Offenbach's Great Buffoonery Operetta, "Orpheus in the Underworld"
July 26-29 - 8pm and on Sun 3pm
Strand Theatre, Upham's Corner
F R E E - Reserve tickets now
http://www.bostonoperacollaborative.org/tickets.php
Boston Opera Collaborative presents Jacques
Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld, July 26th-29th at the Strand
Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA. Thursday-Saturday
performances begin at 8:00pm, Sunday at 3:00pm. David Gram directs.
Maria Sensi Sellner conducts.
Free admission, thanks to the generous support of The Free for All Concert Fund, Inc.
Come watch an operetta which is an irreverent parody and scathing
satire on music of the period and which culminates in the risque
gallop infernal which became known as the music for the "Can-can" and
which Saint-Saens borrowed, arranging it for the strings to represent
the tortoise in The Carnival of the Animals.
While the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice may be familiar to many of
you, Offenbach's operetta takes the tragic tale and spins it into an
uproarious farce. In his version, Orpheus and Eurydice grow tired of
marriage and Eurydice welcomes her visit to Hell. Even the gods on
Mount Olympus stage a revolt to join the party! Only Public Opinion can
convince Orpheus to step in and try to save his wife from the best
party in all three worlds.
More Information on the Boston Opera Collaborative Performance
Uphams Corner Improvement Association Meeting
Tue, July 24, 2012 6:30 PM, Uphams Corner Health Center
Meeting Location subject to change: Please RSVP.
Contact UCImprove@gmail.com to confirm or call 617-436-8559. 
- Columbia Rd - The Emerald Necklace
- Is Uphams Corner the missing link in the Emerald Necklace?
Let's renew the green space from Franklin Park through Uphams
Corner
and on to Edward Everett Square. Bring your ideas.
Presented by Marti Glynn
- St. Kevin's Redevelopment
- Time for the community to speak up for innovation in the
redevelopment of that site. Currently proposed as ALL (100%)
subsidized housing. Artists lofts? Civic meeting space? Small
theaters to develop the arts? A PARKING GARAGE??? Bring
your ideas to create a continuing community dialog.
- The Mayor's New Initiative - Posted Street Cleaning - Just ask and it will be given unto you!!
- SeeClickFix - Another way to report problems to the City - easy to use
- The Black Baseball Mural - Let's petition to get it repaired.
- Lots More - Bring your ideas to the GRASS ROOTS organization.
Homes and Gardens Beautification Awards 2012
"Upham's Corner is Beautiful!" - Five more Awards Issued
What a
delight! Upham's Corner residents who are told they will be
receiving UCIA Homes & Gardens Awards express such joy and
excitement at hearing this. You can see the pride in their
faces. You can see the surprise - someone is actually paying
attention to their efforts and publicly lauding them and holding them
up as models to the community.
But it works both ways. The photographer, editor and presenters
from the Improvement Association are just as pleased to take part.
More certificates are in the works. UCIA encourages you to stop
by these addresses and take note of their beauty. Reach out and
congratulate the person who has put in all the hard work. You may
also contact UCIA directly to submit a nomination. UCImprove@gmail.com
Entertaining the Seniors at Carney Hospital
Wed Jun 13, 2012
An Upham's Corner / Roxbury team volunteered their time at Carney
Hospital to entertain the seniors at their June quarterly Senior
Supper. What a delight! There is nothing like "preaching to
the choir" - in this case "singing" - to make you feel like you are on
top of the world.
The Carney cafeteria was filled with Seniors who said they are grateful
to
wake up every morning. After dinner, listening to their favorite
show tunes, sing-a-longs and inspirational melodies, they clapped with
resounding enthusiasm, especially to the new verse to "Climb Every
Mountain" that opens
with "May God be with you."
Read More and Photos
Uphams Corner MainStreet Fundraiser a Good Time for All
June 14, 2012
 Uphams
Corner Mainstreets multi-year "Urban Safari" has been replaced by the
"Uphams Corner Adventure," - must closer to home (next door at the
Strand), more affordable ($30 instead of $50) and more welcoming.
You did not have to buy a ticket to get in and the best part of the
evening were performances by the Bird Street Youth Center dancers.
"We have worked hard to create a special event. As
you enjoy the Adventure, please take a moment to consider all of the
volunteer hours and donations it has taken to make this event possible.
We are grateful to have so many generous people committed to the
success of our neighborhood. Your support enables Upham's Corner Main
Street to succeed - thank you!"
Read More & Great Photos
Upham's Corner - a Destination for the Arts?
The Upham's Corner Arts Collaborative is looking towards the future of
Upham's Corner. The goal? Make Upham's Corner into a
destination for the arts. Here's an idea ...
Idea #1 - Just imagine a Mob Scene on Columbia Rd
directly in front of the Strand Theatre with the whole community
engaged in dance.
This YouTube video has so much energy, life and vitality. Can you
imagine this taking place on Columbia Rd right in front of the Strand
Theatre. Let's find a way to show Boston that Upham's Corner is
where it's happening.
Mob Scene - From Moscow to Upham's Corner with Love
Upcoming Events
Note: Click the "calendar" to help you add events directly to your calendar from the UC News .
Understanding Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime
Fri July 13, 2012, 6PM
Freedom House
14 Crawford Street
Dorchester, MA 02121
OPEN INVITATION TO ALL SURVIVORS OF HOMICIDE
VICTIMS, PROVIDERS SERVING FAMILIES IMPACTED BY HOMICIDE, COMMUNITY
MEMBERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, ETC FOR A COMMUNITY PRESENTATION
Read More
Area 324 Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Sun July 15th 3 pm
126 Dacia Street
BBQ Potluck, please bring an item to share
Agenda:
street cleaning signage
public use trash barrels
street lighting
Contact: area324neighborhoodwatch@gmail.com
Grove Hall Senior Workshop
Tue July 17, 2012
11 am to 1pm
United House of Prayer
206 Seaver St, Roxbury
The nuts and bolts of estate planning including durable power of
attorney, wills, trusts, etc. Bryan Hill from Capital Investments
and Jeanine Hall from Bank of America. She will speak on "Savvy
Seniors - Smarten Up about Finances."
More information - complete flyer and contact information
People in Harmony through Culture
Saturday, July 14, 2012 2pm - 6pm
The Reverend Allen Park
People in Harmony Through Culture is a multi-cultural festival sponsored by Bowdoin Geneva Main Street.
The Multi-Cultural Festival recognizes individuals, organizations and
businesses whose creative contributions enrich our community. Bowdoin
Geneva celebrates our respective cultural
heritages in harmony. July 14 will be a multi-dimensional
experience - an interplay of music, the visual arts and expressive
cuisine.
Join us - won't you? Free Event
More Information and sponsorship opportunities
Grovin' to Motown - Four Corners Main Street Fundraiser 
Friday, July 20, 2012 7pm
Four Corners Main Street (FCMS) - their annual fundraiser. "Put
on your finest and come out for a night of dinner and dancing that will
take you back to a time of Peace, Love, and Soul!" featuring Soul Sound Revue.
FCMS will present Mayor Menino a special award for his hard work and dedication to Four Corners Main Street.
More information
Dorchester Arts Collaborative - Tent at Peabody Square Farmer's Market
Every Friday - End of Season 2012
 Starting
July 6 DAC will have a tent at every farmers market for the duration of
the season, and welcomes all artists to join us with your work! The DAC
tent will be staffed. Just drop off your work for display and
sale, and pick up again at the end of the day. Small items like cards
and jewelry do not need to be picked up each week. Work will need to be
clearly priced and labeled, whether it is framed artwork, cards,
jewelry or clothing.
Finally, you would need to provide a detailed inventory. For more
information, or to schedule a Friday, write to us at
info@dac-online.org or call Margery at 617 298-4949. Better
yet--stop by and see us!!
Call to Artists
 Calling all artists!!
If you paint, draw, or sculpt, if you sew or weave or collage, if you
dance or sing, play in a band or solo, if you write or act or make
films, or if you do it all--let us provide you with an audience!
Register for Open Studios and join one of our group venues or open your
own studio on October 20th and 21st. We provide the maps, the ambiance,
the blow-out reception with live performances, and the buzz!
$10 for students/seniors/unwaged visual artists. If you are a
performer or film maker, please write to akunst@comcast.net directly
for more information.
Registration is open and will end on July 20th so don't put it off! Register online.
Need more information? Write to info@dac-online.org.
Free Photography Lesson at Franklin Park
Mon Jul 30, 2012 6PM
 The
Boston Parks and Recreation Department's ParkARTS is excited to host
the 3rd annual "Pics in the Parks" free photography workshops.
On July 30th, ParkARTS brings its free photography workshop to
Schoolmaster Hill, Franklin Park in Dorchester at 6pm. The workshops
are led by photography instructor Sarah Berry. Sarah is currently
pursuing a masters of Arts Administration at Boston University. She has
experience introducing photography to children, teens and adults.
For more info, visit www.cityofboston.gov/parks or call 617-961-3051.
National Night Out - Street Safe Boston
Mon Aug 6, 2012 2pm - 6pm
Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School
270 Columbia Road
 National
Night Out Boston 2012 is the 29th annual citywide celebration to unify
our communities throughout the City of Boston. This program cultivates
and strengthens partnerships between the community, youth, police, city
agencies and community-based organizations. National Night Out also
acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Neighborhood Crime Watch
groups, and seeks to increase participation in crime watch programs
among local residents.
Come have some fun & play in the sun:
Face painting, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Basketball and Baseball games,
Volleyball, Flag Football, popcorn, ice cream, Karaoke, Informational
tables and lots, lots more
More information
Plein Air Paint Sessions
Deadline for signing up: August 11, 2012
Dorchester Historical Society - with theory and critique provided by Vincent Crotty
August 25 through September 29 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.
(no class on Saturday, September 15)
Read More
UC News Recommends
Addicted to Plastic
Addicted to Plastic is
a documentary film focusing on a 2-year trip around the world
following the life cycle of plastic. The film makes the case
that all is not well in our world. Plastic has penetrated the food
chain and the ecosystem at disturbing levels. Consider the North
Pacific Central Gyre, aka the Eastern Garbage patch, where air pressure
and rotating water currents swirl and push all kinds of floating trash
to the water;s surface.
BNAN's RAIN CAMPAIGN
Deadline: July 31, 2012
Please help the Boston Natural Areas Network to build a sustainable water collection system that will
irrigate the City Natives nursery and save 9,000 gallons of city water
every year!
Goal: Raise $1,000 by the
end of July. Can you help? Thanks to those who have already donated, we now have $630
left to raise.
Enjoy the short video and then click here to donate!
Upham's Corner News Recommends from Around the Globe
Click here to see complete list of recommendations
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Juneteenth Celebration an Important Tribute to the Past
June 19, 2012
Boston was a proud participant in the Juneteenth Observance which
marks the true end to slavery in the United States. While the
effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation is January 1, 1863, the
date (in Texas) on which the final peoples held under slavery were
officially released was over two years later on June 19, 1865.
The Boston Juneteenth Committee began its planning for the 2012 event in
early spring and held a fundraiser on March 24 at the National
Center of Afro-American Artists to coincide with Aretha Franklin's birthday.
With an excellent turn out of close to 100 people, this year's
Juneteenth Celebration focused on the continuing issues of black people and their
path from slavery towards equality.
The formal program was in the spirit of worship with prayer, song,
readings and a "sermon" delivered by Professor Margaret Burnham.
A memorable and moving event, let's hope the celebration is supported
in the years ahead by a greater representation of all Bostonians.
Read More and Photos
SeeClickFix - An Alternate Way to Report Problems to the City of Boston
Boston's Citizens Connect is an award-winning system for
reporting issues to the City of Boston and for identifying and
participating in the activities and responsibilities of city
government.
SeeClickFix (SCF) is an alternative online system for reporting
problems that is currently under use by many municipalities throughout
the US including Boston.
Some municipalities, such as Sacramento, CA, use it as their primary
problem reporting system while others accept it as an alternate source
of
data (Boston). SeeClickFix is easy to use, both for creating an issue
and for adding comments to
existing issues.
UC News had the opportunity to review the Interface between
SeeClickFix and the City's onlne reporting system and is working with
both groups to improve its functionality.
Thank You DPW
One issue submitted by the Improvement Association through SCF was a request to have a trash barrel
installed in the 744-748 block of Dudley Street. The City
responded immediately. The ticket closed within hours. And
why? They had already completed the job. Residents began
using the barrel immediately.
Long stretch on Dudley with no
trash receptacle
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Residents began using the newly installed
trash barrel immediately
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View SeeClickFix map of outstanding issues report to the City.
 Photos of the Day
July 12, 2012
UC News encounters a wide variety of unusual and interesting photos
that "belong" to tiny news stories. This issue's catch:
"The Little Dude"
Officer Harold Gilbert visiting Uphams Corner
Stuffed human dummy on Quincefield St
Freshly painted garden bench at Pilgrim Church
Rat freshly killed by UC News dog on morning walk
Nancy Laundromat bites the dust
Homemade sauerkraut
ENJOY!
The Homeless at St. Kevin's - Reader Comments: "Shame on You!"
Jul 11, 2012
An "anonymous" reader of Uphams Corner News with fond memories of St.
Kevin's and the supreme contributions made by Fr. Kierce over his 50 +
years at the school read the UC News article on the homeless at St.
Kevin's and was deeply offended.
Written with a bit of outrageous humor - presenting the makeshift
cardboard beds set up by the homeless, surrounded by trash and litter -
almost as if they were alternate "vacation" sites, the article's
intention was NOT to make fun of the homeless. Quite the
opposite. It was to call attention to the absurdities of a
religious organization treating the St. Kevin's site in such a callous
manner.
The resulting exchange between UC News and the Letter to the Editor
author led to a new path of understanding and insight. She had written
to Fr. Ahern and asked if there was anything they could do to
help and was turned down. The Improvement Association had made a
similar suggestion to Fr. Ahern and was also turned down. [For details
on her comments, see Letter to Editor.]
Meanwhile she has started a Facebook page for St. Kevin's and it's WONDERFUL!
Read More
Virginia Monadnock Garden Issues a Sign of the Times
July 2, 2012
In June the Virginia Monadnock Garden was looking a little rough around
the edges, especially along the sidewalk in front of the garden. It
appeared that the gardeners (many of them not residents of Upham's
Corner, let alone the Virginia Monadnock area, were taking care of
their garden plots and blindly walking past the trash, weeds and litter
on the sidewalk.
Through the assistance of the Boston Natural Areas Network, who owns
the garden, things are looking a lot better. Commitments have been
made regarding the upkeep and the Westside Neighborhood Association
will be working with the gardeners on how to get more of the "locals"
assigned a plot.
Read More
Quality-of-Life Issues? Call 911 - Do NOT Hesitate - Call 911
July 10, 2012
At the July Westside Neighborhood Association meeting, residents held a
lengthy discussion about loud music from the same two
locations (as always) and the week long fireworks explosions associated with the
Fourth of July.
While one resident was convinced that 911 was for
emergency calls only, the police officer attending insisted that 911 is
also for
"quality of life" issues. If loud music, fire works, explosions, other
loud noises or anything else is disturbing your quality of life, do not
hesitate to call 911.
Read More
Community Drivers Needed - American Cancer Society
Ongoing
The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program is in great need
of volunteers to drive local cancer patients to and from their
chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, especially in need are local
patients receiving treatment at Boston area hospitals.
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 11,000 rides to cancer patients in Massachusetts last year,
but needs new volunteer drivers to keep up with the demand for
transportation.
Read More - Learn how you can volunteer
 Dorchester Historical Society's Dorchester Descendants Weekend
Artists from all around Dorchester exhibited their work as part of the
Dorchester Historical Society's Dorchester Descendants Weekend, June 30 & July 1.
Exhibiting artists include: Kyara Andrade, Vincent Crotty, Veda
Daly, Gary Gartley, Howie Green, Elaine Happnie, James Hobin, Jennifer
Johnson, Martha Kempe, Rob Littlefield, Ina Nenortas, David Stokle, Bob
Tobio and Barbara Ward.
View photos on Flickr
Calling It Quits - Uphams not Upham's
July 10, 2011
Two years ago, when UC News interviewed Zach Cohen, then Ex Dir of
Upham's Corner Mainstreet, he was ADAMANT about the correct spelling of
our fair city - "Upham's Corner" he said, not "Uphams Corner." UC
News followed suit.
But times have changed. Try searching the City of Boston
website. You will find both spellings and, sometimes, both
spellings in the same document. Apostrophes are difficult to include in
filenames so often a keyword of "upham's" contradicts a filename of
xxx-uphams-xxx.
The Boston Public Library (we understand) has officially dropped the apostrophe (check out the Uphams Corner branch).
Still, how would Mr. John Upham, who kept a dry food market in the
square for several years, feel if he thought we were changing his name
to Mr. John Uphams?
Maybe times haven't changed that much. Notice the enscription on
the postcard from 1910. Uphams Corner is missing its apostrophe,
a sign of things to come, albeit 100 years later.
The final blow was issued by one of our favorite websites - Wikpedia. They refer to Uphams Corner as a section of Dorchester - the apostrophe lost to the ages or maybe fallen overboard.
So Be It! From now on it's : Uphams Corner.
Nonquit Green Hosts Community Birthday Party
June 24, 2012
 The
Nonquit Street Neighborhood Association and Land Trust was established
in 1994 and the Nonquit Green opened on June 25, 2002, eight years
later. Ever since then, the "green" has served as a quiet and
safe space for local families to gather, relax and socialize.
On
June 24, almost exactly ten years after its opening, the Green was the
site of a birthday party for one of the community "regulars," Clarence
Brown. Family and friends gathered at the Nonquit Green.
Chef Gloria (Clarence's
wife) prepared the barbecue while Clarence and friends, including the
little ones, danced to the sounds of soul and hip-hop and rap.
The kids had so much fun they both fell down and scraped their
knees.
Read More - Great photos
From Prior Issues
Great Neighborhoods Sponsors PlaceMaking to Rethink Upham's Corner
May 31, 2012
The Fairmount CDC Collaborative is looking at the entire length of what
will become the Fairmount Greenway but on Thursday, May 31, all eyes
were on the Upham's Corner commuter rail station and nearby.
Underwritten by the MA Smart Growth Alliance, the Project
for Public Spaces facilitated a
workshop on how to look at our community through a new and exciting
lens - the "Public Spaces lens."
The results were astounding! (not to be biased). The normal way
of looking at the world as a sequence of disconnected dots was replaced
by the concept of continuity. The group learned how public spaces with limited and
focused function could be changed with little effort to welcome the whole of
a community. Empty spaces could be reconfigured to create connectedness.
In
less than three hours, attendees conducted assessments and presented
their findings on how to
change the feel,
accessibility, function and sense of community partnership at the
train station and on Dudley Street, east and west: The Kroc
Center, the train station, the Leon building and adjacent empty lot,
Nonquit Green and Dudley Terrace. Impressive!
More about the Public Spaces Workshop
Details on the workshop results below.
Creating Public Spaces is the Key
May 31, 2012
Based on crime statistics, Upham's Corner's reputation may be rightly
deserved but setting a goal to improve the stats by, for example, 5% or
even 10% is not the way to approach the issues.
A physically disconnected community engenders a psychological state of
disconnectedness among its citizenry. What message does a
derelict building or unkempt empty lot send to the people around it and
in the community as a whole? STAY AWAY!
What came out of the PPS (Project for Public Spaces) workshop was so important
for our community that Upham's Corner News has put in way more effort
than usual to report back (only some of) the workshop findings.
 The Kroc Center
Crowning glory of Upham's Corner but also a bit daunting and fortress
like in its appearance. At least that is what many of the PPS
participants said.
How can we open up that space? How can it seem less like a gaited
community? How does the surrounding community feel about the Kroc
Center? Is it open and welcoming to the whole of Upham's Corner
or only to those who opt to pay for entry?
Photos
indeed show a clean angular look bringing modernity to Upham's
Corner. They also demonstrate the Kroc Center's fortress - almost
prison-like feel from the
basketball court to
the locked and guarded soccer field and parking lot. ACCESS DENIED!
How can we as a community engage with the Kroc Center to "open" the space to the community?
Read More - photos current and during construction.
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Upham's Corner Fairmount Train Station
- The Fairmount Transportation Initiative is what the Mayor and the BRA
gave to Upham's Corner instead of a real planning initiative, so this
better do well by our fair city.
 Hanging
our hats on a train station to make a difference to Upham's Corner is
like asking visitors to the Strand Theatre to walk to the back of CVS
to park. T'ain't gonna happen. As if people would go to
South Station to come to Upham's Corner to shop!
Naysayers (sounds like us, doesn't it?) are quick to say: Can't
be done. PPS says: There are no obstacles. But right
now, our station is not as friendly, inviting and safe as it could
be. What can we do quickly, easily and cheaply to make a
difference? Read more - photos
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 Leon Building and Empty Lot
This monstrosity is the ugliest, most derelict building in Upham's
Corner, and the empty lot across the street doesn't help. What a total
waste of community asset.
Is it any wonder that Terrance Jones was murdered outside the Leon
Building? Both he and his murderer didn't choose to open fire at the Pilgrim Church in
the midst of their gardens or on Saturday while Community
Lunch was being served.
"Private
Property" is the by-word, the lens we see the world through.
Boston's Inspectional Services can
only go so far in trying to convince an owner to improve their property
which is permission for the owners to continue to "dump" on our
community, or do nothing.
How
about replacing the ugliness with some beauty. How about creating a SOWA style Open Market across the two spaces.
That's the idea posed by Javier Torres from the Boston
Foundation.
Read More - Photos
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 Nonquit Green
- A hidden and precious jewel in Upham's Corner.
Yet residents were
quick to identify that "the park" was not meeting their needs. A public
space becomes a community asset when it is fulfilling the needs of its
citizenry AND when it helps create connectedness and encourages
community involvement.
Residents, in the park when the PPS workshop toured, readily expressed their ideas on what would make
the Nonquit Green a truly valuable asset to Upham's Corner.
Read More - Photos
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 Dudley Terrace
What is this, the group asked? It wasn't obvious. A street? A
parking lot? A park? This question is a clue that this tiny alcove
would benefit from the PPS approach.
Two findings: Removal of the Dudley Terrace Park left a community
void and a memorial plaque to a murder victim goes unnoticed.
Friendly? Welcoming? Adding connectedness to the community? NO!
Read More - Photos
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 Tito Jackson Party Swings - a Turkey Fry to Beat all Others
May 26, 2012
Memorial Day weekend appeared to be the perfect time for Tito Jackson
to hold a party - a fundraiser for his campaign chest but also a time
for folks to get together and "hang."
The crowd was jovial and content. The food was delicious - deep
fried turkey, lasagna, peach cobbler, salad, beer, chips and more.
And the music played in surround sound mode.
Read more - Photos of Smiling Faces and Smiling Turkeys
How To: Add an Interactive Google Map to your Website
Jun 7, 2012
Consider adding an interactive Google map to your website, one
with markers that have special meaning to you - where you went on
your vacations, where you have lived or worked - a map that creates a
source of memories and nostalgia.
Visual displays dramatically improve the communications process, and
for a community based newspaper, the use of maps is essential. Not
being JavaScript savvy, UC News decided to document the multi-hour
learning process so anyone else could easily implement a map on their website.
Read more
Health Fair - a "Sweet" Success
Feb 25, 2012
Every Saturday is a celebration at the Pilgrim Church on Columbia
Road. From 12 noon to 1:30 PM, they serve a 100% free and a
100% nutritious lunch consisting of salad, fruit, veggies, a main
course and a dessert.
On this particular Saturday, Feb 25, it was cold and blustery outside
but inside the Pilgrim Church was serving lunch and teaching and
demonstrating about healthy eating as part of its Winter Health
Fair.
Shortly after the community guests took their seats, they were the
recipients of a presentation about the overabundance of sugar in the
normal diet - sugary foods that are pushed by the food industry,
presented by the local small grocers and then consumed by the
unassuming YOU.
To make the day even brighter the wonderful singers and musicians (including the kids) from
the Randolph Tabernacle Choir entertained. A great day for all.
Note: UC News was on assignment when this article broke, but it's still worth publishing even today.
Read More
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