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Waldi mans the voter registration table at a Summer Nights Out event. (Photo by Mark Saperstein, 2009.)
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Summer Nights Out a Success!
The last of the chairs have been stacked. The music has died down. And, at least for the moment, the face paint and balloons have been packed away. They are signs of two things: that cool autumn weather is coming (eventually), and that another incredibly successful Summer Nights Out event series has come to a close.
Over 1300 people joined the Hyde Square Task Force at five community gatherings this summer. The events offered teens, families, residents, friends, and even a few eager political candidates the chance to come together and celebrate the summer in a safe and positive environment. |
Ms. Purp (Ashley Cotton) speaks
the truth at One Stage, One Mic.
(Photo by Mark Saperstein, 2009.)
Summer Nights Out was launched three years ago to stem the rising tide of summer youth violence. It provides both a safe, neutral space for young people to have fun and an opportunity for those same young people to show that they are working to build a more peaceful Boston.
Awilda reads a selection from 'Seedless
Elementary.' (Photo by Mark Saperstein, 2009.)
Youth from the Hyde Square Task Force were integral in organizing Summer Nights Out. They worked long hours planning every event detail. They staffed voter registration tables, educating the community about the importance of building political power through participation. They took to the stage--as emcees, musicians, dancers, and even fashion models! One group of youth, the Youth Literacy Tutors, spent the last year creating a children's book, entitled 'Seedless Elementary: Scooter and Flippy's Healthy Adventures.' The book underscores the importance of proper nutrition and fitness habits in a community increasingly plagued by poor health. Dozens of children heard this valuable lesson at one of the Summer Night events where the book was unveiled.
Through their tireless efforts, our youth are building a stronger community. But they could not have done it alone. We would like to again thank all of the Summer Nights Out supporters who helped us put together these events; Alternatives for Community and Environment, Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Michael Capuano, Gordon Gottlieb, Barry Dym, and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
A special thanks to our key supporters: the Leers Weinzapfel Architect Associates, the Boston Private Bank and Trust Company, Boston Community Capital, Mt. Washington Bank, and the Berklee College of Music.
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A Fine 'Arts in the Summer'
HSTF's six-week 'Arts in the Summer' program also wrapped up on August 14th. Twenty-six elementary aged students participated in the all-day program, splitting the day between dancing in our studio, finding inspiration in arts and crafts, working with our summer staff to improve their reading and writing skills, and burning off some spare energy by playing hoops--both basketball and hula!
The kids also journeyed out in Boston throughout the summer, visiting the Museum of Science, the Children's
Museum, the Boston Harbor Islands, the Boston Nature Center/Forest Hills Cemetery, the Puppet
Showplace Theater, and the New
England Aquarium. Our thanks to all of these organizations for hosting our participants!
For more information about the program, or to line up for the fun next year, contact Ana Almeida at 617.524.8303 or ana@hydesquare.org.
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Get Ready for the JP World's Fair!
The Hyde Square Task Force is proud to host the upcoming 20th Annual Jamaica Plain World's Fair! The event will feature music from a variety of performers, a dance show from our very own Ritmo en Accion troupe, food, rides, and activities for the whole family.
The World's Fair has been a mainstay of the community for decades--it's a chance for all of JP to come together and celebrate community pride, our thriving arts scene, and the rich diversity of our neighborhoods. We hope you can join us!
What: JP World's Fair
Where: Centre Street, between Forbes and Walden Streets (Hyde-Jackson Square)
When: Saturday, September 12th, 12-6PM
To view a flyer of the event, click here.
For more information, visit www.jpworldsfair.org. Or contact Chrismaldi at 617.524.8303 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org. |
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Youth Job Opportunities at HSTF
How does earning a little extra cash to help make your community a better place sound to you? Then drop by the Hyde Square Task Force to fill out an application to become a member of one our youth leadership teams!
Youth aged 14-17 can apply to one or more of our five teams, including:
Ritmo en Accion is a youth dance troupe that performs across the city and teaches young kids the art and culture of dance. An audition is required.
Youth Literacy Tutors serve as positive role models to elementary school children, helping them learn the basics of reading and writing.
Youth Community Organizers mobilize their community to create change. These teens register voters, advocate on issues important to young people, and are currently working to create a 'wellness' curriculum in Boston Public Schools.
Health Careers Ambassadors are placed in internships at local health centers and work to build a healthier community for all.
The Dominican Youth Project strengthens the immigrant community in our neighborhood through organizing and advocacy.
Applications are available at both of our offices (365 and 375 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.)
For more information, call 617.524.8303 or email barbara@hydesquare.org. |
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Another congratulations to our graduated high school seniors! These young people were recognized at our 2009 Annual Meeting for their tremendous achievements during their time at the Hyde Square Task Force. We wish them the best of luck and continued success as they attend college and begin careers! (Photo by Ryan C. McMahon, 2009.)
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Save the Date for HSTF's Open House
On Thursday, September 24th, the Hyde Square Task Force will throw open its doors to the community! We hope that our neighbors, families, parents, friends, and any and all who are interested will join us for an evening of food, fun, and a chance to show off our Cheverus program building.
What: HSTF Open HouseWhen: Saturday, September 24th, 6-8PMWhere: Cheverus Building, 365 Centre Street
(Behind the Blessed Sacrament Church)
For more information, contact us at 617.524.8303.
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Back to School Jamboree
The Office of Family and Student Engagement will host the second annual Back to School Jamboree on Saturday, September 5th, from 11-3PM. If it is your child's first year in Boston Public Schools, or if you are a returning BPS family looking for more information, then stop by the event in City Hall Plaza for fun, games, performances, and resources on new and continuing school programs. To view a flyer for the event, click here.
For more information, call 617.635.7750. |
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Quick Links:________________
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Spotlight On:
The Hyde Square Task Force Welcomes Its Newest Board Members!
Kalila Barnett
Kalila is the Executive Director of the Roxbury-based Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE). She was previously a Senior Organizer at Community Labor United. She is a Roxbury native and lifelong resident of Boston. She has also worked at the JP Neighborhood Development Corporation and Madison Park Development Corporation, organizing around community development issues and affordable housing in the Roxbury and Jamaica Plain area. Among her many organizing accomplishments, Kalila led the successful grassroots campaign to maintain community control of the Blessed Sacrament Campus.
Andrea Martinez
Andrea works as a Program Associate for The Boston Foundation overseeing the non-profit sector. As part of her work, Ms. Martinez oversees the Foundation's effort to reposition Greater Boston's nonprofit sector through research, educational forums, workshops, information sharing on resources, strategic grantmaking, and capacity building of nonprofits.
Craig Martin
Craig is currently a fifth grade teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School, in Roxbury. There he also serves as Ten Boys Program coordinator, robotics team advisor; chess team advisor, technology support teacher, instructional leadership team member, and more. With over ten years in serving the Boston, Dallas, and New Orleans communities as an educator, Craig continues to advocate and inspire youth to become more passionate global citizens within our communities. He received the William A. Dandridge Award in Urban Education from Lesley University in 2007 and was newly selected as 2009 Boston Educator of the Year.
Tina Degree
Tina is a Human Service Manager with the Hildebrand Self-Help Center. In this capacity, she serves as a site manager for homeless women and children in Dorchester. She also works for Lutheran Social services. Previously, she worked for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services and has been advocating for families and youth for twelve years. Over the past few years, Tina has lost two close family members, including her son, to street violence. She is driven by a passion to work with inner city youth, advocate for social change, and challenge the injustices faced by communities of color.
Michael Gonzalez
Michael is a former youth leader at the Hyde Square Task Force. He first joined the Health Careers Ambassadors in 2004 before becoming a member of the Ritmo en Acción dance troupe in 2005. He graduated from English High School in 2006 and is currently in his Junior year at Northeastern University studying math. Michael remains active both in dance and in his community-he is a member of the Caliente dance troupe and the Latino American Student Organization. Michael has also worked as a teaching assistant as he attends college, and has returned to HSTF both as a part-time employee and as a volunteer mentor in our Paths to College and Careers program.
Click here to meet the rest of the HSTF Board of Directors.
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In Our Community:
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Flicks on the Rocks
Friday, August 21st, 8PM
"Flicks on the Rocks" continues with our third movie of the season, "The School of Rock," at 8pm.
For more information or directions, visit www.nirarock.org.
Carribean Night at the New England Aquarium
August 30
6:30-9PM
Presenting the IMAX movie 'Under the Sea 3D' with an introduction by Assistant Curator of Fishes Dan Laughlin. A free event for the whole family.
Contact Vickie Cataldo at vcataldo@neaq.org or 617.973.0235 for more information.
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