Feb

28

Bay State Model Railroad Museum Open House

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Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, 11 am – 4 pm
760 South Street, 2nd Floor, and throughout Roslindale Village

Visit Roslindale Village on March 5 and 6 for a railroad extravaganza! The Bay State Model Railroad Museum, Roslindale’s favorite hidden treasure  tucked away above Dandelions on South Street, will be holding their annual Spring Open House from 11-4 on Saturday and Sunday. The museum, a  regional society of railroad modelers and collectors, has been based in Roslindale since 1968, where they house and maintain three expansive scale railroads of national renown. They open to the public twice a year, attracting enthusiasts of all ages from all over Massachusetts with the  expanse and detail of their award- winning sets.

If you’ve got train-obsessed kids, are a railroad buff yourself, or if you’re  just simply curious, here’s a rare chance to see these railroads in full  operation. View three astoundingly detailed scale model sets, including authentic replicas of Roslindale’s old streetcars and favorites for the kids  like Thomas the Train. Admission is free for kids under 5, $3 for kids 5-12,  and $5 for 12 and up. More information on the museum is available at  www.bsmrm.org

Roslindale Village is a perfect setting for an old-fashioned railroad museum,  with its village-like charm, quaint streets and buildings, and featuring its  very own train station right in the center of town. While you’re waiting in line outside the museum, pick up a “First Class Pass to Charming Roslindale  Village,” a special train ticket you can use to enjoy discounts and freebies all weekend at a wide array of restaurants, bakeries and shops around the neighborhood. Sponsored by Roslindale Village Main Street, the First Class Pass is a fun game for the family as well – get your ticket stamped at ten or more stops (no purchase is necessary for a stamp) and you could win a gift certificate to any of the participating businesses!

Feb

14

Worth the “Weight”

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The following article was printed on page 4 of the February 3, 2011 edition of the West Roxbury – Roslindale Bulletin.

Worth the “Weight”

Frank Reflections/Frank Sullivan

Mother Nature: please release us from the grasp of your cold bosom. Like a blind date, this season is long and unpredictable. We are left at the threshold, perplexed by your impulsive ways.

The temptress’ tundra saddens the heartiest New Englanders. Confronted by her wrath, I find that eating offers sweet serenity. Do you?

Like villagers of old, huddled against the smithy’s fire, come relax in the warm glow of Roslindale’s newest gathering spot – Sugar Baking Co & Restaurant – in the former Boschetto’s Bakery.

Forget about the weather. Look with delight upon the large and small mounds of white stuff, some iced over in darker shades. No snow, but contrasting hues from cakes, vanilla and chocolate, accompanied by creampuffs, lemon meringue tarts, éclairs and piles of cookies. Suddenly, I like shoveling. Treats into my face, that is.

Peering through the gleaming glass display cases, I eye the Bismarcks and get a sinking feeling.

I am saved. Like a lighthouse guiding a disoriented ship captain, Sugar’s employees’ bright eyes shining, softly say, “Relax, take your time. May I help you?”

Before ordering, I sense behind me something akin to a bouncer. It’s an oversized Toledo scale. I heed the intimidating boldface pronouncement, “No Springs. Honest Weight.” Who wants honesty from a scale?

Though it invades my conscience, I step up and challenge the menacing measure of my erratic willpower. Thank goodness. It’s decorative; another creative item owned by Eric Battite and his team.

This Sugar is a succulent serving, as spectacular and fresh in taste as it is reassuring and attractive in design. Like all of Battite’s creations (he owns a Sugar in West Roxbury and the Real Deal Delis in West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain), Roslindale’s Sugar satisfies.

Both the restaurant and the bakery offer warmth and conviviality. Tables and chairs are placed, as if by friendly neighbors, aside comfortable counter stools. A long, inviting bench convinces the curious to rest and realize that, even in the slush and cold, the dirt and detours, life offers appealing options.

“This is exciting because we have the retail bakery, a complete restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Also, our fully-operational commercial bakery allows us to prepare breads, muffins daily for our customers here and beyond retail,” said Battite.

“We are doing a ‘soft opening’ now,” said John Fortin who runs the restaurant side of the three-tired operation. You may recognize Fortin’s name from West Roxbury’s Rox Diner. “I couldn’t resist the opportunity to get involved in a restaurant in Roslindale,” Fortin said.

That irresistible appeal reached beyond quaint, busy, and diverse Roslindale Village, all the way to Ohio. “I wanted a change from Cincinnati, so I “Googled” Boston area bakeries and found Sugar. I know that I am going to love it here,” said waitress Hannah Harrelson, whose adventuresome spirit is found in all Sugar and Real Deal Deli employees.

“Do you want to interview the best waitress,” asked Sinead Coyne. “He already spoke with me yesterday,” said Cara Doyle. Litsa Ignatidis, who knows the restaurant business, wanted a new job and saw the “Now Hiring” sign in Sugar’s window. It’s exciting to be part of something so creative in Roslindale,” Ignatidis said.

The bakery and the restaurant each offer fresh, tempting creations. It is comfort food at a good price, prepared and served by a pleasant staff.

“I want to make this place part of the community,” said Battite. An optimistic, informed staff, cozy and airy surroundings and delicious, fresh food are the main ingredients in Battite’s recipe for neighborly success.  Sugar Baking Co. and Restaurant can’t help but impress.

On its opening day (last Friday), strictly by word of mouth, Sugar was bustling. In a Village known as much for its personality and panache as it is for its charisma and colorful collection of practical businesses and artsy character, Sugar fits as if a shiny new canister alongside a row of tasteful shops.”

“I’m very excited Sugar has opened in Roslindale Village,” said City Councilor Rob Consalvo. “It speaks to the strength of the Roslindale business district. They have a very creative Main Streets team. There is a generous mix of boutiques and restaurants, a cheese shop and other businesses. The neighborhood is committed to the ‘shop locally,’ theme.”

We need to consistently maintain our quality standards while concentrating on customer satisfaction,” said Mike Black who, in addition to playing a key role at the new Sugar is a partner in the JP Real Deal.

At all Sugars and Real Deal locations, the employees are as cheerful as they are knowledgeable. They exude sincere interest in pleasing customers, encouraging relaxation and fun.

“I’ve worked with Eric for about four years. This business is long hours and hard work, but it’s all worth it,” said “Just Joe,” as I tasted the freshest, original English muffin creation, adorned with a sampling of house-made blueberry and strawberry jams.

“Where are we going to put the snow?” It’s a common refrain. How about, “Where am I going to put a Bismarck after I just finished perfect eggs, homefries, and fresh, multi-grain toast?”

Questions linger. The answers are worth the “weight.”

Feb

3

Welcome to our new Executive Director!

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We are pleased to announce that Stephanie Cave has joined RVMS as executive director. Stephanie’s full time mission is to promote Roslindale Village as an appealing destination and the dynamic center of our community.  A Roslindale resident, Stephanie previously managed student housing at Northeastern University. She also started and continues to run a small business selling handmade sewn items, which have sold at Colorwheel Collection and the Roslindale Farmers’ Market.

As RVMS’ only full time employee, Stephanie will bring together volunteers, businesses and public agencies to strengthen Roslindale Village’s vitality, appearance and unique local character. Her predecessor, Jody Burr, built up a lot of enthusiasm for the Main Street revitalization program in Roslindale, and we expect that enthusiasm to grow under Stephanie’s direction.

Stephanie will be in the RVMS office Monday through Friday from 9-5.  Please stop by and say hello!

Feb

1

Upcoming Events in Roslindale Village

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Saturday, September 10 – Backyard Barnyard Stop – 8 pm, 631 South Street. Come to your favorite Roslindale Backyard and bring your dancing shoes! Live Music by locals bands: Moniker will perform from 8:15 to 9:15 , and Miriam is on from 9:30 to 10:30. This is a Farmers Market Fundraiser at the home of  Steve Gag and Laura Gang, 631 South Street.

Friday, September 16 – Roslindale Branch Library 50th Birthday Party! – 3-7 pm, Roslindale Branch Library. Join us for a rededication of the library on the 50th anniversary of its opening. There will be  music, and food for all, as well as party favors for anyone who turns 50 this year.

Wednesday, September 21 – GreeningRozzie Community Meeting – 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Roslindale Community Center.  Home energy efficiency and the Renew Boston program of free audits and weatherization.  All are welcome! info@greeningrozzie.org

Sunday, September 25 -Roslindale Harvest Potluck & Edible Garden Stroll – 1-4 pm, 16 Cohasset St.  Celebrate the bounty of the season, get inspired for next year, and meet your garden neighbors. Visit local food gardens, share non-hybrid tomato seeds, and try a local dish. Sponsored by the Community Garden Initiative of Friends of Healy Field and GreeningRozzie. RSVP to RozzieGrowsFood@gmail.com.

Mondays, weekly – Films for Preschool Children , 10:30-11:30 am, Roslindale Public Library.

Thursdays, weekly - Toddler Storytime and Singalong, 10:30-11:30 am, Roslindale Public Library

Thursdays, weekly – Stump Trivia Night, 7:30 pm, Cafe Rialto. Prizes weekly.

Thursdays, weekly – Blues in the Village with Common Ground, 8:30 pm, Birch Street Bistro

Saturdays weekly – Saturday Nights Live, 9:30 pm, Robyn’s Bar & Grill. Live rock and roll every Saturday night. Visit Robyns’ website for weekly listings.

2nd and 4th Mondays – Roslindale Open Mic Night, 7 pm, Roslindale Congregational Church

2nd and 4th Tuesdays - The Roslindale Economic Security Club, 6 pm,  Roslindale Congregational Church. Please click on the link above or contact Sarah  at sarah@localcircles.org.

2nd Thursdays -Roslindale Leaders Meeting – 9-10 am, Sacred Heart Church Rectory, 169 Cummins Highway. For more info: 617-325-3322

1st Saturdays – Out to Brunch – 11 am – 2 pm, Roslindale House (120 Poplar Ave). A monthly brunch and social for Lesbian, Bisexual,  and Transgender women. Speakers and entertainment vary monthly.

Please feel free to submit event listings by email to director@roslindale.net.  RVMS lists promotional events directly related to the Roslindale Village business district.

Feb

1

Sugar Baking Company now open for business

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Sugar Baking Co. & Restaurant is now serving customers at the former site of Boschetto Bakery at 4170 Washington Street, a fixture in Roslindale for half a century. In addition to serving a full menu for breakfast, lunch and brunch, Sugar becomes the sixth Roslindale Village bakery within a block of Adams Park, along with Diane’s Bakery, Dunkin Donuts, Fornax Bread Co., John’s Bakery and Vouros Pastry Shop. Try them all and see which one you like best!