Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:

Please also remember to help your neighbors.

• Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies. A listing of main arterials can be found at: www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/asp. 
  
• Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.
• Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
• Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.
  
• Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut homes and businesses.
• Keep wheelchair ramps clear.
• Check on elderly and neighbors and others in need.
• Take extra precaution near school bus stops where children may be waiting without parental supervision.
• Treat non-working traffic lights as stop signs and proceed cautiously at intersections.
• Any Space-savers in on-street parking spaces that have been cleared should be removed 48 hours after a snow storm has ended.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. A list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/snow.

Thanks to our neighbor ‘Blog Master Brett” you can find out where to park on the map below:
View Larger Map

Please remember to help out your neighbors in need.

Please vote for Boston’s own Status Quo at http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/voting.jhtml?episodeId=3123

Lets show our youth who are making positive peaceful choices we support them!

Your Child’s Success Starts Here.. Quality Preschool Program Has Openings for Income Eligible Families

Native American Head Start, 105 South Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

We are looking for families who have a child who has turned three or four by September 1st, are income eligible and live within the City of Boston. Handicapped and special needs children are especially welcome.

We offer trained staff with a fully equipped classroom, nutritious meals, healthcare and family services and much much more…

Please call for more information or to set up an appointment to complete the application process (617) 232-8534.

Catch it on WGBH stations:

Wednesday, March 19, 8 – 9pm, WGBH WORLD

Sunday, March 23, 9 – 10pm, WGBX, Chanel 44

She’s already overcome tremendous obstacles to become the first woman ever elected president in Africa—now all she has to do is turn around Liberia — a country devastated by unemployment, debt, corruption, and the legacy of civil war. Follow Ellen Sirleaf Johnson through her first year in office as she faces angry mobs, ambitious political rivals, and high-ranking members of the international community. Her story is inspiring a new generation of leaders in Africa and around the world.

Our film will be followed by an informal discussion. Free popcorn provided!

http://www.jamaicaplainforum.org

Check out the article about some of our younger neighbors who have danced their way to MTV. They’ve performed at Spontaneous, English High, and practiced in the Southwest Corridor Park – http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2008/02/19/one_step_closer/

NOTLOB PARLOR CONCERTS

AT THE LORING-GREENOUGH HOUSE PRESENTS

A SEASON OF STRING BAND SUPERSTARS

February 29 through April 5

Kristin Andreassen (Uncle Earl, Sometymes Why), Laura Cortese (Halali), Tristan Clarridge (Crooked Still), Lissa Schneckenburger (Halali), Corey DiMario (Crooked Still), Matt Heaton, Rushad Eggleston (Crooked Still) and Chris Merenda (Mammals)

The 60’s were famous for rock and folk “super groups”, such as Blind Faith and CSN&Y.  Their equivalent in the 2000’s is string band / newgrass / folk / Celtic super groups.  At the forefront are

UNCLE EARL ~ (Kristin Andreassen (guitar, fiddle, harmonica, clogging and vocals), Rayna Gellert (fiddle and vocals), KC Groves (guitar, mandolin, bass and vocals) & Abigail Washburn (banjo and vocals).

CROOKED STILL ~ Aoife O’Donovan (vocals and guitar), Dr. Gregory Liszt (banjo), Corey DiMario (double bass); Tristan Clarridge (fiddle & cello) & Hanneke Cassel (fiddle). 

THE MAMMALS ~ Tao Rodriguez-Seeger (banjo), Ruth Ungar Merenda (fiddle, guitar and vocals), Mike Merenda (guitars and vocals), Jacob Silver (bass) and Chris Merenda (drums).

SOMETYMES WHY ~ Kristin Andreassen (vocals, guitar, harmonica, glockenspeil, piano, cymbals, tambourine), Aoife O’Donovan (vocals, guitar, ukulele, piano, glockenspeil, tambourine, cowbell), Ruth Ungar Merenda (vocals, guitar, ukulele, fiddle, glockenspeil, high hat). 

HALALI ~ Hanneke Cassel (fiddle, piano), Laura Cortese (fiddle, vocals), Lissa Schneckenburger (fiddle, background vocals) & Flynn Cohen (guitar).

Note the inter-connectivity? 

Since June, 2006, Notlob Parlor Concerts has presented from these groups, Aoife O’Donovan, Kristin Andreassen, Ruthy Merenda (twice) and Mike Merenda.  The relationship continues, as from February 29 through April 5, Notlob Parlor Concerts is proud to continue its association with the best of the string bands by presenting:

Friday, February 29, to celebrate Leap Year Day, KRISTIN ANDREASSEN will be joined by Laura Cortese and Tristan Clarridge.

Saturday, March 15, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER will be joined by Corey DiMario and Matt Heaton.

Saturday, March 22, THE WIZARD BAND will perform.  The Wizard Band is RUSHAD EGGLESTON and Gabriel Cazes.

Saturday, April 5, CHRIS MERENDA will be joined by Adam Sweeney.

These concerts will be presented at the historic Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain.  Built in 1760, the venue listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been a historic house museum since 1926.  Its beautiful period decor and intimate size make it an ideal setting for acoustic music. 

Website & artist information: http://notlobmusic.googlepages.com, http://www.myspace.com/notlobhouseconcerts

Reservations:  As seating is limited to 40, reservations are recommended.  Email notlobmusic@gmail.com

Venue & directions: Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, the large yellow house at the intersection of Centre and South Streets, across the street from the Civil War monument.  http://www.lghouse.org/information.htm.  Handicap accessible; please call 617-524-3158 for more information.

Parking:  The Loring-Greenough House lot holds 12 cars, gates are closed when full.  Parking is also available on the street and in the public lot located behind Blanchard’s liquors, one block away. 

MBTA:  Take #39 bus from either Back Bay Station or Forest Hills Station to the Monument stop, directly in front of the Loring-Greenough House, at the intersections of Centre and South Streets.

Dining:  There are several fine restaurants on Centre Street within 2-3 blocks, with on street parking and a large public parking lot behind Blanchard’s. At Centre Street Café – http://www.centrestcafe.com/ – (669A Centre Street, 617-524-9217), show proof of your reservation and get 10% off.  More information at http://groups.google.com/group/notlobmusic/web/centre-street-cafe-becomes-a-notlob-restaurant-partner 

Coffee, tea, water and pastries are available for a donation.

Notlob Parlor Concerts is supported by its patrons and business partners Sweet Finnish, JP Licks and Centre Street Cafe.

Boston Cares is pleased to offer its 4^th year of the:

Civic Leadership Institute

Boston Cares organizes and leads team-oriented volunteer opportunities and services in and around Boston that have a positive impact on individuals and communities.Boston Cares will be in its fourth year (2008-2009) of our year-long Civic Leadership Institute, as part of our broader Citizen’s Academy initiative. The goal is to help participants to deepen their civic engagement in their communities. It will equip Fellows with skills and tools they can use to become more fully engaged and effective community members.

The Civic Leadership Institute has two components: leadership skills development and practical skills application.

The leadership skills development component will focus on developing individuals’ leadership strengths and styles through training from local experts on leadership development, building civic participation, community organizing, building effective partnerships, and identifying resources.

The practical skills application component will offer opportunities for the Fellows to translate their skills in action through projects focused on political action, issue advocacy, board member development, philanthropy and fundraising and volunteer management.

Who Should Apply?

§ Compassionate individuals who are ready to take their volunteerism to the next level

§ Community involved residents who’d like to ramp up their ability to make a difference

§ Social change entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences

§ Corporate and non-profit professionals who have evidence of leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in their workplace or community

§ Individuals with a strong personal initiative to make an active contribution to the Greater Boston area

Benefits

Participants will:

§ Gain skills in civics and community building

§ Develop their personal leadership capabilities

§ Learn how to engage political decision makers and other key community stakeholders

§ Acquire technical skills in media, public speaking, communication strategies

§ Network with others working to improve community and civic life

§ Collaborate with other participants to develop an action plan that will be implemented during and after their leadership institute

Requirements

Fellows will commit to a half-day retreat on Saturday 21, June 2008 from 9a – 2:30p, 10 monthly evening meetings (the second Wednesday of each month from July – April, except January which is the third Wednesday) and a graduation in May 2009. In addition, Fellows should expect to commit 20-30 hours for the practical skills application component.

Application Process

We invite interested Boston Cares members as well as all community members to apply to the Civic Leadership Institute. There is no cost for the application, but if selected, there will be a non-refundable $100 materials and training supplies fee. (A limited number of scholarships will be available)

For more information:

http://www.bostoncares.org/AboutUs/index.php/citizen_academy/cli/home.html

or email kboss@bostoncares.org

Applications due April 11, 2008 by 5 p.m.

This is for a part-time May – August job at the Friday Night Supper Program (a non-profit 501C3 organization). Perfect for a stay-at-home-mom, retired nutritionist/chef, or college/master’s student in nutrition/food sciences.

This is the perfect way to supplement your summer income and get great job experience at the same time!

The Friday Night Supper Program’s mission is to provide a warm meal to anyone in need in a safe and dignified environment.  Since 1984, the Friday Night Supper Program has served up to 250 nutritious home-cooked meals every Friday night to homeless and hungry people in Boston. (Currently serving between 120-150 per week.)

The Friday Night Supper Program is a 501 (C) 3 organization co-founded by the Arlington Street Church (a Unitarian Universalist congregation) and Dignity Boston (a congregation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics).  To learn more about the Program, please visit www.fridaynightsupper.org.

The Soup Kitchen Manager reports to the Program Director, and is responsible for the weekly operation of the Friday Night Supper Program (FNSP) in accordance with the policies and guidelines set forth by the FNSP Board of Directors.  This is part-time position (10 hours a week) from May – August only.

Job Description

1.       Meal Planning: