Celebrate Global Smurfs Day (Sponsored)
By Kathleen Miller The world is about to get a whole lot smurfier. Ambassadors from 28 countries are painting the town blue today as they kick off the second-annual Global Smurfs Day by spreading that irrepressible smurfy cheer through the streets of Paris. The celebration honors Smurfs creator Pierre “Peyo” Culliford’s June 25 birthday and the opening of ‘The Smurfs 2’ on July 31. Culliford’s daughter, Veronique, presided over a ceremony in her father’s hometown of Belgium at the site of a giant Smurf statue. She officially appointed more than 40 Smurfs ambassadors who then boarded a train to Paris, where the movie is set, where they spread smiles and heralded the movie’s opening. Events are taking place around the world, and in Los Angeles, families can join Smurfs at local appearances where they will play the Ubisoft video game, and sample Menchie’s Smurfberry frozen yogurt, among other activities. Families are encouraged to enjoy nature by the U.S. Forest Service and Ad Council’s Discover the Forest campaign, and can watch the first “The Smurfs” film at an outdoor evening screening. Smurf Ambassadors will post photos from the day on Instagram with the hashtag #GlobalSmurfsDay. You can also follow their adventures at the official Global Smurfs Day site at www.GlobalSmurfsDay.net. ‘The Smurfs™ 2,’ is a hybrid live action/animation family feature film starring Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mays and Katy Perry, pits the loveable blue creatures against the evil wizard Gargamel, who creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties, kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris. Then it’s up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our time, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Watch a preview of the movie with your kids here. “The Smurfs 2” opens July 31 in theaters nationwide. South End Patch
Where to Celebrate Memorial Day 2013 in Boston
South End Patch
Where to Celebrate Memorial Day 2013 in Boston
Boston is hosting several Memorial Day observances throughout Memorial Day weekend. Events start on Thursday, May 23 with a service on Boston Common. The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to the families of military service personnel from Massachusetts who have died while in service to the United States, will host a service at 10:30 a.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The event will include the reading of the names of Bay State soldiers killed as a result of current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan among a flag garden with thousands of miniature American flags honoring the sacrifices of all fallen Massachusetts service men and women. On Sunday, May 26, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery (355 Walk Hill St.) in Mattapan from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include a short parade from inside the cemetery gate up to the World War I and World War II Monument where the ceremony will be held. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, there are several services planned. In the morning, there will be an 8 a.m. service at the Fogg-Roberts American Legion Post 78 (56 Harvard Ave.) in Hyde Park. From there, participants will march to a Mass at Most Precious Blood Parish (43 Maple St.) and then return to the post for the start of a tour of local veteran’s squares. The procession will end up at the Civil War Memorial at Fairview Cemetery for the closing ceremony at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, a Memorial Day observance will be held in Brighton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery (2060 Commonwealth Ave.). Later on, there will be a free concert featuring the Metropolitan Wind Symphony and the Boston City Singers to honor veterans. The show, called “Remembrance 2013: A Musical Tribute to Our Heroes,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Christopher Columbus Park (110 Atlantic Ave.) in the North End. For more information on each of these services, call, Arthur Smith of the American Legion at 617-298-7509, Andy Murphy of the Fogg Post at 617-364-1636 or the Boston Cemetery Division at 617-635-7361. South End Patch
South Enders Celebrate Marriage Equality Anniversary at Public Garden
Dozens of local gay and lesbian couples gathered at the Boston Public Garden Thursday to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the law that gave them the right to marry in Massachusetts. The celebration, put on in partnership between Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), the Respect for Marriage Coalition and Mayor Thomas Menino, ended with a group photo at a location popular for wedding photography. Michael Kelley and Ricardo Rodriguez of the South End were on hand Thursday. Kelley said that before marriage equality was in place, people referred to himself and Rodriguez as “friends, boyfriends, that friend, partner,” but that all changed when they were wed. “That is exactly the power of marriage,” Kelley said. “It’s been an extraordinary five years,” said Ellen Wade of Newton, who along with her wife, Maureen Brodoff, were one of the plaintiffs in the landmark case they won in 2003 that led to the adoption of marriage equality in the state. “It’s been exciting and inspiring, and we’re grateful to have played a small part in showing the country what marriage equality looks like,” Wade said, and in gesturing to the crowd, added, “it looks like us.” Bette Jo Green and Jo Ann Whitehead of Jamaica Plain have been together for over 32 years and both have battled cancer. But because of the Defense of Marriage Act, they worry about their financial future. “If Bette were to predecease me, I would not get the Social Security Spousal Benefits that other married couples are able to have,” Whitehead said. “We’re very hopeful the Supreme Court will strike down DOMA and there will be equality for all under the law.” Menino was unable to attend the ceremony, but in a statement read by Jullieanne Doherty from his office, he said it was an important anniversary for the city, state and nation. “Nine years ago was one of my proudest days as mayor of Boston,” Doherty read from Menino’s statement. South End Patch
South Enders Celebrate Marriage Equality Anniversary at Public Garden
Dozens of local gay and lesbian couples gathered at the Boston Public Garden Thursday to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the law that gave them the right to marry in Massachusetts. The celebration, put on in partnership between Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), the Respect for Marriage Coalition and Mayor Thomas Menino, ended with a group photo at a location popular for wedding photography. Michael Kelley and Ricardo Rodriguez of the South End were on hand Thursday. Kelley said that before marriage equality was in place, people referred to himself and Rodriguez as “friends, boyfriends, that friend, partner,” but that all changed when they were wed. “That is exactly the power of marriage,” Kelley said. “It’s been an extraordinary five years,” said Ellen Wade of Newton, who along with her wife, Maureen Brodoff, were one of the plaintiffs in the landmark case they won in 2003 that led to the adoption of marriage equality in the state. “It’s been exciting and inspiring, and we’re grateful to have played a small part in showing the country what marriage equality looks like,” Wade said, and in gesturing to the crowd, added, “it looks like us.” Bette Jo Green and Jo Ann Whitehead of Jamaica Plain have been together for over 32 years and both have battled cancer. But because of the Defense of Marriage Act, they worry about their financial future. “If Bette were to predecease me, I would not get the Social Security Spousal Benefits that other married couples are able to have,” Whitehead said. “We’re very hopeful the Supreme Court will strike down DOMA and there will be equality for all under the law.” Menino was unable to attend the ceremony, but in a statement read by Jullieanne Doherty from his office, he said it was an important anniversary for the city, state and nation. “Nine years ago was one of my proudest days as mayor of Boston,” Doherty read from Menino’s statement. South End Patch
Places to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the South End
It’s that one special day every year where we honor the mothers in our lives. What better way to celebrate with that special woman in your life than right here here in the South End neighborhood? Here’s what a few area places have planned for Mother’s Day: The Beehive Restaurant – 541 Tremont StreetSunday, May 12, 2013, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Highlights: The Beehive has pulled out all the stops for mom this weekend, with an a la carte menu for brunch and dinner and live music performances all day. The menu features Eggs Shakshuka (poached eggs cooked North African Style) and an applewood smoked ham, asparagus and cheddar quiche, just to name a few. The morning entertainment will be jazz, and at night, it’ll be the blues. See here for more information. Hammersly’s Bistro – 553 Tremont StreetSunday, May 12, 2013, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Highlights: Hammersly’s is offering a special 3 course prix-fixe menu for Mother’s Day brunch, with breakfast and lunch choices. Try the buttermilk waffles with berries, or the lobster, avacado and tomato salad. And the restaurant is debuting its new spring menu for dinner, which features some small plates and some more hearty entrees, like beef skirt steak with bacon or sugar-cane grilled pork tenderloin. Cost: Brunch, $ 35, Dinner, A la carte. See here for more information. Aquitaine Restaurant – 569 Tremont StreetSunday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Highlights: Aquitaine will be serving its regular traditional and modern French menu, with a few specials for Mother’s Day brunch and dinner, including Amaretto crepes, and coriander and cumin spiced tuna. Cost: A la carte. See here for more information. Cinquecento – 500 Harrison AvenueSunday, May 12, 5:30 to 10 p.m.Highlights: Cinquecento is celebrating it’s first Mother’s Day by opening up its patio space for the season, and featuring special items along with its regular menu. Choices include brioche French toast with figs and mascarpone, a crab and asparagus frittata, and more. Cost: A la carte. See here for more information. Union Bar and Grille – 1317 Washington StreetSunday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.Highlights: Union Bar and Grille offers its regular menu for Mother’s Day Brunch, with a few extras mixed in, including a chilled asparagus soup, lobster eggs benedict and pan-roasted cod. Price: A la carte. See here for more information. You can find other places in Boston offering Mother’s Day specials here. Where do you and your mom plan to go to celebrate Mother’s Day? Tell us in the comments. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Places to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the South End
It’s that one special day every year where we honor the mothers in our lives. What better way to celebrate with that special woman in your life than right here here in the South End neighborhood? Here’s what a few area places have planned for Mother’s Day: The Beehive Restaurant – 541 Tremont StreetSunday, May 12, 2013, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Highlights: The Beehive has pulled out all the stops for mom this weekend, with an a la carte menu for brunch and dinner and live music performances all day. The menu features Eggs Shakshuka (poached eggs cooked North African Style) and an applewood smoked ham, asparagus and cheddar quiche, just to name a few. The morning entertainment will be jazz, and at night, it’ll be the blues. See here for more information. Hammersly’s Bistro – 553 Tremont StreetSunday, May 12, 2013, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Highlights: Hammersly’s is offering a special 3 course prix-fixe menu for Mother’s Day brunch, with breakfast and lunch choices. Try the buttermilk waffles with berries, or the lobster, avacado and tomato salad. And the restaurant is debuting its new spring menu for dinner, which features some small plates and some more hearty entrees, like beef skirt steak with bacon or sugar-cane grilled pork tenderloin. Cost: Brunch, $ 35, Dinner, A la carte. See here for more information. Aquitaine Restaurant – 569 Tremont StreetSunday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Highlights: Aquitaine will be serving its regular traditional and modern French menu, with a few specials for Mother’s Day brunch and dinner, including Amaretto crepes, and coriander and cumin spiced tuna. Cost: A la carte. See here for more information. Cinquecento – 500 Harrison AvenueSunday, May 12, 5:30 to 10 p.m.Highlights: Cinquecento is celebrating it’s first Mother’s Day by opening up its patio space for the season, and featuring special items along with its regular menu. Choices include brioche French toast with figs and mascarpone, a crab and asparagus frittata, and more. Cost: A la carte. See here for more information. Union Bar and Grille – 1317 Washington StreetSunday, May 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.Highlights: Union Bar and Grille offers its regular menu for Mother’s Day Brunch, with a few extras mixed in, including a chilled asparagus soup, lobster eggs benedict and pan-roasted cod. Price: A la carte. See here for more information. You can find other places in Boston offering Mother’s Day specials here. Where do you and your mom plan to go to celebrate Mother’s Day? Tell us in the comments. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Where to Celebrate Black History Month in Boston
It’s February, and that means it’s time to celebrate Black History Month. In Boston, you’ve got several options that range between programs, films, art shows and activities for adults, kids and teens. You can see the city’s full list here, but here are some of the highlights happening in Boston: BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARYBoston Public Library will observe Black History Month in February with a series of programs, films, and activities for all age groups. Highlights from the month’s programming include: African Mask Making. For children ages 6-12, a program on African mask making is offered at sixteen different Boston Public Library locations. Young people will create a paper mache mask with Behind the Mask Studio Artists who will display samples, discuss techniques, and guide creativity. The South End branch will host this event on Wednesday, Feb. 4 Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m. Harriet Tubman: I Can’t Die But Once.For families with children ages 11 and older, storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti (pictured right) performs Harriet Tubman: I Can’t Die But Once at seven Boston Public Library locations including the East Boston, Faneuil, Dudley, Lower Mills, West Roxbury, Orient Heights, and Grove Hall branches on various days. Told in the oral tradition, Quezaire-Presutti will present the life and times of Harriet Tubman in a 45-minute presentation including how Harriet Tubman operated as a scout and spy of the Union Army, and was possibly the first American woman to work on the battlefields of the Civil War. Author Calvin Alexander Ramsey will share readings from his book, Ruth and the Green Book, on Saturday, February 9, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square. Although the event is free, RSVPs are required as seating is limited. Central Library Film Series. The Central Library in Copley Square hosts a trio of Monday evening films celebrating African American Actors in February with screenings of To Wong Fu, The Preacher’s Wife, andHotel Rwanda. The films are shown at 6 p.m. in Rabb Lecture Hall on February 4, 11, and 25. Dudley Branch Film Series. The Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library hosts a Wednesday afternoon film series during the month of February. All films relate to the theme “at the crossroads of freedom and equality” and will be shown at 3 p.m. on February 6, 13, 20, and 27. The movie titles are Glory, The Long Walk Home, Do the Right Thing, and Pariah. Black History Booklist – Boston Public Library is publishing its annual “Black Is” booklist, a compilation of recent works by and about African Americans for adult readers. The 2013 booklist contains dozens of fiction and nonfiction works, including autobiographies by Vanessa Williams; Rodney King; and Zakes Mda, the noted South African contemporary writer. The complete schedule of upcoming events at Boston Public Library locations, for Black History month and beyond, is available at www.bpl.org/calendar. FREEDOM TRAIL African American […]