Neighborhood Roundup

Malyszko Photography expands services

Malyszko Photography, a dynamic partnership between Michael Malyszko (photographer) and Judith Hughes (producer), has announced an expansion of their services to provide coverage of celebrations and personal portraiture.

Malyszko Photography has been serving commercial, educational and institutional clients for many years now, while on occasion turning the lens on their colleagues, friends and neighbors to capture their memorable occasions. Residents of Beacon Hill throughout the 1990s, Michael and Judith were active and engaged community members, including (in Judith’s case) as president of the board of the Beacon Hill Nursery School and as executive director of the Beacon Hill Civic Association. They invite you to visit their website at Malyszko.com and go to the “celebrating” page to see Michael’s unique way of preserving those cherished memories photographically.

‘Singing through Spring: from Handel to Sondheim’

Members of the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem’s Vocal Ensemble will give their spring concert at Church on the Hill 140 Bowdoin St., on Thursday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.  This event is free and open to the public.

The program will include arias from Henry Purcell’s “The Tempest” and George Frederick Handel’s “Alcina” and “Semele,” as well as songs from Clement Janequin’s “Trente et une Chansons,” Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Magnificant in D Major,” Giuseppe Verdi’s “Nabucco” and Georges Bizet’s “Oure Ton Coeur.” Movements from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Great Mass in C minor” and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” will also appear on this program, as well as some contemporary songs from Frank Henry Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” and Stephen Schwartz’s “Wicked,” along with a few surprises. A full reception with sweet and savory treats will follow immediately after the performance.

For more information, call 617-523-4575 or visit us www.churchonthehillboston.org.

Local Government Study Sessions

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., is offering Local Government Study Sessions on Saturdays, May 5 and June 2, from noon to 1:45 p.m.

The Bummer City Civic Engagement Coalition is a small, community organization dedicated to helping people learn about and engage with municipal government.  At these sessions, participants will discuss and study issues relevant to their communities (e.g. affordable housing), then craft and execute plans to address those issues. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

‘Dads & Donuts’ at Hill House

Hill House, located at 127 Mt Vernon St., presents
“Dads & Donuts” for all ages on Sunday, May 6, at 10 a.m.

Join Hill House for a morning of donuts and coffee (while supplies last) and play with all its gym equipment. This is a great time for dads to have fun with their kids and meet other fathers in the area.

Register at www.hillhouseboston.org.

King’s Chapel’s Tuesday Recitals

King’s Chapel, 58 Tremont St., presents its Tuesday Recitals. Admission is by suggested donation of $3 per person; the donations are given to the performing musicians. Programs begin at 12:15 p.m. and last approximately 35 minutes; for more information, call 617-227-2155.

Programming includes Kate Kayaian (cello) performing works by Bach, Harbison and Hovhaness on May 8; Boston Organ Studio, featuring Federico Coppo and Dor Amram, performing works by Buxtehude, Scarlatti and Durufle on May 15; Yi Li Chang (violin), Nicholas Southwick (flute) and Mary Jodice (organ) performing works by J.S. Bach on May 22; and Robert Simonds (violin) performing works by Bach, Bunch and Bacon on May 29.

Jane Austen-inspired film series

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., presents “Jane Austen: From Books to Film,” including screenings of  “Bride and Prejudice”  (2005, 111 minutes, PG-13) on Wednesday, May 9, at 3 p.m.; “Emma” (1996, 121 minutes, Rated PG) on Wednesday, May 16, at 3 p.m.; “Clueless” (1995, 97 minutes, Rated PG-13) on Wednesday, May 23, at 3 p.m.; and “Love & Friendship” (2016, 93 minutes, Rated PG) on Wednesday, May 30, at 3 p.m.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

‘Mom’s Night Out’ coming May 10

Hill House and Kodomo present “Mom’s Night Out” at the Firehouse, located at 127 Mt Vernon St., presents on Thursday, May 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Join Hill House at Firehouse and Kodomo for a casual glass of wine, appetizers and a chance to connect with other Boston moms, all for free. At this time, Hill House is opening up its gym for free play to guests, ages 0-5, which will be supervised by Summer Sitters.

All attendees need to register by May 7 at https://hillhousemoms.rsvpify.com.

Mother’s Day        wildlife walk

Just in time for Mother’s Day, join Mass Audubon’s naturalists and Esplanade Association staff as they walk along the Esplanade identifying different wildlife species. Families will receive a free pair of binoculars and play Wildlife Bingo. This event is part one of a series of four Family Adventures on the Esplanade this year.

The walks take place on Saturday, May 12, at 10 or 11 a.m. Learn more and register at http://esplanadeassociation.org/family-adventures/.

Boston Handbell Festival returns      May 15

The Back Bay Ringers presents the 12th annual Boston Handbell Festival, featuring performances by five New England handbell ensembles and cclaimed handbell composer and director Eileen Laurence, at the Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., on Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m.

To celebrate the history of the Festival, this year there will be a very special guest appearance by the Handbell Choir of the Perkins School for the Blind of Watertown.

Admission is free; seats may be reserved online at www.backbayringers.org and at the door.

Hidden Gardens tour returns May 17

The Beacon Hill Garden Club presents its Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Annual Tour takes place on Thursday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring 10 private gardens.

Tickets cost $50 each through May 10 and $60 a piece thereafter. Visit beaconhillgardenclub.org for more information.

Book Discussion Group to meet at West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., welcomes the Book Discussion Group on Thursday, May 17, at 3 p.m. The book for discussion will be “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, copies of which are available at the library.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

Learn new game at West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library at

151 Cambridge St. offers Chinese-style Mahjong on the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 2 to 4 p.m.

Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China during the Qing dynasty that is commonly played by four players. While similar to the Western card game rummy, it uses 144 tiles instead of cards. Instructors are Likam Lie and Nancy Martin.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

Esplanade 5K returns May 20

The 2018 Esplanade 5K presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts tales place on the Charles River Esplanade on Sunday, May 20, at 9 a.m.
To register or for more details, visit Esplanade5K.com. Use code “earlybird” for $5 off race entry, now through April 20. Are you interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Kelsey Pramik, marketing and events manager, at [email protected]. ‌

‘Story Time with the Boston Ballet’

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., presents “Story Time with the Boston Ballet” on Mondays, May 21 and June 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Children ages 2+ and their caregivers are invited to hear stories about a famous ballet or dancer. Each story time is supplemented with a movement experience that highlights major themes of the story. All story times are led by Boston Ballet faculty dance educators. Groups and individuals are welcome, and no registration required.

Hill House          senior dinners

Hill House serves a hot meal to the seniors of the community at 74 Joy St. on the third Tuesday of each month, including May 22, from 5 to 6 p.m.

No sign up is required for the seniors – they are more than welcome to come by for a meal and socialization.

Contact Meredith at Hill House (617-226-5838) for more information.

Nichols House Museum seeking     volunteer tour guides

The Nichols House Museum welcomes volunteers to join the museum as tour guides.

Guides provide vital support to the museum by leading high-quality tours to diverse audiences and communities. Hours are flexible, and orientation and training throughout the month of March are required.  Guides receive complimentary admission to the museum and all museum programming events. There are also regular opportunities for complimentary, behind-the-scenes visits to other local museums and cultural organizations.  Applicants should be interested in history, architecture, and decorative arts, and enjoy interacting with visitors of all ages. Tour Guides typically commit to half or full-day shifts.

To apply, complete the application form available on the museum’s homepage, www.nicholshousemuseum.org.

‘Antiques Roadshow Live’ at West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., presents a lecture called “Antiques Roadshow Live: Book Appraisals” on Thursday, May 10, at 6 p.m.          Brattle Book Shop proprietor and appraiser for PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow” Ken Gloss will speak on the value of old and rare books. He will show some of his favorite finds and describe the joys of the hunt, as well as explain what makes a book go up in value.  Bring your books, special or old magazines and newspapers, manuscripts, photographs, calendars, and other ephemera for a free oral appraisal at the conclusion of the event.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

Public speaking workshop

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., presents “You Can Quote Me on this: a Public Speaking Workshop” on Thursday, May 31, at 6:15 p.m.

Afraid of speaking in public?   Need to give a toast or speak at a meeting? This program, led by Kim Kerrigan of Corporate Classrooms, is helpful for anyone who must speak before small or large groups in a variety of settings.  Participants will learn how to gain confidence and improve their delivery style.  It is limited to 10 people., and pre-registration is required.  To register, contact Helen Bender via phone at 617-523-3957 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Josiah Quincy Elementary School anniversary celebration

The Josiah Quincy Elementary School’s 171st anniversary celebration takes place at Empire Garden Restaurant at 690 Washington St. on Thursday, May 31, at 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy a fun-filled night, which includes a 10-course traditional Chinese banquet, student performance, and online/live auctions. Online auction items being added daily. All proceeds to fund the school pool and enrichment programs. Visit www.supportjqes.org for more information and to purchase tickets, donate, or view online auction items.

BSNJ Community Children’s Chorus

The Boston Society of The New Jerusalem (BSNJ) Community Children’s Chorus is a comprehensive musical training program for children in the third through seventh grades.

Your child will be participating in a program that promotes: the love of music, expressive singing, teamwork-cooperative learning, building new friendships, self-assessment and the fun of being in an outstanding program.

The group meets at 140 Bowdoin St. on Saturday mornings. Tuition is free for any child with a Greater Boston-area address. All levels of singing ability are welcome. To register, contact Carlton Doctor at 617-523-4575 or visit www.churchonthehillboston.org (click on “music.”)

BSNJ/The Church On The Hill sponsors this initiative, but we are not promoting any religious ideology.

MGH seeking           volunteers

Massachusetts General Hospital Volunteer Department is seeking volunteers for its very busy office.  Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with a broad international community of volunteers, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks. Various shifts are available.

Contact Kim Northrup at 617-724-1826 for more information.

King’s Chapel’s Concert Series concludes

For its final concert of the 60th Concert Series season, King’s Chapel, located at 58 Tremont St., presents Choral Evensong with the King’s Chapel Choir and an organ recital by Heinrich Christensen on Sunday, May 20, at 4:30 p.m.

Admission is free. Call 617-227-2155 or visit www.kings-chapel.org/concert-series.html for more information.

‘Coloring for Adults’ at the West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., presents “Color Your World: Coloring for Adults“ on Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m.

At this time, the library will supply coloring pages, colored pencils, markers and crayons, or bring your own supplies if you prefer. Feel free to drop in between these hours.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

Spanish/English Language Exchange

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., presents the Spanish/English Language Exchange/Intercambio de Idiomas en Inglés y Español on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m.

At this time, English speakers can practice Spanish and Spanish speakers can practice English in this fun, informal conversation class.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

‘Jazz Tuesdays’ at Harvard Gardens

Harvard Gardens, located at 316 Cambridge St., presents “Jazz Tuesdays” with the Sean Oliver Trio on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

BSNJ Community Children’s Chorus

The Boston Society of The New Jerusalem (BSNJ) Community Children’s Chorus is a comprehensive musical training program for children in Grades 3 to 7.

Your child will be participating in a program that promotes: the love of music, expressive singing, teamwork-cooperative learning, building new friendships, self-assessment and the fun of being in a well organized program.

The rehearsals take place at 140 Bowdoin St. on Tuesday afternoons. Tuition is free for any child with a Boston address. All levels of singing ability are welcome. To sign up, please contact Mr. Doctor at 617-523-4575 or visit www.churchonthehillboston.org (click on “music”). The Church on the Hill sponsors this initiative but we are not promoting any religious ideology.

‘Preschool Story Hour’ at West End Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, 151 Cambridge St., offers the  “Preschool Story Hour” on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children, ages 3 to 5, and their caregivers join the children’s librarian for weekly stories, songs, rhymes and movement. This is a high-energy story time, and families, daycare and school groups are all welcome to drop in.

ESL conversation group resumes meeting at West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., welcomes the English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation group every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Come and practice your English language skills with other newcomers and a facilitator.

West End Playgroup meets on Tuesday mornings

The West End Community Center, located at 1 Congress St., welcomes the West End Playgroup on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. through the fall and winter.

This is a free drop-in time to let kids play and adults chat with one another. Small toy donations are welcome.

‘Toddler Time’ at the West End Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, 151 Cambridge St., presents  “Toddler Time” on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

At this time, children ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers join the children’s librarian for developmentally appropriate stories, rhymes, movement, and songs. Drop-in for families, and groups, should contact the library ahead of time at 617-523-3957.

Get homework help at the West End Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., offers homework help every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Get help from a Boston Public Schools teacher. No appointment necessary; simply drop in with your homework.

Call 617-523-3957 for more information.

Compassionate Friends group reaches out to bereaved parents and families

The Boston Chapter of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) meets at Trinity Church on the first Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

TCF is a national self-help, mutual-assistance organization offering friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents and their families. Call 617-539-6424 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

West End Food Pantry seeking donations

The West End Food Pantry needs help to continue serving its more than 120 clients per month. They welcome donations to replenish the supply of food that they give out to hungry residents in the neighborhood. The pantry is located in the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library and is staffed by volunteers from ABCD’s North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center. Non-perishable (canned and boxed) items are being sought, including rice, pasta, canned tuna, canned chicken, chili, beans, vegetables, cereal, soups, cup of noodles, etc.

Donations can be left at the library, 151 Cambridge St., on Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteers needed for hot meal program

The North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC), located at 1 Michelangelo St., serves a hot, fresh, home-cooked lunch to seniors in the neighborhood Mondays and Fridays, and is looking for two volunteers to help with shopping, food preparation, cooking, serving and clean-up. The non-profit providing services and programs to low-income residents of the North End, West End and Beacon Hill is looking for volunteers who can assist with the whole meal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a Monday and/or Friday, but can make arrangements to fit your schedule.

Contact Maria Stella Gulla, director, at 617-523-8125, ext. 201, via e-mail at [email protected] for more information.

Introduction to       laptops, eReaders and iPads at the West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, 151 Cambridge St., offers an introduction to laptops, eReaders and iPads by appointment only. Get the most out of your eReader or Laptop. Receive tips and guidance during these one-on-one sessions. Call Branch Librarian, Helen Bender at617-523-3957 or e-mail [email protected] to set up an appointment.

Join the Downtown Boston Rotary Club

The Downtown Boston Rotary Club, the first new Rotary Club in Boston in 100 years, holds meetings at the UMass Club in the Financial District on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

For more information, visit www.dbrotary.org or call 617-535-1950.

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