The final, last-minute deadline for JP Agenda listings is noon, Sept. 7 for the Sept. 10 issue. Send listings to news@jamaicaplaingazette.com. Listings with no end date will be run for 3 months, space permitting. Note: 617 should be dialed before numbers below, unless another area code is given.

Meetings

Former McGinnis House, a BRA hosted meeting to review plans by the JPNDC and Boston Health Care for the Homeless to open a 20-bed respite care facility for the homeless and 33 units of enhanced single-room-occupancy housing for the formerly homeless at 461 Walnut Ave., Weds., Sept. 1, 6:30-8pm, 461 Walnut Ave. Info: 918-4267/john.fitzgerald.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Centre South Advisory Group, Thursday, Sept. 9, from 6-8pm, Agassiz School, 20 Child Street. Info: Ines Palmarin, 918-4434/Ines.Palmarin.BRA@CityofBoston.gov.
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, no August Meeting, normally last Tuesday, 7pm, New Location: First Baptist Church, 633 Centre St. Info: Andrea, chair.jpnc@gmail.com or www.jpnc.org.
JPNC Zoning Committee, normally first and third Thursday of the month, 7pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: dave_baron@mindspring.com or www.jpnc.org.
JPNC Parks and Open Space Committee, normally third Tuesday of the month, 6:30pm, JP Licks, 659 Centre St. Info: posc.jpnc@gmail.com.
Jackson Square Citizens Advisory Committee, September 8, 6pm Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont St, Roxbury Crossing. Info: john.fitzgerald.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Southwest Corridor Parkland Management Advisory Committee, First Wednesday of every month, Sept 2, Boston Police Headquarters, Columbus Ave; (Oct: 70 St. Alphonsus St., South End. Nov. E-13 Police Station, 3347 Washington St.) Info: Jacksinnott@mckesson.com.
Jamaica Pond Association Board of Directors, first Monday of the month 7pm, Jamaicaway Tower, 111 Perkins St.
Egleston Square Organizations, including JPNDC, the YMCA, 826 Boston, Teen Empowerment, St. Mary of the Angels and more meet at 1pm on the first Tuesday of every month. Info and Egleston Square Events Calendar: www.eglestonsquare.mainstreets.org.
Jamaica Hills Association, second Wednesday of every month, except July and Aug., 7:30pm, Springhouse, Allandale Rd. Info: www.jamaicahills.org.

Public Hearings

Zoning Board of Appeal, Room 901, Boston City Hall, 635-4775, Tues., Sept. 7, 9:30am, John Dalzell seeks permission to change legal occupancy at 33 Pershing Rd. from a 2-family to a 3-family dwelling; 60 Sheridan St. Realty Associates (by Jacqueline Nunez) seeks variances for side and rear yard setbacks to erect 3 decks and stairs and conduct renovations at 60 Sheridan St.; Aida Lopez seeks permission to change the legal occupancy at 370 Centre St. from 4 apartments and stores to 4 apartments stores and tattoo/body art studio; Alchemist Lounge seeks to create outdoor seating/patio use for 52 patrons at 435-439 S. Huntington Ave; 10:30am, Lynn Brown (by Kenneth Germann) seeks variances floor-area ratio and side and rear yard setback to enlarge the side entrance and erect a 2nd level addition and second level deck at 39 Chestnut Ave.

Special Interest

Giant Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Connolly Branch Library, Sat. Sept. 11, 10am-4pm. Raindate, Sat., Sept. 18, 9am-2pm. Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Volunteers needed. Info: 522-1960.
Green Zone Meeting, Neighbors joining together to save money, promote green jobs, clean the air, & save the future. What you do really matters! Find out how you can make a difference. Refreshments served, kids welcome, free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Cool JP committee of Boston Climate Action Network (BostonCAN.org) Fri., Aug. 27, 6-8pm, Hyde Square Task Force Cheverus Bldg., 365 Centre St. (behind the church) Info: 857-544-6844.
Urban Edge Annual Meeting, with Keynote Speaker environmentalist Bill McKibben, Tues., Sept. 28, 6-9pm, Outdoors next to the Webb Building, 1542 Columbus Ave. Info: www.urbanedge.org.
Employment Program, if you live in JP and are looking for a job or want a better job, Jobs for JP may be able to help. A program of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation. Info: 522-2424 x.240.

Elections

Tenth Suffolk District Candidates Meet and Greet, Aug 31, 7pm, Springhouse, 44 Allandale St. Info: 971-1678.
Candidates Forum, Candidates for the 9th Congressional District, for the House Representatives in the 6th and the 15th Suffolk Counties, and for the Senatorial seats of the 2nd Suffolk and the Norfolk & Suffolk Districts will debate. Uncontested incumbents, Congressman Michel Capuano and Rep. Liz Malia will address the audience. Candidates for the Governor’s Council will attend the Meet and Greet, hosted by the Ward 11 and Ward 19 Democratic Committees, Tues., Sept. 7, Meet and Greet: 5pm’ Forum: 6-9:15pm, English High, 144 McBride St. Info: 323-6571.
Polling Location Changes, beginning with the State Primaries on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, the polling location for Ward 19, precincts 8 and 9 will be moved from Curtis Hall, 20 South St. to the Louis Agassiz Elementary School, 20 Child St. Voters enter through gymnasium door to the right of the main entrance.
Absentee Ballots Available, prospective voters can also download an absentee ballot application from the Election Department’s website: www.cityofboston.gov/elections.
Jamaica Plain Republicans, Wards 11 & 19, first Tuesday of the month, 8pm, Doyle's Cafe, 3484 Washington St. Info: Edward Wagner: 524-5352/ Edward59@earthlink.net .

Youth/Families

JP Children’s Soccer, for kids ages 3.5-6.5, registration deadline, Sept. 3. Fall season runs Sept. 15-Nov. 13, Jamaica Pond/Pinebank Field. Practices: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4pm; Saturdays, 9, 10 and 11am. $25, 2nd sibling, $20. Info/Registration: www.jpchildrensoccer.org.
Harvest Hustle, register now for this 5k run/walk for kids &their friends and families, to support Urban Improv, a local non-profit that runs violence prevention workshops in Boston Public Schools. Event: Sun., Oct. 3, 8am, Jamaica Pond. Info/Registration: 524-7065/www.urbanimprov.org.
JP Head Start, now enrolling children, ages 2 yrs. 9 months-6, for its summer and fall programs. Info: 522-5533.

Health/Fitness

Boston Area “Stand Down” for Homeless Veterans, access to support and services for male and female homeless and at-risk veterans , sponsored by the VA Boston Healthcare System, Volunteers of America and the City of Boston, Fri., & Sat., Aug. 27 &28, starting at 8am, Clifford Park, across from 1010 Mass. Ave, Boston.
Martha Eliot Health Center’s Annual Community Health Fair, free health screenings: vision, blood pressure, HIV, diabetes, glucose, BMI; Fun activities: air brush hats, moonwalk, soccer shoot out, arcade basketball, batting cages, exercise demo, Wii and DDR games. 65 community groups and Children’s Blood Mobile; DJ Music & live bands; raffles & prizes, Sat., Sept. 18, 11am-2pm, 75 Bickford St. Rain Date: Sept. 25, 11am-2pm. Info: 971-2320/www.childrenshospital.org/mehc.
Learn-To-Skate Classes for children, ages 4½ and up, and for adults. Use either hockey or figure skates. Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes taught. Classes start Thurs., Sept. 9, 4pm; Fri., Sept. 10, 4pm; Sun., Sept. 12, 4pm, Jim Roche Arena, West Roxbury Rink, on VFW Parkway. Info/Registration: 781-890-8480/www.baystateskatingschool.org.
Are you caring for someone with mental illness? NAMI's 12-week Family-to-Family course enables you meet others, learn, get solid support, and improve communications in our families and self-care. Jamaica Plain course, Tuesday nights, Sept 14-28. Info/Registration: Mark or Ginny Zanger, 522-7439/mzanger@comcast.net Other times and locations: www.namimass.
Meditations of Natural Wisdom and Love, trainings offered by The Foundation for Active Compassion, Fourth Saturday of each month, First Baptist Church 633 Centre St., 10amam-noon. Info: Leah at jamaicaplain.fac@gmail.com.
Adventure Cycling Association’s (ACA) Boston Area Regional Gathering, ACA and Ferris Wheels Bike Shop are sponsoring this evening of interest for all bicyclists, Thurs., Aug. 19, 6pm, JP Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St. Info: 524-2053.
Training Bike Ride, training for a triathlon, race, or long distance ride? This paceline ride will get you into cycling shape. 90-minute ride. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7am leaving from Ferris Wheels Bike Shop, 66 South St., at 7:00 a.m. Shorter ride possible if you cannot stay for 90 min. Info: 524-2453.
Community Walking Club, organized by Faulkner Hospital, the West Rox./Roslindale YMCA, and Age Well Roxbury. There will also be a monthly social and raffle after the walk (2 - 2:30 pm). For every walk, a “chance” is entered into the monthly raffle. Wednesdays, 1-2pm, April 7-Nov. 17, weather permitting. Meet at the Arnold Arboretum Hunnewell Building, 125 The Arborway. Info: Tracy, 983-7451/tsylven@partners.org.
Al-Anon, are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Newcomer friendly group, Fridays., 8-9:30pm, Faulkner Hospital 2nd Flr. Atrium Conference Room, 1153 Centre St. (validation for free parking in garage behind hospital).
Faulkner Hospital Stroke Support Group, meets first Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30pm Faulkner Hospital, Atrium 2, 1153 Centre St. Info: www.faulknerhospital.org.
MindBody Center, offers yoga, meditation and stress reduction classes. Low cost, beginners and continuing, English and Spanish, 640 Centre St. Info: 983-4226.
JP Running Club, 4-5 mile runs, all ages welcome, 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 6:30pm., Doyle's Café, 3834 Washington St. Info: http://jprunningclub.com.
LGBT Caregiver Support Group, join other caregivers for refreshments and discussion in a relaxed, confidential setting. Please contact group leader for times in Boston. Info: Joanne Peskowitz, 271-4182.

Seniors

Community Cafes, entertainment, good company and a tasty, hot meal, sponsored by Ethos. 3 JP locations: Mon-Fri, 11am-1pm, Farnsworth, 90 South St ; Weds.-Fri., 11am-1pm, Julia Martin House, 90 Bickford St.; Weds. & Fri., 9:30am-1:30pm Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St. Reservations required, $2 suggested. Info: 522-6700.
Workshops for Older People Raising Children, support and training for child caregivers where at least one caregiver is over 55 and child is not Department of Children and Families-involved, 10am-12pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 157 Green St; 10am-2pm, 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, Julia Martin House, 90 Bickford St. Info: MSPCC, 983-5850.
LGBT Bereavement Group, a project of Ethos and the LGBT Aging Project, call (617) 522-1292 to find the group closest to you.
Taking Care of Me, free group provides techniques on stress management for care givers by learning relaxation and Laughter yoga exercises. There are also supportive discussions, journaling and other techniques. Sponsored by Ethos. Third Monday of the month, 6-7:30pm, Boston Rehabilitation Center, West Roxbury. Pre-registration required. Info: Leslie Ahern,477-6676.
Alzheimer’s Education and Support Group teaches new communication and behavioral methods to make smoother sailing of your everyday care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Sponsored by Ethos, Every first Monday of the month, 6-7:30 pm, Boston Rehabilitation Center, West Roxbury. Pre-registration required. Info: Leslie Ahern, 477-6676.

Classes/Workshops

Landlord Tenant Basics, this seminar will focus on the things that every landlord must know, presented by Nicastro Law, LLC., Thurs., Sept. 23, 6:30pm, JP Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St. info: 524-2053.
GED Program, register for GED, pre-GED and ESOL classes. Small groups, individual tutoring, computer-assisted learning and other opportunities available. Placement testing, Mondays, 5:30; ESOL registration, 11am-7pm, JP Community Centers Adult Learning Program, English High School, 144 McBride St. Info: 635-5201.
Practice Speaking English, Mondays, 6:30pm, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
Spanish-English Language X-Change/Intercambio de idiomas Ingles y Español, practice Spanish by speaking to native speakers and trade your English language skills, Thursdays, 6:30pm, JP Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St. Info: 522-2018.
Volunteers
JP Adult Learning Program seeks volunteers to help adults learn English as a second language or study for High School equivalency exams. Commitment: 2hrs/week. Tutor individually or assist teaching a class free training starts late Sept. Info: Susan: 635-5201/jptutor@gmail.com.
Mitzah Program for the Jewish High Holidays sponsored by Hebrew Senior Rehab will distribute care packages to local seniors this weekend as well as for Hanukkah in November/December. Seniors (or family members of seniors) may also sign up for the Hanukkah Mitzvah Program. Info: Shani Traum, Hebrew SeniorLife, 781-247-8150
Volunteers Needed to Help Seniors Understand Their Medical Bills, Action for Boston Community Development seeks volunteers for it’s Serving the Health Information Needs of Seniors (SHINE) program. Info: Elaine Cronin, 348-6226.
Arnold Arboretum School Program Guide, get trained to lead science programs with elementary school groups. Deadline for fall training, Aug. 20. Info: Nancy Sableski/www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Horizons for Homeless Children, seeks volunteers for its playspace programs at locations throughout the state, including JP. Info: 445-1480.
Boston Partners In Education, seeks volunteers to tutor and mentor BPS students. Info: 451-6145/www.bostonpartners.org.
Bikes Not Bombs, seeks volunteers and interns to help with administrative work, events-planning and curriculum development. Info: www.bikesnotbombs.org.
Dare Family Services is recruiting foster parents in JP to provide safe, loving homes for local foster teens that have been abused or neglected, especially ages 10-18. Info: 427-6500/www.darefamily.org.
Local Residents Needed, to drive cancer patients to and from treatment. Info: American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345/www.cancer.org.
Help Seniors Navigate the Complicated World of Healthcare, 12-day training qualifies volunteers to staff hotline for seniors with questions about Medicare. A program of Action for Boston Community Development. Info: Emily Shea, 348-6380.
Beacon Hospice, seeks veterans to provide end-of-life companionship for other veterans in Roxbury. Info: 800-467-7423/www.beaconhospice.com.
VNA Hospice Care, needs men and women to volunteer in JP and nearby communities. Trainings will be held this fall in Charlestown or Quincy. Info: Lisa Palais: 569-2888/lpalais@vnab.org.
Friends of Jamaica Pond seeks volunteers, Info: www.friendsofjamaicapond.org/524-7070.
826 Boston Writing Program, Egleston-based program has oodles of opportunities for volunteers to work with BPS students. Info: www.826boston.com
Jumpstart Community Corps. , seeks volunteers (ages 55+) to work one-to-one with preschool children in Boston neighborhoods including JP. Volunteers serve 6 hours a week during the school year. Comprehensive training and $800 stipend provided. Info: Katharine Gamer at 617.542.5867
ext. 515.

Office Hours

Congressman Mike Capuano, members of Capuano’s staff, fourth Tuesday of each month, 4-5pm, Ula Café. Info: 621-6208.
State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, first Wednesday of each month, 5-6pm, Ula Café, 284 Amory St. Info: 722-1673.
State Rep. Liz Malia, third Friday of each month, JP Licks, 659 Centre St. Info: 722-2060.
JP Coordinator from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Colleen Keller, 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, 2-6pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St.
Public Notices
Exam School Entrance, BPS will offer the test, Sat., Nov. 6, 9am at 12 locations across the city. The registration deadline is Sept. 29. Students may obtain application materials in mid-September from the principal of their present schools as well as at BPS Family Resource Centers, and all branches of the Boston Public Library.
Grants for Non-Profits working with kids and teens are invited to apply for $50,000 in grant funding from Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley's Forfeiture Reinvestment Program. Grants will range from $2,500 to $2,500. Deadline, Aug. 23. Info/Applications: Fabiola Pierre, 619-4139/fabiola.pierre@massmail.state.ma.us.
Residents in the Asian Longhorned Beetle Regulated Area, have special collections for yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, small branches). Place leaves and yard debris in large paper leaf bags or open barrels labeled “yard waste.” No plastic bags. (Yard Waste stickers for barrels are available by calling 617-635-4500.) Tie branches with string: 3’ maximum length in manageable bundles. Do not put branches in barrels. Put barrels, bags and branches on the curb 7am on your trash collection day. Info: 635-4500/www.cityofboston.gov. To report potential beetle sightings: 866-702-9938
Home for Little Wanderers’ Backpack and Duffle Bag Drive, donations of new backpack and duffle bags for youth aged 5-21 can be dropped off, through Sept. 30, Home for Little Wanderers, 271 Huntington Ave. Info: Bob Sherburne, 267-3700/www.thehome.org.
Eligible Haitian Nationals, have an additional 180 days to apply for Temporary Protected Status. The new Deadline is Jan. 18, 2011. Info: www.uscis.gov/800-870-3676.
Food Pantry, pick up a bag of staples, some bakery items, fresh vegetables and fruits when available, toiletries, year-round, 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, no ID required, 11am-1pm. Cash donations accepted, First Church in JP, Unitarian Universalist, Eliot St. at intersection of Centre and South streets. Info: 524-1634/www.firstchurchjp.org.
Boylston Congregational Church Thrift Store, open first Saturday of each month, 10am-2pm, Boylston Congregational Church, 207 Amory St.
US Census Quality Assurance, throughout the summer the US Census Bureau will conduct quality assurance operations to double check the accuracy of the data it collected. A small percentage of households will receive a follow-up phone call or visit from a census taker.
MSPCA Hot Weather Advisory, If your pet exhibits the following signs please contact your veterinarian and animal emergency service as these are signs of heat stroke and can prove fatal: excessive panting, vomiting, tiring easily, diminished appetite, and lethargy. Angell Animal Medical Center (617 522-7282) is open 24-hours-a-day/seven-days-a-week if you pet is in need of immediate medical care.
Boston Water and Sewer Commission, will have a representative on hand to help people with water bill issues an accept checks and money order bill payments, Mondays Sept 12; Oct. 25; Nov. 15; Dec. 6, 10am-1pm.
To order SafeLink posters for your school, health care clinic or hospital, faith-based organization, or other service provider, please contact outreach@casamyrna.org. For help and resources related to domestic or dating violence, call SafeLink at 877-785-2020.
Faulkner Hospital Goes Smoke Free, the entire campus will go smoke-free June 1. Info: www.faulknerhospital.org.
The Food Project, still has slots available in its community supported agriculture program, with pick-up sites at the Stony Brook and Forest Hills T Stations. CSA runs June-Oct. Info: Cecilia, 781-259-8621/www.thefoodproject.org/csa.
Contaminated Well/Septic System Assistance, available for systems damaged in the March rains. Info: www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers has changed its name to FriendshipWorks. The new web site is www.fw4elders.org.
Old and Unwanted Telephone Books, can be recycled with the city’s recycling program.
2010 Park Permit Applications, athletics, special events and street blocking permits for 2010 are now available. Info: http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/.
Former Employer Contesting Your Unemployment Claim? Harvard Legal Aid bureau student attorneys may be able to represent you at your hearing. Spanish, Portuguese, Creole support available. Info: 495-4408.
Fines boosted to $100 for parking at bus stops.
Backyard Compost and Kitchen Scrap Buckets for Sale, Boston Building Materials Coop, 100 Terrace St. Mon.-Sat. 9am-3pm. Info: 635-4959.
Neighborhood Street Cleaning Now Underway, street-specific schedule info and sign-up for e-mail alerts available www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping. Info about state roads (Jamaicaway, Arborway, Morton, Perkins) see www.mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm.
Rebuilding Together Boston, a non-profit that provides no cost home renovations currently seeks new applicants for its services Homeowners and non-profits unable to pay for needed renovations are eligible for programs. Info: www.rtboston.org/971-0058.
Section 8 Voucher Scam Alert, Section 8 vouchers are never bought or sold. Please report attempted sales or fee collections to the Boston Housing Authority Legal Services Department, 988-4185.
The Dimock Health Center, now has a full service pharmacy, 45 Dimock St
State Launches Affordable Housing Info Website, www.massaccesshousingregistry.org.
College Scholarships Available for Formerly Homeless and Low Income Mothers, through One Family Inc. Info: www.onefamilyinc.org.
Give a Green Gift, sponsor a city tree planting in a recipient’s name, $50 donation. Info: 635-4505 x.3038
Pay by Plate, a new option is available for Boston parking ticket payment on the City of Boston’s website, www.cityofboston.gov.
Donate Gently Used Blankets to the Elizabeth Stone House, for the women and children being served at its domestic violence shelter and transitional housing program. Info: Amanda Green: 427-9801.
Large Apt. Building Recycling, if you are a Boston resident living in an apt. bldg. with 6+ units, have your landlord call 635-4959 to set up recycling.
Free Foreclosure Help, if you are facing the of your home as a home-owner or tenant because of foreclosure, you can be referred for free help from a housing counseling agency, legal help organization or other community organization. Homeowner: HOPE line, 888-995-HOPE; section 8 Tenant: HUD Counseling, 800-569-4287; elderly, 451-0680; other statewide foreclosure counselors: 800-651-8448; local legal services, www.masslegalservices.org/perl/services.cgi.