The final, last-minute deadline for Agenda listings is noon, March 16 for the March 19 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

Boston Public Library Board of Trustees, continuing a discussion of budget options as the library system faces cuts, Tues., March 9, 3pm, BPL Central Branch, Copley Square. Info: www.bpl.org/budget.
Jamaica Plain Republicans, wards 11 & 19, first Tuesday of every month, 8pm, Doyle’s Café, 3484 Washington St. Info: 524-5352/edward59@earthlink.net.
Police Community Relations, open to all, local Crime Watches encouraged send a representatives, Latino Monthly Meeting, Thurs, March 11, 7pm, Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St. Strategic Planning, Thurs., March 18, E-13, Info: 343-5624.
Southwest Corridor Parkland Management Advisory Committee, First Wednesday of every month, April 7, 7pm, 70 St. Alphonsus St., South End. (Meetings rotate monthly to three location. May: E-13 Police Station, 3347 Washington St., June Boston Police Headquarters, Columbus Ave.) Info: Jacksinnott@mckesson.com.
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Planning Committee, first Weds., of the month, through June, 7pm, Astra Zeneca Hope Lodge, 125 S. Huntington Ave.
Jackson Square Citizens Advisory Committee, alternates monthly between first Tuesday and Thursday, next meeting Tues., April 1, Location T/B/D. Info: john.fitzgerald.bra@cityofboston.gov.
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, normally fourth Tuesday of the month, Tues., March 22 , 7pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: Andrea, 522-3326.
JPNC Zoning Committee Meeting Thurs., March 18, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Agenda includes: WCI Corporation’s proposed zoning map amendment for Parcels ‘W’ and ‘V’ in Forest Hills. Committee normally the first and third Thursday of the month. Info: dave_baron@mindspring.com.
JPNC Public Service Committee, normally first Tuesday of the month, , 20 South St. Info: jpmichael@rcn.com.
JPNC Parks and Open Space Committee, normally third Tuesday of every month, 6:30pm, JP Licks, 659 Centre St. Info: Jay, 642-4633.
JPNC Housing and Development Committee, normally third Tuesday of every month, 7pm, Bowditch School, 80-82 Green St. Info: Steve, (508)212-3976.
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 Pond Association Board, first Monday of every month, 7:0pm, New Location: Jamaicaway Tower Community Room, 111 Perkins St.
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., March 9, 9:30am, Pudding Stone Common LLC. seeks to reduce the number of parking spaces from 14 to 13 art 275-277 Chestnut Ave; Luis Peguero seeks to remove proviso “to this petitioner only” from a prior board decision, and seeks new take-out food service license for 222-224 Amory St.; Leader Earle Trust (by Sprint Spectrum Aff Clear Wireless) seeks to modify existing rooftop wireless facility and install additional antennas including GPS antenna at 2-18 Perkins Square. Tues., March 23, 10:30am, Thomas Goodkind and Lucy and Leo Marx seek to create off-street parking for two vehicles at 3-4 Warren Square; Narendra Dixit, represented by Mai Phung, seeks variances for insufficient rear yard and lot area and excessive floor-area ratio to erect a rear addition at 36-38 Haverford St.; Spontaneous Celebrations seeks variance to create ancillary parking for 15 vehicles at 42-44 Danforth St.

Special Interest

Greater Eglseton Read-In a rally for the Boston Public Library's community branches, Sat. March 13, 12-1pm. Egleston Square Branch Library, 2044 Columbus Ave.
JP Youth Soccer Annual Meeting, player, parents, volunteers, coaches, sponsors and other interested parties invited to attend, Tues., March 9, 7:30-8:30pm, English High School Library, 144 McBride St. Info: www.jpyouthsoccer.org.
Gardeners Gathering, Boston Natural Areas Network sponsors a free event for gardeners to network and learn about local gardening resources and participate in workshops for beginners and experienced gardeners, Sat., March 20, 11am-5pm, Curry Student Center, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave. Info: www.bostonnatural.org.
Southern JP Community Health Center Raffle, to benefit the SUN summer camp program. Grand prize: $450 gift certificate to Ferris Wheels Bike Shop. Other Prizes: gift certificates and goods from local biz’s including City Feed and Supply, Classic Cleaners, The Real Deal and more. Drawing: March 22. Tickets available at the SJPHC front desk, 640 Centre St. Info: svalverde@partners.org.
Gateway to the Arborway, Extend the Arborway median fence – it’s only half done. When the fence is complete, new tree and shrub planting can begin. The state Department of Conservation and Recreation will match every $1with $2 through its Partnership Matching Funds Grant. The community share is $24 per foot. All donations are tax-deductible. Deadline, March 26. Info: Sarah Freeman, 524-0602/Ann Stillman, 524-2387.
Spring Equinox Stewardship Day at Jamaica Pond. Activities will include pond clean-up, educational programming, dialogue with Frederick Law Olmsted (Gerry Wright), Sat., March 20, 11am-2pm, Jamaica Pond Gazebo. Info: 524-7070/www.CommunityArtsAdvocates,org/JamaicaPond.html.
Boston Shines, eighth annual citywide clean up, Fri., April 23 & Sat., April 24, 8:30am-2pm. Info about local volunteer opportunities: 635-3485/www.cityofboston.gov.
JP Community Career and Job Fair, employers from education, hospitality, professional services, health, retail and other industries, along with many occupational training service providers, sponsored by the JP Neighborhood Development Corporation, the JP Community Centers Adult Learning Program and Jobnet, Tues., April 6, 5:30-8:30pm, English High School, 144 McBride St. Info: l.beatman@jpccalp.org.
New Leadership Academy Accepting Applications, a series of five workshops will focus on different leadership qualities and styles, community organizing for change, how to get the word out, building successful campaigns, and planning effective meetings. Academy Open House: Tues., April 13, 6:30pm, Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St. Application deadline: Fri., April 16. Info/Applications: www.jpndc.org/Kyle Robidoux, 522-2424 x279.
Hyde/Jackson Square Main Streets Annual Meeting, Tues., April 15, 6pm, more info coming soon. Info: cshillaci@hydejacksonsquare.org.
Ford Hall Forum, three discussions in the Forum’s Spring Schedule feature JP residents. Thurs., April 15, 6:30pm, “Reforming Boston Schools: Race, History and the future of our Public School System,” panel includes Hyde Square Task Force Director and BPS School Committee member Claudio Martinez. Thurs., April 29, 6:30pm, “Food Inc.” film screening and discussion, panel includes Donald Wiest, president of the Boston Public Market; Thurs., May 6, 6:30pm, “The Emerging “Fifth Estate: Can Twitter, Youtube and other social networking help solve real government problems?” panel includes Joseph Porcelli, founder of Neighbors for Neighbors. Info/Forum Locations: www.fordhallforum.org.
Boston Climate Action Plan, the city is sponsoring five interactive workshops, including a youth workshop (Feb. 27, Old South Church, Back Bay), to get input to help update its climate action plan, various dates/locations in coming weeks. Pre-registration required. Info: 635-3425/www.cityofboston.gov/climate.

Youth/Families

JP Regan Youth League Baseball & Softball, for boys and girls ages 5-15, registration dates Saturdays March 27 & April 3, various locations. Info: www.reganyouthleague.org or see the March 19 Gazette.
JP Youth Soccer, registration is open for the spring season. Info: www.jpyouthsoccer.org.
Jamaica Plain Angels Baseball. Open tryouts for a competitive travel team baseball program, ages 13-18. Try-outs, Wednesdays, 6:15pm, Saturdays, 11:15am, meet at Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St. Info: Brian Wilbanks, 304-4435.
Apply Now for ABCD Youth Summer Jobs, teens and older youths ages 14-24 encouraged to apply for over 2,000 jobs available. Info: 348-6548/www.bostonabcd.org.
Ladybug Mom’s Group, a support group for parents who have gone back to work or have gone back to work or have outgrown the New Mom’s Group, and who want a forum to discuss parenting issues geared toward older babies, Saturdays, 10:30am-12pm, JP Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St. Info: 524-2053.
Teen Earn-A-Bike, fix up a bike—to keep—go for bike rides, learn about environmental issues, ages 12-18. March 29-May 6, Mon.-Thurs. 3:30-6:30pm. Info: www.bikesnotbombs.org/earnabike.
Homework Assistance Program, Mondays, 4-6pm, with BPS teacher; Mon-Thurs, 3:30-5:30pm, with high school mentors, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
Academics, The Arts and Athletics (AAA) After School Program, run by Prevention Now, for youth ages 5-13, weekdays, 2-6pm, vacation & summer, 8-5pm, Hennigan School, 200 Heath St. Info/Registration: 445-4582.
Head Start, Action For Boston Community Development is accepting application for ages 2-4 for its Head Start program. Info: 384-6272.

Seniors

Rogerson House, a leader in Alzheimer’s and memory loss care, is accepting applications for its day health program. Info: Fred Golby, 983-2306 x118/www.rogersonhouse.org.
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.
Out to Brunch, monthly brunch and social for older LBT women, first Sat. of each month, 11am-1pm, 555 Amory St. Reservations required. Info: Gloria Tower, 477-6682.

Health/Fitness

City Golf Courses now on the web, info about city golf courses, including the Franklin Park course, is now available at www.cityofbostongolf.com.
“I Can Cope With Cancer: Money Matters” Workshop, to provide information for patients facing cancer and their families. Presented by the American Cancer Society, Tues., March 16, 4:30-6:30pm, AstraZeneca Hopelodge Center, 125 S. Huntington Ave. Info: 800-227-2345/www.cancer.org.
JP Laughter Yoga Club, laugh the stress away and get exercise, second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8pm, 3rd Floor dance studio, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: 522-6099.
Al-Anon, are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? New-comer 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.
Franklin Park Tennis Association, classes for youths and adults will be available for youth and adults at the Sportsmen’s Tennis Club, 950 Blue Hill Ave. Info: http://franklinparktennis.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. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am, Doyle's Café, 3834 Washington St. Info: http://jprunningclub.com.
LGBT Bereavement Group, a project of Ethos and the LGBT Aging Project, now meeting, Thursdays, 6:30-8pm in Brookline. Info: Beth Prullage, LICSW 695-2236.
Taking Care of Me, free group provides techniques on stress management by learning relaxation, deep breathing and guided imagery exercises, journaling and other techniques. Sponsored by Ethos. Third Monday of the month, 6-7:30pm, Boston Rehabilitation Center, West Roxbury. Pre-registration required. Info/Register: Leslie Ahern, 477-6676.
Alzheimer’s Education Group, learn methods to make “smoother sailing” of your everyday care for those with dementia. Sponsored by Ethos, Every first Monday of the month, 6-7pm, Boston Rehabilitation Center, West Roxbury. Info: Leslie Ahern, 522-6700 x.376.
LGBT Caregiver Support Group, join other caregivers for refreshments and discussion in a relaxed, confidential setting. Please contact group leader for times, Ethos Office, 555 Amory Street. Info: Joanne Peskowitz, 271-4182.

Classes/Workshops

Census Job Recruitment, Tues., Feb. 23, 1pm; Fri., Feb. 26, 1pm, 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.
Learn How To Lobby For Animals, MSPCA to hold workshops on how to lobby for animals throughout now through June 15 at various locations, including JP’
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.
Spanish-English Language Exchange, conversation class moderated by Ingrid Roche, Saturdays March 13 & 27, 12:15pm, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
Practice Speaking English, ESL conversation group, Mondays, 6:30pm, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
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.
Learn-To-Skate Classes, from the Bay State Skating School, for children, ages 4 1/2 and up, and adults. Beginner and intermediate, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 4pm. Jim Roche Arena, West Roxbury Rink, VFW Parkway. Info: 781-890-8480/www.baystateskatingschool.org.

Volunteers

Action for Boston Community Development Inc. , seeks volunteers for its JP neighborhood service center advisory board. Applicants must be 18, live in the neighborhood, and collect 10 signatures from community members. Info and Application/Nomination forms: 348-6239/community@bostonabcd.org.
Boston Partners In Education, seeks volunteers to tutor and mentor BPS students. Info: 451-6145/www.bostonpartners.org.
Arnold Arboretum, seeks adult tour guides and school program guides. Apply by March 20forschool program training. Info: Nancy Sableski 384-5239/www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
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.
Help Teach Bikes Not Bombs Youth Programs, take a free course and learn to teach young people to re-build and earn a bike of their own. Spanish-language skills helpful. No experience required. Info: www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/618.
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy, seeks office management and fundraising interns. Info: www.emeraldnecklace.org/522-2700.
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: Lauren Angus, 542-5867 x.548.

Fundraisers

Ethos Haitian Relief Fund, make checks out to Ethos and mark the check “Haitian Relief Fund,” Ethos, 555 Amory St. Jamaica Plain Ma. 02130.

Office Hours

State Rep. Liz Malia, third Friday of each month, JP Licks, 659 Centre St. Info: 722-2849.
State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, first Wednesday of each month, 5-6pm, Ula Café, 284 Amory St.
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

Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, seeks comments on a proposed change to its public participation program that would allow for shortened 15-day public comment periods in “extraordinary circumstances.” Info: www.bostonmpo.org.
Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers has changed its name to FriendshipWorks. The new web site is www.fw4elders.org.
Boston Water and Sewer Commission, a community services representative will be on hand to accept payments, process discount forms for seniors and people with disabilities, resolve billing or service complaints, review water consumption data and arrange payment plans for delinquent accounts, Mondays March 8 & April 5, Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St. Info: www.bwsc.org.
Scholarships for Women over 40, seeking new job skills, training and education. $500-$5,000 scholarships now available from the AARP Foundation. Application deadline March 31. Info: www.aarp.org/ma.
NStar is offering debt forgiveness for low-income customers. Info: www.nstar.com.
Earned Income Tax Credit, up to $5,590 in federal and state money is available for qualifying residents; the city offers free tax prep at 28 sites. Info: www.bostontaxhelp.org.
Free Food Pantry, all are welcome, no ID required, first and third Thursday of every month, 11am-1pm, First Church of JP, Unitarian Universalist, 6 Eliot St.
Old and Unwanted Telephone Books, can be recycled with the city’s recycling program.
Goodwill Industries Seeks Donations, normal winter donation declines have been greater this year than usual. More families are turning to get items they need at affordable prices, even as the organization continues to keep its commitment to supply clothes for the residents at the Pine Street Inn. Donations can be made at any Goodwill retail store, including the new store at 678 Centre St.
MSPCA requests that rather than abandoning pets in boxes outside the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center at 350 S. Huntington Ave., owners bring animals they can no longer care for into the center. Animals left exposed to harsh weather conditions are in mortal danger and abandonment is a felony punishable with up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Info: www.mspca.org. To report animal cruelty, MSPCA Law Enforcement department, 522-6008/800-628-5808.
2010 Park Permit Applications, athletics, special events and street blocking permits for 2010 are now available. Info: http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/.
Hyde/Jackson Square Main Streets, has moved to 339 Centre St. 522-3694/www.hydejacksonsquare.org.
City Unveils Young Adult Financial Literacy Web Site, www.Onein3Money.org.
Student Charliecards, now good for free transportation until 11pm.
Bike Recovery Program, check out www.stolenbikes.com for access Facebook and twitter networks set up for sharing info about stolen bikes.
The Dimock Center is transitioning its community rehabilitative services program to the Bay Cove Community Center. Dimock will continue to offer ambulatory adult mental Health, outpatient substance abuse day treatment, child and adolescent mental health and child and adult psychiatry services. Info: Nancy Mahan, Dir. Of Mental Health Services, Bay Cove, 371-3004.
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.