Hyde Square Task Force E-Update March 2007
The Hyde Square Task Force "e-update" is a periodic electronic newsletter featuring the accomplishments of our programs and participants. Our mission is to develop the skills of youth and their families so that they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a stronger urban community. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.hydesquare.org.
Curley Entrepreneurship Clubs Grand Opening a Success!
On Thursday February 15th, the Curley After School Entrepreneurship Clubs celebrated their new business ventures with a successful kick-off event. The Money Maker$, a creative service club, planned and hosted the event which showcased handmade jewelry created by the Dynamic Arts Club and chocolate chip cookies baked by the Cookie Monsterz. Each club also gave a brief presentation detailing their efforts in starting the businesses, and describing what they have learned as young entrepreneurs. The event was attended by Hyde Square Task Force youth, staff and families, as well as local press. Since the Grand Opening, the Cookie Monsterz have been invited to sell their baked goods at local restaurants City Feed and Supply and Bella Luna. Cookies made by the club will be available at both locations on March 10th. The Dynamic Arts group has been hired by the JPNDC to create community-based designs on potted plants as gifts for new home owners in Jamaica Plain. The Money Maker$ are currently organizing a basketball tournament that will take place at the Curley Middle School, scheduled to take place at the end of March. We would like to thank all of our supporters in the community for helping to make the Curley Entrepreneurship Clubs possible!
For more information on the Curley Entrepreneurship Clubs, contact Yi Chin at 617-524-8303 x303 or yichin@hydesquare.org. For more information on the Curley After School program, contact Ana at 617-524-8303 x324 or ana@hydesquare.org.
View the Entrepreneurship Clubs information page at
http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/highlights/Entrepreneurship_One_Pager_final.pdf.
If you are interested in receiving goods made by the Entrepreneurship Clubs, or would like to make a contribution, please download a copy of our pledge form, at
http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/highlights/FINAL_Plege_Form.pdf
Vote for the Hyde Square Task Force!
Re-Zoom, an online organization whose mission is “redefining life for an ageless generation,” is recognizing non-profits that have had a significant impact in the communities they serve. Re-Zoom’s nationwide A Better World grant relies on community members to vote for an organization they believe is creating positive change in the lives of others. The Hyde Square Task Force has been nominated on the regional level, making us eligible for a $5,000 grant based on the number of votes we receive from friends and supporters. In addition, regional nominees with the most votes will be eligible to win ReZoom’s national A Better World grant of $100,000.
To vote for the Hyde Square Task Force and support our effort to create a strong and vibrant urban community, please visit http://www.rezoom.com/ABETTERWORLD.
JP Trees and Earthworks Invite Jamaica Plain Residents to Go Green
JP Trees, a local organization, is collaborating with EarthWorks to encourage the planting of “setback” trees on privately owned property near public rights of way throughout Jamaica Plain. JP Trees and Earthworks have volunteered to plant setback trees in the yards of Jamaica Plain property owners during the months of March, April, and May. There is no cost to residents for the trees; EarthWorks only asks that those who allow trees to be planted on their property be willing to care for them. The setback tree program is an effort to create a healthy and sustainable urban community and increase the communal benefits of trees.
If you are interested in having a tree planted on your property or want to learn more about the project, visit http://www.earthworksboston.org/setbacktrees.
HSTF Youth Join Beaver Country Teens to Break Down Barriers
Together with the Social Action Leaders and Student Council from Beaver Country Day School of Chestnut Hill, MA, the HSTF Youth Advisory Council has planned and implemented the first of several all-day trainings on diversity and leadership. These events are attended by all members of the Hyde Square Task Force’s youth teams and many students from the Beaver Country Day School. The first full-day training on February 3rd focused on learning about diversity and forming connections between the two groups. Participating youth felt that the day’s activities succeeded in creating greater understanding and cooperation among the teens. The next meeting with Beaver Country students, hosted by the Hyde Square Task Force, is scheduled for April 28th and will be centered on leadership dev elopement and motivating youth to create social change.
For more information on the Youth Advisory Council or this event, contact Jesús at (617) 524-8303 x 304 or at jesus@hydesquare.org.
View these and other highlights at:
http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/highlights.html
Job Openings at the Hyde Square Task Force
We currently have several job openings. To view descriptions of available positions, please visit the following links, or refer to the Staff and Board section of our website, www.hydesquare.org. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested!
View more information about job openings,
http://www.hydesquare.org/about_us/board.html
In the News:
Wellington Management Charitable Fund Grantees Announced!
Wellington Management Charitable Fund, February 2007
Hyde Square Task Force Paths to College & Careers Program prepares
neighborhood youth for college through a three-part academic
enrichment, college and career exploration, and community service
program.
A new look for Jackson Square
Brian R. Ballou, Boston Globe, February 20, 2007
It is prime real estate in Boston and developers have long clamored to get their hands on it, but the 9.5 acres scattered near the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Centre Street in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain has remained a blank slate for almost 30 years.
A message of many colors: Funds for a diversity mural
Richard Thompson, Boston Globe, January 21, 2007
With Mozart Park as his canvas, Jesús Gerena , a community organizer at the Hyde Square Task Force , is planning to pick up where residents left off more than a decade ago with a youth-designed mural promoting peace and celebrating the cultural diversity of the neighborhood .
Read these and other recent news items at:
http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/inthenews.html
Calendar
March:
Curley Capoeira Club performs at First Annual Capoeira Encounter
Sunday, March 25 @ 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Contact: Ana (617) 524-8303 x 324
Kennedy After School Field Trip
Friday, March 23 and Friday, March 30
Museum of Fine Arts
Contact: Abe (617) 524-8303 x 325Ritmo en Accion Performance Cultural Enlightenment Day
Friday, March 23
Regis College
Contact: Brenda (617) 524-8303 x 312Friendly PEERsuasions Presentation
Monday, March 26
Kennedy After School Program
7 Bolster Street, Jamaica Plain
Contact: Abe (617) 524-8303 x 325Session Three of WEPA begins
Monday, March 26
Cheverus School
30 Sunnyside Street, Jamaica Plain
Contact: Ana (617) 524-8303 x 324
April:
Ritmo en Acción Performance
Northeastern University Fashion Show
Sunday, April 15
Northeastern University
Contact: Brenda (617) 524-8303 x 312Ritmo en Acción Performance
Wednesday, April 18
Bentley College
Contact: Brenda (617) 524-8303 x 312Beaver Country Day School/HSTF Leadership Training
Saturday, April 28th
Cheverus School
30 Sunnyside Street, Jamaica Plain
Contact: Jesús (617) 524-8303 x304
May:
Wake up the Earth Festival
Saturday, May 5
Lamartine and Boylston St, Jamaica PlainRitmo en Acción Showcase
Saturday, May 19
Contact: Brenda (617) 524-8303 x 312Hyde Square Task Force Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 31 @ 6:00-8:00 pm
Cheverus School
30 Sunnyside Street, Jamaica Plain
Contact: Paul (617) 524-8303 x 321
Contact Us
If you'd like to learn more about our programs or find out how to enroll, please send an email or call the staff member listed below. We'd love to hear from you!
Curley Middle School After School Program
Ana (617) 524-8303 x324
Health Careers Ambassadors Project (H-CAP)
Yi Chin (617) 524-8303 x303
Kennedy Elementary School After School Program
Brenda (617) 524-8303 x323
Paths to College & Career Program (PCCP)
Yi Chin (617) 524-8303 x303
Ritmo en Acción Youth Dance Troupe
Brenda (617) 524-8303 x323
Women Engaged in Physical Activity (WEPA)
Ana (617) 524-8303 x324
YouthFirst in Jackson Square Community Organizing Initiative
Jesús (617) 524-8303 x304
View the complete staff directory:
http://www.hydesquare.org/about_us/board.html.
Directions to our office:
http://www.hydesquare.org/contact_us/directions_main.html