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June 2012 FRee

WWW.FenWAYneWS.oRg

serving the Fenway, Kenmore square, upper BacK Bay, prudential, longwood area and mission hill since 1974 volume 38, numBer 6 June 1-28, 2012

Muddy River Gallery Hangs New Exhibit

School-Shuffle Kerfluffle returnS to the headlineS
A complicated plan to relocate several high-performing schools—involving at least three in the Fenway and Mission Hill—raised hackles last fall when parents objected to the moves (see the November 2011 Fenway News). The plan resurfaced last month as members of the City Council raised warning flags about its cost, which has almost doubled since last year. The School Department proposes moving Fenway High School from the Ipswich Street building it shares with the Boston Arts Academy to the Mission Hill K-8 building. That school, in turn, would move to the old Agassiz Elementary School in Jamaica Plain, mothballed by the city just a few years ago due to declining enrollment. Once Fenway High left Ipswich Street, the Arts Academy would take over more of that building. The School Department announced in April that these moves and related building alterations would total $12 million, a big jump from the $7 million estimate the department gave last fall. The department says the moves would add a total of 700 new spaces in the three schools, which all have long waiting lists, and that sending Fenway High to Mission Hill would keep it close to the Colleges of the Fenway, where many of students take classes. Parents on Mission Hill want a school in their neighborhood, and argue that the structure functions perfectly well without the renovations the high school would require.

The Muddy River Gallery at the Peterborough Senior Center features the works of Zebiao Fu (center) and two of his students, Brenda Lew (right) and Li Cao, also residents of the West Fens. A well attended opening took place May 17, but the show continues through June 14. Fu, an expert in watercolor techniques, has had a previous exhibit at the gallery, but this is the first show for both Lew and Cao. The show consists of landscapes, scenes captured in the neighborhood, lots of animals, and vivid works of the Chinese culture. The show is free and open to the general public. The Gallery is open Monday–Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but please call 617-536-7154, as other events occur at the center on a daily basis. The Gallery is at 42 Peterborough Street (enter between 100-and 108 Jersey Street). —Matti Kniva Spencer

three noiSy nightS in Store for WeSt fenS reSidentS
Heavy demand for tickets to the August 14 Bruce Springsteen concert at Fenway Park caused the promoter to add a second show the following night. Tickets have also gone on sale for former Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters’ presentation of “The Wall,” which The Boston Globe calls a “theatrically grandiose, eye-popping…roadshow.” Tickets for both events are available at www.etix.com.

could abutter’S appeal delay Start date for fenWay center?
Last month the owner of a Brookline Ave. property went back to court to appeal the dismissal of its suit against the long-planned Fenway Center development. In March a land court judge threw out the suit, filed by RHRPT Medical Buildings Realty Trust, in part because it targets the project and not the state, the actual source of the plaintiff’s complaint. The $450 million development—four buildings with housing, offices, and retail space—would sit atop a new Yawkey Station on the Worcester-Framingham commuter rail line. The T plans to extend some area streets to the station, and one of those extensions would cut across a parking lot the trust owns. Developer John Rosenthal told The Boston Globe that the trust had asked him for payment of $10 million (or the equivalent in parking privileges in the development garage) to make the suit disappear. He refused the offer.

Fenway-Based Program Sets Current Students on Course to Be Future Leaders
s her fellow Global Potential students stayed attentive in their weekly Monday meeting, Alexandra Olmo confidently presented her drawing of a money sign, a feast, and her family celebrating in a Quinceañera, an Hispanic tradition celebrating a girl’s coming of age on her 15th birthday. Olmo, a Fenway native and student at Edward M. Kennedy School for Health Careers, 110 The Fenway, described the joy she gets from her Quinceañera and how the birthday for a 15-year-old girl is an important value in her culture. She elaborated on how money is always valued in her family because “money is tight.” While financial issues are common for the Boston students in Global Potential, the students are also there for another common reason, a reason that happened to be the theme a Monday meeting on a night this spring. “I just have a random love for different cultures,” Olmo said. “I hope to gain more sense of community with people that aren’t from my country; just having a community with the world. I feel like this program gives me the opportunity to explore.” Nonprofit Global Potential was founded in 2007 by Frank Cohn, its executive director, and Sarah Gogel, its managing director, with the concern that “low-income youth living in poverty are more at risk for negative outcomes than youth from high-income families. This needed to be resolved: these youth were an untapped source for future leadership roles in our global society,” according to the Global Potential website. Daniel Alfaro, Global Potential’s youth engagement coordinator and an alumnus of the program, said it is 18-month program in which students work on leadership development, media advocacy, and social entrepreneurship, a component that has students work on a project to help their community. The first six months of the program focus on developing leadership skills and learning about human rights, specifically in Boston. The next six months cover the international component, and students have the option of doing a six-month cultural exchange in the Dominican Republic, Haiti or Nicaragua. “Some of our students have participated

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By Zolan Kanno-youngs

in internships, working at a school teaching elementary students, helping out at a local clinic, and also helping out with farming,” Alfaro said. The third phase of the program consists of students coming back from the cultural exchange countries to work on individual projects, such as producing a newsletter that encourages teenagers to write creatively, applying for grants, making a documentary about an issue in Boston, or volunteering at a local community center. “Most of our students come (back) with the mentality of ‘I’ve learned so much, and I’ve learned that there are students who have less then I have’,” Alfaro said. “They feel empowered, and they say, ‘Other students may have less than I have, but I have these resources in my community, so how can I use these resources to make change in my community?” Olmo and her fellow classmates are in the first phase of the program, exploring cultural differences through exercises such as the drawings they made during the Monday meeting. Olmo also knows that a focus of the program is about developing skills and benefiting the Fenway community. “This program helps me develop skills like fundraising,” she said. “It makes me more brave and gives me more courage to go out and talk to people. I always had trouble with that.” Daniel Creese, a student at Global Potential and at O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, had similar thoughts. “In my community there’s a lot of things that I don’t really appreciate, like littering, [bad] attitude or disconnection,” Creese said. “Global Potential is a program that really helps and pushes students to make a change in their community and not only in our community but globally.” Jordan Capik, Global Potential’s school and youth coordinator, said: “They like feeling a part of something. We really get to know each other really well. It’s kind of nice because we all have the common goal of helping people, making ourselves better and figuring out why the world is the way it is.” Zolan Kanno-Youngs is an undergraduate in the Northeastern University School of Journalism.

emmanuel reclaimS ‘endoWment’ parcel under neW imp
The BRA board unanimously approved Emmanuel College’s new institutional master plan (IMP) at its May 15 meeting, green-lighting significant changes on the campus and a new building for Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Under the plan, Emmanuel will tear down aging Julie Hall on Brookline Avenue and replace it with a 17-story tower that adds 500 dorm beds to the campus as well as new dining, classrooms and student-life space. The college will renovate and expand Cushing Library, at the corner of The Fenway and Avenue Louis Pasteur; build 200 underground parking spaces (129 of them new, the rest replacing surface spaces); and reclaim “endowment” Parcel A, once slated for lease to private > nEwslinEs on page 2

gloBe stories have rcc campus up in arms
Students, staff, and faculty at Roxbury Community College have organized a website, StandUpFor RCC.com, in response to recent Boston Globe coverage of the college. A May 4 Adrian Walker column alleged that RCC President Terrence Gomes had declined to participate in a 2011 meeting about a biotechnology training program. Walker characterized RCC as “languishing,” stated that City Councilor Tito Jackson shared his dissatisfaction with RCC, and claimed that only 6% of RCC students complete programs. Subsequent Walker columns made further allegations. RCC Science Dean Kyrsis Rodriguez wrote the Globe disputing Walker’s charges, but the Globe did not print her letter. A subsequent Boston.com post by an RCC staffer was removed within hours, although the site allowed much racist commentary about Walker’s story to remain. At a May 14 emergency meeting of college trustees, faculty, staff, and longtime community activist Mel King blasted the trustees for perceived defensiveness. More than 100 persons packed a May 22 trustee meeting, where a board member admitted some funding may be hostage to state officials who want the trustees to replace the current administration.

PHOTO: PaTrick O’cOnnOr

All Smiles (Well, Mostly) at First Communion

First Communion, Sunday, May 13, at St. Cecilia Church.

2 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012

sponsorships—of which New Balance is the But for those displeased with Hubway’s largest. ess than a year old, the wildly growth rate, perhaps a look south might “We don’t lack the desire to add stations, encourage. Washington, D.C.’s Capital popular bikeshare system Hubway has changed the face of local transit. but we do need funding,” said former Boston Bikeshare, of which Hubway is a clone, “bike czar,” Nicole Freedman. “We are acThe ubiquitous silver steeds are debuted in 2010. Forty-nine stations were tively fundraising lowering emissions, promoting exercise, and deployed for another 30 connecting dots on the MBTA map. Usage to a wary stations, and I is high, accidents are rare, and the system is public. Talk of am optimistic growing steadily. By all measures, Hubway congressional we will succeed. has been a resounding success. staffer roadkill In which case, But now that Hubway is established, was rampant. yes, stations perhaps the most common question posed to But today, will get into J.P., staffers is “When is Hubway coming to my 163 stations neighborhood?” Riders are clamoring for more Roxbury, and blanket the stations, and many are frustrated with the slow Dorchester.” nation’s capital As it is, pace of expansion. and adjacent “That’s a great problem to have,” counters 30 new stations Arlington, are coming to Jessica Robertson, transportation coordinator Virginia. Even Cambridge and for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. the stodgy Somerville along “It means people enjoy the system and want National Park with at least four more of it.” Service, which to Brookline. But on Hubway’s Facebook page, people initially didn’t Hubway has seven stations in the Fenway, including That’s in the bag. this one on Kilmarnock Street a block from Fenway aren’t always enjoying it. Riders often grouse want stations Paid for. Specific Park. about the lack of nearby stations, with a on the Mall, locations are general sense of impatience prevailing. Yet came around currently being debated, and by July Hubway few understand how complicated installing a and installed two this year—and put another at will have increased its station total by 50%. station really is. And how expensive. the Jefferson Memorial. That’s pretty darn good for Year Two. “Each station—including bikes and So these things take time. “The system is still quite new and we’re operation—costs about $50,000,” says “Our goal is for Hubway to become a always working to improve the service,” added substantial, green transportation system that Robertson. “If we had unlimited money, we’d Freedman. Her reminder echoes comments put in tons of stations.” Only Hubway doesn’t reaches all residents,” concluded Freedman. from Hubway staffers, many of whom would have unlimited money, and the system can “Within two years, I think you’ll see 100+ like the public to remember Hubway is a new only expand as quickly as finances allow. stations in Boston with another 40-50 in Unlike New York’s upcoming bikeshare, enterprise. Folks are learning the business on Cambridge, Brookline, and Somerville. You’ll the fly. And despite occasional complaints, which is 100% privately funded, Hubway see stations in more Boston neighborhoods, over 5,000 members and 175,000 rides suggest daily ridership of over 5,000, one million trips cobbles together funds from federal grants, they’re doing a pretty good job. state and local contributions, and private a year, and 10,000-plus members—plus efforts
By luis oscar cardona
phoTo: STeve WolF

Hubway’s 2nd Season Opens With A Great Problem To Have’ ‘

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to keep the system open year-round.” So for Hubway, the future is bright. And for those still rankled that Hubway has yet to reach their door? “Hold on to your hats,” offers Robertson, “20 more stations are coming to Boston this year.” Luis Oscar Cardona lives in the West Fens.

Tues., June 5 Wed., June 6 Thurs., June 7 Fri., June 8 Sat., June 9 Sun., June 10 Tue., June 19 Wed., June 20 Thu., June 21 Fri., June 22 Sat., June 23 Sun., June 24 Mon., June 25 Tues., June 26 Wed., June 27

7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:35 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 1:35 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 1:35 p.m.

First to Find: Geocaching in Boston

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from page 1 developers to produce income. Parcel B houses the Merck research laboratory; the Brigham will lease Parcel C for a new structure, which will likely be used for research. Download a copy of the IMP at http://bit.ly/LrjB4L.

By Jennifer smith

omewhere along Mass. Ave. a small magnetic box is stuck under a streetside billboard. Inside lie a penny, a movie stub, and a tiny list of names and dates. It is a geocache, which was hunted down using a GPS-enabled phone and deductive reasoning. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants decipher clues and plug in coordinates to search for and find a “cache” hidden somewhere in the world. When the caches are found, geocachers sign and date a log sheet within the cache and update an online database. Geocaching is often a way for participants to explore local areas, enjoy the outdoors, and share the experience with other geocachers. In the Boston area, 22,255 caches are registered with Geocaching.com, the official geocache hunt site. That is an average amount for a metropolitan area. There are 10,363 in New York City and 27,800 in San Francisco. New York City, although more populous, is limited by the caching constraints of an urban area, as is Boston—although to a lesser extent. Paul and Dana Gillin, authors of The Joy of Geocaching, explain on their website that “urban caches need to be smaller by necessity and the challenges of snow limit hiding places. Still, micro- and nanocontainers aren’t all that difficult to conceal.” The necessity of smaller caches and less open space in which to conceal them results in significantly fewer caches in New York City. There are multiple types of caches. The most common are traditional caches, containers containing a log sheet and possibly tokens from former geocachers; multicaches, involving multiple caches, usually containing clues, intended to lead up to one final container; and mystery caches, which are often counterintuitive and rely on puzzles more than coordinates to locate them. Along with a range of difficulties, caches range in size: micro, small, regular and large, with some variation between sizes. Nanocaches are a form of micro-cache that only contain a miniscule log sheet. Geocachers use specific terminology.

One of the most prominent terms is “Muggles.” Borrowed from the Harry Potter series, it’s a term for a non-magical being. A geocacher refers to people who are unaware of geocaching or not involved in the particular hunt as Muggles. Abbreviations denote significant details and responses to discovered caches. Among them are DNF—Did Not Find; FTF—First to Find; NM—Needs Maintenance; and TNLN— Took Nothing Left Nothing. Caches are often hidden throughout cities, not merely in the park system. In Boston, most of the caches are hidden in fairly public places, and the online instructions often caution the geocacher against alerting passing Muggles. Glen Boyton, 31, used geocaching to adapt to his new residence in Boston. “I like being outdoors,” he said, “and geocaching in groups is a great way to connect with the larger geocache community. Plus, it’s a challenge to search out caches without rousing other people’s notice.” Boston, like other areas with distinct seasons, has the most geocaching activity during warmer months, and prime geocaching season is quickly approaching. “There’s no question that geocaching is more popular in warmer regions of the country,” Gillin said. “This isn’t surprising for a game that is played entirely outdoors and where space is an asset.” Geocachers can register with Geocaching.com, download a phone application, and take advantage of online logs in their hunt for the elusive packages. Or, they can go old school, taking coordinates from a geocaching website and solely using a GPS device and their wits to locate the caches. They can now leave feedback online in virtual logs and forums. “It doesn’t really matter if (the log is) online or on paper, or whether it’s an easy or awful trip to hunt down. Every geocacher knows to hide the cache afterwards, duck away from the Muggles, and remember to write TFTC at the end: Thanks for the cache,” Boyton said. Jennifer Smith is an undergraduate student in the Northeastern University School of Journalism.

everything’S coming up roSeS for fca picnic
The Fenway Civic Association (FCA) holds its annual Rose Garden Picnic on Tuesday, June 12, 6-8pm, outside the Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens (across from 77 Park Drive). The Rose Garden will be open for casual viewing, and visitors usually bring a picnic supper with complementary sweets and soft drinks provided by Shaw’s Supermarket and FCA. Visit with neighbors, take in the colorful roses, and enjoy the outstanding bluegrass music of The Whiskey Boys quartet (violin, guitar, bass, and banjo), performing this year courtesy of Emmanuel College. This is a fair-weather event only; in the event of rain, the picnic will be cancelled.

sTrEET clEaning TimEs
• Second Friday the city cleans Fenway residential streets 8 to 54 the Fenway (includes inside between 12 and 4pm on the first and third lane), charlesgate extension, 12:00– wednesdays of each month (odd-numbered 3:00pm side) and the second and fourth wednesdays (even-numbered sides). more info at 617• Third TueSday 635-4900 or www.cityofboston.gov/public> park drive (includes inside lane), upworks/sweeping. the state cleans streets per Boylston street, 8:00am–12:00pm on both sides of the park on this schedule: > park drive, from holy trinity orthodox cathedral to Kilmarnock • sEcOnd THursday street and from the riverside line the riverway, 12:00–3:00pm overpass to Beacon street, 12:00– • Second Friday 3:00pm the Fenway (includes inside lane), www.mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm has a charlesgate extension, and Forsyth complete schedule and maps. way, 8:00am–12:00pm

Quality eye care + stylish eye wear
Make an appointment or stop in to shop for eye wear today!

Need an eye exam or new glasses? Fenway Health has you covered. Our eye care staff provide the highest quality eye care for our patients in a comfortable, caring, and compassionate environment. And our optical shop carries the latest styles from Calvin Klein, Sean John, L.A. Looks and more to keep you looking, and seeing, great.
for a valuable coupon visit fenwayhealth.org/eyes 1340 Boylston Street, 6th Floor Boston MA 02215 tel 617.927.6190 web fenwayhealth.org
COM.11.010

fenway eye care

FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012 | 3

no one hurT, BuT daMaGe May reach $100,000 in JerSey STreeT Fire
By LoRi FRAnKiAn
phoTo: lori Frankian

At approximately 2:00 pm on May 17 a fire broke out in the basement of Boston Choice Properties at 125 Jersey St. Four engines, three trucks, one rescue vehicle, the district chief and the rapid intervention chief quickly reached the site. Firefighters quickly escorted staff members out of the real estate office along with those working next door at new England Design, a custom T-shirt printing company. no injuries were reported. Chief Andre Stallwort stated that “The fire started in the basement due to a plumber’s torch. Heavy smoke conditions quickly spread into the walls and rose above to the roof of the building—this could have created a backdraft.” The chief added that “the circumstances were dangerous due to poor ventilation—we needed to get the roof open, fast!” Firefighters aggressively worked to crack open the roof of both businesses. Chief Stallwort noted that “the damage could rise to $100,000 if new England Design has losses.” He couldn’t stress enough the importance of “smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.” Jose DaCosta, owner of New England Design for five years, stated “I’m speechless. It was very scary. The firefighters did an excellent job and they go us out quickly and safely.” Fifteen years ago there as a blaze in the same location. At that time, the business was a flower and gift shop. For community members in the West Fenway, this fire makes it hard not to Fire trucks and other emergency equipment fill the intersection of Queensberry and reflect upon the January 2009 fire that wiped out Restaurant Row, which took nearly Jersey streets on the afternoon of May 17. Smoke from the fire is visible juste behind three years to rebuild. the “laundromat” sign. Lori Frankian lives in the West Fens.

Free Summertime Tai Chi Returns, Thanks to Friends of Symphony Park

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CDC MeMbers welCoMe CanDiDate warren to their annual Meeting
he Fenway Community Development Corporation (FCDC) got a surprise in April when consumer advocate and likely senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren accepted an invitation to speak at the group’s annual meeting. When the FCDC had polled members and volunteers, Warren had emerged as a clear favorite for speaker—but few people had expected her to say yes. That may have explained the buzz of anticipation that animated Bates Hall in the basement of the Huntington Avenue YMCA on the evening of May 11. Because of capacity limitations, fewer than 150 members of the organization—plus a sprinkling of elected officials—got to hear Warren. She arrived near the beginning of the program and took to the stage following a warm introduction from FCDC Executive Director Dharmena Downey. Warren began by introducing herself. She described her Oklahoma City childhood as one in which her working-class “All-American family” constantly danced on the edge of financial disaster. Warren began earning money at age 9 by babysitting, but her father’s heart attack three years later drove home how precarious the family’s hold on middle-class life was. Her mother, previously a homemaker, went to work at Sears for a paycheck—and medical coverage—and the Herrings came within weeks of losing their house. Warren began waiting tables within the year, although she continued to attend high school. She married while in college, taught special-needs children after graduation, and gave birth to her daughter at age 22. Two years later she entered law school and managed to win her degree just days before giving birth to her son. At that point—with an infant and a five-year-old—she practiced law out of her living room. A series of teaching jobs led to progressively more prestigious faculty appointments in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and finally Havard, where she

he Friends of Symphony Park are pleased to announce the second year of free Tai Chi at the park. “Tai Chi for Beginners” will be taught by Sifu Huan Zhang of Huan’s Tai Chi. All ages are welcome! The class will meet for eight Thursdays, starting 10:00 a.m., at Symphony Park, located at the corner of Edgerly Road and Norway Street in the East Fens, directly in front of Morville House. In event of rain, classes will be held inside Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Classes begin June 21 and continue each Thursday through August 9. Thanks to the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department and ParkARTS for making these classes possible. The Friends of Symphony Park is an all-volunteer organization working to care for and advocate for the park. For more information, please contact the Fenway Civic Association at [email protected].

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By fenway news staff

local farms got a good start on salad greens this year— they’re in ample supply at farmer’s markets this month. also look for spring onions, green garlic, chive blossoms, asparagus and strawberries. later in the month look for local cherries

Farmer’s Markets
thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. BrigHam circlE thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Jamaica Plain: Bank of america parking lot, centre Street wednesday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. saturday 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. sOuTH End: 540 harrison avenue (at SoWa arts market) sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

WeST FenS: outside 7 haviland Street (former Fenway health) 9/28 (last weds. of the month) 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. cOPlEy squarE tuesday & Friday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. PrudEnTial cEnTEr: 800 Boylston, across from Walgreen’s

arrived in the early 1990s as an expert in bankruptcy law. Warren has made it her life’s mission to protect consumers from the traps hidden in mortgages, credit-card agreements and other financial products, and she lays some of her passion for that mission to her family’s early financial trials—as well as to her determination to make sure that her young grandchildren grow up in a better world than the one she sees now. She spoke earnestly about the grand bargain that America struck with the generation of soldiers who returned from World War II: Go to school and work hard and we, the people, acting through our government, will work to create the conditions for prosperity and economic security. Up through the 1970s, Warren said, both sides kept their ends of that bargain: government invested in the GI Bill, public universities, medical research, infrastructure, and other programs designed to open opportunity for everyone. But since 1980, the bargain has unravelled, in part because national politicians have attacked the idea of government’s ability to help average citizens. “I’m worried what the world is turning into,” she noted. Warren took questions from the floor before asking to meet informally with audience members, prompting an impromptu intermission. Following her departure, the meeting resumed with elections of new board members and the awarding of community service awards to Tracey Hunt, a mainstay of the group’s family coalition; Matti Kniva Spencer, a long-time activist in the West Fens (and freqent contributor to these pages); Adria McMillan, a Northeastern student who spent three years as a volunteer at the Peterborough Senior Center; Ed Tutunjian of Boston Cab, who has contributed to neighborhood causes for years; and Sheila Dillon, Mayor Menino’s former housing advisor, for her work promoting the development of affordable housing.

Thanks
 to
 all
 who
 participated
 in
 


 

Fenway
 Flower
  Drive
 2012
 
Northeastern
 University
 Office
 of
 City
 &
 Community
 Affairs,
 617-­‐373-­‐8265
 
 
 
 

A
 partnership
 with
  the
 Fenway
 Civic
 Association
 

4 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012

Thinking About Our Online Future
s another annual meeting looms, and it looks like The Fenway News has turned (is turning?) a corner. Devoted readers might have noticed fewer ads recently (though certainly not in this issue—thank you, Berklee!), which means ad revenue does not entirely support us anymore. This state of the bank account prompted a group of loyal supporters to organize a fund-raising effort and long-term sponsorship program. As part of this work, we are writing an honest-to-god business plan, our first ever, to chart our future. One result of the plan draft is already clear: Fenway News Online will gradually assume greater importance: In the not-too-distant future, the physical paper will serve mostly as an advertisement for the website. That transition will not be painless, in part because so many Fenwickians have put so much effort into keeping this paper alive since its founding. As you may know, volunteers do almost everything at The Fenway News—only the editor, the business manager, and the distributors get small stipends, and then for only part of their work. As we move toward becoming a daily rather than monthly news source, we will need many more volunteers. Much of the content of the website currently consists of information provided by the various institutions and agencies that operate in our neighborhood (aka press releases). We’ll need more writers willing to turn out 2-5 stories per month about all the other things that make our community so interesting. We’ll also need artists and photographers willing to have their work displayed on our Web pages. And we’ll need more readers willing to comment on content and suggest coverage of things we don’t yet know about. One feature that we think will make the site more popular will, we hope, soon receive funding from a foundation. That funding would support creation of an online gallery devoted to the fascinating

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By stephen Brophy

from the editor

Fenway postcard collection amassed by a longtime supporter. The late Bernie Kramer, a professor of anthropology and devoted fan of the neighborhood, delivered slideshows of the cards that he used to introduce people to the astonishing cultural and physical history of the over its first 125 years. His family passed those slides along to us as part of an informal bequest after his death, and we hope to make them available soon to a much wider audience. nother project we are working on is an interactive development map modeled on three we have printed over the last five years. Given the number of cultural, educational, and medical institutions crammed into our tiny neighborhood, development of newer, bigger buildings is a constant condition of life here. Almost as soon as we publish one of these maps (the last one appeared in March) it becomes outdated because of new proposals. An online version will offer a new way for concerned citizens to stay on top of what’s being planned and to monitor the process. One of my daydreams for the website is to have a fully comprehensive daily calendar of all the concerts, plays, exhibits, lectures, and community meetings in the Fenway and Mission Hill. It would not only list Boston Symphony concerts but also every student recital at the conservatories and Berklee. For this to happen, we’d need 6-10 devoted volunteers willing to help put the information onto the site. These are just a few ideas for making the website more useful and attractive to everyone who lives, works, or studies in the Fenway and Mission Hill, and I’m sure our readers can come up with many more. With your support, we can do all that—and make sure that The Fenway News is still around for its 40th anniversary in April 2014. PS: don’t forget to come to our annual meeting on June 24 (details at the bottom of this page).

Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle, upper Back Bay, lower Roxbury, Prudential, Mission Hill, and Longwood since 1974

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Steve Chase • Helen Cox • Tracey Cusick • Joyce Foster, president • Steven Harnish • Barbara Brooks Simons • Steve Wolf, treasurer Editor: Stephen Brophy wEB tEaM: Nicole Aubourg, stephen

FENway NEws associatioN Board oF dirEctors

How Do I Loathe Y’s Gym Plan? Let Me Count the Ways
he decision by America’s First YMCA to sell its gymnasium to a real estate developer for Northeastern University’s use as a dormitory is a travesty. As a longtime Y member, I object. The YMCA used the gymnasium for its successful designation as a national landmark. The pictures included the swimming pool and running track as part of the Y’s heartfelt pride; facilities that are no longer built and once demolished will never be seen again. But historical preservation is what makes Boston unique. People admire Boston for its building preservation. The YMCA’s motto is: “Building stronger families.” Demolishing the gymnasium runs counter to that motto. The gymnasium includes eight halfcourt basketball courts. If you visit the Y on a weekend or after school, you will find lots of youngsters there: kids of many ages, races and nationalities. When the Y sells the gymnasium and builds a new one, there will be a single basketball court. Within one-half mile of the Y, there are hundreds of public housing apartments. The people who occupy this housing do not attend “community task force meetings,” but they send their kids to the Y. The gymnasium is one of the places that the relatively poor, mostly black and Hispanic kids are welcome. If the Y is truly about “Building Stronger Families” it will leave the gymnasium alone. Northeastern has carefully cultivated neighborhood community task forces to deal

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By Jim cooper

guest opinion

with its students and the neighborhoods. Neighborhood groups are not elected officials; they are volunteers, and task force consistency has been spotty, at best. These community meetings have shown that the immediate surrounding communities have not had problems with Northeastern students, including antisocial behavior or increased rents. Northeastern’s absolute “commitment” to house all its students is an excuse for expansion. Northeastern designated Cullinane Hall, directly behind the Y as the site for a 600bed dormitory. The university progressed to the point of preliminary drawings and cost estimates for bulding a dorm. The university claims “then came 2008,” reducing the value of its assets and making it impossible to borrow to build the dormitory. Moody’s has recently upgraded Northeastern’s credit rating. And, if Cullinane Hall is no longer a favored site, Northeastern has lots of other property on which it could build. The mayor supports demolition of this landmark, but his reason is that it will bring the city millions of dollars in revenue. Since Northeastern will not own the new dormitory, but will lease it, the land will be subject to real estate taxes. The mayor has not said one word about this, but only insists on getting the students out of the neighborhoods. Of course, Northeastern pays far less (approximately $31,000) to the city in lieu of taxes than any other major university or for that matter any similarly sized nonprofit institution in the city. Northeastern occupies real estate valued at

$1.3 billion and pays less than its neighbor, Wentworth Institute, which owns real estate valued at $216 million. The replacement gymnasium that the Y plans cannot be built with the Y’s proposed budget of $100 per square foot. But once the existing gymnasium is torn down, current members will disperse, and there will be no one to hound the Y to carry through on these plans. The active members presented the Y’s executive director and chairman an alternative to demolition. It was offered in hopes of inviting President Obama to rededicate the YMCA on October 3, 2012, one-hundred years after President Taft laid the cornerstone guEsT OPiniOn on page 5 >

Brophy, Mandy Kapica, Steven Kapica, Valarie Seabrook ProdUctioN dEsigNEr: Steve Wolf writErs: Penina Adelman, Jon Ball, alison Barnet, Liz Burg, Bob Case, Conrad Ciszek, Jim Cooper, Helen Cox, Tracey Cusick, Rachel DiBella, Margot Edwards, John Engstrom, Lisa Fay, Lori A. Frankian, Joyce Foster, Marie Fukuda, Steve Gallanter, Galen Gilbert, Elizabeth Gillis, Katherine Greenough, Sam Harnish, Steve Harnish, Duke Harten, Sarah Horsley, Rosie Kamal, Zolan Kano-Youngs, Mandy Kapica, Steven Kapica, Sajed Kamal, Shirley Kressel, Mike Mennonno, Letta Neely, Catherine Pedemonti, Richard Pendleton, Michael Prentky, Bill Richardson, Karla Rideout, Mike Ross, Barbara Brooks Simons, Matti Kniva Spencer, Anne M. Tobin, Fredericka Veikley, Chris Viveiros, Derrick Warren PhotograPhErs: Steve Chase, Lois Johnston, Mike Mennonno, Patrick O’Connor, Valarie Seabrook, Matti Kniva Spencer, Ginny Such, Steve Wolf caLENdar: Penina Adelman, Helen Cox, Ruth Khowais, Steve Wolf, ProoFrEadEr: Tracey Cusick BUsiNEss MaNagEr: Mandy Kapica distriBUtioN: Della Gelzer, Aqilla Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt, Reggie Wynn
The Fenway News is published monthly by the Fenway News Association, Inc., a communityowned corporation dedicated to community journalism. If you would like to volunteer to write, edit, photograph, lay out, distribute, or sell advertising on commission, please contact us:

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“Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.”

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10 am and 5 pm (no evening service July & Aug.) 12 noon and 7:30 pm (2 pm online)

Sunday Church Services & Sunday School Wednesday Testimony Meetings
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Sunday & Wednesday Live Services Online

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—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.
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The Fenway News reaches the stands every 4-5 weeks, usually on the first or last Friday of the month. Our next issue will appear on Friday, JUNE 29. The deadline for letters, news items, and ads is Friday, JUNE 22. Contact our business manager at [email protected]
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Hynes, Prudential, Symphony, or Mass. Ave. For further information, call 617.450.3790 or visit www.ChristianScience.com

Fenway News Association Sets Annual Meeting for Sunday, June 24
he Fenway News Association will hold its 2012 annual meeting on Sunday, June 24, in the Fensgate Community Room at 73 Hemenway St. The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. Elections for the board of directors and votes on any amendments to the bylaws and articles of incorporation will be held. Any resident of the neighborhoods we serve may vote on June 24 by mailing a notice expressing interest in joining to Fenway News Association, P.O. Box 230277, Boston, MA 02123. You may also e-mail notice of interest to [email protected]. Since our bylaws require members to join at least 14 days before the meeting date if they wish to vote, we must receive notice of interest by Sunday, June 10. A list of current members appears at right. For information about the meeting or about joining the association, please contact The Fenway News at 617-266-8790 or at editor@ fenwaynews.org.

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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, richard Barry, stephen Brophy, will Brownsberger, liz Burg, Bob case, steve chase, conrad ciszek, Brian clague, suzanne comtois, Jim cooper, helen cox, eleanor cummings, tracey cusick, rachel diBella, Bennie dinardo, dharmena downey, richard dunshee, margot edwards, Johnette ellis, John engstrom, lisa Fay, mary Finn, peter Flannery, nikki Flionis, michael Foley, Joyce Foster, lori Frankian, marie Fukuda, steve gallanter, slim gelzer, galen gilbert, elizabeth gillis, Brett greene, Kathy greenough, phyllis hanes, sam harnish, steven harnish, duke harten, mary ellen hendrickson, tim horn, sarah horsley, tito Jackson, cathy Jacobowitz, lois Johnston, rosie Kamal, sajed Kamal, mandy Kapica, steven Kapica, Kyle Katz, John Kelly, Joseph Kenyon, ruth Khowais, rudy Kikel, Jonathan Kim, shirley Kressel, marc laderman, nasreen latif, nate lescovic, gil loo, aqilla manna, erica mattison, Joan mcgaw, mike mennonno, Joan murphy, patrick o’connor, richard orareo, catherine pedemonti, richard pendleton, Jana peretz, camille platt, gloria platt, lauren dewey platt, michael prentky, alison pultinas, michelle reinstein, Bill richardson, Karla rideout, mike ross, rosaria salerno, valarie seabrook, helaine simmonds, Barbara Brooks simons, matti Kniva spencer, ginny such, mat thall, Jamie thomson, eric tingdahl, anne tobin, theresa tobin, Bob tomposki, chuck turner, Fredericka veikley, chris viveiros, margaret witham, steve wolf

FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012 | 5

A Love Letter to the Peterborough Senior Center

I

By penina adelman, ma, msw

fell in love with a senior center. Not just any senior center, mind you, The Peterborough Senior Center (PSC), one of the many hidden treasures of the Fenway and often overlooked by those who think only “Park” when they hear “Fenway.” I first became acquainted with the PSC in October 2008, when I started my job as its director. The economy had just tanked. My mother who lived around the corner in Back Bay was in failing health and I wanted to get to know some healthy, vibrant seniors. Carl Nagy-Koechlin was our matchmaker. He recommended me for the

These events take place at the Peterborough Senior Center, 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 Jun 5: 10am—Senior Task Force meets Jun 6:

• noon—Watercolor class with Bill • 12:15pm—Walk with Fenway Church interns
Jun 7: noon—Bingo, cards, chess, etc, with

Fenway Church interns

Jun 11: 6pm—Neighborhood Dinner at Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, 165 Park Drive Jun 13: 1pm—Presentation by Commission on Elderly Affairs and taxi coupons Jun 14: 10am-2pm—Tiger Lily’s Boutique sale—50% off Jun 20: 10am-noon—Book swap: take one, leave one

first director, Lisa Rein-Woisin, who devoted ten years to making the PSC a home away from home for neighborhood seniors. For that is exactly what it is—a living room for the 300 or so people who walk through the doors in the course of a year. However, this is not a mere living room of couches, easy chairs and coffee tables. This living room has the capacity, with the help of the seniors, to be transformed into an art gallery; a concert hall; a yoga and exercise studio; a coffee house with folk music; an intimate breakfast café; a hotbed of political and social activism; an eclectic movie theatre showing art films, documentaries and Hollywood productions; a medical amphitheater where health professionals come to present research and share expertise; a social hall for birthdays, holidays and memorial gatherings. It even has a corner for counseling. When Jun 28: 11am—40 Pictures, 40 Stories, with I took the job, I never even suspected that Carol the PSC would also turn out to be a minirEcurring university to add to the more than a dozen mOndays already in the Fenway. • 9:30am—Coffee hour Like their senior center, the seniors are • 11am: Movies—Jun 4: Hairspray: The multifaceted. They may be students in the Musical (2007); Jun 11: The Departed morning and teachers in the afternoon. They (2006); Jun 18: Away From Her (2006); Jun have instructed interns from Northeastern 25: The Magdalene Sisters (2002) University and the Boston University School of Social Work in the aging part of the human TuEsdays life cycle. They have informed graduate • 11am—Exercise with Mahmoud at St. students at the Mass. College of Pharmacy and Cecilia’s House Health Sciences as to how medications impact • 11am—Qi Gong, Chi Kung, or Falun Gong their health, sometimes hurting, often helping. with John or Betya They have shown physical therapy graduate • noon—Documentaries—Jun 5: Noam students from Simmons College how yoga Chomsky: Rebel without a Pause (2003) calms, heals and stimulates, especially as the l; Jun 12: My Name is Bette: The Life and body ages. They have demonstrated to students Death of an Alcoholic (2011); Jun 19: The from Berklee College of Music how music, Life and Times of Frida Kahlo (2005) body, and soul engage and sustain each other.
wEdnEsdays

job, but I still had to gain the approval of a committee of seniors and staff from the Fenway CDC. They interviewed me and asked me some hard questions: What would I do when people criticize and complain about what I’m doing? How long would I be willing to stay? What is my plan for the future of the PSC? They seemed to like my answers, and so I was hired. After having gone through several “matches” in less than a year, the seniors were eager to find someone they could settle in with once again. To this day, they still adore their

Seniors and other honored teachers at the PSC have imparted to me lessons that I will never forget. Here are a few in their own words. >> “A wise person always has time.”—Don Mathieu >> “Living in Boston is a cultural paradise if you’re a senior. You can walk or take the bus to so many free events.”—Gloria Platt >> “Short stories and films provide a key to getting people to talk about what really matters to them, things like depression, Alzheimer’s, illness, death and dying, or adjusting to a new country.”—Stephen Brophy, teacher of short stories and films >> Looking back on a life of creative expression: “It was the Sixties and we were free and the question was—What to do with our freedom?”—Clarence Washington >> “ When we sing Edelweiss I see that fragile, little white flower—you call it snowdrop in English. It grew in my village in Switzerland.”—Clare Flury >> “Being honored by Berklee at the Berklee Urban Service Awards was testimony that in this community WE MATTER.”—A senior who sang with Berklee students on April 16, 2011 at the BUSA awards ceremony Directing the Peterborough Senior Center has been my dream job. It has allowed me to integrate my commitment to helping people with my interest in the customs and ways of different ethnic groups along with a lifelong passion for real life stories and storytelling. Now I ask: Do you understand why I fell in love? Penina Adelman recently stepped down as director of the Peterborough Senior Center. would willingly participate. It would mean going out and raising money and making the gymnasium last another 100 years and thereby “Building Stronger Families,” not destroying the fabric of the community. Jim Cooper lives in the East Fens.

long weekly course on “How to Watch Hitchcock,” with Stephen June birthday celebration

Jun 26: 12:15pm—first day of summer-

Jun 27: noon—Poetic Potluck Lunch and

• 9:45am—Yoga with Carmen • 10am-noon—Blood pressure checkup with > guEsT OPiniOn from page 4 Joyce of the building. Given the Y’s social mission and the president’s love of basketball, this THursdays event could be the culmination of a well• 10am—What’s in the news? planned capital campaign in which members • noon—Bingo, cards, chess, etc. with who are fighting hard to keep the Y alive Fenway Church interns

Hazardous Waste, Tires & Propane Tanks Drop-off for Boston Hazardous Waste, Tires & Propane Tanks Residents Drop-off for Boston Residents
New: No Latex Paint New: No Latex Pain (oil-based paint only) (oil-based paint only

BERKLEE REaL EstatE

Saturday, June 9 9:00am to 2:00pm UMass Parking Lot, Morrissey Blvd Saturday, June 30 9:00am to 2:00pm Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner St, West Roxbury
Residents may bring up to 50 pounds of products labeled toxic, ammable, reactive, corrosive, or poisonous; such as:
motor oil, pesticides, solvents, glues, cleaners, weed killers, photo chemicals, pool chemicals, car batteries.

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

6 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012

neighBorhood loses two unique cultural spaces
Yes.Oui.Si Takes Hiatus to Ponder Future
ess than two years after opening in November 2010, YES.OUI.SI (YOS), an independent, “multi-sensory exhibition space” on block-long Vancouver Street west of the Museum School, closed for “a hiatus” on June 1, following its last show, entitled “Yes We Shall See.” The space curated 12 exhibitions and hosted more than 200 musicians, designers, filmmakers and poets, according to a statement from the organizers at http://yesouisispace.com/. Despite the popularity of its first exhibit, which drew 300 people in two days, some slow months early in the space’s operation caused the space to accumulate debt that remains unpaid. “We’re looking for some way of paying off that debt as well as financing another year of art, culture, and concerts. Otherwise it will be closing indefinitely,” said Aaron Muesing director of music booking for the venue. “We’ve been self-sustaining for the most part,” he said. “Selling art in Boston during the summer is not very much of a viable option.... Right now what we need is really some kind of private contribution.” Unfortunately for YOS, collegeage clientele make up a majority of the regular attendees. “Older folks and young professionals come out to our art openings; they’re typically the people who are buying artwork because usually it’s out of the price range of college students or recent graduates,” said Muesing. “It’s so popular with people our age because it’s a place to go,” said Jason Belcher, who just received a masters degree from New England Conservatory. “It makes me think of that YMCA song like, “look, there’s a place you can go.’” As well as being, “a place to go,” one

L

By michael prentKy

of YOS’s alluring features to performers and attendees (particularly students) is its accessibility. Many of Boston’s biggest clubs have a policy under which performers must pay the venue in order to play, but YOS is free for performers, and although many concerts suggested a $5 donation, the donation request was minimally enforced. The laissez-faire fiscal philosophy ties into YOS’s philosophy. “Where do you go if you’re an artist and you’re not established? if you’re a younger artist just starting their career?” Meusing asked. “You can’t go to a place like the ICA and show—you have to go someplace else that gives you freedom to take chances and explore your craft, and those sorts of places are lacking in Boston. But YOS is definitely a place that encourages that sort of creativity and that sort of growth and isn’t about the bottom line—maintaining a profit margin.” Although there are alternatives to YOS— “pay-to-play” venues, increasingly popular underground shows held at private residences, private art galleries, and performance venues at all of the major educational institutions—YOS has distinguished itself in that it is nonprofit, is not under the influence of a greater institution, and is an intentional performance venue (rather than a residential basement). YOS bills itself as a “multi-sensory exhibition space” because its music and its visual art gain power from each other. “The concerts that have been the most impactful were the concerts where there was a synergy between the bands that were performing and the art that’s on the wall… it amplifies the experience in such a way that the total is greater than the parts,” said Muesing. “YOS is more of a melting pot. It’s a community of diverse artists and opinions

that keeps it alive; everybody’s welcome…. Something like YOS you have to fight for…. Art and concerts—these things are something more than commodities that you can trade. They are an experience, and there is no monetary value for it.” Jason Belcher, who has been engaged

in the Boston music scene for seven years, likes the connection between performer and audience. “There’s not the sense of bigness there is with a concert hall. The people that are listening to you are really listening to you,” he said. “I’ve played there a few times > yEs.Oui.si on page 7

Looney Tunes Says, ‘Th-Th-That’s All, Folks’
By niKKi flionis

Looney Tunes, the music store that has occupied 1106 Boylston Street since 1980, has moved to 16 Harvard Avenue in Allston. As a longtime drop-in fan who will miss the convenience of the East Fens location, I called owner Pat McGrath to find out more. First, i asked McGrath how he would describe Looney Tunes. He replied: “it is a shop run by fanatics for fanatics...it’s run entirely on passion.” i can’t think of a better description. Every time i wandered in on a lazy Saturday or after a grueling workday, it was because i had just heard something by Wayne Shorter and realized i needed to hear more. or i couldn’t get a Bach solo partita out of my mind. or someone had just told me that the Mozart Quintets were amazing. Usually i found what i was craving. When i didn’t i usually found something else to explore, often a piece Pat or Bill was playing, and i had to know what it was. Who are your customers, i asked. “Musicians,” he said, “Music students. Anyone who’s got the bug searches us out like a pig searches out truffles.” And what kind of music do most people come in for? “Everything,” he said. “We stock every kind of music we can find, that’s why the place is so crammed. And if I had more room, I’d have even more.” McGrath himself is a musician who plays guitar—“very badly,” he says. When i asked how he got into the business, he said: “Mental illness, i imagine.” Then after a pause, “My mother had a record collection and i was fascinated from an early age by plastic etched with sound.” Why is he leaving the Fenway? The normally ebullient and wisecracking McGrath was quiet for a moment after that question. “it’s just time to move on,” he said. “Time to explore different territories.” “But,” he said brightening, “come see us. We’re in the Firehouse across from o’Brien’s, it’s a great space. Hop on the bus or drive over; there’s plenty of parking.” Looney Tunes’ memory will echo in the Fenway like Jack’s Drum Shop, Piano Forte, and Daddy’s Junky Music—but its eclectic collection of tunes will continue to play out at 16 Harvard Avenue, Allston.

Nikki Flionis lives in the East Fens.

J

‘First Mondays’ Series Spotlights hall, Musicians
talk. Lesser talked about trying to present this piece for the last three years only to have something happen at the last minute. But who and what did we hear that night? Andante mit Variationen, K. 501 by Mozart was a flawless and exuberant fourhands relay on piano, performed by Randall Hodgkinson and Leslie Amper, played with intensity, humor and as if the pianists were speaking to each other through the music. It was no surprise to later find that they are married to each other. Randall Hodgkinson and Vivian Hornik Weilerstein also played the same piano for the Schubert Introductions and Variations on an Original Theme. Like the Mozart, the piece was intense with a non-stop piano back-and-forth between the two players. Both pieces were beautifully performed, the players were clearly enjoying performing together, and they were just as clearly enjoying the nuances of the music. The piano sang and answered, soared and whispered throughout their performances. We were all disappointed not to hear the Shostakovich, but the disappointment was erased by the performance of Charles Martin Loeffler’s Two Rhapsodies by Keisuke Wakao on oboe, Roger Tapping on viola, and Randall Hodgkinson on piano. The two pieces, The Pond (L’etang) and The Pipes (La Cornemuse) were amazing compositions, and the performances were virtuosic. The piece garnered a standing ovation from audience members. The pieces were call-and-response, particularly between the oboe and viola, and both instruments soloed through large swaths of impressionistic music that showcased them in a way seldom heard, allowing their range of sound and nuance to emerge. Tapping is a nuanced and intense player who gets a variety of moods and sounds from his viola. Wakao, like Pan, practically danced on his toes, as his body followed the waterfalls of haunting melody he unleashed. The piano has a more modest role in this piece but caressed and whispered around the viola and oboe, and held the piece together. Charles Martin Loeffler was a violinist with the BSO, after emigrating from Germany in 1881. He eventually left the symphony to devote himself to composition. Lawrence Lesser did us a great service in bringing that work to us. If it is any indication of the body of Loeffler’s work, his music deserves to be much better known than it is today. For an hour and a half, on six Mondays from October to May, I can step away from the exhaust and traffic on Huntington Ave., the cacophony of city life, and step into another world, move through several centuries in an evening, and be honored to be in the presence of musicians passionate about chamber music, musicians who are among the best performing today. Silence Dogood VI lives in the East Fens.

By silence dogood Vi

ordan Hall. World-famous. Chamber music. Free. If you wonder how all those words go together, those in the know will tell you they describe New England Conservatory’s gift to Fenway and Boston lovers of classical music. This year’s season has ended, but the final concert on May 7 typified all that makes this series special. That evening, Lawrence Lesser—artistic director, former president of New England Conservatory, professor, and world-famous cellist—stepped on the stage of Jordan Hall to talk about the program he was about to present. The hall itself is historic. Visually rich, with wonderful acoustics, it is at once large enough to accommodate an orchestra and intimate enough that, most seats, including those in the curving aisles and even the balcony, close to the stage. As Lesser spoke almost conversationally, he explained why he chooses the pieces he does and the obstacles he faces in putting each performance together. Something I never knew: all the musicians play for free—for the love of the music, the chance to perform little-known works in an intimate setting for enthusiastic music lovers, for other musicians from the Conservatory, and for a chance to play with other acclaimed musicians from across the world. The sponsors of the series and individual donors support the infrastructure of the concerts, but the musicians—to paraphrase Joni Mitchell and understate the performances—play real good, for free. Lesser explained that one piece planned for that night’s concert, Seven Romances on Verses by Alexander Blok, by Dmitri Shostakovich, would not be played after all, because soprano Dina Kuznetsova, who had flown in especially to perform this piece with Lawrence Lesser among others, had contracted an infection and could not even

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FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012 | 7

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

saT, Jun 9: The Longwood Symphony Orchestra presents its last concert of the season at Jordan Hall. The highlight will no doubt be Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with virtuoso cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan. Also on the menu or Vaughan-Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis THrOugH Jun 10: Hershey Felder played Bosand Brahms’ Symphony #2 in D. www. ton’s own Leonard Bernstein in a one-man show last month, but he’s even better known longwoodsymphony.org Tickets $13-$60 for his George Gershwin Alone. Felder spent mOn, JunE 11: Savvy fans know that the five years researching this show, which puts shows at Church, on Kilmarnock Street, his piano mastery to good use as the iconic are something like a scratch ticket with Jazz Age composer who bridged high art the potential for a musical jackpot—for and popular culture. Details at www.artse- short money, you could discover a local merson.org Tickets $25-$89. Performed band destined for stardom. Tonight, sample at the spectacularly renovated Paramount Swedish Suicide, Ripoff, and Bomb Pilot. Center in the Theater District. 9pm, 69 Kilmarnock Street, $7. www. churchofboston.com saT, Jun 2: Stock up on beach reading at the a pre-summer book sale from 10amwEd-sun, Jun 13-17: The 14th annual 4pm to benefit the Boston Public Library. Roxbury Film Festival occupies a number of Choose from a great fiction collection as venues, including the MFA, for screenings, well as travel, romance and a large selection panel discussions, and other events of music on tape and CD. Students, if you celebrating recent African-American find a title from your summer reading list filmmaking. Free programs for children in the general stock, it’s yours for free! (10am-noon) and teens (noon-5pm) are For further information go to www. on tap at the John D. O’Bryant Center. For citywidefriendsbpl.org. 700 Boylston tickets and more information, visit. http:// St. FREE roxburyfilmfestival.org/ saT, Jun 2: You’d be hard-pressed to find THu, Jun 14: Zili Misik headlines the first of an art form NOT represented during the three Neighborhood Nights at the Gardner Cambridge River Festival from 12 to 6pm on Museum. Art, games, stories, and a peek the Charles. Dance, music, theater, poetry, at the new wing are in store for residents weaving, , puppetry—the list keeps rolling and families from the Fenway, Mission along at http://bit.ly/KmiMga+ Hill, Roxbury and JP. 5 to 9 pm. www. gardnermuseum.org/calendar/ sun, Jun 3: The National Park Service offers events/4535 FREE. a guided walking tour of the Back Bay Fens, followed by an optional tour of Fenway THu, Jun 14: Authors and members of Social Park. 10am–12pm, rain or shine. Media Club Boston take part in “The EvoluReservations required at 617-566tion of Social Media Marketing,” a panel 1689, x 265. FREE discussion at 6pm in the Commonwealth Salon at the Central Library in Copley TuE, Jun 5: The Fenway Garden Society has Square. Visit www.bpl.org/authors. donated its collections to the Mass HistoriFREE cal Society, and “The Fenway Victory Gardens: Finding History Inside and Out” offers Fri, Jun 15: British new-folk goddess Laura an introduction to both, with a tour of the Marling—already packing two Brit Awards, gardens to boot. 6-7:30pm, 1152 Boylston the UK’s Grammys, at the tender age of Street, RSVP required via www.masshist. 22—brings her indie stylings to the Berklee org (click the events tab) or 617-646-0560. Performance Center. 7:30pm; $20; tickets through the BPC box office, by phone at 617wEd, Jun 6: Country music legend Rodney 747-2261, or at http://bit.ly/i8xhwM. Crowell (aka the former Mr. Roseanne Cash) joins poet and bestselling memoirist saT, Jun 16: Persian Blue, the Fenway’s Mary Karr (Lit: A Memoir and Liar’s Club) favorite jazz band, plays a gig at the Davis for two shows combining storytelling, Square Theatre in Somerville. Show at 8pm;

pany presents Noël Coward’s Private Lives. Directed by Maria Aitken—whose previous hits here include Educating Rita—the show contains the cerebral repartee Coward was known for writing but also a surprisingly generous serving of physical comedy. The four lead actors appear to be having the time of their lives. 264 Huntington Ave; go to www.huntingtontheatre.org for details. Tickets start at $25.

THrOugH Jun 24: Huntington Theatre Com-

readings, and music from their upcoming album. This unusual collaboration holds the promise of a very interesting evening at Berklee’s intimate Café 939. Tickets $25; shows at 7pm and 9pm; 939 Boylston Street. Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/Kiowug or by phone at 617-747-2261.

PHOTO: Paul marrOTTa

pick of the month

We often feature the MFA’s Calderwood Courtyard concerts during a summer issue. In part that’s because we can’t resist the sublime setting and in part it’s because the MFA’s music bookers have such unerring taste that even when you don’t know a performer, you can assume you’ll Oliver Mtukudzi walk out a convert to his/her/their music. The series runs Wednesdays, July 11 through August 29, from 7:30 to 9:30pm. This year’s program has a strong world-music feel, from Ghost Train, a jazz orchestra straight out of 1920s New York; to Red Baraat, a bhangra-based fusion group; to Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits, fronted by Zimbabwe’s most popular composer guitarist. Tickets are $24 for MFA members, $30 for the rest of us. Visit http://www.mfa. org/programs/music for more details, or call 1-800-440-6975 from 9 to 9, Mon-Sat.

Musical Stars Under the Stars

doors open at 7:30. For advance tickets, contact Shah at [email protected]. $10
saT, Jun 16: 103.3 WODS presents Starship

good reason to duck indoors tonight. Boston Public Library central branch, 6pm. FREE

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(née Jefferson Starship, née Jefferson Airplane) featuring Mickey Thomas at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. 7:00– 9:30pm. FREE.

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the father of your choice to the Beehive. Brunch 10am-3pm; dinner 5-10pm. Live music all day. 541 Tremont St. www. beehiveboston.com

sun, Jun 17: Celebrate Dad’s day by taking

annual Rose Garden Party in the Fens. Tickets begin at $125 in this benefit for the ParkARTS program. 5:30 to 8:00. More info at www.cityofboston.gov/parks/ rosegarden/rosegardenparty.asp
saT, Jun 30: 70s-tinged, glam-rocking Scissor Sisters get their Elton on at House of Blues. Doors at 6pm, show at 7pm; standing room tickets $30, reserved seats $45. 15 Landsdowne Street. Info at 888-6932583 or www.houseofblues.com/tickets/ eventdetail.php?eventid=74504 saT, Jun 30: Learn to fix a flat and lube a chain at this intro to bike maintenance at the REI store in the Landmark Center. No experience required (you don’t even have to bring a bike). 1:30-3:00pm at the store. Register at www.rei.com/event/38770/ session/49230. Note: These small classes fill quickly, so move fast, or sign up for a class in July. FREE.

THu, Jun 28: Angela Menino hosts the 16th

saT, Jun 23: A great way to get to know the

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MFA collections better, a little at a time, is to attend their regular gallery talks, usually offered on Wednesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays. Today’s talk, offered by docent Minji Kim, is “Manmade Bodies in Sacred Spaces: Medieval Sculpture at the MFA.” Noon-1pm; free with museum admission.

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mOn, Jun 25: It seems a shame to spend a

June evening indoors, but Big Fish, Tim Burton’s 2003 fantasy about a boy trying to find out about his father’s life, might be a

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> yEs.Oui.si from page 6 and I haven’t spent a dime. It’s an incredible thing… I like the idea of an independent space. I want to feel like I’m playing in somebody’s living room but I don’t always want to play in somebody’s living room or basement… It would be hard for a higher education institution to replicate what goes on there—really impossible.” Michael Prentky lives on Mission Hill.

A statement on the Yes.Oui.Si website says “The future of YES.OUI.SI. as a physical art space is uncertain. The decision to return in the fall is contingent on the support of Boston.” The organizers, Olivia Ives-Flores & Miguel de Braganza, are soliciting comments on whether the space should continue and ideas on how to fund it. Visit Yes.Oui.Si’s Facebook page to comment and to receive news on the center’s future plans.

wEd, Jun 6: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s

Office of Neighborhood Services, Shaina Aubourg, holds office hours: 3:30-5:30pm, YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. Bring concerns about city services.

Committee meeting, 6:30pm, South End Library, 685 Tremont St. For info, contact Janet at 617-267-0231 or email slovinj@aol. com
TuE, Jun 12: Community meeting to

TuE, Jun 12: Ward 4 Democratic

Harvard Vanguard, 131 Brookline Ave., Annex Bldg., Room 3D. For info, call 617262-0657.

617-635-4225.

wEd, Jun 6: Mission Hill/Fenway Neigh-

borhood Trust announces the recipients of this year’s grants at its annual meeting. 6pm in the 11th floor Trustree’s Room, Mass. College of Art, 621 Huntington Ave.

wEd, Jun 6: Fenway CDC Civic Engagement

Committee. Get involved in preserving affordable housing and find other ways to make your voice heard.. 6:30pm, 70 Burbank St., lower level. For more info, contact Sarah at [email protected] at 617-2674637x19.

examine plans for renovating Mother’s Rest Playground, sponsored by Boston Parks & Recreation. 6:30pm, Shattuck Visitors Center, 125 The Fenway. Call Lauren Bryant at 617-931-3019 or email [email protected] for details. Councilor Mike Ross, 8-9am, Panera Bread, 201 Brookline Ave. Share concerns, ideas. Email connor.mckay@cityofboston. gov, call 617-635-4225 for an appointment, or just drop by.

THu, Jun 21: Rep. Michael Capuano’s liaison holds office hours 1-2pm. Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St. Questions, concerns about national issues, legislation welcome. saT, Jun 23: Boston Prime Timers, support network for gay and bisexual men, meets at Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Ave. (at Mass Ave.) Program at 3:30pm, socializing till 5:30pm. $2 donation. Visit www.bostonprimetimers.org or contact [email protected] or 617-4472344. mOn, Jun 25: Longwood Medical Area Fo-

TuE, Jun 26: Help Fenway CDC’s Urban Village Committee monitor development wEd, Jun 20: Fenway Liaison for Mayor’s and advocate for the kind of neighborhood Office of Neighborhood Services, Shaina you want. 6pm, 70 Burbank St., lower level. Aubourg, holds Office Hours: 3:30-5:30pm, Contact Lilly at [email protected] YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. Bring or 617-267-4637x16. concerns about city services. Fri, Jun 26: Coffee hour with City

Fri, Jun 15: Coffee hour with City

Councilor Mike Ross. 8-9 a.m., Mike’s Donuts, 1524 Tremont St. Mission Hill. hare your concerns and ideas. Email [email protected] or call 617-635-4225 to setup and appt or just drop by.

wEd, Jun 27: West Fens Community/Police Meeting., 5pm. Landmark Center (401 Park Drive), 2nd floor, District 4 Police Substation (next to security desk). THu, Jun 28: Fenway Ball—an evening of

TuE, Jun 12: State Sen. Will Brownsberger holds office hours. 5:30-6:30pm at Thornton’s Grill, Kilmarnock and Peterborough streets. Bring questions and concerns about state issues. TuE, Jun 12: Fenway Civic Association

TuE, Jun 19: Ward 5 Democratic

Committee meets at 7pm, First Church, 66 Marlboro St., corner of Berkeley and Marlboro streets.

annual Rose Garden Picnic, 6-8pm just outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (opposite 77 Park Drive). See Newslines on p. 2 for more details.

TuE, Jun 19: East Fens Community/Police Meeting., 6pm Morville House, 100 Norway St.

rum. 6:30-8pm Location TBD. For location or to verify if meeting will be held, email Laura at [email protected].

merriment, music, dining and dancing to benefit the Fenway CDC. 6-9:30pm at Fenway Park’s EMC Room. RSVP by June 20 to Dharmena Downey at 617-267-4637, x14 or [email protected].

Assoc board meeting., 6:30-8:30pm.

TuE, Jun 19: Audubon Circle Neighborhood

TuE, Jun 26: Symphony Neighborhood Task Force meeting, 6pm. For info or location, contact Johanna in Councilor Ross’s office at [email protected] or at

☛ For BRA meetings and hearings, visit www.bostonredevelopment authority.org/ calendar/calendar.asp)

8 | FENWAY NEWS | JUNE 2012

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