Uphams Corner News Index

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Black History Month Poetry

Image Courtesy http://www.mass-vacation.com

Touched by the Heart of Truth

by Carolle Nau

One never really knows the true
pain which strikes another.

But if your heart still beats you’ll
feel it when you read someone
else’s story.

I felt my heart being touched when
a well of water cupped an eye as
I read them.

Amazing people like Desmond Tutu,
Booker T Washington, Ella Fitzgerald
and Nelson Mandela, and many, many
more changed the world just by
being alive.

Posted: February 12, 2013

Read More

The Sounds of Blackness

from "28 Days of Poetry
Celebrating Black History"

by Latorial Faison (2006)

In my heart there lies no defeat
But in my bosom a triumphant and rhythmic beat
And while my spirit dances with gladness
I am quick to recall the sounds of blackness.

I hear the moaning and the wailing
Of native Africans held captive on ships sailing
As though it were my youth of yesterday
Whispering truths to ears in dark dismay.

The long, persistent motherland call
Of anxious hope and justice for all
As though it beckoned from higher heights
I hear the songs of steal away nights.

Posted: February 12, 2013

Read More

I Need to Know

from "28 Days of Poetry
Celebrating Black History 2"

by Latorial Faison (2008)

I need to know
My original name
I need to know
Without any shame

I need to know
About African slave castles
I need to know
About White slave masters

I need to know
About the slave trade
I need to know
How America was made

Posted: Feb 12, 2013

Read More

Remember' - Dedicated to the makers of Black History

by Robby Thomas

Remember when justice was partial to Langston's hue, and the world made Billie Holiday blue,
. . .
when Malcolm went to Mecca - changed his mind, Cassius became Ali - Liston passed his prime,
. . .
And, it was to help a son who with Dreams from his father,
Dared to become the most powerful vision of hope in America, if not the world

remember?

Posted: Jan 26, 2013

Upham's Corner InSight into the News

Following the Seige by Nemo, Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino Deserve Praise
Feb 10, 2013

Suffolk Cty Long Island NY

Boston Business Journal took Gov Patrick to task for 'protecting us from ourselves' with the driving ban, suggesting with light but earnest sarcasm: "Thanks but no thanks. Our freedoms, not big government, come first."

Citing conditions in another Suffolk County (NY) that led to hundreds of abandoned cars because there was no driving ban, UC News praises both Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino for handling Nemo challenges admirably.

Snow Removal Strike Force Plan Announced
Mon, Feb 11, 2013

The Office of the Mayor has announced a "Snow Removal Strike Force Plan."

As clean-up continues in the City of Boston, Snow Removal Strike Force teams are being deployed across the City in a coordinated effort to remove piles of snow from roadways and intersections. Work will continue throughout the day and night.

Snow Removal Strike Force Teams

Boston Public Works Department (Joanne Massaro, Commissioner)
Boston Transportation Department (Thomas Tinlin, Commissioner)
Boston Police Department (Edward Davis, Commissioner)
The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (Jay Walsh, Commissioner)

Deployments are happening across the City and work is to continue through the night.

Nemo - Blizzard of 2013 - Photos of Kids & Nature
Feb 9, 2013
Dad and son out in the snow

Walking around, as difficult as it was, led to kids playing everywhere, - throwing snowballs and huge clumps of snow at each other and just having a lot of fun.

For the adults, taking a walk before the snow evaporated, got trampled and covered with soot - that was like going on vacation.

What was there to find? All the different ways the buildings and trees and signs and fences had been painted in lacy white.

Nemo - Blizzard of 2013 - Photos of Uphams Corner Business District
Feb 9, 2013

Covered in white

The main streets, Dudley, Columbia Rd and Stoughton, remained devoid of cars for hours after the storm dissipated but pedestrians and bicyclists were heading over to the few businesses open early: CVS, Brothers Market and the liquor store.

Everywhere the snow had artistically decorated the buildings in layers of white, each painting unique and each adding ephemeral beauty to the business district.

Public Works Meeting: Uphams Corner Roadway and Urban Design Improvements
Feb 12, 2013 6:00 PM

At a community meeting in Uphams Corner on Feb 12, the Public Works Department will be presenting a set of recommended designs for the improvement of the "corridor" between the Strand Theatre and the City Parking Lot behind the businesses (CVS) on Dudley Street in Uphams Corner.

This is an important meeting because it gives residents and all stakeholders an opportunity to express their opinions on what is right for Uphams Corner.

Posted: Feb 4, 2013

The Sinking of The Dorchester - 70th Anniversary - Honoring Those who Died
Posted: Feb 9, 2013

USAT Dorchester

On February 3, 1943, a German U-Boat captain gave the command to attack The Dorchester. Within 27 minutes, the transport ship with 902 people on board sank, taking the lives of 700 officers, servicemen and civilian workers.

In that final half hour, the selfless efforts of four clergy on board helped save many lives. 2013 marked the 70th anniversary of this tragic event.

Count Down to Earth Day 2013
April 22, 2013

According to Earth Day Network, more than one billion people from around the world will be taking part in the 43rd Anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2013.

"Climate Change" has been selected as this year's focus - with unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather, loss of species, and pollution.

Organizing groups will be reaching out to their peers to help them understand how to be part of the solution.

Uphams Corner News is starting early, marking the countdown to Earth Day with articles focused on our stewardship responsibility - taking care of Planet Earth.

We begin our understanding of Earth Day by looking at how "International" the event has beome.

Earth Day - since its founding in 1970 - 43 years of Environmental Progress.

(see article following)

Earth Day International - April 22 - Largest Civic Event in the World
Posted: Feb 7, 2013

Gaylord Nelson, environmental activist and US senator from Wisconsin, is credited as having created the first Earth Day in 1970. Today, it is is the largest civic event in the world, uniting more than 1 billion people under the Flag of Planetary Stewardship.

Earth Day helps remind us that we live in a world that requires personal commitments from everyone. "Every day is Earth Day."

Earth Day helps to rekindle public commitment, build community activism and broaden the base of support for environmental programs.

73 Days Until Earth Day

Elected Officials: More Time Needed to Review BPS School Choice Plans
EAC School Choice Plans

Feb 4, 2013

Twelve Boston area elected officials have signed a letter stating their constituents, stakeholders and families are requesting more time to review and understand the most recent school choice plans.

The EAC is moving too quickly - planning a final vote within two weeks of its unveiling to the public. The letter co-signers are asking the EAC to delay the scheduled February 9th vote to allow the public more time.

Art Morpheus & DAC Collaborating on: New Art Love App
Thu, Feb 14, 2013 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

DAC

Unveiling of the New Art Love app which provides artists' communities with access to Open Studios info and a website anyone can use to discover local artists 365 days/year.

Join ARTMORPHEUS Director, Liora Beer, and Dorchester Arts Collaborative's Andrea Kunst on Thu Feb 14, 2013 for more information about the app and a Dorchester Arts Collaborative update.

Please RSVP by 2/11 akunst@comcast.net

Victory Programs Dinnerfest Party + Auction
Sun, Feb 24, 2013

Over 100 packages from some of Boston’s most exciting and acclaimed restaurants will be up for auction plus raffling off 2 round-trip tickets courtesy of JetBlue and live auctioning of a few incredible vacation packages!

Sunday, February 24, 2013
3:00-6:00pm

The Brahmin Restaurant
Back Bay, Boston

** Concert cancelled due to Storm ***

Guitar & String Ensemble Playing Bach (Free Concert)
St. Chrysostom's Quincy

Aaron Larget-Caplan, guitar
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 7:30pm
St. Chrysostom's Episcopal Church, Quincy

Special guests: Nicole Parks and Farley Kelly-Masterton, violins, Faith Jones, viola, Nora Karakousoglou, cello.

Program includes Bach, Tarrega, Siegfried and more.

Posted: Jan 21, 2013

Tweet: All @BPLBoston libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 & Sunday 2/10. #bosnow

Friends of the Uphams Corner Library
Sat Feb 16, 2013 9:30AM

THE FRIENDS OF THE UPHAMS CORNER LIBRARY meeting originally scheduled for 02/09/2013 is cancelled due to the inclement weather.

We have re-scheduled our meeting for Saturday (09/16/2013) at 9:30 a.m. Take care and be safe!

Thank you. Josette Teneus saveuclibrary@gmail.com

*** Rescheduled for Mar 9 - Read Letter Here ***

"Cultivating Lands, Nourishing Communities, Building Businesses"
Feb 9, 2013

Urban Farming Conference (UFC) being held Sat, Feb 9, 2013 at Roxbury Community College in Boston - a forum to share information regarding what is currently happening with urban agriculture and to map out a vision for its future in Massachusetts.

The conference is being presented by City Growers and the Urban Farming Institute (UFI) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).

Posted: Jan 21, 2013

Postponed - new date to be announced

Fairmount Corridor-wide Advisory Group Meeting
Mon, Feb 11, 2013
6:30pm to 8:30pm

Due to this weekend’s storm and difficult travel today, we will be POSTPONING tonight’s Fairmount CAG meeting to a later date. Thanks! Jeremy Rosenberger

Just a friendly reminder!! The Fairmount Corridor-wide Advisory Group meeting will be:

Monday, February 11, 2013
6:30pm to 8:30pm

Hyde Park Municipal Building, Basement
1179 River Street, Hyde Park

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For more information, please visit our website http://www.fairmountindigoplanning.org or contact:

Ines Palmarin, Co-Director
617.918.4434 Ines.Palmarin.BRA@cityofboston.gov

Jeremy Rosenberger, Co-Director
617.918.4431 Jeremy.Rosenberger.BRA@cityofboston.gov

Boston Redevelopment Authority
One City Hall Square | Boston, MA 02201-1007

Digital Content Curation

(click here) About Town in Greater Uphams Corner

Hyde Jackson Sq Main St for Feb 12
Sarah Takagi - piano 2/17/13 GBHC
Dorchester Arts Collaborative Events Listing for 2/10/13
Historic Boston Newsletter Jan 2013
SCI Social Capitalist Fundraiser #4/3/13
Planning 101 at MAPC
BNAN - Embrace the Winter
Discover Roxbury Expanding
Savin Hill Mural - Life of Christ
Hyde Sq Main Street E-blast
First Parish about to install Steeple
Much more

(click here) Sustainable Planet

T-shirts drink water - tons of it
Working Woodlands
Year ahead in Food Policy
The "ELF" mini mobile
Bathroom reinvented
70 Acre lab for sustainable living
Lots More

What is "Digital Content Curation"?

So much excellent content is available on the web. Why not share it? Scoop.IT is a content curation mechanism that allows easy access to other content, "scooped up" and included in a Scoop.It "blog."

Uphams Corner News has two such blogs (shown above). We like sharing the best with the best.

Urban Edge Open House
Thu, Feb 14, 2013

Urban Edge: 'We love our neighborhoods!'

Open house thu feb 14, 2013. Information on programs and services, latest updates on renovation projects, new building projects, tasty refreshments.

The Da Vinci Commission, a Staged Reading
Fri, Feb 15, 2013/

Can't Wait Productions Presents

"The Da Vinci Commission," a new play by MJ Halberstadt. Can't Wait Productions, directed by Josh Burlingham, presents a staged reading of this new play.

The performance is taking place on Friday evening, February 15, 2013 at the home of the Dorchester Arts Collaborative, 157 Washington Street in Dorchester.

Reserved tickets available online at http://www.cantwaitproductions.com/tickets

Posted: Jan 27, 2013

Boston Ballet - Dance at the Strand Theatre
Fri, Feb 15, 2013

Boston Ballet at the Strand Theater is a FREE presentation featuring Boston Ballet's signature range of repertoire including classical and contemporary works.

Boston Ballet will present two performances, one for the schools and one for the general audience in the evening.

Brought to you by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events, and Boston Public Schools at The Strand Theatre on February 15, 2013.

Posted: Jan 20, 2013

Open Mic Poetry Night at the Uphams Corner Library
Tue Feb 19, 2013, 4PM.

Open Mic Night UC Library 2/19/13

Poetry in all languages including English, Spanish, Cape Verdean, and Vietnamese. All styles of poetry, all ages welcome - clean language only.

Each poet gets 3 minutes maximum, up to 25 performers. Pre-registration encouraged.

Posted: Jan 22, 2013

Two Plays in One: A Raisin in the Sun & Clybourne Park /
Wed, Feb 20, 2013, 7PM.

Members of the casts of the Huntington's A Raisin in the Sun and SpeakEasy Stage Company's Clybourne Park come together at the Strand Theatre for this special event

Hosted by Karen Holmes Ward of WCVB-TV Channel 5, the evening will feature :

performances of scenes from each of the two plays
panel conversation moderated by Ward and the two directors
A time for Q&A with the artists
The chance to win tickets to both plays.

Event is free but RSVP in advance is appreciated.

Boston Youth Fund - Hopeline 2013 Registration
Feb 1 - Mar 3, 2013

Boston Youth Fund Hopeline

Apply to the BYF HOPELINE to be considered for employment with the Boston Youth Fund for the summer of 2013!

Positive job experiences for youth are essential for teens, not just a paycheck. A quality work experience allows the youth of Boston an opportunity to discover and explore their talents while contributing to the well being of their community.

Boston Youth Fund Goals

Discover and develop new skills
Gain an understanding of the workforce
Acquire a sense of responsibility and teamwork
Broaden the sense of community
Form lasting relationships

Posted: Jan 11, 2013

More Upham's Corner Public Calendars
BPL	DSNI	MAPS	Strand	UCHC	UCMS	COB	MyDot

Project R.I.G.H.T February Full Membership Meeting
Feb 5, 2013 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The community is invited to Project R.I.G.H.T's Full Membership Meeting. Councillor Felix Arroyo will provide introductory remarks.

The many constituent groups comprising Project R.I.G.H.T will provide updates including Grove Hall Getting Healthier, the Grove Hall Peace Council and the Neighborhood Response Team, among others.

Several organizing campaigns being led by Grove Hall residents will also be providing updates. Arrive by 5:30 for delicious dinnner. The meeting starts at 6:00pm.

Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) Setting the Ground Rules
Feb 2, 2013

At the Uphams Corner Visioning Forum on Feb 2, the BRA included in their attendee information packets a set of "Ground Rules" they have accumulated over the course of many community meetings .

The rules are updated whenever anyone finds another quality standard that helps participants understand acceptable behavior in a community context. 'Yes, they helped,' said Jeremy Rosenberger, co-chair of the Fairmount Initiative, though he admitted a couple attendees refused to take off their 'naysayer hats.'

Excellent set of rules, applicable to all community groups. Adopt them!!

Congressman Capuano Files Legislation Restricting Access to DMF Data
Feb 2, 2013

Congressman Capuano has filed legislation to restrict access to SSNs in the DMF (Death Master File) based on a recommendation from the Taxpayer Advocacy Service (TAS).

While this will stop some tax-related identity theft, it will also unduly restrict access to key information for genealogy research.

This is especially if SSN's in the DMF are permanently restricted.

In-depth look at history of the problem.

DPW Schedules Marijuana Law "Listening Sessions"
Feb 3, 2013

Question 3 passed in 2012 and allows for the physician-authorized use of cannabis as a therapeutic option for qualified patients.

The Commonwealth's Department of Public Health has until May 1, 2013 to devise regulations for implemention. hree 'listening sessions' are scheduled statewide, on in Boston on February 14, 2013. Other organizations are holding information sessions as well.

The Marijuana Policy Project is a nonprofit founded in 1995 to reform US marijuana laws provides a history of reforming marijuana laws in Massachusetts.

Boston and Cambridge Joint Hearing to Focus on Metropolitan Area Talent Retention
Feb 4, 2013

Boston and Cambridge are both centers for technology and innovation but many challenges lie ahead including how to retain the talent needed to maintain and grow each city’s economic vibrancy.

According to an upcoming 'Talent Magnets' report by the World Class Cities Partnership (WCCP), approximately 53% of 2005 college graduates left Boston for another city.

At the WCCP-sponsored Chatham Forum on January 25, 2013, Boston City Councillor Tito Jackson and Cambridge City Councillor Leland Cheung announced a partnership to generate further technological advancement and next-generation employment opportunities for the metropolitan area.

Information Session for Boston University Metropolitan College!
Wed, Feb 27, 2013 City Hall

Offered to City of Boston employees by the Metropolitan College at Boston University - a limited number of scholarships for master’s level degree and graduate certificate rograms - part-time and in the evening programs.

Areas the City considers for these scholarship awards: City Planning, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Project Management and Urban Affairs.

Important Mtg: Uphams Corner Visioning Forum, Sat Feb 2, 2013/
Feb 2, 2013

For all people who live, work, play, visit or care about the Uphams Corner neighborhood, please attend the Uphams Corner Visioning Forum.

The goal is to involve as many people as possible directly into the short and long term planning for the Uphams Corner area including economic development, jobs, transit, housing and quality of life.

Everyone's voice is needed to help develop a comprehensive vision for the future, one that starts with the people and reflects their priorities and needs.

Saturday, February 2, 2013
9:30 am -1:00 pm
The Kroc Center
650 Dudley Street

Posted: Jan 11, 2013

Don your Favorite Fedora in Style and Come Visit the Strand
Jan 26, 2013

Billed as a palace on opening day in 1918, the Strand helped usher in the Roaring '20's and has welcomed countless celebrities and visitors into its grandeur.

Imagine in the Strand's earliest days, the gentlement arriving and wearing their felt fedora hats - a symbol of character since the '20's.

The fedora reminds us of gangsters and Prohibition and even today, is classified as a "gangster hat," worn by all.

We dare you! Don your own version of the fedora "gangster" hat and, gaily dressed to the hilt, walk through the doors of the Strand Theatre for yet another amazing performance.

Transport yourself to a world where you are the star!

Photos of the Fedora Famous including Ne-Yo, Ving Rhames, Michael Jackson, Humphrey Bogart, Beyonce, Frank Sinatra, Diane Kruger, and Baby Zoe Berman.

Boston NAACP Presents: "Slavery by Another Name"
Sat Feb 2, 2013 10:am

The Boston NAACP invites you to a viewing and discussion on the documentary Slavery by Another Name," a narrative of the mistreatment of millions of blacks in America, mistreatment that kept African-Americans in shackles of the body and mind long after slavery had officially ended.

"The Boston NAACP strongly believes that every American benefits from an honest and more balanced view of history," says Michael Curry, President of the Boston NAACP. "It allows us to put our triumphs, failures and struggles in the proper context, and to properly evaluate current challenges with race."

Critically important for everyone to see ... formidably researched, powerfully written, wrenchingly detailed.

The viewing and discussion are FREE.

Mayor Menino Hosts MA Gun Control Coalition - "Mayors Against Illegal Guns"

Jan 30, 2013

Mayor Thomas M. Menino hosted the Massachusetts delegation of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) coalition on January 31, 2013, as they continued their call on Congress to take action on gun violence. "We have a responsibility to our residents to do all we can to make our neighborhoods safer."

He also praised the entire Massachusetts federal delegation for signing onto HR 137, the Fix Gun Checks Act.

Three-Point Approach to Gun Control: Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Jan 31, 2013

Senate Judiciary Committee

Mayors Michael Bloomberg of New York and Thomas Menino of Boston, as co-chairs of 'Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG),' submitted a letter to the Senate's Committee on the Judiciary.

The letter strongly urged the passage of "common-sense firearms legislation" including

requiring every gun buyer to pass a criminal background check'
get military-style weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines off our streets and
make gun trafficking a federal crime.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Supports HR 137
Jan 31, 2013/

Demand A Plan

On January 24, 2013, the coalition, Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG), sent a letter to Congress in support of legislation to close the loophole that allows the purchase of guns without a background check.

The Fix Gun Checks Act (HR 137) would institute reforms that are targeting the 40 to 48 percent of guns sold by unlicensed 'private sellers' to prohibited gun buyers who exploit the vast 'private sale loophole.'

By seeking out private sellers who do not have to comply with the background check at gun shows and over the Internet, gun purchases can be made that would otherwise be prohibited.

Rep. Henriquez Supports Hearing on Call for Liquor License Cap
Jan 29, 2013

State Representative Carlos Henriquez supports City Councilor Ayanna Pressley's call for a hearing on the cap on liquor licenses in Boston, citing a concern of equity.

"We need to examine equity in the geographic distribution as well as the accessibility to small local business owners due to cost. Currently the district I represent and neighboring working class neighborhoods lack access to family and dining establishments and entertainment key in attracting and retaining young professionals and families in our cities' neighborhoods."

Final School Choice Options Ready for Presentation

Mon, Feb 4 at 6pm
Orchard Gardens K-8 School
906 Albany St., Roxbury

The External Advisory Committee on School Choice (EAC) has completed their one-year community input process to identify a new school choice assignment system for Boston Public Schools.

On Feb 4, 2013 the EAC will present the 'best of the best' models for final consideration. The plan implemented will provide parents school choices that are fairer and more predictable than the current system and it will help the City to build stronger communities.

Posted: Jan 23, 2013

Boston Leads Recession-Weary Cities in Rebound
Jan 26, 2013

City of Boston insignia

The BRA's 2013 Economy Report indicates that Boston has made a full recovery from the Great Recession.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino:
'Boston weathered the Great Recession better than most American cities, but we still saw our share of hardship,'but we've come out stronger on the other side.'

New data released show the unemployment rate has fallen steadily, prejections for record employment, jobs lost are regained, new construction investment.

12th Annual Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign Announced
Jan 26, 2013

City of Boston insignia

The City of Boston's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign is spearheaded by the Mayor's Office of Jobs and Community Services.

The program provides low- and moderate-income taxpayers with free financial services, in a multi-pronged effort to reduce poverty in the City of Boston.

During the 2012 tax season, the Boston EITC Campaign served 11,500 taxpayers, returning a total of $18 million in credits and refunds.

Black History Month Poetry

Upham's Corner InSight into the News

Starting with New Events Added

Digital Content Curation