Neighborhood Roundup

‘A Concert of Captivating Vocal Gems’

 The Boston Society of the New Jerusalem Concert Series opens with a vocal concert on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at 140 Bowdoin St. (across the street from the State House). The venue is handicap accessible. 

The concert features Carlton Doctor and Lisa Sheppard Hadley. Doctor, A native of Washington, D.C., has performed with the Opera Company of Boston, Vermont Opera Artists, New England Spiritual Ensemble, Bowdoin College, Boston Symphony Orchestra and most recently with the Boston Lyric Opera.  He is currently the music director at the Church on the Hill. Hadley, a Haverhill native, sang the role of The Teacher in the world-premiere reading of the Elena Ruehr opera, “Crafting the Bonds”; performed at MIT; and performed with Cranberry Coast Concerts, alto solos in Mozart’s “Requiem” and the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. She also portrayed Dolores in the original musical “Always Remember” by Marilyn Morales and continues to sing with Labyrinth Choir, Cappella Clausura, Joyful Noyse, Church On The Hill, and Temple-Emanu-el.  

They will perform “What Can We Poor Females Do?” by Henry Purcell; “So Pretty” by Leonard Bernstein; “Johanna” by Stephen Sondheim; “None But The Lonely Heart” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; “Habenera” by Georges Bizet; “Who Could Ask For Anything More?” – a medley by George and Ira Gershwin; “Alto’s Lament” by Zina Goldrich; and more. This is a benefit concert, and tickets are $10. There will be a reception to follow with treats for all.

For more information and tickets, call 617-523- 4575 or visit  http://churchonthehillboston.org.

Nichols House  Museum lecture, tours

The Nichols House Museum Lecture Series presents “Brock Jobe, In Search of Good Design: The Impact of British Design Books on 18th-Century American Furniture” on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury St.

During the 1700s, British furniture makers produced more than a dozen volumes of furniture designs. None achieved greater fame than Thomas Chippendale’s Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director. Yet all of them made their way to America and impacted cabinetmakers from Portsmouth, N.H., to Charleston, S.C. Join Jobe for an armchair journey along the Atlantic Coast as he examines the role of design books in shaping the appearance of American furniture. In the process, we will discover the English connections to many of the grandest American pieces.

Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for Nichols House Museum and New England Historic Genealogical Society members; and $10 for students. Call 617-227-6993 to reserve tickets.

Also, the Nichols House Museum, located at 55 Mount Vernon St., will be closed in September and October due to the implementation of a new climate-control system and reopen in November. 

Concert at King’s Chapel Parish House

King’s Chapel Parish House at 64 Beacon St. presents a concert with violinist Zina Schiff and pianist Heinrich Christensen performing works by Copland, Still, Bloch and more on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m.

Admission is    free, but donations to benefit Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry will be gratefully accepted at this time.

King’s Chapel’s Tuesday Recitals

King’s Chapel, 58 Tremont St., presents its Tuesday Recitals. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 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 Angelica Duo: Anita Fetsch Felix (violin) and Beverly Wesner-Hoehn (harp) performing works by Friedman, Massenet and Saint-Saens on Sept. 24; Karl Henning Ensemble performing works by Henning and Marshall on Oct. 1; Germany’s Jena Jubilee Singers performing gospel favorites on Oct. 8; Karen Beaumont on C.B. Fisk organ performing early dance music for the organ on Oct. 15; Denmark’s Camerta Chamber Choir performing Scandinavian choral music on Oct. 22; and Kyle Bertulli on C.B. Fisk organ performing works by Mendelssohn and Rheinberger on Oct. 29.

Business networking on the Hill

The Beacon Hill Business Association and Beacon Hill Network are co-sponsoring open business networking here in Beacon Hill. This monthly event kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 8.p.m. at Sevens Ale House, 77 Charles St. The event will take place monthly, alternating between the Sevens and 75 Chestnut on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 6-8pm. This event is open to anyone who would like to do business networking in our local community. 

“We wanted to create an opportunity for business networking here in Beacon Hill because we saw a gap,” “ said Emily Claire, Beacon Hill Network president. “Beacon Hill has so many opportunities for social networking. People here like to get together. We wanted to create a space where people in the neighborhood could gather for open business networking. We hope this supports the local storefront businesses as well as individuals, business owners, and service and professionals in the area. The whole idea is to strengthen our community.”

Hill House NFL Flag Football League

Hill House, Inc. located at 127 Mount Vernon St., is in the midst of running its second season of the Boston NFL Flag Football League, an officially licensed NFL Flag Football program, which takes place on Sunday mornings from now until Nov. 10 at Clemente Field in Boston. The league currently boasts more than 130 players and is open to children citywide in Grades K-7. All teams and leagues are co-ed and allow children the chance to play non-contact football while developing skills and having fun. 

For more information on registering for the league as a player, team, or becoming a volunteer coach, contact Marshall Caldera,  [email protected].

Children’s programs at the West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 151 Cambridge St., offers “Music with Megan” on Fridays from Sept. 20 to Nov. 8 (no class Oct. 4) at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers join Megan to play rhythm instruments, sing, and move to all kinds of music. This program is ideal for children birth to age 5 with caregivers. Families will be admitted on a first come, first-served basis the day of the program, but other groups can’t be accommodated.

Also, the library offers Sherry Eskin’s Toddler Time through Nov. 6 (no class Oct. 9) at 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and their families join Sherry Eskin for developmentally appropriate songs, stories, and lots of movement. This program is intended for individual child-caregiver pairs. Come prepared to engage with your child(ren).

‘World Alive! Celebration’ returns Oct. 3

ArtsEmerson presents its fourth annual “World Alive! Celebration” on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel at 200 Boylston St.

This fundraising event will honor Cicely Tyson with ArtsEmerson’s inaugural Decade Award, which will be presented every 10 years to an artist who best represents the goals of ArtsEmerson for a performance in the preceding decade. Tyson reprised her Tony Award-winning performance as Carrie Watts in Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote’s beloved American classic “The Trip to Bountiful” at ArtsEmerson in 2014.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at  www.ArtsEmerson.org.

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

 The Massachusetts General Hospital Volunteer Department is seeking volunteers to help families connect with loved ones after surgery.  Candidates must have the ability to walk extensively, and to push a person in a wheelchair.  Shifts are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 2 to 6 p.m. 

Contact Kim Northrup at 617-724-1826 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.

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.

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 noon to 1:30 p.m. Come and practice your English language skills with other newcomers and a facilitator.

West End Playgroup meets 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.

Get homework help at the West End Branch 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, 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 [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.

Yoga for seniors at the West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, 151 Cambridge St., presents yoga for seniors every Tuesday from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Classes are led by Tatiana Nekrasova, a certified yoga instructor.

Volunteer at Spaulding Rehab

Stay active, meet new people and be connected with your community by volunteering at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Staff members will match your skills and interests to a volunteer opportunity. The hospital is currently recruiting volunteers, ages 18 and up, for two- to three-hour-a-week shifts for a minimum of six to 12 months commitment. Visit  www.spauldingnetwork.org for more information.

After-work tai chi group at the West End Branch Library

The West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, 151 Cambridge St., welcomes after-work tai chi group every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. Come and try this low impact energy exercise with yang-style tai chi instructor Arthur Soo-Hoo.

Volunteers needed for American Cancer Society cosmetic sessions

The American Cancer Society is currently seeking volunteers for the “Look Good…Feel Better” sessions held at Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St. “Look Good . . . Feel Better” is a free program that teaches cancer patients hands-on cosmetic techniques to help them cope with appearance-related side effects from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Cosmetologists certified and trained by the American Cancer Society conduct the sessions, which are non-medical and do not promote any product line. Volunteers are needed to assist the cosmetologist conducting the session and are responsible for set-up, cleanup, and any other needs of the program. Programs are held from noon to 2 p.m., one Monday every other month. For more information or to volunteer, contact Nanyamka Hales at 781-314-2611 or via e-mail at [email protected], or visit cancer.org.

Be a friend to elderly in need

FriendshipWorks seeks caring people to offer help and support to isolated elders in the Boston area. Volunteers are needed to provide companionship and assist elders with tasks such as reading, organizing, or going for a walk – lend an hour each week and gain a friend and a new perspective. Volunteers also needed to escort elders to and from medical appointments. No car is needed and hours are flexible. For more information or to apply online, visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.fw4elders.org” www.fw4elders.org or call 617-482-1510.

Local residents needed to drive cancer patients to and from treatment

The American Cancer Society is in great need of Road to Recovery volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. An integral part of treating cancer successfully is making sure cancer patients receive their treatments, but many find making transportation arrangements is a challenge. The American Cancer Society provided more than 19,000 rides to cancer patients in New England last year, but needs new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for transportation.

Make a difference in the fight against cancer by becoming a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery. Drivers use their own vehicle to drive patients to and from their treatments. The schedule for volunteers is flexible, and treatment appointments take place weekdays, primarily during business hours. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Road to Recovery, contact your American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.cancer.org/”www.cancer.org.

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  HYPERLINK “http://www.dbrotary.org” www.dbrotary.org or call 617-535-1950.

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