Greater Boston YMCA chief to lead national Y

K evin Washington had been president of Greater Boston YMCA for just six months when he startled trustees and branch directors with plan to cut membership fees by an average of 11 percent. Their reaction: “Are you crazy?”Washington forged ahead, confident in market research that projected lower dues would increase membership by 10,000 households and ultimately increase revenues. That estimate, however, proved wrong: The Y added 20,000. Continue reading below Washington “is somebody who would make a bet and take a step outside what the comfort zone would be Continue reading >>>

Greater Boston author readings Nov. 10-15

SUNDAY Barbara S. Carlson (“Fire Road”) and Elizabeth McKim (“The Read Thread”) read at noon at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., Plymouth …Paul E. Fallon (“Architecture By Moonlight: Rebuilding Haiti, Redrafting a Life”) reads at 3 p.m. at Book Ends, 559 Main St., Winchester … Yoram Vodovotz and Gary An (“Translational Systems Biology”) read at 6 p.m. at the Harvard Coop … Maureen Meister (“Arts and Crafts Architecture: History and Heritage in New England”) reads at 3 p.m. at Concord Bookshop, 65 Main St., Concord MONDAY Juliette Continue reading >>>

The next Greater Boston Sjögren’s Syndrome support group is December 6, 2014

The Greater Boston Sjögren's Syndrome Support Group invites you to the next meeting on Saturday, December 6, 2014 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Tufts Medical Center *Sackler Building, Room 114* 145 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts Please join us as Dr. David J. Greenblatt and Dr. Lynn C. Epstein present their team's now published study "Characterization of Cognitive Dysfunction in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients" (Clinical Rheumatology) (Lynn C. Epstein, Gina Masse, Jerold M. Harmatz, Tammy M. Scott, Athena S. Papas, David J. Greenblatt) Dr. David J. Greenblatt is the Louis Lasagna Professor Continue reading >>>

Everett wins Div. 1 North shootout with Peabody

EVERETT — Defense was at a premium for Everett and Peabody on Friday night. But it was a defensive play that was the game’s highlight. All week long, Everett coach John DiBiaso let his defense know that Peabody running back Doug Santos was a threat to throw a pass. Continue reading below On the first drive of the second half, that’s exactly what happened. With the Tanners trailing, 21-20, Santos took the handoff, wandered into the flat and heaved up a pass.Everett cornerback Lukas Denis was there to haul it in and took it 80 yards for a touchdown, allowing the Continue reading >>>

The Greater Boston Open House Quiz

Answer: A) $845,000. Located in Jamaica Plain, this home is close to the Longwood Medical area and just 15 minutes from downtown Boston. Its location, and being housed in a mansard Victorian, are likely nods to its high asking price. The home comes with a great room for living and dining, a den, stainless steel and granite in the kitchen, and a finished lower level. The home has a private deck, bay windows, hardwood floors, and built-ins. 23 Burroughs St., Jamaica Plain More in Jamaica Plain Listed price: $845,000Open House: Nov. 9, 12:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.mProperty Continue reading >>>

NSTAR Plans to Boost Electricity Rates 29%

When National Grid requested to raise its winter electricity rates by 37 percent over last year’s, there was a lot of consternation among its customers, and a big question for everybody else. How high would Greater Boston’s other major utility provider, NSTAR, boost rates? That shoe dropped on Friday. NSTAR is requesting from the state a rate increase of 29 percent, which would amount to about a $28 monthly increase on the average customer’s electric bill starting in January. NSTAR’s pricing periods run from January to June and June to January. The 29 percent hike for January is in Continue reading >>>

Irene Monroe: A mayor who was an ally to Black LGBTQ communities

The Rev. Irene Monroe Thomas Menino was inarguably one of the best mayors the city of Boston ever had. As Boston said farewell to its longest-serving mayor, the city also celebrated the life, career, and integrity of a great public servant. As mayor to "all the people” of Boston — African-American LGBTQ communities felt heard, respected and represented during his administration. More Photos For example, every year Mayor Tom Menino's Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events put on Continue reading >>>

Pay-By-Phone Parking Coming To Somerville

Somerville says it’s the first city in the Greater Boston area to offer pay-by-phone service for metered parking spots. (Jp Gary via Flickr) BOSTON — It’s a special kind of frustration: you nab a coveted on-street parking spot only to realize you don’t have any quarters to feed the meter. And then there’s the frantic search for a shop nearby willing to break a dollar bill. Well, Somerville is set to make that nightmare history. In a statement released Friday, the city says it is partnering with Parkmobile to offer pay-by-phone parking at every metered space beginning Continue reading >>>