July 6, 2010

Heat Advisory for Boston

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News,Public Health,Weather — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 8:29 am

With temperatures expected to top 90 degrees today with significant increase in humidity, Mayor Thomas M. Menino has issued a heat advisory and reminds residents to take precautions to stay safe and healthy during this dangerously hot and humid weather.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should remember to limit their activities during very hot weather, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.  When outdoors, limit strenuous activity wear sunscreen and loose, light-colored clothing, and rest often in cool, shady areas. Additional measures to beat the heat include avoiding cooking, taking cool showers or baths, and staying in air conditioned areas whenever possible.

Heat related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be fatal if untreated and need to be taken seriously, particularly for elderly and younger populations.  Residents should follow heat safety precautions and pay attention to the warning signs such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches.  If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Family, friends and neighbors are also urged to check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather. Comprehensive heat safety tips are available on the city website at www.cityofboston.gov/heat.

Mayor Menino also urges residents to utilize the city’s pools and cooling centers, which are open across the city.  Residents are reminded that fire hydrants should not be tampered with or opened; doing so may hinder fire prevention capabilities.  A complete list of cooling centers is listed below and on the city website atwww.cityofboston.gov/heat.

For questions about heat-related city services, residents should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500.  Elderly residents are advised to call the Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366 or the Mayor’s 24 – Hour hotline if they experience problems.
BOSTON CENTERS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES (BCYF)

SUMMER 2010 COOLING CENTERS & POOLS LIST

The following BCYF sites are available, based on required needs, as Cooling Centers and/or Pool Sites when Mayor Menino declares a Heat Emergency or after the City of Boston’s temperatures have reached 90 degrees or higher for three (3) or more consecutive days.

BCYF Cooling Centers

Agassiz Community Center                    20 Child Street, Jamaica Plain                635-5191

Archdale Community Center                  125 Brookway Rd, Roslindale                 635-5256

Blackstone Community Center               50 West Brookline Street, Boston           635-5162

Charlestown Community Center             255 Medford Street, Charlestown           635-5169

Cleveland Community Center                 11 Charles Street, Dorchester                635-5141

Condon Community Center                    200 D Street, South Boston                    635-5100

Curley Community Center (L St.)           1663 Columbia Road, South Boston        635-5104

Curtis Hall Community Center                20 South Street, Jamaica Plain                635-5193

Gallivan Community Center                    61 Woodruff Way, Mattapan                  635-5252

Golden Age Center                                382 Main Street, Charlestown                635-5175

Grove Hall CC (Burke)                          51 Geneva Ave, Dorchester                   635-1484

Harborside Community Center (Umana) 312 Border Street, East Boston              635-5114

Hennigan Community Center                 200 Heath Street, Jamaica Plain             635-5198

Holland Community Center                    85 Olney Street, Dorchester                   635-5144

Hyde Park Community Center               1179 River Street, Hyde Park                 635-5178

Jackson-Mann Community Center          500 Cambridge St, Allston                      635-5153

Kent Community Center                        50 Bunker Hill St, Charlestown               635-5175

Leahy-Holloran Comm Ctr (Murphy)      1 Worrell Street, Dorchester                  635-5150

Mildred Avenue Community Center        5 Mildred Ave., Mattapan                      635-1328

Nazarro Community Center                   30 North Bennet Street, North End         635-5166

Ohrenberger Comm. Center                   175 West Boundary Rd., West Roxbury  635-5183

Orchard Gardens Community Center      2 Dearborn Street, Roxbury                   635-5220

Orient Heights Comm. Center                86 Boardman Street, East Boston           635-5120

Perkins Community Center (Lee)           155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester              635-5146

BCNC (Quincy)                                    885 Washington St, Boston                     635-5129

Roche Family Comm. Center                 1716 Centre Street, West Roxbury         635-5066

Roslindale Community Center                6 Cummins Highway, Roslindale 635-5185

Shelburne Community Center                 2730 Washington Street, Roxbury           635-5213

Thomas Johnson Community Center       68 Annunciation Road, Roxbury             635-5213

Tobin Community Center                      1481 Tremont St, Roxbury                   635-5216

Tynan Community Center                     650 East 4th Street, So Boston 635-5110

Vine Street Community Center              339 Dudley Street, Roxbury     635-1285

BCYF Centers with Pools

Blackstone Community Center               50 West Brookline Street, Boston           635-5162

Condon Community Center                    200 D Street, South Boston                    635-5100

Curtis Hall Community Center                20 South Street, Jamaica Plain                635-5193

* Draper Pool                                       5279 Washington St., West Roxbury       635-5021

* Flaherty Pool                                      160 Florence Street, Roslindale,              635-5181

Hennigan Community Center                 200 Heath Street, Jamaica Plain             635-5198

Holland Community Center                    85 Olney Street, Dorchester                   635-5144

Leahy-Holloran Comm Ctr (Murphy)      1 Worrell Street, Dorchester                  635-5150

*Madison Park Comm. Center               55 New Dudley Street, Roxbury             635-5209

* Mason Pool                                        176 Norfolk Ave, Roxbury                     635-5241

Mildred Avenue Community Center        5 Mildred Ave., Mattapan                      635-1328

Mirabella Pool                                       475R Commercial St, North End 635-1275

* Paris Street Pool                                113 Paris Street, East Boston                 635-5125

Perkins Community Center                    155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester              635-5146

Quincy Community Center                     885 Washington Street, Boston               635-5129

May 31, 2010

Why it smells like smoke outside in Boston

Filed under: All Posts,Public Health,Weather — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 11:59 am

PORTLAND, Maine—Strong northwest winds are bringing smoke into New England from wildfires that are burning in Canada.

The National Weather Service says smoke from dozens of fires that are burning in southern Quebec had spread south and east across much of Maine and New Hampshire and northeast Vermont on Sunday. Today, the smoke could be smelled and seen all the way to Cape Cod. The smoke had reduced the visibility to about three miles in places, and the smell of smoke was strong across the region.

Read the entire story on Boston.com

May 4, 2010

Mother’s Walk for Peace on Sunday

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News,Events — Tags: , — Joseph Porcelli @ 2:30 pm

The second event is the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s 14th Annual Mothers Day Walk for Peace held this Sunday May 9, 2010 7 am-10:30 am at Townfield, Fields Corner in Dorchester. I attending the walk last year and it was an incredibly moving and powerful experience. What a great way to celebrate and honor our mothers by walking in solidarity with our fellow neighbors in the name of peace. The goals of the walk are to draw walkers from all communities and to raise $200,000 to support the mission of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute to create and support an environment where families can live in Peace and Unity. For more information, to register, and create a fundraising page visit their website.

April 28, 2010

Wake Up The Earth Festival in JP on May 1

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News,Events — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 11:20 am
Wake Up the Earth Festival, Saturday May 1, 2010, in Jamaica Plain at Stonybrook T Station (Orange Line), Amory and Boylston Streets. (Rain date Sunday May 2)

Dear Community Member,
On Saturday, thousands will gather in the Southwest Corridor Park to Wake Up The Earth!  Young and old will share in the magic of music, dancing, laughter and community that makes Wake Up The Earth so special.  We look to you, the Spontaneous family to help make this magic happen!  There are still many ways that you can get involved…
DONATE:
While Wake Up the Earth is FREE to the community, it costs Spontaneous Celebrations $35,000 to put on the festival.  Unlike other Boston festivals, we have no corporate sponsors.  Wake Up The Earth is truly a homegrown event, funded solely by individuals and local businesses.  It is only possible with your support!!!  Please make a generous donation today!
VOLUNTEER:
PREP: Come by Spontaneous Celebrations Wed, Thurs or Fri 3-10pm and help us paint banners, sew costumes, and get ready for the festival!
DAY OF: Meet on the Green across from the Stonybrook T on the day of the festival 9am-Noon and help build a Geodesic dome!
CLEAN UP: Enjoy your day and then join the clean up crew!
Contact Masha, The Volunteer Coordinator to sign up: eleffant-foot@hotmail.com
Free admission to after party for volunteering 3+ hours
PARTICIPATE:
Join us for the Parade leaving Curtis Hall at 11am, and then stay for the festival from 12-6pm.  This year’s festival will include dancers, stiltwalkers, drummers, music,  storytelling, popular theatre, food vendors, crafts, youth stage, children’s activities and more.  The festival will also feature a performance by the nationally recognized Vermont theatre company Bread and Puppet! At the end of the day, go home and rest and then come back for the After Party!!!
Download the festival program HERE
Please help us reach our Wake Up the Earth fund raising goal of $10,000  by making a GENEROUS DONATION today.
Thank You for your ongoing support,
The Spontaneous Collective
P.S. Our Stilt Walkers are desperately in need of knee pads for Saturday!!!  Have any old knee pads lying around? Please bring them to Spontaneous anytime Wed-Fri!!!
Parade:  Starts at the Monument 11am
Festival: Southwest Corridor Park 12-6pm
After Party:
Hosted by Soul Revival at Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth Street 8pm-1am $10-$15, Food & Cash Bar
——————————————————————————–
WAKE UP THE EARTH is sponsored by:
The Massachusetts Cultural Council
City Feed & Supply
Amir’s Natural Foods, Audio Spectrum, Bikes Not Bombs, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Equal Exchange, Fiore’s Bakery, Highland Farm, JPNDC, Mike’s Fitness, Mt. Washington Bank, Red Sun Press, Stony Brook Fine Arts, over 50 Jamaica Plain businesses,
and generous community members like you!

March 30, 2010

Why fill out the census form?

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News — Tags: , — Joseph Porcelli @ 2:52 pm

Neighbors,

This is a reminder to PLEASE fill out your census form! It is CRITICAL that everyone fill out and return the forms by this Thursday, April 1st, National Census Day.

If you think all of those reminder notices asking you to send in your Census 2010 form by the suggested April 1 deadline date are overkill, think again. States could stand to lose an average of $1,400 for each person not counted. Even worse, taxpayers will end up footing the bill for the $1.5 billion it will cost to track down those who fail to send in the forms by mail. See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/9WhGrj

The census is particularly important for residents of the city of Boston because many of our neighborhoods are frequently undercounted by the census, leading to underfunding of critical services and under-representation in government.

The data collected by the Census next year will be used to determine a host of issues critical to the nonprofits community, including but not limited to:

  • Decisions about what community services to provide, and how to distribute over $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year for the next 10 years! Examples include spending on:
  • Title 1 grants to educational agencies (school districts across the nation)
  • Head Start programs
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (food grants)
  • Public transportation
  • Road rehabilitation and construction
  • Programs for the elderly
  • Emergency food and shelter
  • Empowerment zone
  • The drawing of Congressional, State House and State Senate district lines
  • Distribution of Congressional seats to states

If you or a neighbor need help with filling out the census form, please call the following numbers for Telephone Questionnaire Assistance (TQA):

  • ENGLISH – 1-866-872-6868
  • Chinese: 1-866-935-2010
  • Korean: 1-866-955-2010
  • Russian: 1-866-965-2010
  • Spanish: 1-866-928-2010
  • Vietnamese: 1-866-945-2010
  • TDD (Telephone Display Device for the hearing impaired):
  • 1-866-783-2010
  • General Telephone Line (Boston): (617)-223-3610

Census Bureau Call Center: 1-800-923-8282 (Monday to Thursday: 8:30 – 5:30 ET Friday: 8:30-4:30 ET

March 29, 2010

Flooding again and suggestions from the city of Boston

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News — Tags: , , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 3:22 pm
Mayor Thomas M. Menino today convened city officials to prepare for the heavy rains expected to fall in the next 24-36 hours. The Mayor’s response teams are monitoring the weather and areas prone to flooding, particularly those that experienced flooding in the storm two weeks ago.  The Emergency Operations Center has been opened and emergency shelters are on stand by should they be needed.  The Mayor expressed concerns of flooding in all residential areas as high tide approaches at midnight and at noon tomorrow.
“We are closely monitoring areas of concern across the city and making areas that have been particularly vulnerable to flooding a priority,” said Mayor Menino. “We have deployed teams and increased staff, putting measures in place to help protect our residents and neighborhoods and minimize flooding and damages from this storm.  The city is being proactive, and urging residents to do the same.”
Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) is monitoring water flow city wide and advises that if residents experienced flooding in the last storm, it is very likely that they will flood again. BWSC has a full complement of staff in the field throughout the duration of the storm and emergency shelters are also on standby to be opened if necessary.
Residents are reminded that flooding can cause electrical issues.  Important safety measures homeowners can take to protect themselves and their homes include unplugging electrical devices in basements, as water can cause fires, and removing all items from basement floors.  Residents can call the Mayor’s hotline (617-635-4500) or visit Citizens Connect online at www.cityofboston.gov with any storm-related issues or concerns and increased staff are on hand to respond to matters and direct callers to appropriate agencies for support if needed. Although the city is unable to respond to groundwater basement flooding, cases will be reported to BWSC.
The National Weather Service has advised that significant flooding of urban areas, including roads and underpasses, is also expected. The Mayor reminds drivers that they should not drive through flooded areas or areas where water covers the roadway. Flood waters can be deeper than they appear and just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. The massive amounts of rain will also likely cause some issues with our traffic lights.  The city’s traffic center is open and will be responding to any issues that may arise.  Boston Police officers will be assigned to these intersections to ensure safety. Drivers are reminded that if there is a blinking traffic signal you are to obey the light – blinking red, stop and blinking yellow, proceed with caution.

March 15, 2010

Highlights flooding concerns as Noon high tide approaches

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News,Public Safety,Weather — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 11:11 am

The Mayor expressed concerns of flooding in all residential areas as high tide approaches at noon today, particularly in parts of Dorchester that have experienced the highest levels of rainfall.

Boston Water and Sewer is monitoring water flow city wide. Storm water run off and catch basins are performing fine, however sewer systems are more concerning as rain water floods the system and backflow is happening in some areas.  Rain totals from 9:00 am on Friday through 10:00 am on Monday provided by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission are as follows:

  • Union Park Pump Station, 120 Malden Street, South End – 10.19 inches
  • Roslindale Branch Library, 4238 Washington Street, Roslindale – 7.81 inches
  • Adams Street Branch Library, 690 Adams Street, Dorchester – 8.68 inches
  • Union Square Fire Station, 460 Cambridge Street, Allston – 8.2 inches
  • Joseph Lee School, 155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester – 10.72 inches

The massive amounts of rain have caused some issues with our traffic lights at approx. 15 intersections throughout the city.  The city’s traffic center is open and will be responding to any issues that may arise.  Boston Police officers will be assigned to these intersections to ensure safety. Drivers are reminded that if there is a blinking traffic signal you are to obey the light – blinking red, stop and blinking yellow, proceed with caution. There are currently no city roads closed, however, orange cones on some roadways indicate pooling water areas where vehicles should slow down and use caution.

Mayor Menino also put the city’s pothole crews on alert.  With heavy rains followed by the warm temperatures expected later this week, the Mayor’s Pothole Patrol crews will be out in full force to repair all damages to city streets.

The city does have some areas prone to flooding and if residents need any assistance they should call the Mayor’s hotline (617-635-4500) or visit Citizens Connect online at www.cityofboston.gov.  The hotline has increased staff to respond to storm-related matters and will direct callers to appropriate agencies for support if needed.   The hotline has received over 2,000 calls in the last 72 hours, many from residents reporting storm-related problems and from homeowners with flooded basements.  The city is responding to all calls and offering assessments.  Residents are reminded that flooding can cause electrical issues.  The city’s Inspectional Services Department along with Boston Water and Sewer and the Fire Department and Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness are ready to respond if needed.  Boston Water & Sewer Crews are unable to assist with pumping out flooded basements.

March 9, 2010

Important information about Boston branch library closings

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News,Events,Policy — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 1:36 pm

Dear Neighbors,

I am writing you today to bring an important matter to you attention affecting all Boston neighborhoods.
This afternoon, the city and the trustees of the library are talking about cuts to the neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library.  Cuts could be as severe as the closure of whole branches.
While as an organization, we do not take positions, we felt it’s important to bring this to your attention and invite you to educate each other, discuss, and take action should you feel inspired. Do leverage our networks to ensure your voices are heard! In total there are now 2,700 of you citywide! To have you voices heard:
  1. Add blog posts on your neighborhoods Neighbors For Neighbors network.
  2. Add events about the Libraries on your neighborhoods Neighbors For Neighbors network.

What you can do:

1) Get educated:

2) Attend the trustees meeting today at 3:00 pm and Copely Library in the Rabb Lecture Hall. (Sorry about the short notice).
  • Take notes add a blog post (or cross posts from your personal blog) with a summary of your notes.
  • We’d also suggest comments on the BPL’s official facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/bostonpubliclibrary
  • Live tweet the meeting and in general use the hastag #savBPL
3) Watch local news coverage and discuss on our networks with your neighbors!
  • Add a blog post or a comment on a blog posts about the closing on your neighborhoods NFN network.
  • Again discuss on twitter using the hastag #saveBPL

4) Attend Rallys:

For example, “The Great Egleston Read-In” is being held as a protest in support of ALL neighborhood branches, other events may follow. More information on the rally can be found below.

5) Make your voice heard:

Have an idea, opinion or suggestion? Please leave a comment.

February 17, 2010

Boston Launches Anti-Cyber Bullying Hotline – (617) 534-5050

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News,Public Safety — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 11:34 am

A press release from the City of Boston:

Mayor Menino last week announced a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the awareness and assistance for anti-bullying efforts in Boston. As part of this announcement it was determined a hotline would be helpful as a way of anonymously reporting online and other forms of bullying. The hotline is now available and is staffed by trained public health professionals from the Boston Public Health Commission working in partnership with the city’s Law Department, the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Police Department.

“This hotline is an important resource that will give students a place to express concerns and report physical and/or online bullying that they see or experience,” said Mayor Menino. “The Boston Public Health Commission is working closely with the Boston Public Schools, the Law Department and Boston Police Department as part of the city’s robust effort to provide families, young people and the public all across the city with the information and support they need to address this very serious issue.”

The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and operated by trained staff from the Boston Public Health Commission. Call takers will complete an initial intake on calls related to bullying, which will allow the caller to describe concerns, request specific assistance, and will screen for emergency situations that require an immediate response by public safety. Callers can also use the hotline to anonymously report bullying occurrences.

“Cyber bullying is a very serious and growing problem affecting youth, and we are committed to helping the Mayor in his initiatives to curb this trend,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We are working in partnership with the Boston Public Schools, the Boston Police Department and the Mayor’s Corporation Counsel to ensure an immediate and effective response to bullying incidents in support of local students, teachers, and families.”

Other targeted efforts to address a message of tolerance and friendship include:

· A letter from the Mayor to social networking sites calling for a streamlined and intense effort to combat cyber-bullying;
· Increased outreach efforts to raise the awareness level of parents through flyers, letters and workshops framing and clarifying the issue;
· A letter from the Mayor and BPS Superintendent Dr. Carol R. Johnson to parents about the efforts to confront the issue head-on;
· Providing increased training as an added requirement for all employees who work directly with youth to help identify and prevent bullying;
· A new hotline and other “safe places” for young people to vent, express concerns and report bullying;
· Produce and broadcast a public service announcement and other media to raise awareness.

Mayor Menino also highlighted investments already underway within BPS including:

· High school students who are paid through external grants work during the summer months as cyber-mentors educating their peers about the dangers of cyber bullying and other cyber safety tips;
· An extensive campaign and curriculum in the BPS aimed at educating elementary and middle school students on the issue of cyber-bullying.
· A website dedicated to raising awareness about cyber safety issues: bpscybersafety.org.

In addition to requesting assistance from social networking sites, Mayor Menino also invited representatives from the websites including Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to come to Boston for a forum to discuss next steps in the prevention of cyber bullying. Representatives from Microsoft have already reached out to Mayor Menino to inquire as to how they may help in the city’s efforts.

February 11, 2010

US Census Bureau is looking to hire temporary employees

Filed under: All Posts,Boston News — Tags: , , — Joseph Porcelli @ 1:28 pm

The US Census Bureau is looking to hire temporary employees this winter and
spring to work on the 2010 Census.  Census takers in Boston can earn
$17-$22.50 per hour. Census takers in Boston must be at least 18 years old,
have a valid Social Security number, pass a background check, and take a
30-minute employment test. (Practice tests are available to prepare for the
employment test.)  There are many test centers throughout Boston that will
host test sessions on many dates from through March.  There are temporary,
part-time, and full-time positions available.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment to take the employment
test and submit an application, please call the Census Bureau at
866-861-2010.  TTY callers should use 1-800-877-8339.  More information,
including an online practice test, is available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Ellen E. Rooney
Election Commissioner
Election Dept., Room 241
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Office (617) 635-2837
Fax (617) 635-4483
http://www.cityofboston.gov/elections

Lynne Onishuk
Senior Personnel Officer
Boston Election Department
One City Hall Square, Room 241
Boston, MA 02201
O: 617-635-4491
F: 617-635-4483

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