Hyde Square Task Force E-Update September 2007
The Hyde Square Task Force's "e-update" is a periodic electronic newsletter featuring the accomplishments of our programs and participants. Our mission is to create a safe, clean and friendly neighborhood in Hyde/Jackson Square, a neighborhood that places its priority on young people. We strive to develop the skills of youth and their families so that they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong and vibrant urban community. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.hydesquare.org
HSTF Youth Artists featured during Jamaica Plain Open Studios
On Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th, the Hyde Square Task Force will be participating in Jamaica Plain Open Studios, a community-wide event showcasing local artists. This year, HSTF will feature the work of our youth muralists, photographers, dancers, and musicians at our office, 375 Centre Street. Please come out to see the creativity and talent of our youth on display! We also encourage visitors to stop by the Jackson Square T-Station and see how our Youth Community Muralists have transformed the space using public art.
For more information, contact Paul at (617) 524-8303 x 321 or paul@hydesquare.org.
For more information on Jamaica Plain Open Studios, visit
PCCP Alumni Mix it Up!
On Thursday, August 23rd HSTF’s Paths to College and Careers Program (PCCP) hosted its first Alumni Mixer at our newly acquired space in the Cheverus School. The event brought together a dozen PCCP members, from as long ago as the class of 2003 and as recently as the class of 2011, to reconnect before returning to school. The mixer, planned by new PCCP Coordinator Peter Barros, gave alumni the opportunity to socialize, discuss their college experiences, and offer advice to the youth in attendance! Another PCCP Alumni Event will be held over the coming Thanksgiving break.
For more information, contact Peter at (617) 524-8303 x313 or peter@hydesquare.org.
Ritmo en Acción announced as a Coming Up Taller Semi-Finalist!
For the second year in a row, the Hyde Square Task Force is a Coming Up Taller Semi-finalist for its celebrated Ritmo en Acción/Rhythm in Action dance program. In all of its programs, HSTF utilizes a uniquely effective youth and community development model. Youth learn skills in their program area of choice, and as they gain confidence and mastery, share their skills with younger youth and contribute to their community. The Coming Up Taller Award from the President's Committee on Arts and the Humanities is the nation's highest honor for after school and out of school arts and humanities programs. The announcement of the 15 finalists nationwide is expected in late 2007 or early 2008.
For more information, contact Brenda at (617) 524-8303 x 323 or brenda@hydesquare.org
The Green Team
This summer, seven Hyde Square Task Force youth worked in collaboration with the Mount Pleasant Home to make Jamaica Plain green! This unique summer employment opportunity allowed teens to gain experience in landscaping and to learn about the importance of using environmentally sustainable practices in the field. Working along the Jamaicaway with Ben Crouch from Earthworks, they created a weed barrier out of bio-degradable, recycled materials such as cardboard boxes and bed sheets. They then planted native trees and shrubs, creating new habitats for local wildlife and ensuring that the woodland understory they created will require little maintenance or irrigation.
Participants also built relationships with elders living in the Mount Pleasant Home, connecting with the residents to form a more solid community. At the end of the summer, Green Team member Nancy Cardona, age 15, said “"I love working with the Mount Pleasant Home residents! I learned that we don't only learn from them, but they learn from us too – just like Dottie Ryan (a resident) says!"
For more information, contact Jaime at (617) 524-8303 x 328 or jaime.lederer@gmail.com
Youth Community Organizers Attend City Council Hearing on Civics
As part of efforts of HSTF youth to improve the quality of education that they receive, our Youth Community Organizers are pursuing a campaign to add a civics component to Boston Public Schools’ high school curriculum. Their next step in this effort is a hearing with the Boston City Council to stress the need for a civics curriculum that prepares students for an active role in a democratic society. The hearing, which will be held at City Hall on Thursday, October 18, comes in response to a hearing order drafted by the YCOs in collaboration with City Councilors Chuck Turner and John Tobin.
For more information, contact Chrismaldi at (617) 524-8303 x 325 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org
Calendar
Boston Girls Sports Coalition Showcase Event with a performance by Ritmo en Acción at 4:30
Fenway Park
Wednesday, September 19
Contact: Ana at (617) 524-8303 x 324 or ana@hydesquare.org
Candidates Forum
Wednesday, September 26
Contact: Chrismaldi at (617) 524-8303 x 325 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org
Jamaica Plain Open Studios
Saturday and Sunday, September 29 - 30
www.jpopenstudios.com
Contact: Paul at (627) 524-8303 x 321 or paul@hydesquare.org
Kennedy After School Program Begins
7 Bolster Street, Jamaica Plain
Monday, October 1, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Contact: Ana at (617)524-8303 x 324 or ana@hydesquare.org
City Council Hearing on Civics
Thursday, October 18
Contact: Chrismaldi at (617) 524-8303 x 325 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org
Ritmo en Acción Performance for Hispanic Heritage Month
Connolly Branch Library
433 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
Monday, October 15
Contact: Barbara at (617) 524-8303 x 327 or barbara@hydesquare.org
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!
Health Careers Ambassadors Program (H-CAP)
Guy (617) 524-8303 x302
Kennedy Elementary School After School Program
Ana (617) 524-8303 x324
Paths to College & Career Program (PCCP)
Peter (617) 524-8303 x313
Ritmo en Acción Youth Dance Troupe
Barbara (617) 524-8303 x327
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