Louise Miller, a debut novelist and baker, appears in the 2016-17 South End Writes series alongside Dina Vargo (Wild Women of Boston) and culinary luminary Gordon Hamersley.
On Tuesday, October 25, Miller—a Boston-based pastry chef and writer who received a GrubStreet Novel Incubator program scholarship—will present readings from her debut novel “fblikebutton_button” The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living, released this summer through Viking’s Pamela Dorman Books imprint.
Gordon Hamersley, a beloved and greatly missed South End culinary luminary, will appear on Tuesday, November 22. He will discuss his career as a prize-winning chef, his current role as a food writer for the Boston Globe, and his long tenure as a neighborhood fixture. The timing offers Thanksgiving’s feast planning advice.
CANDIDATE KEITH ENDORSED BY B&T
Banker & Tradesman has thrown its support behind John Keith for Suffolk County Register of Deeds, describing him as “refreshing change” in “the current environment of extreme political polarization”.
The endorsement states: “fblikebutton_button” A seasoned Boston real estate agent, Keith has a general familiarity with how the Registry operates and seems genuinely eager to learn what he doesn’t know.”
According to the endorsement, “fblikebutton_button” Keith is an active user of social media, tweeting his observations about real estate and the city with light, offbeat humor – under which lies a deep understanding of the market and the various forces that shape it. Throughout his campaign Keith has made clear he has both the ability and the desire to do the job, which comes with an annual salary of $124,000, and comes across as the most earnest and forthcoming of what is clearly a strong field of candidates.⟧
A Massachusetts native and Northeastern University graduate, Keith has resided in Boston for many years. Over the past 14 years, he has worked as a real estate broker. His background includes management, accounting, software implementation, and data and business analysis experience.
Voters will decide the Suffolk County Register of Deeds election on November 8, 2016.
PUMPKIN FLOAT ON FROG POND
Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that the Boston Common Frog Pond will host the annual Fall Pumpkin Float on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., featuring hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns on the water accompanied by spooky family activities.
Participants should bring 8-inch or smaller carved pumpkins to be lit and floated on the Frog Pond for an evening display. Creatively carved and decorated jack-o’-lanterns from various local sports teams and organizations will also be on view. Halloween costumes are encouraged for both adults and children, who can participate in various activities. Children may decorate luminary bags for display and illumination along the Frog Pond’s edge, and a haunted zombie maze will test courage and problem-solving abilities.
A magician, the L.L. Bean Bootmobile, children’s crafts, an IKEA selfie booth with LATTJO costumes, sweet treats, games and giveaways by Magic 106.7, and snacks and refreshments from IKEA, Capital One Café, HP Hood LLC, and DAVIDsTEA will be featured at this free family-friendly event.
The Trustees of Reservations will receive all pumpkins after the event for composting.
For details, contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505, visit www.facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment, or go to www.boston.gov/parks.
FENWAY COMMUNITY CENTER
Located at 1282 Boylston St., the Fenway Community Center can be reached at (857) 246-9053 and has scheduled several upcoming events.
Social dancing takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:20-3:20 p.m. at the Center, primarily featuring Chinese music and attended by Chinese elders, though everyone is welcome.
Northeastern University students planning to live off-campus this fall are being sought as volunteers. The Fenway Community Center needs greeters for a one-hour weekly commitment. Volunteers serving 11 hours or more in a three-month period will receive an invitation to the FCC Ice Cream Social. Contact [email protected] for information.
Northeastern University students interested in the Fenway Community Center are invited to Welcome to the Neighborhood, meeting monthly on the first Thursday beginning Oct. 6.
Councilor Josh Zakim District 8 Fall Community Night is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. at the FCC, with pizza and refreshments provided.
SOUTH END DATES
Hayes Park is conducting a Silent Auction Fundraiser on Thursday, October 20, from 6-8 p.m. at Woodmeister Master Builders, 1317 Washington Street, with tickets available online.
According to Steve Fox, moderator of the South End Forum, BRA Director Brian Golden will return to the Nov. 1 Forum meeting. At the September meeting, Golden spoke at length but many questions remained when time expired, so he will continue the discussion.
The Old Dover Neighborhood Association invites residents to a Fall Social at LaMotta’s Restaurant, 1357 Washington St., on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 6-8 p.m. Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Residents from East Springfield and Mass Avenue will participate in a fall cleanup of Alley 716 alongside neighbors and the Boston Police. This quality of life initiative provides an opportunity to meet neighbors and reconnect with friends. Gloves and garbage bags will be supplied. Direct questions to Vicki Via at [email protected].
South End librarian Matt Krug has organized a bed bugs seminar for Thursday morning, October 6, at 10:30 a.m., addressing what appears to be a South End problem. Jonathan Boyar, an associate certified entomologist and pest control operator with extensive experience, will speak. Call 617 536-8241 for details.
RETIREMENT PLANNING FROM GOLDEN AGE CENTER
The Golden Age Center and Castle Square Tenants Organization are collaborating to present the SHINE program’s retirement planning workshop on Monday October 17, 6-8 p.m. in the Castle Square Community Center on the 2nd floor (476 Tremont St.). The workshop will be offered in English and Chinese, with refreshments provided.
Contact Xiaoping Wang at 617-357-8548 with questions.
Workshop topics include:
-Medicare, Medicaid, and other Health Insurance
-Social Security eligibility with Medicare, Medicaid
-Calculating social security retirement benefits
-Deciding between full and early retirement
-Managing 401 K or 403 (b) Retirement income
FENWAY/SOUTH END HOURS FOR CONGRESSMAN CAPUANO
The second Thursday of every month, Congressman Michael Capuano holds office hours for Fenway and South End residents at the Fenway Community Health Center, 1340 Boylston St., from noon to 1 p.m. A representative from his office will be present.