The first phase of construction has begun at Assembly Row, slated to be the largest residential real estate project under construction in this region, according to a press release. AvalonBay Communities, a real estate investment trust with multi-family apartment communities across the country, announced last week that it has begun construction on the residential component of the first phase of development at Assembly Square that will feature two distinctive living options in separate residential buildings – Avalon at Assembly Row and AVA Somerville. This is the cornerstone residential component Continue reading >>>

This past week, the city hosted its first-ever webinar. For those of you not familiar with the concept, a webinar is basically a meeting over the Internet where people can participate in a presentation in real time from the convenience of their own home or office. The idea was first suggested by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, or MAPC. That is the regional planning agency for the Greater Boston area, which includes Gloucester. MAPC has been our partner in the city's ongoing long-term economic development efforts in the marine science and technology sector. The webinar was titled Gloucester's Continue reading >>>

The 18th annual Auction and Regatta to benefit Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston will take place on Friday, June 15 and Sunday, June 17 at the Eastern Yacht Club, 47 Foster St., Marblehead.

For more information, contact the Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston Development Office at 978-223-9787, email events@hns.org or visit the web site at hnsgb.org/regatta.

Like beer? Of course you do. Like bacon? OK, enough with the stupid questions. The ultra-popular Bacon and Beer Festival is back for 2012, all to benefit local charities. Even better, this year will feature the debut of Bacon and Beer Week, six days of bacon-infused dishes throughout Greater Boston, all paired with a wide selection of some of New England's most popular brewery offerings. The festival takes place April 28 at the House of Blues. Tickets are $37, and go on sale April 5. Price of admission includes all beer and bacon samplings. Eat Boston's Facebook fans will have a special, password-protected Continue reading >>>

Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from Arlington Friends of the Drama (AFD Theatre): Arlington Friends of the Drama (AFD Theatre) presents the greater Boston community theater premier of “Grey Gardens.” Edith Bouvier and Edie Beale, the most unique, eccentric relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, are brought to life in the riches-to-rags story of just how far American royalty can fall. A documentary made in 1976 examined the women's remarkable personalities, simultaneously eccentric and electric. The women fascinated America and the documentary developed something of a cult Continue reading >>>

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Mar 30, 2012) - The Barn at 17 Antiques, greater Boston area's largest antique showroom, is pleased to announce they are now available on 1stdibs -- one of the most popular online marketplaces for art, accessories and antiques with sellers that offer "the most beautiful things on earth." The Barn at 17 has hand selected a large variety of antique pieces with different styles and preferences to showcase on 1stdibs including a Louis XVI Foot Stool, an English Bamboo Vitrine, a Federal Chest of Drawers and a Pair of Italian Neoclassic Side Chairs. The Barn at 17's Continue reading >>>

Community youth marched the streets of Boston Thursday, joined by Harvard students and alumni, to protest Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority fare hikes and service cuts, as well as rally for a discounted youth pass.The Youth Affordabili(T) Coalition—comprised of 21 greater Boston area youth groups—led what they called the March for Opportuni(T).The organization advocates for a youth pass that would grant discounted transportation for youth ages 12 to 21.The potential fare hikes would affect college volunteers and high school participants in after-school programs Continue reading >>>

  It started with an idea to have a wine tasting with some friends. It’s grown into an LLC with a formal company name and large inventory of wines. Swampscott resident Maia Gosselin has long had an insider’s view on wine as managing editor of Massachusetts Beverage Business, a magazine that covers beer, wine and spirits for the trade. And now, under Sip Wine Education, LLC, Gosselin is taking her wine around to area homes for tastings in a business that’s creating a buzz in the area. “Maia’s wine tastings are not only a fun night out with friends, but a really great way to learn Continue reading >>>

The Herald opened up its doors last night to its new state-of-the-art offices in the Seaport District and guests raved about the look, the energy of the newsroom and ... the exposed brick ceiling. • • • “Just walking into the room today, I think it’s just a beautiful, modern facility. It just seems extremely well-suited. ... I’m excited.” — House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo • • • “It’s light, it’s bright and I love the pictures. The photographers at the Herald are the best. The space screams of Boston, it screams of New England — it says that the Boston Herald is as Continue reading >>>