It is my pleasure to welcome you to the new online home of Neighbors for Neighbors.

Over the last year we’ve worked hard to formalize our operation. We’ve incorporated and are recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. In the last six months we surveyed our membership and responded to their input by creating this new site and the Neighbors for Neighbors, JP Organizing Network.

Our future is full of possibility and we believe we’ve created the infrastructure to sustain it.

These accomplishments are possible because of those who serve on our board and volunteer their services.

Current board members are: Kerrin Flanagan, Communications; Jenny Jones, Product Development; Jon Rivers, Technology; Amanda Roberts, Finance; Alison Rogers, Special Events; and Stacy Carpenter, Research.

Board members who no longer serve but who deserve recognition are: Andrea Condit and Eric McLaughlin.

Special thank you to Steven Branson and the Alchemist Lounge for sponsoring and filing our papers, Brian Nations for graphic design, Stephen Caldwell for web development support, Matt Showalter and Swiftpage for continuing to donate our integrated email marketing system, and John Keagan from PressHarbor for his ongoing patience and partnership.

ShareThis

Earlier this year we sent you a survey. Thanks to those of you who took the time to fill it out. The feedback you gave us was tremendously helpful and gave us insight into what you want and value.

Here’s what we’ve extrapolated:

· You want help meeting actual neighbors on your actual streets
· You want smaller, more intimate events in your neighborhood
· You want more activity-based events
· You want to help (and you’re a very talented and nice bunch of people!), and we’re excited that you are willing to help

Some who took the survey left comments. What stood out from the comments is that participating in groups and trying to participate in groups has not always been the best experience. The reasons given were that members never heard back from group leaders, it was hard to find groups on our website, and groups that you may have been interested in did not have any recent activity. On our end, we found it challenging to manage and support the many groups spread out all over the web in Yahoo groups, Google groups, and the like. Our blog also proved challenging as it required more time and support that we could offer. With that said, we come up with what we believe are some great solutions.

Here’s how we’ve responded to your feedback:

We’ve created the Neighbors for Neighbors, JP Organizing Network. On this network you can post your ideas, events, and knowledge to the forums; join or start a group in the groups section, and find out about volunteer opportunities with local non-profits and community groups. All you have to do it create profile and off you go! In the next month or so we hope to incorporate a “Talent Bank” and “JP Wiki” into the network.

COMING SOON ! - Meet your neighbors–on the Jamaica Plain Neighbors Network! This network will help you meet your neighbors. Each street, (and they are still building this out) will have a group where you can meet your neighbors online, discuss happenings on your street, plan face-to-face gatherings such as potlucks, block parties, and yard sales, and get important information from the Police about what is happening on your street and find out what you can do to address crime.

Would you like to gather your the neighbors in your immediate neighborhood? Let us know and we’ll help you find and secure a location, give you templates for fliers, and send an email to all your neighbors to invite them to join you!

What we are no longer doing:

Organizing Expos - While these were a big success they were just too much work for our volunteer-run organization to produce and we think our time is best spent helping you meet your neighbors and do fun stuff with and for them!

ShareThis

ShareThis

• 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.

ShareThis

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

ShareThis

ShareThis

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.

ShareThis

The Jamaica Plain Forum Presents

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

ShareThis

ShareThis

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.

ShareThis