We want your listings
the TAB welcomes a variety of announcements and listings from community groups and other nonprofit community organizations in Allston/Brighton. Such announcements often include meeting agendas and fundraising events, but there are many other possibilities, as well. You can fax us information at 781-433-8202; e-mail us at ; or send regular mail to Allston-Brighton TAB, 254 second Ave., Needham 02494.
the deadline is noon on Mondays. for more information, call 781-433-7810.
ReadBoston Storymobile rolls through A-B
ReadBoston Storymobile rolls through the streets of Boston this summer through Aug. 13. ReadBoston provides children with fun, interactive storytelling events and free, new books to take home. the goal of the Storymobile program promotes literacy as a year-round endeavor that doesn’t end when the school doors close for summer.
the Storymobile offers the children of Boston a free and fun alternative for summertime adventure. the program is open to all children with 75 convenient locations throughout the city.
ReadBoston’s Storymobile program is one of the largest of its kind, hiring professional local storytellers to entertain and educate Boston’s children during the summer months. not only does each child enjoy watching a story brought to life each week through tales and song, but they get to choose a book to bring home and keep. Throughout the summer, children at ReadBoston Storymobile sites receives six free books through the program to incorporate into their own personal home libraries.
ReadBoston Storymobile Program schedule is at various times at Allston-Brighton locations:
· Commonwealth Tenants Association, 35 Fidelis way, Thursdays, at 11:15 a.m., Aug. 12
· Honan-Allston Library, 300 North Harvard St., Mondays, at 1:15 p.m., Aug. 9
· Fairy tale Children’s Center, 14-20 Linden St., Mondays, at 11 a.m., Aug. 9
· Jackson Mann Community Center, 500 Cambridge St., Mondays, at 10 a.m., Aug. 9
· Oak Square YMCA, 615 Washington St, Thursdays, at 1:15 p.m., Aug. 12
· West End House Boys & Girls Club, 105 Allston St., Thursdays, at 10 a.m., Aug. 12
City leaders founded ReadBoston in 1995 as a nonprofit children’s literacy organization with a goal to ensure that every child in Boston can read at grade level by the end of the third grade.
Create art and craft projects in the Boston parks
the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program, supported by Bank of America, will once again be giving young boys and girls the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild in local parks during a series of creative children’s arts and craft workshops with support from Comcast.
from Charlestown to Mattapan, children age 3 to 10 can enjoy the Artists in Residence Craft Workshops. Watercolor painting, mask and jewelry making, and treasure bottle creations are just a few of the crafts the children will be introduced to. Sessions are hosted by local artists from 9 a.m.-noon with all materials provided. Participating children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of six or more must make prior arrangements with the artists.
Now in its 14th year, ParkARTS, sponsored by Bank of America, brings a wide range of cultural offerings to city parks. all recycled materials provided with support from Extras for Creative Learning.
in addition, the Marionette Puppet show series will be performed in August at 11 a.m. at various children’s workshop locations.
Dates and locations for the Artist in Residence Craft Workshops are as follows: Tuesday, Aug. 10, at Christopher Columbus Park, North End; Hunt/Almont Playground, Mattapan; and Martin Playground Tot Lot, Dorchester.
Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Fallon Playground, Roslindale; Hobart Street Play Area, Brighton; and Rossmore Stedman Park, Jamaica Plain.
ParkARTS Marionette puppet show series
the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s ParkARTS program, supported by Bank of America, is hosting its first marionette puppet show series during the months of July and August. This summer, Boston’s parks will come alive with the unique charm of Rosalita’s Puppets – marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.
Dore founded Rosalita’s Puppets more than 15 years ago and has experience in a variety of children’s and adults’ puppet pieces ranging from Renaissance festivals, libraries, fairs and theaters throughout New England and beyond.
Shows begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12, at Ringer Park in Allston.
for more information, call 617-635-4505, visit the Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook, or visit rosalitaspuppets.com.
City hosting summit for girls
Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Centers for Youth & Families invite girls, age 12-18 from across the city, to attend the Mayor’s annual Girls’ Summit.
This event will take place at City Year, 287 Columbus Ave. from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14.
the summit will include workshops, entertainment, raffles, a guest panel and more.
for more information e-mail or call 617-635-4920, ext. 2314.
Howie Newman singing at Farmers’ Market
Singer-songwriter Howie Newman, a guy who combines music and comedy, will be performing at the Harvard-Allston Farmers’ Market from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20.
the market runs every Friday from 3-7 p.m. in the parking lot at the intersection of Western Avenue and North Harvard Street.
Along with well-known cover tunes, Newman plays songs about cell phones, intergalactic garbage collection, baseball, middle age dating and a host of other user-friendly topics. the material is suitable for all ages and the show is free.
for further information about the market, call 617-495-3525 or visit farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets_details.php?market=185
for additional information about Newman, visit his Website: howienewman.com.
Sign up for ASL classes
DEAF, inc. in Allston is currently accepting registrations and money for the upcoming fall semester of American Sign Language classes for levels 1-5.
the registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 27.
the classes are open to all adults who are interested in learning or continuing their studies in ASL.
for more information and to register online, go to deafinconline.org/education or contact executive assistant Jennifer Glinos at or call 617-254-4041, ext. 102.
March in the A-B Parade on Sept. 12
the Allston-Brighton Parade Committee invites all community members and groups to participate in this year’s parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12.
for more information, contact Craig at 617-722-2460 or email .
Take a healthy walk in Brighton
Windswept Health and Fitness has initiated the Windswept Walkers program for local residents and guests. This is a free walking group in Brighton. Walks will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (weather permitting) in the lot at Simon Chiropractic at 697 Cambridge St. in Brighton, adjacent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and one block from Brighton High School.
Windswept Walkers meet once a week and walks will be led by one of the Windswept Coaches.
the goal of the program is to provide a little structure and a supportive environment to a fun outdoor activity. Walks will vary weekly and will be modified appropriately for skill level and interest. all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Participants must RSVP in advance by sending an e-mail to info@Windsweptbboston.com.
for more information, visit WindsweptBoston.com.
Street Fair vendor permit applications available
Shop and restaurant owners have the opportunity to be discovered by thousands at the Allston Village Street Fair — Urban Mardi Gras from noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12.
Join the Food Court, Arts & Crafts Gallery, or AVSF Vendor Shopping Mall. Proprietors can enjoy stage and street performances as they profit from their vendor station or provide information to fairgoers about their business services.
Vendor permit applications and table rentals are now available. Permits will be presented upon event check-in.
for vendor applications or event information, e-mail Joan Pasquale, executive director of the Allston Village Street Fair, at .
for more information, visit allstonvillagestreetfair.com or parentsandcommunitybuildgroup.org.
Franciscan Hospital announces award dinner
Franciscan Hospital for Children will host its annual Community Leadership Award Dinner. This special evening includes a dinner, an awards ceremony, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the children of Franciscan Hospital for Children. This year the hospital will be honoring Julie Kahn, vice president/market manager, Entercom New England; and Robert M. Wilson, president and chief executive officer, Cambridge Savings Bank.
the event takes place Monday, Sept. 27, with cocktail reception at 6 p.m., and dinner and program from 7-9:30 p.m., at InterContinental Hotel, 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston.
the Community Leadership Award recognizes individuals selected for their outstanding commitment to improving the lives of children and their families in local communities. in addition, a current or former hospital patient will be recognized with the Profile in Children’s Courage Award.
Wheelchair accessible. Admission is $300. for tickets and information, visit franciscanhospital.org/CLAD.
Adoptive Families together holding parent groups
Adoptive Families together offers several parent-run confidential groups to share personal concerns and needs around adoptive parenting. AFT provides education, advocacy, support and more. It also welcomes adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents and all those with a connection to adoption.
the following local ongoing groups are free and meet once a month:
· Boston — group leaders are Pasqua Scibelli and Lori Baeumler, at MSPCC office, 99 Summer St. sixth floor, Boston, first Wednesday of the month, noon-1 p.m.: Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.
· Jamaica Plain — group leaders are Randi Schalet and Lori Baeumler, at MSPCC office, 157 Green St., Jamaica Plain, first Friday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Free child care provided: Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3.
· Roslindale — group leaders are Michelle Novelle and Clare O’Donoghue, at Roslindale Congregational Church, 25 Cummins Highway, the third Wednesday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m. Free child care provided: Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.
Visit mspcc.org/aft for more information and schedule.
Toddler playgroup offered
the Allston-Brighton Area Planning Action Council announces a toddler playgroup for parents and children between 26 and 36 months of age from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Allston-Brighton APAC Child and Family Center, 406 Cambridge St., Allston. all weekday programs are starting in June.
for more information and registration, call Jessi Huang at or call 617-347-5624.
Anti-bullying hotline opens in Boston
As part of the city’s campaign to increase awareness and assistance for anti-bullying efforts in Boston, a hotline is now available. the hotline, 617-534-5050, is staffed by trained public health professionals from the Boston Public Health Commission working in partnership with the city’s Law Department, the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Police Department.
the hotline is available 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. the professionals will complete an initial intake on calls related to bullying, which will allow the caller to describe concerns, request specific assistance and will screen for emergency situations that require an immediate response by public safety. Callers can also use the hotline to anonymously report bullying occurrences.
Come to the farmers’ market
the Harvard-Allston Farmers’ Market runs every Friday from 3-7 p.m. through Oct. 29.
the market offers fresh food from local farms, bakers and specialty vendors at the corner of Western Avenue and North Harvard Street.
Free ESL class
the BEAM ESL program offers free beginning English classes from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday through Thursday at St. Luke’s & St. Margaret’s Church, 5 St. Lukes Road, Allston (at the corner of Brighton Avenue and St. Lukes Road).
There is no preregistration necessary, and all are welcome on any night.
for more information go to beamesl.org.
Toddler playgroup for Chinese-speaking families
the Allston-Brighton Area Planning Action Council announces a toddler playgroup for Chinese-speaking families. the playgroup is for children age 15 months to 2.9 years.
for more information, call 617-347-5624.
Free blood pressure clinics
the VNA of Boston hosts free blood pressure clinics from 8:30-10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.
the clinics take place at Shaw’s at 370 Western Ave., Brighton.
for further information, call the VNA at 617-426-5555.
Join Overeaters Anonymous
Do you struggle with food, weight or obsession relating to food? Overeaters Anonymous may be the answer.
This is not a diet club, but a 12-Step Fellowship of people recovering from compulsive overeating. OA offers mutual support. the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.
There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins. the group meets 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturdays at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, 736 Cambridge St. in Brighton in the fourth-floor Hospitality Conference Room.
call 617-787-5548 for more information.
Family support group meets Tuesdays
the Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force and Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery invites interested people to its Family Support Group from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, 736 Cambridge St., Brighton, in the Hospitality Conference Room, off the Main Lobby.
for more information, call 617-789-2967. Group is free of charge. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Allston Civic Association to meet
the Allston Civic Association meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Honan Allston Library, 300 North Harvard St.
Brighton-Allston Improvement Association
the Brighton-Allston Improvement meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Elks Lodge, 326 Washington St. in Brighton. all BAIA meetings are wheelchair accessible and open to the public. for more information, call 617-787-1299.
Computer literacy classes
the Allston-Brighton Community Resource Center is running free computer literacy classes for anyone interested.
if you or anyone else you know needs help learning computer basics, then come on down!
It doesn’t matter what you know; everyone is invited to come. from learning how to turn the computer on to setting up a free account to e-mail your friends, we can help. We offer group and individual sessions.
the current schedule for group sessions is Mondays, 10-11 a.m., and for individual session is Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m., and Thursdays, 7-8 p.m.
This is a pressure-free, informal program meant to help you learn a valuable skill and have access to a life-improving resource.
if your already computer literate but want to help out, we are always looking for volunteers who want to give their time for the community.
So if your interested in signing up or volunteering ahead of time, please contact David de Angelo at 617-782-2404 or by e-mail at .
the Allston-Brighton Community Resource Center is at Charlesview Apartments, 51 Stadium way, Allston.
ESL conversation group to meet
Charlesview Apartments announces that it will be hosting an informal English as second language conversational group every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Allston-Brighton Community Youth Center, Charlesview Apartments, third floor, 75 Stadium way, Allston. the class is free and open to all area residents. Interested individuals may register ahead of time or just drop in.
for more information or to register, call David de Angelo at 617-782-2404.
Boston College Task Force
the Boston College Task Force Meeting meets regularly from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Brighton Marine Health Center, 77 Warren St., Brighton. Check wickedlocal.com/allstonfor updates.
Allston Brighton Family Network news
the Allston Brighton Family Network offers free programming for families with young children (birth through 4 years) at several locations in Allston/Brighton. all families are welcome.
· the ABFN offers free playgroups at the Winship School, 54 Dighton St. Brighton. Registration is required. Families interested in participating should call to pre-register at 617-474-1143, ext. 250.
the playgroups schedule is: Tuesdays for 1-year-olds, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays for children with younger siblings, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Thursdays for 2-year-olds, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; and Thursdays for 3-year-olds, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
· Canto y Juego! Spanish Speaking Families Toddlers Playgroup is offered for families whose first language is Spanish with children ages 1, 2 and 3. Fridays, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Jackson/Mann School. call Sandy at 617-474-1143, ext. 227 for more information or to register.
· Welcome Baby! a one-time celebratory home visit to share community and citywide information and resources for families with newborns. Visits in Spanish and Portuguese as well. call Colleen at 617-474-1143, ext. 250, for more information or to make a referral.
· Learn Infant Massage, a four-week free class at the Honan Allston Library beginning Thursday, Oct. 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This class is for families with babies younger than 1 year old. call Colleen at 617-474-1143, ext. 250, to register.
Reward of $500 for graffiti information
in order to assist law enforcement officials in eliminating the unsightly and illegal activity of graffiti in Allston, the Allston Board of Trade is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the defacing of private property.
Substance Abuse Task Force Youth Coalition
Residents between the ages of 15 and 21 who want to meet new people and make a difference in Allston-Brighton are invited to join the Youth Coalition, currently starting with the Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force. As a representative of young people in the A-B community, volunteers will be valuable members of the Substance Abuse Task Force and work on projects and events that raise awareness about addiction and promote healthy lifestyles for people in Allston-Brighton. Members of the Youth Coalition earn community service hours, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and have fun while working to improve the community.
for more information, call Task Force Office at 617-789-2140.
Irish seniors group invites new members
Cara (Irish for friend) invites Brighton seniors to join them every Monday from 1:30-3 p.m. at Veronica Smith Senior Center, 20 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton. This new social group gathers for afternoon tea, freshly baked goodies and to pick up the newspapers and news from home.
Meetings include guest speakers and musicians with an Irish twist, day trips and outings as the weather improves and as interests emerge, assistance with Irish and United Kingdom pension applications and information on passport, citizenship and centenarian bounty applications. This is an opportunity for all seniors to meet up with old friends, make new acquaintances and stay connected to things Irish in the community.
Sponsored by Irish Pastoral Centre, Senior Citizen Outreach Program. No fees or dues, donations for refreshments are welcome. Transportation available. all are welcome.
for more information, call Cora Flood 617-479-7404, ext. 13.
Russian-speaking volunteers needed
Russian-speaking volunteers are needed to serve Russian-speaking elderly at the Roslindale campus of the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.
Individuals can help by visiting, reading, playing chess and leading recreational activities. Positions also available to help elders in an exercise program.
Weekdays volunteers receive a meal stipend. Parking is free. HRC is accessible by public transportation.
for more information, contact 617-363-8459 or e-mail .
St. E’s offers women’s cancer support group
the Center for Breast Care at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is sponsoring a Women’s Cancer Support Group for women who have been diagnosed with cancer. the group will give women with cancer a place to feel comfortable and to interact with other women who are going through a similar ordeal.
the group meets the first Thursday of every month, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, St. Margaret’s Conference Room 4, 736 Cambridge St., Brighton.
Attendance is free of charge. for more information, call registered nurse Sally Eastman or the Rev. Mary DiGiovanni at 617-789-2400.
Allston-Brighton community notes (Aug. 6) – Allston-Brighton, MA – Allston/Brighton TAB
