
first Braille book was published in 1829.
In the United States a young Italian immigrant was also blinded in an accident.
M
Matt Seidner
ark Lowenstein, author of the “Great Runs” series of books, including Great
Runs In Boston, helped celebrate the opening of the Emerald Necklace Visitor
and Volunteer Center in the Back Bay Fens with a fun run covering just over
seven miles of freshly blooming parkland early on Saturday, April 30.
“This is an absolute jewel,” he said before the event. “To me, it’s an oasis in the middle of
a lot of busy areas. It’s really one of the most beautiful running spots in all of Boston.”
Lowenstein met eleven runners at the new Visitor and Volunteer Center for a pre-jog
briefing in which he described the course and other features of the parks. He designed the
outing to be accessible for

Photo: Aaron Barrera

Francis Ierardi was playing with nails when a dynamite cap in the box exploded. He people in varying degrees of
persuaded his family to move from New York City to Boston in 1901 so he could attend fitness. “The whole objective
Perkins School for the Blind, then located in South Boston, now located in Watertown. is to get people out and
Ierardi realized that blind people had no way of knowing what was happening in exploring,” he said.
the world unless others told them. There was no radio and, of course, no television to By the time the
inform people. So in 1927 Ierardi introduced a weekly Braille newsletter with the help runners set out, the clear
of many financial backers. sky from earlier in the day
Two hundred copies were laboriously created by volunteers. They were “stitched had grown overcast and a
by hand,” said Ierardi, “collated, and rolled in paper. We had no mail bags, and by taxi light breeze cooled the air,
we transported the magazine to the South Postal Annex in mattress ticking.” Three perfect conditions for a
months after it was introduced the blind outside Massachusetts wanted to have it, too, run. Lowenstein set an easy
so it eventually became a national newsletter. 10-minute-mile pace as he
There were years of struggle for financial backing when local institutions like the guided the group through the
Women’s Educational and Industrial Union and the Paulist Fathers gave them space Fens and the Riverway toward
for their operations. After several moves the National Braille Press settled in at 88 St. Jamaica Pond.
Stephen Street, a four-story former piano factory, in the East Fens. For Abe Ringer, the run
National Braille Press now has a worldwide reputation in promoting education for was an introduction to the
children with limited or no vision. Working with Perkins School books—with regular park itself. “I thought it was a
print on one page and Braille on the opposite page—NBP children’s books enable great way to see a new part of
parents to read with a child. There have been many advances in technology that enable Boston,” said Ringer.
the blind to be more independent. Nini Ghosh and
One of triumphs was issuing the first Harry Potter book in Braille on the same Anne-Marie Eze, veterans
Frederick Law Olmsted, (portrayed by Gerry Wright,
day that the regular print copy came out. It weighed twelve pounds and contained 1,100 of running the Emerald
a member of the Park Overseers, Emerald Necklace
pages. Necklace, came to enjoy the
Conservancy and the founder and president of Friends
Frequent contributor Elizabeth Gillis lives in the West Fens. scenery and the camaraderie
of Jamaica Pond). pays a visit to the Emerald Necklace
of a group run. Ghosh
Conservancy’s Visitor Center.
traverses the park in every
season but winter. “I love how it changes during the seasons,” she said.
The most ambitious runners—Ringer, Ghosh, and Eze included—took a route that tallied
in at just less than seven miles. Those in the mood for a more casual jaunt followed either a
District 7 Voters Will Narrow Candidate Field on September 27 three- or five-mile course. After returning to the Visitor Center, Ringer concluded, “It was
Nine candidates for the District 7 seat currently held by Councilor Tito Jackson filed fantastic. It’s so rewarding to get out there and run something different with a new group of
nomination papers in April but only six of the nine turned in signatures by the May 24 people. It’s amazing to have something like that—peaceful and beautiful—inside the city.”
cutoff. They include incumbent Jackson; perennial candidates Roy Owens and Althea The fun run was one of a full weekend of activities hosted by the Emerald Necklace
Garrison; and Haywood Fennell, David James Wyatt, and longtime East Fens resident Conservancy on April 30 and May 1 at the new Visitor Center and throughout the Emerald
Sheneal Parker. Only candidates who submit 200 signatures certified by the Election Necklace parks. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Thomas M. Menino and other guests
Department, will appear on the ballot. The preliminary election is set for Tuesday, kicked off the festivities and drew nearly 200 people. The Visitor Center, which also serves
September 27, with the final election scheduled for November 8. In the at-large field, all as the office of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, will distribute information about the park
four incumbents submitted signatures, as did former mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty, and events and provides volunteers with a place to meet and coordinate stewardship efforts.
whose decision to run was the talk of political circles late last month. —Helen Cox The Center is located at 125 The Fenway and is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., and on Sundays, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Visit www.emeraldnecklace.org to find out more about
Foes of Y’s Dorm Plan Lose Two Skirmishes the center and its programs.
The effort to save the historic Huntington Avenue YMCA gymnasium has had a couple of Matt Seidner is a volunteer with the Emerald Necklace Conservancy.
setbacks, with the Zoning Commission approving a fifth amendment to the Northeastern
Institutional Master Plan that will permit a private developer to build a 17-story dorm on
The First Church of Christ, Scientist
Mass Ave
the site substantially out of variance with zoning. In addition, the Landmark Commission
refused to upgrade the rating category of the YMCA which made the property ineligible
Sunday Church Services & Sunday School
Lock Co.
for landmark status. On the positive side, the Massachusetts Historical Commission has
10 am and 5 pm (no evening service July & Aug.)
found the proposal to have an “adverse effect” on historic properties and has required the
proponents to participate in a mandatory consultation with all interested parties. A date Wednesday Testimony Meetings
12 noon and 7:30 pm (2 pm online)
for the consultation has not yet been set. On another note, a petition to designate the New
England Conservatory of Music and Jordan Hall as Boston Landmarks was accepted by 24-HOUR Sunday & Wednesday Live Services Online
the Commission for further study. Additional petitions have been submitted to also have EMERGENCY SERVICE ChristianScience.com/OnAir
Horticultural Hall and Symphony Hall designated Boston Landmarks. —Calvin Arey
BONDED LOCKSMITH
One Magazine Thinks Fenway Rules the Caffeine Roost
In a list of the 50 best college coffee shops in America, two Massachusetts establishments
125 St. Botolph Street
made the cut—and both are in the Fenway. Complex, which bills itself as “the definitive Phone 247-9779 • Fax 536-8709
cross-cultural buyer’s guide and lifestyle magazine for young men age 18-34,” published
the list last month. It ranked Espresso Royale Caffe on Gainsborough Street as #13 and Police Locks • Doors Opened
Newbury Street’s Trident (OK, it’s Fenway-adjacent) as #6. The list cites “single-origin Mailbox Keys • Master Keys
coffees [and] the best Yerba Mate lattes” among ERC’s virtues, but it identifies Trident
as serving MIT students, which feels like a stretch unless you count frat houses on The
Systems • Padlocks
Near the corner of Huntington & Mass. Ave. Free Parking at all services.
Fenway. Our list of Trident attractions starts with the lemon ricotta French toast. Meanwhile, Door Closers T Hynes, Prudential, Symphony, or Mass. Ave.
no mention of Café 939 or Pavement? Despite that glaring oversight, we love both the Keys Made by Code For further information, call 617.450.3790
winners and, as patriotic Fenwickians, proudly wave the Fenway flag at the slightest excuse. or visit www.ChristianScience.com

Thank youtotothe
Congratulations members of theofFenway
student-athletes The SouthCivic Association
End Little League
and the on Husky Volunteer
the opening of anotherTeam for a successful
great season!
36th annualHave fun! Flower Drive!
Fenway
Northeastern University Office of City & Community Affairs, proud sponsor of South End Little League
 FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011 | 3

> muddy river from page 1
maintaining the underground portions where
the river passes under Brookline Avenue and
Avenue Louis Pasteur. The daylighting will
be done in hopes of improving the flow of
the Muddy River, which will in turn improve
water quality by allowing the river to rid itself
of impurities more effectively.
The second phase of the restoration will
involve dredging the river from the Fens to
Jamaica Pond. That removal of sediment
will create more space for the water in the
riverbed, reducing the amount that spills over
the banks when the river floods.
Another step of the restoration process
will be the replanting of riverbank habitat.
Planting vegetation along the riverbank will
not only create a better habitat for wildlife,
but will serve as a natural filter system for
rainwater that runs off paved surfaces and
into the river.
“The sediment carried in the runoff
water will be filtered and infiltrated in the
vegetation, instead of running off the turf
and directly into the river as it does now,”
Pedemonti said.
The Muddy River Restoration Project’s
projected cost of $90 million will be shared
among four agencies. Federal money procured
by the Army Corps of Engineers will account
for $42 million. The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts will provide $36 million, the
City of Boston will contribute $11 million,
and the Town of Brookline will add $1.6
million.
The planning and design stages have
taken 12 years because of the number of
different interests the project encompassed.
Federal and local organizations and
institutions were represented in the decision-
making process about the restoration. That
is where the Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Walking the Walk for the Senior Center
came in.
“We were born out of advocacy for this
project,” Pedemonti said. “Our role is to bring
everyone together.”
With a project participation agreement,
which guarantees the cooperation of all
involved parties, signed in early 2011 and
with the Army Corps of Engineers accepting
proposals, work on phase one is nearly
underway.
Kelsie Dodier is an undergraduate
student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.

photo: lois johnston

> Restaurants from page 1
through expeditiously that paid for El Pelon’s
storefront.” Hoben was unable to recover
most of El Pelon’s pictures and specialty
artwork and is asking the community, “if they
have any Mexican décor that they would be
willing to share on loan, that would be great!
We are starting from scratch and will build
from there. We are excited to get back as
soon as we can. I want the neighbors to come
on down so we will be the neighborhood
restaurant that we want it to be!”
Osmin Hernandez, one of the partners
of Rod Dee Thai expressed that they are,
“very happy to return to the Fenway and look
forward to remaining for at least 10 years or
more. I hope everyone welcomes us. We were
so sorry for what happened. We are doing the
best that we can to return quickly.” Hernandez
was quite optimistic that they are three weeks
out from opening—that is, if things continue
to run smoothly across the board. He also
noted that the menu will remain the same,
as will the design of the restaurant, and the
prices will be just about the same as before.
When asking Marty Thornton what
will be different about the newly constructed
Thornton’s Grille, he said with a smile, “it
will still be Thornton’s, the neighborhood
place”! The bar will be in the shape of a
horseshoe and we will have one room versus
two. We’ll have the same amount of space,
just without the wall. We have hardwood
floors, 8 to 12 flat-screen televisions, visible
to all.” The menu will, “generally be the
same style; good food, big menu, all of the
frozen drinks and possibly draft beer,” stated
Thornton. There will also be a door from the
inside of Thornton’s leading out to the patio to
allow for faster service.
As for the staff, Thornton states, “most
of the cooks are coming back along with some
of the bartenders and servers—some are com-
ing back just to help us open!” I asked if there
was anything he needed from the community
and he said, “it’s so nice being in there work-
ing and having people walking by saying,
congratulations or that they can’t wait for us
to open again—it makes me more anxious to Inspired by a suggestion of Senior Aide Santosh Sharma, shown here in foreground,
get open—I never realized what the restau- patrons of the Peterborough Senior Center organized a fund-raising walk on
rant meant to people until I read about their Thursday, May 5. Supported by many Fenway businesses and serenaded en route by
support.” Thornton continued with excited groups of Berklee students, the trekkers began near The Baseball Tavern in the West
emotion: “Just knowing the way people feel, I Fens, one of its long-time supporters, and then walked around the neighborhood for
couldn’t ask for more, couldn’t ask for more— about 40 minutes. Following the Walk, they returned to the Center for refreshments
I love this neighborhood—it’s so cool!” generously donated by the managers of Tasty Burger and College Pizza.
Lori Frankian lives in the West Fens.

More Food Choices with New Farmers Market

Main streets program wants Mission
A
lthough hardly likely to drive • Copley Square: Tuesdays and Fridays,
Hill’s small businesses to think big Shaw’s out of business any time
soon, a growing number of new
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Prudential Center (in front of 800 Boylston)
By Clare Coughlan food-shopping options have made Thursdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

F
rom a converted funeral home at 1534 Tremont St., two retirees, Richard Rouse and life a lot tastier for Fenway foodies and non- • Mission Hill (Brigham Circle): Thursdays,
Barry Twomey, attempt to help preserve the businesses of Mission Hill through their foodies, alike. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
work with Mission Hill Main Streets. A bit surprisingly, the latest development Finally, we’d be totally derelict in our
In the past several years, the organization, a branch of Boston Main Streets, has comes from Berklee College of Music, which duties if we failed to mention Marshall’s
started a farmer’s market, a storefront preservation program, and a bike clinic, among other will gather its suppliers of locally produced Fenway Farm Stand, which in 16 short months
programs. “People can walk out their doors and see the difference. Without this program, foods—including cheeses, baked goods, and has become something of a West Fens
you’d see a lot more boarded-up buildings,” Twomey, project director, said. organic produce—into a monthly farmers institution. Operating out of the old Goodyear
The goal of Mission Hill Main Streets, a nonprofit organization run by volunteers, is market in the East Fens. The first market was store on Boylston Street, Marshall’s is the
to encourage the growth of small business. Because the area doesn’t have a Chamber of held late last month, but the last Wednesday second farmstand operated by the Marshall
Commerce, Mission Hill Main Streets works with the city and business owners to foster of the month through October will find the family of Gloucester. The store (an occasional
communication on issues such as zoning. Berklee Farmer’s Market setting up shop at 7 Fenway News advertiser) offers conventional
“Last month we went with the police to different businesses, and they provided tips on Haviland Street (the old Fenway Community and organic produce, but it has focused
how to avoid burglaries,” Twomey said. Health Center) from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The on prepared foods from local producers
He has lived in the area since 1996, and said he has seen the bad reputation of the precise dates are June 29, July 27, August 31, (meats from Danvers Butcherie, fresh
area—especially near Brigham Circle—virtually disappear. and September 28, with an October date to be pasta, calzones), dairy products (including
Although some chain stores are members of Mission Hill Main Streets, most of the announced later in the summer. Richardson’s Ice Cream), and seafood from
almost 80 businesses are mom-and-pop shops, run by first-time business owners. Meanwhile, the more established markets the Gloucester docks. Marshall’s is open
Rouse, executive director, said the Main Streets program was started for small in the Commonwealth’s statewide network Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
businesses that were beginning to wither because residents were moving to the suburbs resumed last month, primarily sporting and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. Visit www.
and shopping in malls rather than at smaller businesses. Mayor Thomas Menino, as a city greenhouse-grown produce (although local marshallsfenway.com/hours.htm for more
councilor in the 1980s, decided to apply the Main Streets concept in Boston. The program strawberries are due in a few weeks). Vendors information about their latest offerings­— or
was started in the Roslindale neighborhood, where, according to Rouse, it has been at these markets accept both WIC and senior grab your reusable shopping bag and walk
successful. The program then spread to 19 other Boston neighborhoods. coupons: on over.
“There’s nothing worse than an abandoned city,” Rouse said. He was born in South
Boston and has been working with Mission Hill Main Streets for a year.
Mission Hill Main Streets has coordinated a storefront-revitalization project, paid for by
federal grants given to the City of Boston. The storefront-revitalization project has been one
of Mission Hill Main Streets’ biggest successes. Other efforts to clean up the area include
installing solar trash compactors, paid for by Wentworth Institute of Technology; hanging
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hanging wreaths in winter; and refurbishing a small park across the street from Mission Hill
Main Streets’ headquarters. All of those efforts increase foot traffic, which leads to business
growth, Rouse said.
This year, Mission Hill Main Streets also started a bike clinic to fix old bikes. It has also
partnered with Sociedad Latina and the Mission Hill Health Movement, also at 1534 Tremont
St., to start a program for spreading awareness about diabetes.
Mission Hills Main Streets’ board of directors is made up of volunteers who include
business owners and other influential residents.
Rouse said there has been an economic resurgence in Mission Hill. Need an eye exam or new glasses? Fenway Health has you covered. Our eye care
The program helps a lot of businesses by encouraging people to shop locally. Its goal is staff provide the highest quality eye care for our patients in a comfortable, caring,
to promote, preserve and revitalize, said Michel Soltani, owner of The Mission, a restaurant
and compassionate environment. And our optical shop carries the latest styles from
in Brigham Circle. “We’re on an upswing,” he said. But there are still some deficiencies:
Calvin Klein, Sean John, L.A. Looks and more to keep you looking, and seeing, great.
Rouse said, “We’d love to have a clothing store. We’d love to have an undertaker.”
He thinks that staying connected to the community, which includes large percentages
of elderly and college students, is an important part of his job. “But it’s as easy as going into for a valuable coupon visit fenwayhealth.org/eyes
Mike’s Donuts,” he said. “You run into everyone there.” fenway eye care 1340 Boylston Street, 6th Floor Boston MA 02215 tel 617.927.6190 web fenwayhealth.org
Clare Coughlan is an undergraduate student in the Northeastern University School of Journalism. COM.11.010
4 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011

Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon

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

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You Are Cordially Invited...

Board of Directors
Steve Chase • Helen Cox • Tracey Cusick • Joyce
Foster, president • Steven Harnish • Barbara
Brooks Simons • Steve Wolf, treasurer

To our readers: forward to some special announcements. Editor: Stephen Brophy

T
he Board of Directors cordially invites you to join
friends and neighbors for dessert and coffee at the
37th Fenway News annual meeting on Sunday, June
19. This is the time that we renew old friendships,
make new friends, and give The Fenway News a hearty send-off
to bring us another year of service as the voice of the Fenway and
surrounding communities.
One of the oldest community-based papers in Boston, the
Fenway News reports on many stories events not usually covered
by other papers. Unlike papers that exist to sell advertising,
The Fenway News sells ads to support its mission of providing
community-based news.
This year we will have news to share about new initiatives
designed to put the paper on more sound financial footing, so in
addition to the business that we traditionally conduct, you can look
The agenda will include the board election and a report on WEB EDITOR: Nicole Aubourg
the year’s doings. We will dedicate this year’s meeting to Clyde Production Designer: Steve Wolf
Whalen, whose health prevents him from continuing to write Writers: Penina Adelman, Daniel Alfaro,
Alison Barnet, Susie Blair, Liz Burg, Bob
“Clydesides,” the column over which our readers have laughed
Case, Helen Cox, Tracey Cusick, Amanda
(and groaned) for years. A compilation of some of his greatest hits Devaney, Dharmena Downey, Lisa Fay,
appears on page 1. Lori A. Frankian, Joyce Foster, Andrew
Reminder: refreshments this year will be on the order of Frederick, Marie Fukuda, Galen Gilbert,
afternoon tea, with delicious dessert goodies and drinks. Elizabeth Gillis, Katherine Greenough,
Thanks to Ruth Khowais, who is chairing the annual meeting Sam Harnish, Erin Harper, Sarah Horsley,
committee, with the able assistance of Helen Cox. Matthw Juul, Rosie Kamal, Erin Kelly,
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday the 19th from 4 Shirley Kressel, Erica Mattison, Kristen
p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fensgate Community Room, 73 Hemenway McCleary, Ann Musheno, Laura Newton,
Street, side entrance. Richard Pendleton, Camille Platt, Karla
Rideout, Mike Ross, Barbara Brooks
Joyce Foster, President,
Simons, Matti Kniva Spencer, Anne Tobin,
Fenway News Board of Directors
Steve Tolman, Fredericka Veikley, Chris
Viveiros, Clyde Whalen, Margaret Witham
PhotographerS: Aaron Barrera, Lois

Comfortable, But Committed to Comforting the Afflicted Johnston, Patrick O’Connor, Valarie
Seabrook, Matti Kniva Spencer, Ginny Such

M
CALENDAR: Penina Adelman, Helen Cox,
any of the developers who work in the Fenway have The speakers praised Massachusetts for having the lowest gun Ruth Khowais, Steve Wolf,
demonstrated some commitment to improving the world, fatality rate in America (3.5 per 100,000 vs. the national average Proofreader: Tracey Cusick
but none quite as visibly as John Rosenthal. Currently of 10.6) but noted that our strict gun-check laws can easily be Subscription Coordinator:
developing a four-building complex around (and atop) an circumvented by traveling to Vermont, Maine, or New Hampshire Cathy Jacobowitz
BOOKKEEPER: Cathy Jacobowitz
expanded and improved Yawkey Station, Rosenthal also is responsible to make unrestricted purchases. Rosenthal pointed out that Fenway Distribution: Nicole Auberg, Della
for the anti-gun billboards which have Park, just to the south of the billboard,
hovered over the Mass. Turnpike since
1995.
from the editor could be filled three times over by
the numbers of children who have
Gelzer, Aqilla Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt,
Reggie Wynn

On May 24 he and an enthusiastic crew of supporters unveiled the
latest billboard, which carries a stark series of statistics: “$6.7 million
Spent by the NRA to Buy Congress in 2010; 0 Background Checks in
33 States; More Than 150 Americans Shot Daily; 83 Americans Killed
by Guns Every Day; 8 Children & Teens Killed Daily by Guns.”
The final panel incorporates a digital ticker that registers the
number of children killed by guns since the 2010 elections.
The updated message—at 250' x20', this is the largest billboard
in the U.S.—will adorn the high-visibility spot behind Fenway Park
for at least the next year. Guests at the sign’s unveiling the mayor of
Worcester, the state secretary of public safety, and the head of the
Mass State Police.
succumbed to shooting, either intentional or accidental, in the past 30 The Fenway News is published monthly by the
Fenway News Association, Inc., a community-
years. owned corporation dedicated to community
Rosenthal was also recently honored by the Massachusetts journalism. If you would like to volunteer to
Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) as a founder of Friends of write, edit, photograph, lay out, distribute, or sell
Boston’s Homeless. According to MHSA, “Rosenthal has been advertising on commission, please contact us at:
actively involved in the struggle to end homelessness for more than The Fenway News,
20 years. Together with the City of Boston, Friends of Boston’s PO Box 230277, Astor Station
Boston, MA 02123
Homeless has raised more than $25 million and developed a full 617-266-8790
spectrum of emergency shelter, transitional housing, job training, editor@fenwaynews.org
employment services and permanent housing for people experiencing www.fenwaynews.org
homelessness.”
stephen brophy, editor Subscriptions $24/year ($15 for limited income)

©2010 Fenway News Association, Inc.

Seniors’ Walk Shows Senior Power
to the editor:
The recent grassroots fundraising effort
by seniors at the Peterborough Senior Center
is to be commended. Following up an idea put
forth by Santosh Sharma, their Senior Aide,
a walk to benefit the Peterborough Senior
Center was organized and held midday on
Thursday, May 5. Seniors from the center
walked around the entire Fenway for about 40
minutes and following the walk, were greeted
at the center by refreshments generously
donated by the managers of Tasty Burger and
College Pizza.
The amount raised was in the vicinity of
$,2800 and the yeoman fundraiser was Don
Mathieu, who visited almost every business
in the East and West Fens in his effort to raise
money. Don brought in the major portion of
the money followed by a few other dedicated
seniors.
It goes to show that when seniors put
their mind to it, they can raise money, too...
it’s called Senior Power... and much thanks
goes to all those who pledged and contributed
money for the walk. Without them, the walk
would not have been a success.
letters
Donations are
still being accepted at
the center and checks may be made out to
the Fenway CDC with Peterborough Senior
Center noted in the memo line. For more
information, call the center Monday thru
Thursday from 9:30 to 2 at 617-536-7194.
Helen Cox
resident of the West Fens since 1958
She’s Against a New Liquor License
on Westland Avenue
To the Editor:
Please note that I along with many
permanent residents are against the selling
of wine and beer in the East Fenway
neighborhood. [The author refers to a
convenience store on Westland Avenue whose
owners have said they plant to apply for a
liquor license.—Ed.] The only interest they
have is money not the neighborhood. Also
City Hall will not approve their request as
they have been told recently and over and
over. Again they are not
offering any service for the
neighborhood but for themselves and money.
They cannot even follow their permit allowed
hours of operation. The sign in the front store
door is not allowed with their city permit,
which they took over from the former owner.
They even have a illegal resident
parking permit as they live in Cambridge
and not Boston. The BTD is investigating
how they obtained this permit, as they are
not actual residents of the Fenway/Kenmore
neighborhood. They also made improvement
to the store without permits from City Hall
which is required of all Businesses in Boston
as well as any residential Building!
We (The Fenway Community, Residents
and friends) will keep an eye on this issue.
Rev. Valarie Seabrook
Fenway Resident
“Comforting the afflicted and
afflicting the comfortable.”
The founders of The Fenway News adopted this
motto to express their mission of exposing and
opposing the dangers the neighborhood faced
in the early 1970s—including rampant arson,
unscrupulous landlords, and a destructive
urban renewal plan. If the original motto no
longer fits today’s Fenway, we continue
to honor its spirit of identifying problems
and making our neighborhood a better
and safer place to live.
> 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,July 1.
> Deadline <
The deadline for letters, news items, and ads
is Friday, June 24
> 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, Mike Mennonno, 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, Anne Tobin, Theresa Tobin, Steven Tolman,
Bob Tomposki, Chuck Turner, Fredericka Veikley, Chris Viveiros, Clyde Whalen, Margaret Witham, Steve Wolf

At Boston’s 9/11 Memorial, A Muted Response to Osama’s Death
E
by AnnE Tobin
xcept for those not yet born or too
young to remember, September 11,
2001, is one of those dates etched
in the marrow of our minds much
in the way D-Day and Pearl Harbor were
signature and defining events for our parents
and grandpartents; the way the assassinations
of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King,
then Senator Robert Kennedy stunned the
heart and soul of our nation and, by and
large, the world. On September 11, 2001,
approximately 3,000 people were killed on
that soul-searing, dreadful day. The exact
number will never be known.
Of the 206 passengers on the two
planes that took off from Logan, 96 were from
the Boston area. One of those Richard Ross,
was an active, engaged resident of our Fenway
neighborhood. A neighbor told me that
Richard owned the Bolyston Street building
that housed Subway sandwich shop. He spoke
out at public meetings to contest the BRA’s
claim that the Fenway was blighted. Later, he
was involved in the community’s efforts to
Berklee Still Needs to Work on Being a Good Neighbor
T
by Richard Pendleton
he Berklee College of Music has
received the green light from the
Boston Redevelopment Authority
(BRA) to proceed with the
construction phase of its master plan. (Visit
www.berklee.edu/taskforce/masterplan-IMP.
html to download the full document.)
The school has official permission to
commence construction on three plots of land
under its ownership. During the course of a
series of meetings with concerned neighbors
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contain the Red Sox’s expansion of Fenway
Park.
Ten years later, almost at midnight
on May 1 in our time zone, breaking news
flashed around the globe like heat lightening.
Osama Bin Laden had been “taken out” by
40 US Navy Seals, who found him, sheltered
not in a cold, dank cave in the mountains of
Afganistan. Quite the contrary, the “world’s
most wanted man” was secreted in plain sight
in huge multimillion-dollar enclave built in
2005 in Abottabad, Pakistan, with little direct
contact with the outside world.
The White House has released video
film of Bin Laden watching coverage of
himself on international television news.
After a ten-year hunt, a small unit of Navy
Seals broke into his compound. One bullet
to Bin Laden’s head took him down at
approximately 1:30 a.m., Monday, May 2. In
keeping with Muslim law and ritual, he would
be buried Monday by sundown. The stated
intent and now controversial decision to bury
him at sea was to avoid the possibility of his
grave becoming a pilgrimage site.
(Berklee Community
Task Force), school
officials explained
that the first phase
of the plan would be
168-170 Massachusetts
Ave. The current
structure will be
demolished later this
year and replaced
with a 15-story
mixed-use structure
containing dormitory,
cafeteria, studio and
performance space.
The other two
phases of the plan,
a new performance
center and dorm
reaching 25 stories at
130-136 Mass. Ave.
and expansion of This rendering shows how Berklee’s building at 168 Mass Ave
existing buildings at would look from the corner of Mass Ave and Haviland streets.
161-171 Massachusetts
Ave., will be executed at later dates
Several on the task force drove home
the point of Berklee’s responsibility in
acknowledging the unique pattern of motor
vehicle traffic at Massachusetts Ave. and
Boylston Street.
Traffic in all directions reaches a high
volume at this major crossroads. The last
thing the neighborhood needs is a cluster
of buildings at this intersection rising to
25 stories-plus, projecting a canyon-like
ambience, casting shadows, and generating
wind-tunnel effects.
One 25-plus-story building at this
intersection is a precedent for other structures about the coming construction should write
of similar height at adjacent corners. Multiple to the school at www.berklee.edu/community/
high rises at Mass. and Boylston will bring
about varying manifestations of pedestrian
and vehicular density. The logistics required
to service the office/residential populations of everything, thereby making continued input
said buildings, shipping, delivery and utility
cannot be taken lightly.
While not listed as one of Boston’s ten
most dangerous intersections, Mass. Ave.
FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011 | 5
May 2, 2011, on to the fact
photo: Patrick Rasenberg
hearing the news, I wanted that it was not
to be with others in a an occasion
reflective way; to think for speeches.
about and assess the impact Representing
of Bin Laden’s death. the number of
On WBUR’s website, I passengers on
found what I was looking the planes out
for: “Bin Laden’s Death of Logan, 206
A Time to Reflect for white roses
Sept.11 Victims’ Families were available
and Friends.” The site for family
of the gathering was the members
September 11th Memorial gathered at
installed just inside the the memorial
fence of the Boston Public to place on
Garden under a grove the monument
of trees on the corner of where the
Arlington and Bolyston names of their
streets. loved ones are
It was a very engraved. It is
reflective and quiet The 9/11 Memorial in the Public Garden a solemn and
gathering. Many state and city officials were serene site with benches where visitors can sit
in attendance, but only the governor and under the trees.
mayor spoke very briefly. They were sensitive Danielle Lemac of Belmont talked
about her mother, Judy Larock, who was
on American Airlines Flight 11. She said
“Today is not about Osama Bin Laden. Today
I want to remember my mom and everybody
that was lost. They are not coming back and
nothing will change that.” As the gathering
ended, people quietly and slowly dispersed.
Softly, many could be heard saying “See you
in September.” Most everyone remembers
exactly where they were when the news broke.
This year will be the 10th anniversary
of that horrific day: September 11, 2001.
To access information about upcoming
September 11 anniversary event, go to the
website of “Voices of September 11th,” http://
voicesofseptember11.org
Anne Tobin lives in the East Fens.
street Cleaning times
The city cleans Fenway residential
streets between 12 and 4 p.m. on
the first and third Wednesdays of the
month (odd-numbered side) and the
second and fourth Wednesdays (even-
numbered sides). Get more info at
617-635-4900 or www.cityofboston.
gov/publicworks/sweeping. The state
cleans streets that border the Fens on
at Boylston Street does have a notorious this schedule:
reputation for speeding, illegal turns and • Second Thursday
gridlock. The Riverway, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Traffic patterns and intersection environs
•Second Friday
must be an integral part of Berklee’s overall
The Fenway (includes inside lane),
plans. New designs implemented in the area
that aggravate the neighbors could, in the Charlesgate Extension, and Forsyth
long run, only wind up inconveniencing Way, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
•Second Friday
Berklee itself. Regardless of the go signal on
8 to 54 The Fenway (includes inside
construction from the BRA, the school still
has a responsibility to the neighborhood, of lane), Charlesgate Extension, 12:00–
which it is an integral part. 3:00 p.m.
Neighborhood meetings with Berklee
will continue; residents with residual concerns
•Third Tuesday
>Park Drive (includes inside lane),
upper Boylston Street, 8:00 a.m.–
outreach.html
12:00 p.m.
>Park Drive, from Holy Trinity
Berklee officials are open and Orthodox Cathedral to Kilmarnock
approachable, but they cannot think of
Street and from the Riverside
Line overpass to Beacon Street,
from neighbors imperative.
Richard Pendleton, an East Fens resi-
12:00–3:00 p.m.
www.mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm has a
dent, represents the Fenway Community complete schedule and maps.
Development Corp. on the Berklee Task
Force. The views in this essay are his own.
Plumbers!
Do you run a business in the Fenway, Audubon
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—
including your next new clients.
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 6 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011

Spreading Expressive Wings, McKinley Students Display Their Art

O
by Matti Kniva Spencer Joe like to paint using different

Photo: Matti kniva spencer

n Saturday, May 13, the students
at McKinley Prepatory High
School, in the West Fens, had the
opportunity to display some of the
art work they created during the school year.
The exhibition, held at the Fenway
Community Health Center, was titled “A
Celebration Of Humanity” and featured
paintings, drawings, poems and other works.
The event allowed students to express their
feelings and a vast array of their heroes were
represented in the show: Tupac, Michael
Jackson, Biggie Smalls, Rosa Parks, Gandhi,
Martin Luther King, Jr., and Bob Marley were
just some of the people who influenced the
students in life.
Matt McLaughlin, art teacher at the
school since 2010, encouraged the students
to really dig into their feelings and express
themselves through art, and the results were
nothing short of spectacular.
Fenway Composer Brings ‘Dorian Gray’
To the Stage at Longwood Opera
Brown, the colors. Someday, I would
school’s like to be a chef or sports
principal for 21 agent.”
years, said it Alice Difeo, 16, and
best: “With all Lisa Kelley, 17, came to
the challenges the reception to admire the
students face works of their classmates but
today, you did not feature their art work
have to stay in the show. Stated Alice, “
the course and I like to draw and now that I
recognize what see all the works my friends
their learning did, I wish I had taken part
and behavioral in the show. I want to be-
challenges are, come a veterinarian once I
the students are graduate.” Added Lisa, “I
born with this Principal Joe Brown, center, stands with staff members, parents, and students at the May had started a cartoon collage
and we have to 13 art exhibition mounted by students from the McKinley School. but didn’t get to finish it in
be empathetic time for the show. I’m grate-
and there’s no better way for the students to this through various techniques that they were ful for all the teachers at my school. They’re
express themselves than through their art taught: acrylics, watercolors, pencil and ink, helping us grow and express ourselves through
work.” Amazingly, the students accomplished decoupage and poetry...all depicting some of feelings. Some day, I want to be a hair stylist.”
their heroes in life. In addition to displaying An auction was held during the show,
their work, the students cooked the food that and many of the students were able to earn
was served cafeteria-style at the show.
McKinley School only has 85 students,
money from the works that were featured.
This is a way the school allows the students to
but more than half of them took part in this
show. Danny Frazier, a junior and currently
benefit financially from the work they do. On
June 10, Pride Day at the school, students will
a cashier for Stop & Shop, enjoys poetry. He get another chance to display and sell their

‘B
by Barbara Brooks Simons stated, “I write depending on my mood. I can work. Everyone is welcome to come by and
ut this picture will remain always young. It will never be older than this particular be down or up and this reflects in the work I bid on it. If weather permits, the art will be
day of June. . . . If it were only the other way! If it were I who was to be always do. I like to draw graffiti, cartoon characters displayed outside. McKinley School is located
young, and the picture that was to grow old! For that—for that—I would give and portraits. I like to combine art and poetry on Peterborough Street in the West Fens.
everything!” in the work I do.” Anthony Riopelle, 17, said, Matti Kniva Spencer lives in the
With those words, Dorian Gray himself sets the theme of Oscar Wilde’s famous (and “I enjoy poetry. I have an open mind and West Fens.
infamous) novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. In the story, Dorian, a handsome and wealthy
young man, leads a corrupt and scandalous life, bringing pain and disaster to everyone around
him. But Dorian himself remains young and beautiful, while his portrait, hidden away, grows
as old and ugly as his actual life. This classic story has inspired films and stage plays. Now it is
a new opera by Fenway composer–conductor Jeffrey Brody.
Change the Sign and the Look, Sure—
Longwood Opera, where Brody is Music Director, will present the world premiere of
The Picture of Dorian Gray on June 3 and 5 in Needham, the opera company’s home. The
Just Don’t Touch That Pizza Recipe!
libretto is by James Saslow, a long-time associate By Jimmy Brooks Despite all the changes, Essber and
photo: Shah Hadjebi

of Brody’s and a professor of art and theatre Call the sign that once marked Little Zaroual have yet to touch a pizza recipe that
history at City University of New York. The Steve’s House of Pizza dilapidated, worn- has stood firm for more than 42 years.
production will be fully staged and costumed, out, or outdated. If anything, it was evidence “Each restaurant has their own niche,”
with the composer playing his own score. The of a business that stood for 42 years, a Essber said. “We’ve had our own, our recipe,
cast of young singers features baritone Jonathan business that didn’t necessarily need to for 42 years. That’s what we focus on
Nussman in the title role. Longwood Opera’s change anything because of its longevity. keeping for the next few decades.”
general director, J. Scott Brumit, will direct the Now, imagine the challenge current co- Little Steve’s features 11 types of
premiere, which is part of a celebration of the owners Gabriel Essber and Soukaina Zaroual pizzas, varying from a standard cheese pizza
company’s 25th season. faced when they took over Little Steve’s in to the most popular item, the “The Trio,”
Jeffrey Brody, a long-time Fenwickian, November 2009. They took over from two which includes tomato sauce, mozzarella,
is well known as a conductor, coach, and Boston residents who decided to call it quits imported feta, ricotta, aged romano, basil
accompanist with musical organizations in after 42 years. Essber and Zaroual decided and oregano. Pizza starts at $5.99.
Boston, New York, Seattle, and other locations. to take up the challenge of maintaining the Little Steve’s also offers customers the
As an active Fenway resident, he is president of restaurant’s success. option to add their own toppings, with 22
Composer Jeffrey Brody the Gainsborough Neighborhood Association. “This is my expertise,” Essber said. offerings, ranging from pepperoni to figs.
Brody’s compositions include an earlier comic “I’m a hospitality guy. I study hospitality. Extra toppings start at 95 cents each.
opera, The Measure of Love. He has written works for orchestra, chorus, chamber music, and Our mission when we took over management For those looking for a healthy option,
organ\ that have been performed in New York, Washington, Vienna, Japan, and elsewhere. was to make everyone happy and to meet Little Steve’s offers three salads, all romaine
What should audiences expect from the new opera? Brody admires Richard Wagner’s every type of clientele’s expectations.” lettuce-based. To top the salads, Essber
music, and this score has been described as complex, lyrical, and “virtually Wagnerian” in its Essber had worked with three other recommends the Caesar dressing, which
sweep and richness. But he also says of Dorian Gray, “I’m writing in a new way,” combining restaurants, including one in Montreal, he says, “has just the right amount of real
traditional harmonies with passages that “grow increasingly atonal, paranoid, and weird at before taking over Little Steve’s, located at anchovy.”
crucial moments, such as when Dorian first sees the painting has changed.” The otherworldly 1114 Boylston Street. Essber thinks that Steve’s thrives in its
sounds of an electronic keyboard reflect Dorian’s increasingly disturbed mind as he watches Essber and Zaroual’s first steps as customer service as well as the quality of its
his own portrait changing. owners included modernizing the restaurant. products.
Dorian Gray was a shocking and controversial character when Victorian England That began with a complete redesign of the “[Our workers] are very loyal, very
first met him in the pages of Lippincott’s Magazine in 1890. Oscar Wilde—who was also logo, which now depicts two chili peppers disciplined, and love customers,” Essber said.
controversial and shocking in his time—revised the story as a novel the following year. While that, not coincidentally, resemble the Red “They are actually creating customers (for
it has become a classic, the novel can in some ways be seen as Wilde’s fantasy autobiography, Sox logo. Essber says the logo gives the the restaurant). In every operation, you have
even though it ends badly (as did his own tragic life). restaurant a Boston feel. people who don’t really meet the customer’s
All in all, this morality tale-plus-ghost story seems to have all the ideal elements for a Besides putting that contemporary expectations. In here, everyone is at their
modern-day opera. Longwood Opera will present two performances of The Picture of Dorian touch on the place, Essber and Zaroual redid best.”
Gray: June 3 (8:00 p.m.) and June 5 (2:30 p.m.), at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham. They the interior by repainting, refurnishing, Jimmy Brooks is an undergraduate
are part of the company’s goal of “Opera for All.” Tickets and information at 781-455-0960 or putting up artwork, and remodeling the student in the Northeastern University
www.LongwoodOpera.org. kitchen. School of Journalism.
Barbara Brooks Simons lives in the East Fens.

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 FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011 | 7

New backing puts Berklee students melodies with thoughtful lyrics. 8:00 p.m.
on a summer concert Tour of boston $12 general admission. More information at
www.berklee.edu/events.
5:30pm, 502 Comm Ave, inside the Hotel

B
by Allen Bush
erklee College of Music announced cultural experience through music. It will
on May 23 that Natixis Global
Asset Management (NGAM),
an asset-management company
based in Boston and Paris, will be presenting
sponsor for more than 70 free outdoor
concerts from May through September.
The performances make up Berklee’s 2011
Summer in the City series, a celebration of
diversity with students and
alumni playing pop, rock,
jazz, bluegrass, Latin, blues,
and reggae in neighborhoods
throughout Greater Boston.
One of these concerts will
take place at the Mothers Rest
playground in the East Fens on
July 20 at 6pm.
“As a global company, it
is a privilege for NGAM to be
associated with an institution
like Berklee that brings people
around the world together
through the power of music,”
said John Hailer, president
and chief executive officer of
Natixis. “We are working with
Berklee and our core non-profit
Berklee singer Vaughnette will join
agencies to create programs
Women of the World in a concert at
that will bring free music
education, live events, and Mother’s Rest on July 20.
extraordinary artists into both communities
and classrooms.”
Berklee alumni have won a total of 205
Grammy Awards, and students represent
more than 80 countries. The summer
concerts will include performances by
rising stars Grace Kelly, Tuffus Zimbabwe,
Sierra Hull and many others. Performance
venues range from the Prudential Center (see
the arts calendar on page 8), the Institute
of Contemporary ART and Georges and
Spectacle islands to Jamaica Plain, Roxbury,
East Boston, and the South End.
NGAM’s backing of the series represents The full concert schedule is available at
part of a sponsorship program designed to
identify the firm with efforts to preserve
Commonwealth. FREE. Sat, Jun 25: Take a two-hour walking tour
also lead sponsor for this summer’s Newport and learn how Frederick Law Olmsted
Thu, Jun 9-Sat, Jun 11: Hedwig and the
Jazz Festival. made the Fens. “The Back Bay Fens: Vision
Angry Inch goes to Church (69 Kilmarnock and Revisions” focuses on the park’s
The Fenway concert—this summer’s Street). If you don’t know this Off-Broadway
“Swinging at Mother’s Rest” performance— transformation from “the foulest marsh
smash from the late 1990s, think Kiss meets and muddy flats to be found anywhere
will feature world music vocal ensemble Tennessee Williams meets Jerry Springer,
Women of the World and singer Vaughnette. in Massachusetts” into a green urban
with a hard-driving soundtrack. Doors at 7, oasis. The walk takes place rain or shine
Other performers this summer include show at 8. Tickets $20 at www.ticketfly.com/
Lollapalooza-bound Julia Easterlin (June 25, and is open to the public. Offered as part
caendar/?q=hedwig. of Common Boston Week 2011; advance
Georges Island);
Thu, Jun 16: Historian Paul Lockhart revisits reservations are requested (but if you don’t
Caribbean and
Latin America the 1775-1776 Siege of Boston to examine register, you won’t know where to meet the
dance band Grupo the strengths and weaknesses of the early tour). Visit www.commonboston.org/fenway
Revolutionary War effort in an author or call 617-855-8722 after June 1.
Fantasia (June
30, Mozart Park talk entitled “The Whites of their Eyes:
Bunker Hill, the First American Army, and
+ FREE
in JP); reggae
Tubby Love (July the Emergence of George Washington.”
Reservations requested at 617-646-
+
7, ICA); Wyclef
collaborator 0560 or email education@masshist.
Mon., May 30 7:10 p.m.
Will Wells and org. FREE
Dynamic Sound Thu, Jun 23 & Fri, Jun 24: It doesn’t get any Tues., May 31 7:10 p.m.
(August 4, ICA); more Boston Pops than a salute to Richard
Saturday Night Rodgers and George Gershwin. You’ll be Wed., June 1 1:35 p.m.
Live keyboardist tapping your toes all night as soap opera Fri., June 3 7:10 p.m.
Tuffus Zimbabwe star and Broadway vet Guy Raines joins
(August 7, soprano Kathleen Brett to deliver about two Sat., June 4 7:10 p.m.
Highland Park dozen of the composers’ greatest hits. If
in Roxbury, you’re under 40, you won’t be tapping your Sun., June 5 1:35 p.m.
behind Roxbury wallet, because you’ll pay only $20; everyone
Fri., June 17 7:10 p.m.
Community else forks over $26.50 to $96.50. 8pm at
College); rising Symphony Hall. Visit www.bso.org and Sat., June 18 1:10 p.m.
national jazz saxophonist Grace Kelly choose the “Pops” tab for more info.
Sun, June 19 1:35 p.m.
(August 25, Kendall Square in Cambridge); Fri, Jun 24: One-fifth of the popular “Ten
and Rounder Records recording artist Sierra from Tenn tour,” Andrew Belle and Trent Mon., June 20 7:10 p.m.
Hull and Highway 111 (September 1, Kendall Dabbs, perform at Berklee’s Café 939 on
Square). Tues., June 21 7:10 p.m.
Boylston. Belle, compared to Coldplay and
“Natixis is a great partner in the concert John Mayer, is sometimes called a purveyor Wed., June 22 1:35 p.m.
series,” said Berklee President Roger Brown. of “smart pop” that combines memorable
“They challenged us to offer the most fresh
and creative music to the people of Boston
this summer, and we have designed a program
that delivers all that and much more.”
Allen Bush is the Director of Media For Retro Burger Joint in an Old Gas
Relations at Berklee College of Music.
berklee.edu/events/summer.
Station, Grease Might be the Word

F
By Caroline Edwards
enway’s Tasty Burger is home to the
Big Kahuna burger, a free pool table
and half-pound hot dogs. It’s also a
food stop for baseball fans visiting
Fenway Park.
In September 2010, Dorchester resident
20 MINUTE RAPID HIV TESTING Dave Du Bois opened Tasty Burger at 1301
Boylston Street, on the corner of Yawkey Way
“Our busiest day we’ve seen yet was dur-
ing a doubleheader on a Sunday,” Bowen said.
Baseball is not the only reason Tasty
Burger fills up so quickly. With choices
such as the Hawaiian staple Big Kahuna
burger, topped with grilled pineapple, onions
and teriyaki sauce, and the Hubba Burger,
topped with homemade chili and cheese,
customers are not limited to a generic plain

SUPPORT GROUPS and across from another of his restaurants,

Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar. Du Bois
cheeseburger.
Tasty Burger extends a challenge to

HEALTH NAVIGATION/LIFE COACHING also owns Franklin Café in the South End and
Franklin Southie in South Boston.
its customers: Eat five all-the-way-style hot
dogs, or “shafts” in Tasty Burger lingo, and

+MORE! CALL 617.267.0159 Unlike most fast-food restaurants, Tasty

Burger prepares the food on site daily. The
burgers and hot dogs are never frozen, and
are served from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., even on
Sundays.
Originally a gasoline station, the
1950s-style restaurant takes customers back
to the days of diners and drive-ins, and has
a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere, according
to manager Keith Christopher Bowen. Tasty
Burger employees consider many people in
the Fenway neighborhood to be regulars.
“We want our customers to be served
politely and have all their wishes met, to give
them good food at an affordable price, and,
most importantly, we want them to have fun,”
Bowen said.
Although Tasty Burger caught only the
tail end of the 2010 baseball season, the pre-
game dinner rush was a preview of what to
expect this season.
keep them down for at least an hour; winners
receive the food for free and a free Tasty
T-shirt, and have their pictures posted on the
Tasty Burger Wall of Fame.
On a recent Sunday, customer Marisa
Dicienzo decided to accept the challenge with
two friends.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to keep it all
down, but I’m just hoping to finish it,”
Dicienzo said before taking her first bite.
Only five of the 30 people who have tried
so far have been successful. The record stands
at 17 minutes and 30 seconds to finish the five
hot dogs.
With baseball season under way, the
Wall of Fame could soon be covered, and
many customers might have their own hot dog
challenge stories to tell.
Caroline Edwards is an undergraduate
student in the Northeastern University
School of Journalism.

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8 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2011

+ This symbol indicates a free

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

Mon, May 30: Free admission to the Museum
of Fine Arts today, Memorial Day. 10am to
4:45pm.
through Tue, Jun 14: Kaji Aso Studio
presents “Pond Studies: Works on Paper
by Leslie Eliet. Eliet, a student of Kaji Aso
in the 1970s, works with a unique blend of
sumi (black ink) and watercolor. The Studio
will host a gallery talk and demonstration
on June 4 from 3-5pm, and a reception on
Thu, Jun 2: Paul Simon arrives at the House
of Blues to promote his new album. $51.25
standing room; $76.25 reserved seats. 8pm.
15 Lansdowne Street. 888-693-2583 or
www.houseofblues.com.
Fri, Jun 3: Benjamin Zander leads the NEC
Youth Philharmonic Orchestra in Mahler’s
Ninth Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s
“Roccoco” Variations with soloist Jonah
Ellsworth, the orchestra’s principal cellist.
8 p.m. at Jordan Hall. $10, $5 for seniors.
Tickets at the box office or 617-585-1260 or
benefit for Boston Youth Moves, a program
that provides Boston-area teens with pre-
professional dance training. Ailey members,
including a BYM alum, will mix original
pieces and works from the Ailey repertoire.
Tickets $65 from the box office, 617-353-
8725. 685 Commonwealth Avenue.
Fri, Jun 3: Rodney Chester—Alex in the hit
LOGO series Noah’s ARC, visits Machine
(1254 Boylston) to help kick off Boston
Pride. He emcees a talent showcase featuring
10 local LGBTQ acts of color, hosted by the
Islands to Salem to Cambridge...but we’ll
opt for the noontime concerts at the Pru,
starting with California-born Megan Lui,
playing “electrified folk.” June 14: pop/rock
from Brian Dunne; June 21, Mario Jose; June
28, pop singer/songwriter Nick Goldston.
Check the full (and long!) list of venues and
+ performers at http://www.berklee.
edu/events/summer/#02. FREE.
Wed, Jun 8-Tue, Jul 12: Panopticon Gallery
presents “Kids Are People Too,” featuring
16 photographers’ takes on some aspect

+ June 11 from 6-8 pm. 40 St. Stephen

St.; visit www.kajiasostudio.com for
more information. FREE.
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Weds, Jun 1
• 9:45 Yoga (NEW TIME for the summer)
• 11am Short Stories: Grace Paley
• 1pm Taxi Coupons
Thu, Jun 2
• 11am Berklee Singalong resumes weekly
• Noon: New interns from “Fenway Church” • 11am: Films—June 6, 13, 20, and 27,
leading activities in art, music, science,
exercise weekly through June
Mon, Jun 6: 9:30am Last Breakfast Club with
Matti
Tue, Jun 7: 10am Planning Meeting
Wed, Jun 8: Poetic Lunch: Bring your
favorite poems to read aloud
Tue, Jun 14: 10am Task Force Meeting
Wed, Jun 15: 11am Short Stories: Edith
Pearlman
wwwnecmusic.edu.
Fri, Jun 3: Members of the Alvin Ailey
Hispanic Black Gay Coalition. Show at 7pm;
advance tickets $20; $25 at the door. Visit
of childhood. Also at the gallery through
June 8 is an exhibit of Rowland Scherman’s
www.hbgc-boston.org for more information. work. As a photojournalist, he documented
American Dance Theater perform at a
Tue, Jun 7: Berklee student performances Bob Dylan’s early career and the Beatles’
this summer stretch from the Harbor first concert in the US. Tue-Sat, 10am–
calendar on page 7 >
Wed, Jun 22: Noon: Barbara’s Artist Talk
with illustrations pick of the month
thu, Jun 23: 9:30 am Breakfast with Mike
Ross, City Councillor Working Girls in 19th-century Lowell
mon, Jun 27: 1:15pm Final Monday Yoga As the Massachusetts economy shifts further toward services and technology,
class of the summer it’s worth recalling that the state was once a major center of manufacturing—and
labor organizing. The Boston Conservatory
wed, Jun 29: Noon Art Class with Bill and
Theater Ensemble returns to that era with a
Olga
workshop production of a musical about the era,
thu, Jun 30: Noon:Walk and Picnic, Place Factory Girls, June 9-12 (8 p.m. Friday-Saturday,
TBA 2 p.m. on Sunday) at the Conservatory Theater, 31
Hemenway Street.
Recurring Factory Girls tells the story of girls, best
Mondays friends, who work in the textile mills of Lowell
in 1844. Even after laboring for up to 14 hours
selections to be announced a day, the girls write and publish a company-
Tuesdays sponsored publication, The Lowell Offering, that
• 11 a.m: Exercise with Mahmoud becomes a worldwide literary phenomenon. When
• 12 noon: Documentary films—June 7, 14, working conditions deteriorate, Sarah speaks
21, and 28, selections to be announced out against the mill owners; Harriet, as editor of
the Offering, can’t support her friend because she
Wednesdays
• 10–noon: Blood pressure check with Joyce fears that taking a stand will sacrifice the gains
• 1 p.m: Yoga with Carmen the women have made. The resulting battle rips
their friendship apart and alters the course of the
THURSDAYS
American worker.
• 10 a.m. ESL, with Rudy Corvo Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 for
senior citizens, and $10 for all students with valid
ID. Reserve or buy tickets through the box office at 617-912-9222 or at http://
bostonconservatory.ticketforce.com/.

Wed, Jun 1: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s
Office of Neighborhood Services holds
Office Hours: 3:30-5:30pm. YMCA, 316
Huntington Ave. Walk-ins welcome.
Thu, Jun 2: The Mission Hill/Fenway
Neighborhood Trust holds its annual
meeting during which it distributes grants
to various deserving groups in the two
neighborhoods. 6-8:30pm in the 11th floor
Trustees Room at the Mass. College of
Art at 621 Huntington Ave. Visit http://
www.missionhillfenwaynt.org for more
information.
Thu, Jun 2: Fenway Rooftop Zoning Public
Meeting to discuss proposed rooftop zoning
restrictions for bars and restaurants in the
Fenway, sponsored by the BRA. 6-7:30pm.
Boston Arts Academy, 174 Ipswich St. For
more info contact Jonathan Greeley at 617-
918-4486 or email: jonathan.greeley.bra@
cityofboston.gov.
Mon, Jun 6: Protest of B’nai B’rith Housing
Award given to the Kargman Brothers.
5pm sharp at the Harvard Club, 374
Commonwealth Ave. For more info, contact
Sarah at shorsley@fenwaycdc.org or at 617- effort between Boston’s “Roll It Forward”
267-4637x19.
Tue, Jun 7: Ward 4 Democratic Committee,
6:30pm. South End Branch Library, 685
Tremont St.
Wed, Jun 8: West Fens Crime Watch meeting
Center bell. Whistles will be distributed.
Thu, Jun 9: Discussion in conjunction with
Boston Public Library’s strategic planning
process about the entire BPL system. Open
to all Boston residents 6-7pm, Orientation
Room, Central Library, Copley Square. For
more info, visit www.bpl.org/compass
Thu, Jun 9: Christian Science Plaza
Revitalization Project meeting sponsored
by BRA. 6-7:30pm. Christian Science
Publishing House, 210 Mass Ave, 3rd
floor conference room (enter at Christian
Science Monitor entrance). For more info
email Kristin Kara at kristin.kara.bra@
cityofboston.gov or call her at 617-918-4263.
Thu, Jun 9: Annual Rose Garden Picnic
hosted by Fenway Civic Assoc. 6-8pm,
Adjacent to the Kelleher Rose Garden in the
West Fens along Park Drive. Refreshments.
Entertainment by the Whiskey Boys. FREE.
Fri, Jun 10: McKinley High School Student
Art Show & Silent Auction. Art will be
hung along the fence off the basketball
court behind the McKinley High School on
Petersburg St..10-12pm. (indoors if rain).
Sat, Jun 11: BIKE DRIVE, a collaborative
& REI and hosted by the Emerald Necklace
Conservancy. Roll It Forward” repairs
donated bikes and then matches bikes with
people who can use them. 10-2pm, Emerald
Necklace Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway.
office hours: 3:30-5:30pm. YMCA, 316
Huntington Ave. Walk-ins welcome.
Wed, Jun 15: West Fens Community/Police
meeting, 6pm. Landmark Center (401 Park
Drive), 2nd fl, District 4 Police substation
(next to security desk).
Thu, Jun 16, US Rep. Michael Capuano’s
liaison holds office hours: 1-2pm. Fenway
Health, 1340 Boylston St. Residents’
questions, concerns about federal agencies,
national issues or legislation are welcome.
Thu, Jun 16: “Planning for People,” continues
the discussion begun at Fenway CDC’s
annual meeting about how to ensure that
planning serves all city residents. Panelists
from annual meeting will be invited to
join us. 6pm. Location TBA. For more info,
email Callie at cwatkins@fenwaycdc.org or
call her at 617-267-4637x16.
Mon, Jun 20: Fenway CDC’s Civic
Engagement Committee. Get engaged in
your community by mobilizing to preserve
affordable housing and finding other ways
to make your voice heard. 6pm, Fensgate
Community Room, 73 Hemenway St., side
door. For more information, email Sarah at
sarah.horsley@fenwaycdc.org or call 617-
267-4637x19.
Tue, Jun 21: East Fens Community/Police
meeting., 6pm, Morville House, 100 Norway
Thu, Jun 30: The Fenway Ball, an evening
St.
of music, dining and dancing to benefit
Tue, Jun 21: Audubon Circle Neighborhood the Fenway CDC. 6-9:30pm. State Street
Tue, Jun 21: Ward 5 Democratic Committee.
Boston City Council At-Large forum and
Newton Mayor Setti Warren, candidate for
US Senate. 7pm, First Church, 66 Marlboro
St., corner of Berkeley Street.
Sun., Jun 26: Ice cream festival hosted by
Ward 4 Democratic Committee. 2-5pm
at Titus Sparrow Park (West Newtown
between St. Botolph & Columbus Ave).
Mon, Jun 27: Berkeley Task Force, sponsored
by the BRA. 6pm, location TBA. For more
information email Gerald Autler at gerald.
autler.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Mon, Jun 27: LMA Forum, 6:30-8pm. For
location or to verify if meeting. will be held,
email Laura at lfogerty@masco.harvard.edu.
Tue, Jun 28: Symphony Neighborhood Task
Force, 6:30pm. Location TBD. For more
information or for meeting location, call
City Councilor Mike Ross’s Office at 617-
635-4225.
Tue, Jun 28: Fenway CDC Urban Village
Committee. 6-8pm. Get involved in
monitoring development in the Fenway and
advocating for the neighborhood you want.
Community Room, 73 Hemenway St., side
door. For more information, email Callie at
cwatkins@fenwaycdc.org or call her at 617-
267-4637x16. Community welcome

Boston Cab
with Officer Bill Slyne. 6pm, Youth Center, For more info, call 617-522-2700. Donations Assoc board., 6:30-8:30pm. Harvard Pavilion at Fenway Park, enter at Yawkey
rear of 42 Peterborough St. Walk down of bikes are welcome. Vanguard, 131 Brookline Ave., Annex Bldg., Way. For information/tickets or to RSVP,
driveway between 100 & 108 Jersey St. and Wed, Jun 15: Fenway Liaison for Mayor’s Room 3D. For more information, call 617- contact Dharmena Downey at 617-267-
ring bell for Youth Center next to Senior Office of Neighborhood Services holds 262-0657. 4637x14 or ddowney@fenwaycdc.org.

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.