The Friends of the Public Garden is holding a softball game fundraiser recognizing the role of recreation in the Boston Common, beginning with the Essex Base Ball Organization demonstrating a 19th Century ball game. You may play for $250, sponsor for $100, or come watch free. The July 13 event, beginning at 5:30 pm, will take place on the Boston Common Ball Field, Charles and Boylston Streets. For more information, log on to www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.
The Friends of the Public Garden, along with its partner The Highland Street Foundation, hosts a volunteer opportunity on the Boston Common Wednesday, June 23, beginning at 3 pm. After attending a training session, volunteers will use maps created from a tree inventory to look for evidence of the longhorned beetle in trees on the Common. A reception at the Parkman House to thank the Highland Street Foundation for funding the inventory will follow. Free. For more information log on to www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.
The Friends of the Public Garden host a day to celebrate the importance and enduring story of the Boston Common, on Monday, June 7, from 11 – 2, at The Boston Common, 147 Tremont Street in Boston.
Children will experience 7500 years of history through Native American Fishweirs, grazing livestock, colonial games, stocks, Freedom Trail interpreters, Civil War re-enactors, and a Victorian carousel. The Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers perform from 12:30-1:30 p.m. This event is on the same day the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company holds its drumhead election.
Co-sponsoring this free event are The Freedom Trail Foundation, Frog Pond Foundation, Hammond Residential Real Estate, The Massachusetts Historical Society, and Whole Foods Market. For more information, log on to www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org, or email marjorie@harronandassociates.com.
The City of Boston will celebrate the restoration of the Brewer Fountain with the Friends of the Public Garden, Save America’s Treasures, and the Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Fund on Wednesday, May 26, beginning at 3 pm, at the Brewer Fountain on the Boston Common, with a reception to follow. This is a free event, part of The Friends of the Public Garden’s 40th Anniversary celebration year. For more information, log on to www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org.
Celebrate the Power of the Parklands at the Charles River Conservancy’s 10th Anniversary event on Tuesday, June 15, beginning with a reception at 11:30 am, followed by a luncheon at 12:30 pm, at the Washburn Riverfront Pavilion at the Museum of Science in Boston. This year the Conservancy will honor Henry Lee, Founder of the Friends of the Public Garden, and Conservancy supporters Carolyn and Peter Lynch. Guest speakers include Tom Ashbrook, host of National Public Radio’s “On Point,” and Fred Salvucci, former Secretary of Transportation. The Conservancy gratefully thanks its principal supporters InterSystems, Fidelity Investments, and Bank of America, for their help with this event, as well as Equity Office, Harvard University, Polaris Public Relations and Novartis. For tickets ($150 per person) and sponsorship information ($500 and above), call 617-608-1410, or email crc@thecharles.org. You may also find details on the Charles River Conservancy’s website, www.thecharles.org. Photo by Tom Christiansen.
The Friends of the Public Garden, in partnership with The City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, presents the 30th Annual Duckling Day Parade on Sunday, May 9, beginning at noon on Boston Common. Registration begins at 10:30 am, inside the Boston Common, across from the State House. Parade participation requires a $25 donation per family. This donation includes snacks, entertainment, and a toy for each child. Registration is available in advance on line using the “For Kids” tab at www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org. Based on the book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, children and their families will retrace the steps of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their family of eight ducklings. Led by the Harvard University Marching Band, children relive the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard dressed as one of their favorite characters from the book, or echoing its themes. The Friends of the Public Garden is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and protection of the Boston Common, the Public Garden and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. For additional information call 617-723-8144. Duckling Day happens rain or shine because ducks love water.
The Friends of the Public Garden cordially invites you to its 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting on Monday, May 3, beginning at 5:00 pm at First Church in Boston, 66 Marlborough Street. The featured speaker will be The Honorable Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston. Celebrate with The Friends as His Honor declares May 3 Friends of the Public Garden Day in Boston. RSVP by April 28 to 617-267-7366, or email friends@harronandassociates.com. Painting below by T.A. Charron, from Copley Society’s Fresh Paint 2006.
Join your neighbors and friends in lighting the Mall again this year. Funded entirely by donations, it is the neighborhood’s gift to the City. Donations are currently being solicited, large or small. Make checks payable to Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall, and mail them to the Back Bay Association, 234 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. Donations may also be made online at www.BackBayLights.com. The Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall works with the Commonwealth Avenue Mall Committee of The Friends of the Public Garden and with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.
The Friends of the Public Garden presents News of Brewer Fountain Plaza Renovation, Boston Common, on Tuesday, October 20, beginning at 6:00 pm at The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street in Boston. Come hear the plans to revitalize the landscape in this heavily used area of the park, making it a greener, more inviting gateway into the Common and a destination within the park, with a restored Brewer Fountain as its centerpiece. Also, hear about the plans to celebrate the Friends of the Public Garden’s 40th Anniversary in 2010. Reception follows. The event is free but please RSVP and make a reservation, as space is limited. Email by Thursday, October 15 at fopg@gis.net, or call 617-723-8144.
The annual fund raiser for The Friends of the Public Garden will take place Friday, May 29, beginning at 7 pm at The Taj, Boston. A reception will be followed by dinner and dancing. For more information call the office of The Friends of the Public Garden at 617-723-8144, or email fopg@gis.net.
