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October 29,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction, Utility Work and City Updates
BID Services & Links
City Services & Important Hotlines
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This Week's Featured Event
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Free, Family-Friendly Festival!
ILLUMINUS
is Nov. 2nd & 3rd in Downtown Boston
If you're looking for a fun experience this weekend then you'll want to attend the ILLUMINUS Light & Art Festival!
ILLUMINUS is an interactive, family-friendly festival featuring original installations, video projections and performances by artists in Downtown Boston. The festival is taking place across the Downtown Crossing area on
Nov. 2nd and 3rd
from
6 to 11 pm
!
This is the second year that the ILLUMINUS festival has taken place in Downtown Crossing. Last year's festival attracted 60,000 attendees, who danced in the streets, played with light installations and enjoyed thought-provoking art.
This year's amazing festival includes ice, live music performances, interactive immersive light and audiovisual installations while addressing topics such as immigration, climate change and more
.
INSOUND, above, made by Stephen Gleason, Drew Andrew and Tristan Walker, is an immersive light and sound installation where visitors can experience what it might be like to be inside of a piece of music. How the music sounds depends on how one moves through the installation. To this end, rather than passively listening to music, INSOUND invites visitors to actively listen and reinvent the music.
Stephanie Houten's PLAY, above, is an interactive audiovisual installation that is activated through the triggering of buttons by passersby. Users explore rhythm and improvisation with this installation, creating collaborative and impromptu sequences that are both visual and musical.
Click here for descriptions and renderings of this year's installations.
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Tonight: First Session of ArtsEmerson's
Play Reading Book Club of 'Wet'
ArtsEmerson's Play Reading Book Club (PRBC) is a theater literacy and community education program that provides access to scripts, artists and conversations within the theater. Tonight (Monday, Oct. 29th), is the first session for readings of "Wet: A DACAmented Journey" at the Paramount Center.
During book club, participants explore a play in three sessions during three weeks, with various locations and dates to choose from and attend.
The first session includes a facilitated group reading of the play out loud (with roles randomly assigned) and discussion focuses on play structure and the playwright. The second session is also a facilitated group discussion, with a focus on the play's social and historical context, production elements and civic relevance. At the third session participants see the performance together at ArtsEmerson with other neighborhood PRBCs, which is followed by a post-show reception.
There will be PRBCs at the Paramount, in Roxbury and Dorchester. Registration for book club sessions is free and can be done by clicking here. Tickets for the play must be purchased and can be done by clicking here. |
Tonight: Author Jenna Blum Discusses Her New Book
'The Lost Family' at
Old South Meeting House
The Vilna Shul, Boston's Center for Jewish Culture, is presenting author Jenna Blum as she reads from her new book "The Lost Family" at the Old South Meeting House on tonight (Monday, Oct. 29th).
This event is part of Old South Meeting House's Partners in Public Dialogue series.
Blum will also answer questions with author Randy Susan Meyers.
For details and tickets, please visit Vilna Shul's event page here.
OSMH members may receive a discount by using the following codes:
To receive $5 off the price of admission, use code OSMH5;
To receive $5 off the price of admission and copy of Blum's book, use OSMH33.
This event is at 7 pm.
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'Strange Interlude' Screening at
Old South Meeting House Nov. 1st
The Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.) is screening the 1932 black and white film "Strange Interlude" on Thursday, Nov. 1st.
The dramatic 2-hour film adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play stars Norma Shearer and Clark Gable. The story follows Nina (Shearer) as she has a secret affair with the dashing doctor Ned (Gable) and how their actions impact all the characters around them.
Filmed just four years after the play hit the stage, this 1932 motion picture encapsulates the fearlessness and psychological insight of O'Neill's script.
The cost is
$10 for OSMH members, $15 for general admission and members have the option to bring one guest at the same price. Click here to purchase tickets. The screening starts at 7 pm.
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Kidz Bop Kids at Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 2nd
Kidz Bop Kids will perform at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Nov. 2nd at 7:30 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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WalkBoston 'Step On It!' Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Boston Rescheduled for Nov. 3rd
Think you have seen everything in Downtown Boston? Guess again. Join in a sidewalk scavenger hunt through Downtown Boston on Saturday, Nov. 3rd and see just how much you know. This event was originally scheduled for Oct. 27th, but was rescheduled due to this past Saturday's rainstorm.
Here's how the scavenger hunt works:
- Participants (teams of 1-6 people) will receive clues challenging them to find specific items embedded or engraved in the Downtown Boston sidewalks and pathways. Bonus questions provide opportunities for groups to earn additional points.
- Answer the questions/riddles and travel as a team to each spot. Take a team picture showing the answer. No vehicles or rideshares needed; all locations are within walking distance.
- Document it on Twitter or Instagram using the official event hashtag #StepOnItBoston. Make sure to include teammates in the photos.
Once all the riddles and locations are found, meet atScholars Bistro (25 School St.) for the post-hunt celebration and prizes for top finishers. Free entry for paid participants. Prizes are generously donated by local businesses and valued at more than $1,000.
100% of all proceeds will support WalkBoston, a non-profit organization dedicated to making Massachusetts more walkable.
Registration is at noon at Old City Hall (45 School St.). The hunt is from 1 to 3 pm. Click here to register for the event.
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Boston Globe Live at Paramount Center Nov. 3rd & 4th
The Boston Globe is hosting Globe Live at the Emerson Paramount Center on Saturday, Nov. 3rd and Sunday, Nov. 4th. This event features Boston Globe journalists telling new original untold stories through spoken word, video, audio and live music.
The Globe's award-winning writers, photographers, and producers will showcase new and original unpublished work in real time. Step into their world as they share intimate reporting and reflections from the front lines of news, bringing you personalities, stories, and experiences as only they can.
The Nov. 3rd show is at
7:30 pm and the Nov. 4th show is at
2 pm. Click
here for more info and to purchase tickets.
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ArtsEmerson Presents
'Wet: A DACAmented Journey' Starting Nov. 8th
"Wet: A DACAmented Journey" will be opening at ArtsEmerson's Paramount Center on Thursday, Nov. 8th.
The play is written and performed by Alex Alpharoah, who risks his own freedom to share his true story to becoming a documented American citizen. The play focuses on the unending process to become a citizen while flipping between hilariousness and heart-wrenching
Click here for more information, showtimes and to purchase tickets. The show runs through Nov. 25th. |
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Bridge Over Troubled Waters' Bridge 2 The Future Fundraiser Nov. 8th
Support Bridge Over Troubled Waters (47 West St.) at its Bridge 2 The Future fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 8th.
All proceeds will benefit Bridge Over Troubled Waters. The event provides attendees an opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded supporters for an evening in support of homeless, runaway, and high-risk youth that rely on Bridge programs and services.
The Godfrey Hotel Boston, Ruka, George Howell Coffee Co. and the Hyatt Regency Boston have all donated prizes for the prize wheel. To contribute a raffle prize please contact Barbara Baxter at [email protected].
This event is from 6 to 9 pm at City Winery (80 Beverly St.). Click here to purchase tickets. |
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Julien Baker with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus at Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 8th
Julien Baker will perform with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus at the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 8th. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Hanson String Theory at
Orpheum Theatre Nov. 10th
Hanson String Theory, comprised of the 1990s pop star Hanson brothers, is performing at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 10th. Doors open at 7 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
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'Lest We Forget' Photo Exhibit Presents Portraits of Holocaust Survivors in Boston Common
Photographer Luigi Toscano's "Lest We Forget" photo exhibit of 70 large portraits of Holocaust survivors from around the world is in the Boston Common through Nov. 10th.
Toscano, a German-Italian, started the project in 2015, and has photographed more than 200 survivors in seven countries.The exhibit has been staged in Germany, in Ukraine, and was recently surrounding the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. Each survivor is identified and biographical details are provided at the portraits. |
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Get $10 Tix to 'Hamilton':
At Boston Opera House Thru Nov. 18th
The Broadway smash hit, Tony Award-winning musical
"Hamilton"
made its Boston debut at the
Boston Opera House
on Sept. 18th and will be in town through Nov. 18th.
The musical is based on Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, was a Founding Father and America's first Treasury Secretary.
The show blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway to have America's present tell Hamilton's story from back in the 1700s.
Also, if you haven't purchased tickets there's still a chance get $10 tickets on the day of show! There will be a release of 40 $10 tickets for every show -- click
here to learn more.
Click
here
for showtimes and more info about the musical.
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Last Week of Outdoor Entertainment!
Live Music at The Steps, 133 Federal St. and Exchange at 100 Federal St.
The Downtown Boston BID's 2018 performance season features more than 1,600-plus live musical performances spread across the district. This is the last week for live performances at The Steps and 133 Federal St.
This week, Gypsy Jazz, Code 51, DD Martin Trio and Square Peg, will perform at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets). There are daily performances from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday through Friday, noon to 2 pm on Saturday and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Sunday. With plenty of seating at The Steps, it's a wonderful spot to sit down with your lunch and enjoy the show.
Soloist D'Rafaele will perform at 133 Federal St. on Oct. 31st from noon to 2 pm.
The BID is teaming up with
Exchange at 100 Federal Street to present live music inside the atrium from
4 to 6 pm on Tuesdays. Nico and Emily will perform this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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City Services &
Important Hotlines
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Important Phone Numbers
Boston Fire, Police & Emergency Services: 911
Non-emergency requests: 311
Eversource gas and electric: 1-800-592-2000
National Grid: 1-800-322-3223
Boston Water & Sewer Commission: 617-989-7000
Mass Water Resources Authority: 617-242-6000
City of Boston Tow Lot: 617-635-3900
National Weather Service: 508-822-0634
Verizon: 800-837-4966
Boston Animal Care and Control: 617-635-5348
Cold Relief Heatline: 800-632-8175
Elderly Commission: 617-635-4366
Emergency Shelter Commission: 617-635-4507
MBTA: 617-222-3200
MEMA: 508-820-1428
Mass. Road and Traffic Conditions: 617-374-1234
City of Boston Neighborhood Services: 617-635-3485
State Police: 617-740-7600
Transit Police: 617-222-1212
City of Boston Veterans Services: 617-635-3957
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Boston Red Sox Win World Series! Championship Parade on Wednesday
Parade Info: Time, Route, Street Closures
The Boston Red Sox won their fourth championship in 15 seasons and will be celebrating in style on Wednesday with a rolling parade that will go through Downtown Boston.
The parade will begin at 11 am from Landsdowne Street near Fenway Park, take a right onto Ipswich Street and then turn left onto Boylston Street. The parade will continue along Boylston Street and take a left onto Tremont Street, continue onto Cambridge Street and end at New Sudbury Street. There will not be a rally at City Hall Plaza.
Please click here for parking restrictions and street closures.
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MP Boston Breaks Ground for
Winthrop Center with Fireworks
MP Boston (formerly Millennium Partners) broke ground for their Winthrop Center project in style on Oct. 24th -- with fireworks!
"I consider this site a continuation of the work we had started 20 years ago. Even though you call them different names -- Combat Zone, Downtown Crossing, Financial District -- to me, this is a very concentrated, few-block area, which we had started work on 20 years ago," said Christopher Jeffries, MP's founding partner and principal, to the Boston Business Journal.
The mixed-use tower, which will actually be two towers that are fused together, one topping out at 579-feet and the other at 691-feet, will feature 750,000 sq. ft. of office space and 420 luxury condos.
MP Boston's other Downtown Boston properties include Millennium Tower, Millennium Place and The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. |
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More Than $800K Raised to Support
St. Francis House at All The Way Home Gala
Bostonians of all ilk, influential business leaders, philanthropists and those in need, came together to celebrate St. Francis House's (39 Boylston St.) work toward ending homelessness at their All The Way Home Gala on Oct. 24th.
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| Left to right: John Rattigan, event co-chair and former BID Chair; Kathy MacNeil, event honoree; Karen LaFrazia, President of St. Francis House; and Joe Larkin, event honoree. |
The event honored Joseph Larkin, principal of MP Boston and BID Board member, and Kathy MacNeil, principal of MP Boston. The event was co-chaired by John Rattigan, partner of DLA Piper and former BID Board chair, and Kimberly Steimle Vaughan, chief marketing officer and chief people officer of Suffolk Construction.
A moving video shown during the evening featured St. Francis House guest, and Sullivan Family Moving Ahead Program alumnus PJ, who said, "When you've been on the edges of society for so long, you forget the simple things that were once second nature. How to show up on time, every day, how to work hard, take responsibility, and be someone people can rely on. These are all things I had to re-learn and it was St. Francis House that helped me do this."
Click here to watch PJ's Story or to learn more about the event, which raised more than $880,000. Please click
here to learn more about St. Francis House programs and services.
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St. Anthony Shrine Pope Francis Award Gala Raises More Than $1 Million
St. Anthony Shrine (100 Arch St.) held its 3rd Annual Pope Francis Award Gala to celebrate the work by the women of the Shrine on Oct. 25th.
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Pope Francis Awardee, the
Honorable Regina L. Quinlan-Doherty, speaks to the audience. |
This year's awardee was The Honorable Regina L. Quinlan-Doherty.
"We were fortunate to have both Mrs. Victoria Kennedy and Mayor Marty Walsh address the attendees. They were both an inspiration to the friars and donors in attendance," said Father Thomas Conway, OFM, Executive Director of the Shrine.
The event raised more than one million dollars for the Shrine's ministries. |
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The Watch Hospital Kept People on Time for Decades on Bromfield Street
After close to 70 years on Bromfield Street, The Watch Hospital ended its horological business, closing its doors for the last time on Oct. 26th.
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Norman Rubin, left, with
former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino |
"All of our family worked here. My brothers, their friends and their brothers," said Marcy Rubin, who took over the store more than a year ago after her father, Norman, passed away.
Before Norman Rubin owned the business, Marcy's uncle owned it, dating back to the 1940s. Before its current location at 40 Bromfield St., the hospital had been located at 55 Bromfield St., and moved to its current location in the 1970s.
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| The desk of repairman Kevin Tran, who worked for the Watch Hospital for more than 25 years. |
"There's a lot of customers who have come in to say goodbye," said Marcy. "People drive in or take the train just to come here."
She said that the industry has changed as the majority of people now use their cellphones to tell time. But for many years people, including New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and former Red Sox Mo Vaughn, came in to get their watches repaired.
Before it closed, The Watch Hospital made sure that all customers who had timepieces at the store were notified of its closing. Marcy said that before closing they had been directing people to get their watches fixed at the nearby Watch Clinic (333 Washington St. #423).
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Thank you, Larry Baxter! Roche Bros. Welcomes New General Manager
As the first general manager of the Downtown Crossing Roche Bros., which opened in 2014, Larry Baxter led the supermarket to quickly become an indispensable business of Downtown Boston. Baxter was recently chosen to be the next general manager of Roche Bros.' Needham store.
"I am excited to take on the challenges moving to a different store offers, but sad to leave the great people I have met during my time in the Downtown Crossing store," said Larry Baxter.
On behalf of everyone at the Downtown Boston BID, we would like to thank Larry for his years of service and partnership. We wish him good luck at his next position.
The new store manager of the Downtown Crossing Roche Bros., as of Nov. 5th, will be Mark Guinasso. |
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Volunteers Needed for
Boston Tea Party Reenactment
The Old South Meeting House (310 Washington St.)
is seeking volunteers to help at the Boston Tea Party Reenactment on Dec. 16th, 2018.
The volunteers who are needed will wear modern-day clothes and will not be costumed reenactors. Volunteers are needed for crowd management at the event and the parade.
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Vendors Wanted for
2018 Downtown Boston Holiday Market
Vendor applications are now being accepted for the Downtown Boston BID 2018-2019 Downtown Holiday Market presented by Bank of America.
This year's market is in a pop-up location at 467 Washington St. The market will run from November 23rd through January 6th. There will be
numerous local vendors showcasing artisan products such as jewelry, woodcarvings, metal sculptures, food, candles, clothing, holiday goods and more throughout this holiday season.
The market is open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. The market's last day will be January 6th.
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BID Little Free Libraries at
Readers Park and 175 Federal St.
The Downtown Boston BID's very popular
Little Free Library
at
Readers Park (School and Washington streets)
is for anyone to take a book and leave a book. The Readers Park Little Free Library was so popular that a second one was added to the district at
175 Federal St. (Summer Street side)
.
The general public is invited to donate free books to the BID's Little Free Libraries by dropping off books at the libraries or by contacting Kristen Flanagan at [email protected] to organize a pickup in the downtown area.
The BID's Little Free Libraries are officially registered with the
Little Free Library non-profit organization. There are actually more than 50,000 registered little free libraries across the country and world!
The BID's Little Free Libraries are
open daily from 10 am to 6 pm
(closed during inclement weather).
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Shed's BBQ Halloween Menu Available
Oct. 24th - Oct. 31st
Shed's BBQ (32 Bromfield St.) has concocted a Halloween menu that is available from Oct. 24th through Halloween (with 48 hours notice for catering).
The menu includes bedeviled eggs, smoked spicy bag wings, fall spice pumpkin whoopie pies, sloppy spider sliders and more! Click here for the full menu. |
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Celebrate Boston College Club's
20th Anniversary with Zero Dues
The
(100 Federal St., 36th Floor)
celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018 and is offering a special deal when you join between now and Oct. 31st.
Join the Boston College Club between now and October 31st and enjoy zero dues until Dec. 1st and a $100 dining credit to get acquainted with the club. You do not have to be a Boston College alum to be a member.
Club members enjoy 18 workspaces with WiFi, breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails in and upscale yet casual atmosphere, 3,200 successful club members to network and socialize with, complimentary networking breakfast and five to seven other events at the club monthly and 275 clubs to use while traveling outside of Boston to cities such as Chicago and Washington, DC.
Contact Membership Director
Shannon McQuarry at
617-951-0978 or
[email protected] for an application or to schedule a tour with complimentary lunch.
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Metro Meeting Centers Offering
Pre-Cyber Monday Sale
Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal Street, 4th Floor) is offering a pre-Cyber Monday Sale leading up to the actual day on Nov. 26th.
You will receive 20% off a full-day package value of the meeting when you reserve space for a new meeting to occur in 2019. A deposit of 50% or more for that space by Nov. 26th must be made to take advantage of the offer.
Please call 617-737-1200 for more info and to make reservations. |
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Take Your Shot at These
Special 'Hamilton' Deals
Local businesses are very excited about "Hamilton" being in Boston and are offering special menus, drinks, parking discounts and more.
Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.) is serving three "Hamilton" inspired cocktails:
Eliza, A Despicable Opinion, and The Price of Truth. Each cocktail is $15.
Back Deck (2 West St.) is offering a "Hamilton" inspired menu with a Hamilton Old-Fashioned, Monticello White Bean Soup, Cider-Braised Beef Brisket Pot-Roast, Indian Pudding and a Rattle Skull (Goslings dark rum, Blacklash Molasses Stout, lime and nutmeg). Click here for the full menu and descriptions.
Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette) is offering two tickets to the Nov. 2nd "Hamilton" show when you reserve a semi-private dining experience. This offer is valid for dinner receptions with a $5,000 food and beverage minimum by October 31st.
The Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is offering 10% off entrees with a ticket from that day's performance.
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering 10% off food only with a ticket from that day's performance. Also, the restaurant is offering $6 validated parking at the 33 Arch Street Garage after 3:30 pm during the week and all day on the weekend. The restaurant will validate your parking ticket.
PABU (3 Franklin St., 2nd Floor) is offering
complimentary chicken karaage or edamame for anyone who presents their theater ticket for that date's performance. |
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Construction, Utility
Work and City Updates
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New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects and More
Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here. 
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BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services
in Downtown
The
Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors
provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
B
ID Ambassadors
provide walking escorts when needed and
they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining! Please call 617-261-0066 if you want to contact our BID ambassador services program. You can also email [email protected].
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear crosswalks, handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassadors shovel in Downtown Boston during winter
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping
- Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
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Additional BID Services & Info
- Communication and Business Networking
- Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood issues
- Entertainment programming
- Member Advocacy
- Capital/Public Improvements
- Wayfinding
- Please click here for the Downtown Boston BID's Welcome Guide that provides a look at many of the BID's accomplishments in leading the transformation of Downtown Crossing
- For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at [email protected].
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, Communications & Social Media Manager, at:
[email protected]
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