For those who joined us to kick off the holidays last Saturday, we thank you for joining in the festive holiday tree lighting and supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday! Shops boasted record sales, thousands turned out for the tree lighting alone, and hundreds of children got to see Santa! Free downloads of pictures of your child with Santa taken by professional photographer Greg Caparell are now available here.

We are thrilled to kick off the holiday event season with such success and are hoping you will join us for the biggest and best Holiday Wander yet! This year we are proud to have 31 businesses participating, in addition to traveling musicians, carolers, and gift wrapping every Thursday, December 1 through December 22.

Click here to learn more about the Holiday Wander and other upcoming Roslindale events!

Category: Events, Uncategorized 
Posted: November 29, 2011

Roslindale Village Main Street will participate in the second annual Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2011. Small Business Saturday is a day for dedicating a portion of holiday shopping to local, independently-owned small businesses.

American Express, the founding sponsor of Small Business Saturday, created the national program in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more demand for their products and services. The second event will build on last year’s inaugural program that drove millions of dollars to main street merchants.

RVMS recognizes the importance of small businesses in Roslindale Village, the jobs they create and the culture they instill in local communities. Small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ just over half of all private sector employees, according to the Small Business Administration.

“We are proud to have Roslindale Village join the Small Business Saturday Coalition,” said Maryann Fitzmaurice, senior vice-president, American Express OPEN. “It is critical that we get as many supporters on board as possible to generate demand for small, independently owned businesses this holiday season and beyond.”

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Category: Events, Shop 
Posted: November 14, 2011

On Saturday, November 26 from 3-5 pm, hundreds will gather for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Adams Park, Roslindale’s village green at the corner of Washington St. and Cummins Highway. This much-loved event always draws a crowd to enjoy the performances, crafts, holiday treats and Santa’s arrival in a Ladder 16 firetruck. Free hot chocolate, treats from local bakeries, and of course, visits with Santa and the Sugar Plum Fairy fill out this annual community tradition.

This year’s Tree Lighting will also highlight Small Business Saturday, a national campaign by American Express and the National Trust Main Street Center to help spur business for neighborhood merchants nationwide. Falling between the infamous “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday,” Small Business Saturday is being hailed as a day to shop locally and support neighborhood merchants. In Roslindale, November 26 will kick off a month-long series of events to encourage business in the district.

Saturday’s Tree Lighting will also launch the district’s Annual Roslindale Village Holiday Wander, a weekly Thursday evening holiday stroll featuring festivities and extended shopping hours at more than 25 local shops and restaurants. Live music and weekly retail events – from cooking demos and tastings to craft and game nights – are intended to attract customers to Roslindale Village by offering a lively, enriching shopping experience. The Holiday Wander highlights what an incredible bunch of unique businesses there are here. An event like this offers a chance to explore them all, and a way more enjoyable experience than any cookie-cutter mall can offer.

The Holiday Wander will take place on Thursday evenings from 5-9 pm, beginning on December 1. More information about Small Business Saturday and the Holiday Wander can be found at www.roslindale.net/holidays/.

Category: Events 
Posted: November 14, 2011

Visitors to Roslindale Village – one of Boston’s best (and best-kept-secret) destinations for food – will enjoy fabulous fare from 21 of the area’s finest restaurants during the Taste of Roslindale on Thursday, September 22nd, from 6:30 to 9 pm, at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church.  Sponsored by Roslindale Village Main Street, Taste will feature a little of everything that Roslindale’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene has to offer, from haute cuisine nibbles to authentic ethnic fare.  And at $30 a ticket, Taste offers an affordable night out for everyone.

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Category: Eat, Events 
Posted: August 16, 2011

 

Historic Boston, Inc. and the RVMS subcommittee are continuing to work on the redevelopment plan for the Substation. The group will report on results of their work over the  past several months and will seek public comment on the updated plan. RVSP for the meeting here.

 

Click here to view pictures of the Substation.

Category: Events 
Posted: July 26, 2011

Fundraiser for Roslindale Village Main Street Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 5:30 PM
259 Allandale Road
$20 per person, $5 for children under 12
(Raindate: Thursday, August 4, 5:30PM)

Click here to reserve your space! There is a limit of 25 people for this tour, so don’t delay!

Allandale Farm will host a tractor-pulled wagon tour of its grounds on Wednesday, August 3rd at 5:30pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to get an insider’s view of the farm’s fields, meadows and ponds! Head farmer Jim Buckle will take you on a journey through Allandale’s history, organic growing practices, farm operations and community supported agriculture program (CSA) on this hour long tour!

The mission of Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS) is to promote Roslindale Village as an appealing destination and the dynamic center of our community. As a nonprofit organization, we bring together local volunteers, businesses and public agencies to strengthen the Village’s economic vitality, physical appearance and unique local character.

Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children.

Category: Events 
Posted: July 18, 2011

It’s hard to believe that it was the Roaring 20s when the Thrift Shop of Boston first opened its doors in 1926. Boston’s oldest Thrift Shop is celebrating 85 years and a tradition of giving back to the community on June 8, 2011. During extended hours (9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.), The Thrift Shop will offer a storewide discount of 50 percent off in honor of the anniversary throughout the day followed by afternoon refreshments and a check presentation at 4 p.m.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the children and families served by The Home for Little Wanderers, The Thrift Shop of Boston has provided generous financial support by raising more than $550,000 since the collaboration began — $50,000 in just the past year — for the nation’s oldest child and family service agency. Proceeds from sales at The Thrift Shop have helped The Home to provide annual services to more than 7,000 children and families living in at-risk circumstances throughout Boston and Eastern Massachusetts

Today, The Thrift Shop is operated by one dedicated full-time staff member, five part-time staff, and a wonderful group of volunteers, some of whom have been working there for many years. Located in the heart of Roslindale Square, The Thrift Shop is conveniently located between Belgrade Avenue and Washington Street and is accessible by Commuter Rail and many bus routes. Street parking is also available. The Thrift Shop offers a variety of antique goods including furniture, artwork, books, bric-a-brac, jewelry and designer clothing (Coach, Ann Taylor, Lily Pulitzer) for bargain-hunters and retro-chic style-seekers. For more information and store hours, visit www.thehome.org/thriftshop or call 617-325-5300.


About The Home for Little Wanderers

The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest and one of New England’s largest, non-profit child and family service agencies. The mission of The Home for Little Wanderers is to ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development and physical well-being of children and families living in at-risk circumstances. We do this through a series of integrated programs that include early childhood services, special education, therapeutic residential treatment, adoption, intensive foster care, clinical and family support in homes, schools, hospitals and clinics, and college and independent living preparation for youth who have aged out of state care. For more information, visit www.thehome.org.

Submitted by Heather MacFarlene, Home for Little Wanderers

Category: Events, Shop, Work 
Posted: June 4, 2011

On April 10th, RVMS Board Chair, Carter Wilkie, hosted a tour of Roslindale Village for 48 attendees from all over the country, who were in town for the APA Annual Conference. The tour consisted of multiple stops through Main Streets districts across the city. Participants learned about the history of our district and were able to see first-hand the economic revitalization at has occurred over the past 26 years. Boston neighborhood planner Marie Mercurio, who helped to organize the tour, commented that “participants were sincerely interested in seeing how further-reaching City Main Streets districts are doing” and remarked that “everyone was really impressed with the vitality and energy that Roslindale has – even on a quiet Sunday afternoon.”  Participants were given a well-informed tour that included the history of not only the buildings that anchor of our community, but the evolution of our district through such projects as the courtyard outside of Sophia’s Grotto and Birch Street Bistro, our environmental graphics initiative and the storefront revitalization efforts, all of which have created a dynamic atmosphere and draw for people into our district.

For more information about the American Planning Association, visit their website. Information on Main Streets program can also be found by visiting http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/.

Category: Events, Live, Uncategorized 
Posted: April 22, 2011

Saturday, April 23, 10 am
Adams Park, Roslindale Village

Bring the kids to Adams Park with baskets in hand for Roslindale Village Main Street’s 16th Annual Egg Hunt, a much-loved tradition that brings hundreds of families together every Easter weekend for a morning of fun and celebration. Read more

Category: Events, Live 
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted: April 14, 2011

Today’s economic climate is requiring many small businesses to take out commercial loans in order to ensure their survival or to cover costs necessary to remain competitive.  However, the process of obtaining funding can often be complex, require substantial preparation, and take many months for funding to become available.

Roslindale Village Main Street’s Economic Development Committee is pleased to offer a Business Financing Panel Discussion on Tuesday, April 5 at 8 am.  Join us for breakfast at Café Rialto (4197 Washington Street), where we plan to have an informative conversation on financing options for both immediate and future needs, and strategies for avoiding common pitfalls.

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Category: Events, Work 
Posted: March 29, 2011

All Events


Tractor-Pulled Wagon Tour of Allandale Farm


Boston’s Oldest Thrift Shop Celebrates 85 Years


RVMS Hosts tour of Roslindale Village for American Planning Association (APA) Conference


16th Annual Egg Hunt in Adams Park


Panel Discussion Business Financing In Uncertain Times


Roslindale Village Main Street Farmers’ Market Kick-Off Meeting


Upcoming Events in Roslindale Village


26th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Adams Park


Don’t miss the 6th Annual Roslindale Open Studios!


This week at the Farmers’ Market – October 30


This week at the Farmers’ Market – October 23


You’re invited to an Urban Barnyard Stomp to benefit the Farmers’ Market


Parade and Road Race coming up


The 5th Annual Taste of Roslindale


This week at the Farmers’ Market – Saturday, July 24


This week at the Farmers’ Market – Saturday, July 17


This week at the Farmers’ Market: Ride Your Bike Day


Free Summer Concerts in Adams Park


This week at the Farmers’ Market


This week at the Farmers’ Market – Sustainable Living Day!


2011 RVMS Farmers’ Market Entertainment Calendar


The Farmers’ Market countdown has begun! Volunteer meeting Wednesday, May 19


Walk to Lilac Sunday – Sunday, May 9!


Come help Roslindale shine next Saturday, April 24


Seeking 2010 Farmers’ Market Manager


Roslindale Farmers’ Market Volunteer Meeting – Tuesday, April 13


RVMS Members’ Annual Meeting – Wednesday, March 24


Bay State Model Railroad Museum Spring Open House


February Events in Roslindale Village


Volunteers Needed!


Model Railroad Museum Open House


25th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony


Annual Roslindale Events


Roslindale Farmers’ Market