December Thieves happenings
December Thieves is partnering wit the French Cultural Center for the Clair-obscur fashion show on Friday, April 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the French Cultural Center at 53 Marlborough St.
The clair-obscur-themed fashion show, which contrasts light and dark, will feature seven emerging designers from across the globe, including Rundholz Apparel and Trippen Footwear from Germany, Lurdes Bergada from Spain, NostraSantissima from Italy, Studio B3 from Poland, Nuit Atelier from Canada and Christian Restrepo from Boston; live music; and more than 30 exclusive looks.
The fashion show is comprised of two fashion collection showings with a 10-minute intermission in between. The evening with a wine and hors d’oeuvre reception where guests can mingle and meet the designers. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres crafted by Chef Cyrille Couet courtesy of Colette Bistro. and an open wine bar will be provided.
The event is curated by Lana Barakat of Beacon Hill’s December Thieves boutique, and Boston-designer Christian Restrepo and Toronto, Canada’s Nuit Atelier will present their own creations during the show.
Tickets cost $65 general admission and $45 each for French Cultural Center members, and can be purchased at https://frenchculturalcenter.org/events/clair-obscur-fashion-show-with-december-thieves/.
Also, December Thieves will be hosting an in-store, pop-up and designer meet-and-greet event featuring the launch of the spring collection from Nuit Atelier on Saturday, April 6, from noon to 6 p.m. at 51 Charles St. A champagne and charcuterie reception will also take place from 2 to 4 p.m.
R.S.V.P. to [email protected].
Award-winning bassist and composer Xavier Foley to make Boston debut
Award-winning bassist and composer Xavier Foley will be performing a program of both new and old in his Boston debut as part of the Weekend Concert Series on Sunday, April 7, at 1:30 p.m. in Calderwood Hall at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum at 25 Evans Way.
His program includes Serge Koussevizky’s “Chanson Triste” (1906), Leonard Bernstein’s “For Serge Koussevitzky” (1934) and new work by Foley himself.
Tickets, which are required and include Museum admission, may be purchased in advance at www.gardnermuseum.org or at the door.
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 Café Barcelona,” with guitarist Peter Griggs performing works by Jobim, flamenco music and more, on April 9; Emily Bieber-Harris (soprano) and Heinrich Christensen (organ) performing works by Bach, Brahms and more on April 16; Circa Harmonie Boston performing the “Mozart Serenade” on April 23; and Some Assembly Required, featuring spiritual works by Stravinsky, Still and more, on April 30.
Hill House’s Senior Dinners
Hill House serves a hot meal to the seniors of the community on the third Tuesday of each month, including April 16 and May 21, at 74 Joy St.
No sign up is required for the seniors, and they are more than welcome to come by for a meal and socialization. Volunteers are always welcome at Senior Dinners, and little ones can help, too.
Contact [email protected] or 617-227-5838 ext. 22 to learn more about the requirements for this monthly event.
Hidden Gardens tour returns May 16
The Beacon Hill Garden Club presents its Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Annual Tour takes place on Thursday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets cost $50 each through May 9 and $60 each thereafter.
Also, the fourth annual Soiree to benefit the Garden Club’s civic projects takes place on Wednesday, March 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the King’s Chapel Parish House at 55 Branch St. The event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a jazz combo, and guests will be able to preview three gardens featured on the tour. Tickets cost $150 each until May 9 and $175 each afterwards.
Visit beaconhillgardenclub.org for more information on both events.
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.
‘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.
‘Preschool Story Hour’ at West End Branch 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 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 Branch 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 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 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.
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 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 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 www.dbrotary.org or call 617-535-1950.
A Kaleidoscope of Musical Gems
On Sunday, May 5, 2019 come to the Church On The Hill for a concert of music written by composers from Antonio Vivaldi to Undine Moore. The concert will begin at 3:00 PM. Some of the music to be performed will be:Ce Moys De May, Il desio di Vendetta a di Morte (from Lucio Silla), Schon eilet froh der Akkermann (from Seasons), Spring (from The Four Seasons), Alma Brasileira, En Une Seule Fleur, Love Let The Wind Cry…How I Adore Thee and many more.
This concert is free and open to the public but you must have a ticket. A reception immediately following (the concert site is handicap accessible).Come to 140 Bowdoin Street, Beacon Hill (across the street from the State House). For more information phone: 617-523-4575 or visithttp://churchonthehillboston.org.