BHCA COMMUNITY CORNEr
For 95 years the Beacon Hill Civic Association has worked to enhance and protect the quality of life for our residents through community building, civic engagement and historic preservation. With this regular column, we’d like to let you know more about what we are doing to accomplish these goals, a little about our past and our hopes for the future, and, most of all, how we can all work together to ensure that this very special neighborhood remains a wonderful home for us and all those who come after us.
Watch this space each week for perspectives from BHCA leadership on issues important to Beacon Hill, information about its events and activities, insights and analysis of key trends affecting the community, fun facts about our shared history of this special neighborhood and more.
We hope you’ll find this column informative, insightful and fun to read, and that it will serve as a helpful complement to our website at bhcivic.org. The BHCA is a group of neighbors helping neighbors. We’d like to meet you, hear what you have to say and have you join us as we continue to serve the community. Stop by our office at 74 Joy Street or give us a call at 617-227-1922.
Mark Kiefer
BHCA Chairman of the Board
Suzanne T. Besser
BHCA President
Help bring a taste of fall to Charles Street
Throughout Beacon Hill, window boxes overflowing with tired summer flowers are being beautifully transformed with fresh mums, cabbages and other flowers in the colors of fall. The tree pits on Charles Street, many of which are memorials to friends and family members, could use a seasonal look as well. The BHCA Tree Committee that maintains the tree guards encourages business owners and residents to take the initiative to add some colorful plants. “Please plant your tree pit with your favorite fall plants,” said Co-Chair Miguel Rosales who added that mums are a great choice. “Anything we can do to beautify Charles Street and inspire others is very much welcome.”
Did You Know?
In 1955, BHCA led the effort to designate Beacon Hill an historic district, one of the first in the nation, and is responsible for nominating commissioners to one of the seats on the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission.
Fall HillFest draws crowds
Last week’s Fall HillFest brought more than 500 neighbors together to enjoy each other and activities galore. New this year was Beacon Hill’s first ever Farmers Market and an Oktoberfest Biergarten, as well as traditional favorites like the Common Canine dog show, Zumba lessons, activities for kids and lots of good food.
The BHCA would like to thank all of our Beacon Hill neighbors for coming out and making Fall HillFest a great success. Visit our website bhcivic.org to view photos of the event.
Current BHCA members who attended Fall HillFest were given a free jute bag. Those who missed receiving one or would like to renew their membership are welcome to visit the office at 74 Joy Street to pick one up.
BHCA thanks the following businesses for their generous support of the Fall HillFest. Their contributions helped make the neighborhood event a success.
75 Chestnut
A-Bank
Artu
Beacon Hill Bistro & Hotel
Bin 26 Enoteca
Boston Public Market
Charles River Bistro
Charles Street Supply
The Church of the Advent
City of Boston
F.H. Perry Builders
Gerard’s Gardening
Grosgrain & Ink LLC
Harpoon Brewery
Harvard Gardens
Hill House
J.P. Licks
Lala Rokh
Madeline Rose Heising
Photography
Panificio
The Paramount
Peet’s Coffee & Tea
Salt Creek Catering
Shohreh Varmeh
Photography
The Sevens Ale House
Swissbäkers
The Tip Tap Room
Toscano
Whole Foods Market
Get involved
Our committees comprise volunteers working together from all over the neighborhood to assure that we all have a good quality of life here. We sponsor forums, social events, clean up days, holiday decorating and so much more. We welcome you to jump aboard.
Upcoming meetings:
Monday, Oct 6 6-8pm: Meet & Greet Monday, 75 Chestnut
Friday, Sept 30, 8-9am: Membership & Special Events Committee meeting, 74 Joy Street conference room
Tues Oct 4, 6:30-8pm: Streets & Sidewalks Committee meeting, 74 Joy Street conference room
Wed Oct 5, 7:30-9:30pm: Zoning & Licensing Committee meeting 74 Joy Street Gym