The deadline for JP Agenda listings is noon, May 8 for the May 11 issue. Send listings to [email protected]. Note: 617 should be dialed before numbers below, unless another area code is given.
Meetings
Casey Arborway Design Advisory Group, Mon., April 30; Wed., May 16, 6-8pm, State Lab Bldg., 305 South St. Info: massdot.state.ma.us/caseyoverpass.
Franklin Park improvements meeting, to report on construction areas and schedule for repairs to entrances, pathways, and the cross country course. Mon., April 30, 6:30pm, William Devine Golf Course Clubhouse, 1 Circuit Dr. Info: 961-3019.
Route 32 bus improvements, MBTA meeting, Tues., May 1, 6-7:30pm, Woodbourne Apartments, 6 Southbourne Road. Info: mbta.com/keybusroutes.
Boston Landmarks Commission, hearing about proposed demolition of former Home for Little Wanderers at 161 S. Huntington Ave., Tues., May 8, 6pm, Boston City Hall, Room 900. Info: 635-3850.
JPNC Housing and Development Committee, Tues., May 15, 7pm, Bowditch School, 82 Green St. Info: jpnc.org.
JPNC Zoning Committee, May 10, 24. Curtis Hall, 7pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: [email protected].
JPNC Public Service Committee, to discuss Fiore’s Bakery’s request for outdoor seating and a beer license and Slice O’ Pie’s request for midnight closing, May 1, 7pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St.
Jackson Sq. CAC, Wed. May 9, Amory community room, 20 Amory Ave. Agenda forthcoming. Info: [email protected].
JP Problem Properties Committee, normally first Wednesday of the month, 10:30am, E-13 Police Station Community Room, 3347 Washington St. Info: Robert Torres 722-2060.
JPNC Parks and Open Space Committee, normally third Thursday of the month, 6:30pm, JP Licks, 659 Centre St. Info: [email protected].
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, normally the last Tuesday of the month, 7pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: jpnc.org.
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: eglestonsquare.mainstreets.org.
Jamaica Hills Association, second Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm, Springhouse, Allandale Rd. Info: jamaicahills.org.
Special Interest
Occupy JP General Assembly, Sundays, 6pm, Farnsworth House, 90 South St. Info: occupyjp.org.
14th Annual Law Day, with awards and police demonstrations. Fri., April 27, 10am-12:30pm. West Roxbury Courthouse, 445 Arborway. Info: [email protected].
JP Spring Cleanup, coinciding with Boston Shines!, coordinated by Neighborhood Services Coordinator Jullieanne Doherty. Sat., April 28, 9am-2pm. Tools to be provided by the City. Info: 522-1150/635-4855.
The Wedding Party wedding fair, with photographers, caterers and other vendors. Sun., April 29, 1-5pm, Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Info: [email protected].
Arborway Committee Annual Meeting, elections for board members & officers. Mon., April 30, 6:30pm. Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Info: [email protected].
Urban Edge’s 38th Anniversary Celebration & annual meeting, celebrate the Endurance and Evolution of Urban Edge in a big tent, Thurs., May 3, 5:30-8:30pm, 1542 Columbus Ave., $85, $25 for Urban Edge residents. Info: 989-9306/urbanedge.org.
JP Cares Conversation, a neighborhood gathering to discuss JPNDC’s development at 461 Walnut Ave. Sun., May 6, 6pm, Centre Street Café, 669 Centre St. Info: [email protected].
National Association of Parliamentarians conference, on managing meetings, Sat., May 12, 9am-4pm, Showa Boston Institute, 420 Pond St. Info: parliamentarians.org/ma/demeter.
JP Forum: Thurs., May 17, 7-9pm: Fighting for Our Health: Richard Kirsch on the Epic Battle to Make Health Care a Right. Thurs., May 24: Can the Earth Survive Capitalism? Reading & Discussion with Peter Barnes. Thurs., June 14, 7-9pm: Gods, Gays, and Guns: Rev. Osagyefo Sekou on the failure of God and democracy. First Church in Jamaica Plain, UU, 6 Eliot St. Info: jamaicaplainforum.org.
Office Hours
Congressman Mike Capuano, members of Capuano’s staff, fourth Tuesday of each month, 4-5pm, Ula Café, 284 Amory St. Info: 621-6208.
State Rep. Liz Malia, third Friday of each month, 8-9:30am, J.P. Licks, 659 Centre St. Info: 722-2060.
Jullieanne Doherty, JP Coordinator from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, 4th Monday of the month, 2-6pm, JP Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St.
Youth/Families
KidsArts! affordable vacation & summer camp for children in grades K2-5. Info: 524-0818/[email protected].
Boston Area Health Education Center’s High School program, for 10-12 graders interested in health career exploration and job shadowing. Register for a tracking number at www.bostonyouthzone.com/BYF.
Free youth fitness assessment, for kids 10-18. Participants will be guided through several simple fitness assessments by a fitness coach. Sat., May 12, 10am-noon, 3134 Washington St. Info: [email protected].
Support Group for Young Parents, a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Services, open to all faiths, for parents with children from birth to one-year, registration not required. Thursdays, 10:30am-noon. Info: 781-647- 5327/[email protected].
Swim League, Boston Center For Youth & Families seeks youth participants seeks youths ages 6-17 for a competitive swim league. Experience not necessary, but participants must be able to swim one length of the swimming pool, Hennigan Community Center, 200 Heath Street. Info: Bladimil Pujols, 635-5198/[email protected].
Sports
JP Children’s Soccer spring season, for kids 3.5-6.5. Season begins April 25, ends June 26 at Jamaica Pond/Pinebanks Field. Practices are held Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4pm, & Saturday, 9am, 10am & 11am. Registration through April 13, $25. Info: jpchildrenssoccer.squarespace.com /[email protected].
Weekly Bike Rides, Community Rides (Beginners), Saturdays, 8:30am; Mountain Bike Rides (Intermediate), Sundays, 4pm; Paceline/Roadtraining Rides, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7am, leaving from Ferris Wheels Bike Shop, 66 South St. Info: 524-2453.
Golf lessons, Wednesdays through May 23, 7-8pm, $79, William Devine Golf Course Clubhouse, 1 Circuit Dr. Info: cityofbostongolf.com.
Health/Fitness
Prescription Drug Take-back Day, to properly dispose of unused/expired prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. Sat., April 28, 10am-2pm, E-13 Headquarters, 3345 Washington St. Info: 343-5630.
Look good…feel better, a free program that teaches cancer patients hands-on cosmetic techniques to help them cope with appearance-related side effects from chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments. Tues., May 8, 11am-1pm, Faulkner Hospital, 1153 Centre St. Info: 983-7451.
Community walking club, organized by Faulkner Hospital, all ages welcome. Wednesdays, 2-3pm, through Nov. 14, weather permitting. Meet at Arnold Arboretum’s Hunnewell Building. Info: 983-7451/ [email protected].
Breast/ Ovarian Health community workshop, hosted by state Rep. Jeff Sánchez. Wed., May 2, 6-8pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: brightpink.org.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders in the Elderly, breakfast lecture for nurses, presented by Dr. Milena Pavlova. Wed., May 2, 8:30-9:30am, Springhouse, 44-46 Allandale St. Info: 971-1678.
Care to Care, a support group for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, second Wednesdays of the month, 6:30-7:30pm. Springhouse, 44 Allandale St. Info: Meredith Griffiths, 522-0043/[email protected].
Stroke Support Group, last Weds. of every month, 1-2pm, Faulkner Hospital 1153 Centre St. info: www.faulknerhospital.org.
Meditations of Natural Wisdom and Love/Compassion, taught by a Foundation For Active Compassion meditation teacher, with Q & A, third and fourth Saturday of each month, Omega Theater, 41 Greenough, upstairs, 10am-noon. Donations welcome. Info: [email protected].
Overeaters Anonymous, No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Newcomer friendly group, Wednesdays, 4-5pm, Farnsworth House 1st Flr. Library, 90 South St. (on-street parking only). Info: Kristen, 857-244-1664/oa.org.
Free Nicotine Patches, the Boston Public Health Commission is offering Boston residents free nicotine patches to help them quit smoking. Residents who are 18 and older can call 1-800-784-8669.
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); Al-Anon Women’s Meeting, Tuesdays 7-8:30pm, Hope Church, Seaverns Avenue and Elm Street. Use the back door. Info: ma-al-anon-alateen.org.
Faulkner Hospital Stroke Support Group, meets first Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30pm Faulkner Hospital, Atrium 2, 1153 Centre St. Info: faulknerhospital.org.
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
Crossroads Café, free lunch and social event for seniors and their guests, often featuring live music and educational presentations. Food made with local produce and other healthy ingredients. Bread, produce, milk, and leftovers to take home as available. Saturdays, First Baptist Church, 633 Centre St., 12:30–2pm. Info: 524-3992/[email protected].
Second Retired group, forming for coffee & conversation in local coffeehouse. Info: 983-0275.
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, Soul & Salsa café, 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 522-1292 to find the group closest to you.
Classes
Buddhist meditation classes, Thurs., May 10-June 21, 7-8:30pm, $5-$10. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 7 Revere St. Info: MeditationInBoston.org/508-979-8277.
ToLabor Doula Training, May 18-20. Info: tolabor.org/ [email protected].
GED Program, GED, pre-GED, beginning and advanced ESOL classes, individual tutoring, computer-assisted learning and college and career readiness offered by the JP Community centers Adult Learning Program. Classes: evenings, English High School, 144 McBride St.; mornings, Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St. Info/Registration: 635-5201/[email protected].
Boston Neighborhood Network Open House, learn about trainings and broadcasting opportunities available through Boston’s cable access station, first and third Thursday of every month, BNN Studio, 3025 Washington St. Info: 708-3224/[email protected].
Spanish-English Language Exchange/Intercambio de Idiomas en Inglés y Español, English speakers can learn Spanish and Spanish speakers can learn English, Saturdays, 11:30am, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
Practice speaking English, ESL conversation group for new adult English learners. Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
Spanish-English Language X-Change/Intercambio de Idiomas Ingles y Español, Thursdays, 6:30pm Jamaica Plain Branch Library, 12 Sedgwick St. info: 524.2053/bpl.org.
The Center of Light, offers workshops and opportunities for prayer and meditation, 200 Amory St. Info: centersoflight.org.
Classes at the Arnold Arboretum, arboretum.harvard.edu.
Volunteers
Tutor adults, JP Adult Learning Program seeks volunteers to help students toward their GED or learning English as a second language, two hours a week. Info: [email protected]/635-5201.
PetPals, a program of FriendshipWorks, is a pet visitation program that recruits, screens and trains volunteers with dogs to visit long-term care facilities in the Boston area. Info: 482-1510/[email protected].
Jamaica Plain Ecology Advocates, seeking volunteers for litter cleanups and more. Info: on.fb.me/GKO1em.
Volunteer coaches needed for JP Regan Youth League, baseball and softball for boys and girls ages 5-15. Knowledge of baseball/softball and experience with children preferred. League provides orientation and support. info: 983-1563/[email protected].
Faulkner Hospital, active adults to volunteer at various areas in the hospital, including Patient Information, the Taiclet Family Center and the Retail Therapy Center. Info: 983-7424.
Springhouse Retirement Community, volunteer activities can include reading to a group. Cooking, playing music or calling a bingo game, 44 Allandale St. Info: Jacki Katz [email protected].
Boston Teachers Union Pilot School, seeks volunteers to tutor middle school students in math, one-on-one or in small groups, Mon., and/or Weds. afternoons, 3-4:30pm. Info: David Weinstein, [email protected].
Faulkner Hospital seeks volunteers to staff its gift shop. Gift shop hours, 9:30am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri. Training provided. 1153 Centre St. Info: 983-7424.
The First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain seeks volunteers for the Crossroads Cafe, its Saturday lunch for seniors. Volunteers needed for set-up, cooking, serving, performing, or teaching a subject of interest to seniors. 633 Centre St. Info: 524-3992/[email protected].
Ethos on Amory Street is looking for volunteers in the following areas: friendly visitor, medical escort, shopping assistant, telephone reassurance caller, office assistant, ombusman, money management, internships and other group projects. Info: 477-6623/[email protected].
FriendshipWorks for Elders seeks friendly visitors, medical escorts, pet pals (to visit elderly people with pets), walking partners, and volunteers to provide one-time and short-term assistance. JP chapter volunteers offer friendship and care in English and Spanish. Info: JP chapter, 277-5248/fw4elders.org.
Volunteers Needed to Help Seniors Understand Their Medical Bills, Action for Boston Community Development seeks volunteers for Serving the Health Information Needs of Seniors (SHINE) program. Info: Elaine Cronin, 348-6226.
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/bostonpartners.org.
Bikes Not Bombs, seeks volunteers and interns to help with administrative work, events-planning and curriculum development. Info: 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/darefamily.org.
Local Residents Needed, to drive cancer patients to and from treatment. Info: American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345/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.
Friends of Jamaica Pond seeks volunteers, Info: friendsofjamaicapond.org/524-7070.
826 Boston Writing Program, Egleston-based program has oodles of opportunities for volunteers to work with BPS students. Info: 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, 542-5867 x515.
Public Notices
Borrow Laptops, every Boston Public Library branch has laptops available for library cardholders to borrow for up to 2 hours of in-library use.
Street Sweeping, City of Boston and state Department of Conservation and Recreation programs, Info/Schedules: Boston, cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping/; DCR, mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm.
Boylston Congregational Church Thrift Store, open first Saturday of each month, 10am-2pm, Boylston Congregational Church, 207 Amory St.
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.
Pay by Plate, a new option is available for Boston parking ticket payment on the City of Boston’s website, 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.