Make a difference in your neighborhood, one alley at a time. The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay’s City Services Committee organizes Alley Rally annually as a neighborhood cleanup in conjunction with Mayor Walsh’s “Love Your Block.” Join your neighbors in an effort to keep Back Bay beautiful by spending three hours sweeping up our alleys and side streets. All ages welcome and no rsvp necessary.

From 8:30 – 9 meet at the Clarendon Street Playground for coffee, juice and breakfast provided by local Back Bay sponsors. Then, at 9, divide into teams and head off to lean alleys and side streets. Gloves, trash bags, brooms, and other tools will be provided by the City of Boston’s Department of Public Works. Then, at noon, enjoy a free lunch and raffle for all volunteers back at the Clarendon Street Playground. For additional information contact Jason Post at jason.b.post@gmail.com.

Alley Rally has been sponsored by NABB since 1967. In the “old days” there was a lot more to do. The neighborhood was a mix of student buildings, rooming houses, and single family houses, with just a few newly created condominiums in existence. Property owners came out and worked, and in the evening NABB sponsored a dinner at a member’s home for the volunteers. As years passed, fewer residents began showing up, but our wonderful area fraternity brothers lent their muscle to some of the heavy lifting. It’s time to turn back the clock and see more owners out on the streets. The neighborhood is much cleaner than it was in the 1970’s and 1980’s, and volunteers will meet so many good people in this community effort. The more people you know, the safer the Back Bay will be. We urge you to consider participating. Thanks to sponsors Engle & Volkers, Star Market, and Quality Mart.