Brookline Business Buzz

November 08, 2001

by Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

Welcome to the Brookline Business Buzz! This column will present items of relevance and interest to Brookline consumers and the Brookline business community. Content will vary according to availability of information and amount of town business activity.

Brookline UNICEF, the United Nations International Childrens’ Education Fund, is seeking a small retail space for November and December.

UNICEF depends on free retail space for its sales of seasonal gift items, which brought in $30,000 last year. Please contact Candy Lyons at UNICEF, 617-277-3334.

The Harvard Business School’s Volunteer Consulting Organization, which provides pro-bono student consulting services to select, local nonprofit and small business organizations with a social purpose, is seeking Non-Profit Projects. Proposals from such organizations are invited for consulting projects in which student teams of three to six students analyze business issues.

VCO students are graduate students with several years of professional experience; many are experienced in consulting for non-profits as well. Their two to four hours per week participation is voluntary and is not an academic requirement. Each year, the VCO serves more than 30 varied organizations. Projects generally commence in January and run for ten weeks.

Examples of past projects, which do not include fundraising or donor recruitment development, include the development of a growth strategy for a community music organization, the formulation of a marketing plan for an educational nonprofit, and an evaluation of operational improvement for a welfare-to-work group.

Electronic applications, due by Oct. 19, can be completed at http://poll.hbs.edu/openPoll/pollTaker/poll56655.jhtml.

· A student is loooking for a non-paid internship in holistic health therapy business. Contact Beth Hallett, Internship Coordinator, EF International Language Schools, 200 Lake St., Brighton , 617-746-1712 for this and other internship needs.

· A Coolidge Corner business is seeking to donate a Pitney Bowes mailing machine model 6500: Large, but high-efficiency and self-sealing (Pitney Bowes would need to be contacted for the meter). Please call Erika at 617-734-0071 (machine must be picked up).

· The Brookline Chamber of Commerce has released a new mission statement and new logo, concurrent with their move from 1330 to 1101 Beacon St. The statement reflects member feedback, and a subsequent new direction more specifically tailored to Brookline businesses. The new quarters will feature increased staffing and activity as well as a boardroom named after long time supporter Bill Landau. The Chamber was at 1330 Beacon for twenty years.

· The Embassy CES, which offers worldwide English language programs, has awarded the Brookline Chamber of Commerce for their work with international students. At present, students from many countries including Venezuela, Trinidad, India, China and Taiwan help support the office and its membership initiatives. The Chamber also refers students to internships and other opportunities (internship partners include the Brookline Arts Center, Argus Care Technologies, and American Physicians Fellowship for Medicine in Israel).

· The Brookline Chamber of Commerce held their Business Breakfast on Oct. 10 at the Holiday Inn on 1200 Beacon St. The event was sponsored by Sprint PCS and Bay State Federal Bank, and featured as keynote speaker legal expert Atty. Kathleen C. Stone, who spoke on "Legal issues all small business owners and entrepreneurs should be aware of."

· OPEN HOUSE: The Brookline Chamber of Commerce welcomes the public to an Open House and Office Warming Reception at their new headquarters at 1101 Beacon St. (lower level), from 4-8 p.m. on Nov. 8. The community will have the opportunity to meet the Chamber staff, board of directors and see the new office spaces. The new boardroom will be dedicated to Bill Landau. The Chamber wishes to thank Harold Brown and Hamilton Company for providing the new space at reduced rent, Argus Care Technologies for handling the technology needs and Oasis Management for the renovations. Cost is free, with no RSVP needed. For more information, call 617-739-1330 or email info@brooklinechamber.com.

· BROOKLINE BUSINESSWOMEN: Women's Business Magazine cites Brookline Chamber of Commerce award recipients in their October 2001 issue. Awards were given to Dana Brigham, Chobee Hoy, Lea Cohen, Kim Airs, Sue Stein and Barbara Yona Soifer. To receive a copy, call 781-749-8500 or visit www.womensbiz.com.

Assistant Town Clerk Linda Goldburgh and the staff of the Brookline Chamber of Commerce contributed to this report.

--- "Lipchitz, Rebecca (NEE-TAB)" <rlipchit@exchange.communitynews.com> wrote:

> Hey! I love the buzz! I think the format is great!

Brookline Business Buzz

Nov. 15, 2001

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

Following on the heels of Brookline civic arrivals, here are our

dearly departed town businesses (which are thankfully less numerous),

dating from June 2001 to present.We wish these entrepreneurs the best

of luck in their future endeavors.

Thanks to Emily Haynes at the Town Clerk's Office.

6/20/01: Louie International, 318 Harvard St. #5, Vinh Dieu Chung

7/31/01: Jazz Shoe Repair, 686A Washington St., Shoe Repair, Rafael

Saakov

8/14/01: Cleaners on the Green, 2 Brookline Pl., Dry Cleaner and

Video, Bin Shi

9/1/01: Boston Local Logic, 1120 Beacon St., Internet Consulting,

Justin D. McCullen

9/5/01: Noisybridge, 1463 Beacon St. #41, Internet, Andrea Cerofolini

9/27/01: RAM Communications, 83 Payson Rd., Communications, Robert

A. Minicucci

10/5/01: Beacon Advisors, 55 Parkman St. #B, Consulting, Robert

Cavilla

10/22/01: Chestnut Hill Nail, 616 Hammond St., Nail Salon, Lien thi

Nguyen

10/29/91: PM Health and Nutrition, 87 Mason Terr., Retail, Patrick

McNally

10/29/01: Vanity Dry Cleaners, 393 Washington St., Cleaners, Natalya

DaSilva

Tips on the holiday season from the Brookline Chamber of Commerce

include decorating windows, researching holiday advertising

opportunities, offering gift certificates and preparing employees.

For special guidelines for staying open during holidays, contact the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts's Executive Office for Administration

and Finance at One Ashburton Place, Boston 02108, or call

617-727-3555.

Grand Opening Environmental Effort: Kim Airs of Grand Opening,

located on the second floor in the Arcade Building, is asking for

extra packing peanuts and popcorn for their mail order business (she

will supply bags if needed). Call 617-731-8626.

The Rotary Club of District 7910 of Central Massachusetts is seeking

five professionals to visit Norway in May/June 2002 as part of the

Group Study Exchange Program of the Rotary Foundation. Call Sonia

Shah at 978-486-3244 or email sonialee-01460@yahoo.com.

Upcoming business-related meetings and events:

Today, Nov. 15: Commercial Areas Committee Meeting will be held in

the Conference Room of the Board of Selectmen, Town Hall, from

8:15-9:15 a.m. Free; call 617-730-2050.

Today, Nov. 15: First Lights Celebration: 4-8 p.m. Call

617-730-2050.

Nov. 20: Leads Group Meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn, 1200

Beacon St., 7:45-9 a.m. Members only.

Nov. 20: Author's Reading at the Coolidge Corner Theater, featuring

Ursula Hegi, Hotel of the Saints: Stories. $2, 6 p.m. Call

617-739-6002.

Nov. 21: Brookline Women's Luncheon Group meets at Chef Chow's, 230

Harvard St., from noon-1:30 p.m. and on subsequent Wednesdays. Call

617-277-1127 or email Dbdsign@aol.com.

Nov. 21: Coolidge Corner Merchant Association meets at the Brookline

Booksmith, 2nd entrance, 279 Harvard St., 9:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Call

617-734-4831 or email pfcakes@aol.com.

Nov. 28-Dec. 16: 27th Annual Crafts Showcase at the Brookline Arts

Center, 88 Monmouth St. Thursdays-Sundays. Preview Reception Nov. 28,

6-9 p.m.

Dec. 8: Brookline Chorus Concert will occur at the All Saints Church,

1773 Beacon St., at 8:00 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call

617-739-2828 or email allenj123@aol.com.

Dec. 19: Coolidge Corner Merchant Association, see Nov. 21 for

details.

Dec. 20: Commercial Areas Committee Meeting, see Nov. 15 for details.

Brookline Business Buzz

Nov. 22, 2001

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

Improvements and openings are ongoing as our merchants prepare for

the around-the-corner holiday season. Here are some recent

developments in Brookline:

-Work continues at the Captain's Wharf at 356 Harvard St., with the

promise of a more beautiful exterior imminent. Across the street at

315 Harvard, Footlocker is renovating the former Gap locale as it

prepares to fill a part of the space.

Down the block, Paper Source has opened at the site of the former

Alden Merrell cafe at 1441 Beacon St. (Please see article elsewhere

in this issue.)

-Business related proposals considered by the Planning Board at its

Nov. 1 meeting included facade and window signs for Footlocker;

façade, window signs and improvement for Village Fare at 385-397

Washington St. and façade signs and design review of grout and trim

color for Kendall Crescent Barn at 237 Cypress St.

-On Nov. 15, the Planning Board considered sign and façade reviews

for the Citgo station at 845 Boylston St.; a new facade sign for

Emack & Bolios at 1663 Beacon St.; new awnings for Paper Source at

1441 Beacon St. and additions and renovations for existing commercial

office and retail space at 75-81 Boylston St.

-The Board of Appeals recently granted relief necessary for the

construction of a new marquee for the Coolidge Corner Theater at 290

Harvard St. The marquee will be set in the corner of the building and

will feature an Art Deco-ornamented tower and an overhang which will

wrap around the corner and extend along the alley between the theater

and the CVS Pharmacy.

-The deadline for advertising in the 2002 Business Directory is Dec.

1! Prices start at $395; over 20,000 directories are printed and

distributed at Chamber of Commerce events, community activities,

public locations in Brookline, and sent to member businesses,

visitors, tourists, and students. Call 617-739-1330 or email

info@brooklinechamber.com.

-Small Business Association loans of up to $1.5 million are

available to tourism related businesses (i.e. accommodations, restaurants, transportation) affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11. Other types of businesses may be covered in the future. Applications are due by January 2002. Call 617-565-5590 (Boston) or 617-552-4091

(Chestnut Hill).

-The bi-monthly Back Bay Guide is looking for merchants to serve as

distribution locations for their paper. Email

sarie@jacaranda-media.com.

-The GBCVB (Visitor's Bureau) and MOTT (Travel and Tourism)

coordinate complementary services, lodging, activities and meals to

visiting reporters, journalists, photographers and film crews in

return for press mentions and marketing opportunities. Italian

journalist Dr. Massimo Pacifico of travel magazine Genter Viaggi

(circ. 100,000) is looking for lodging, activities and meals Nov. 20,

21 and 24. Email Aimee O'Brien at aimeeo@bostonusa.com.

-Leads Group Meetings: Nov. 20, Dec. 18 at the Holiday Inn

Brookline, 1200 Beacon St. from 7:45 - 9 a.m. $100 per year, $25 quarterly. The Leads Group gives business owners a chance to pass out literature and exchange cards. Continental breakfast is included; open to members only. Call 617-739-1330 or email info@brooklinechamber.com.

-Brookline Chamber Holiday Hours are as follows: Nov. 22 and 23:

closed. Dec. 24: half day. Dec. 25: closed. Jan. 1: closed. Visit

www.brooklinechamber.com for information.

Thanks to Planning Board staffperson Chris Brown for assistance with

this week's Buzz.

Brookline Business Buzz

Nov. 29, 2001

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

Here are the newest businesses to join the Brookline Chamber of Commerce. Please consider joining the Chamber if you have not already done so. For information, call 617-739-1330, or visit www.brooklinechamber.com.

Chamber members enjoy many benefits, including the following.

Members receive The Business Report Quarterly Newsletter, offering timely reports and features on issues that impact the Brookline business community, including news highlights on commercial neighborhoods, review of Chamber initiatives and business opportunities, announcement of new members, recognition of member accomplishments, recap of Chamber functions, calendar of events for Brookline and the Chamber, annual Chamber Directory listing with townwide and membershipwide distribution.

Members may also take advantage of group rates for medical and dental insurance (even for individuals), discounts and affinity programs

promoting member businesses and sharing vital information, monthly breakfasts featuring outstanding speakers on timely topics of interest to businesses and community bulletins to keep abreast of pressing issues which impact businesses.

They may participate in opportunities for community service to benefit Brookline and neighboring communities such as The AntiLitter and Town Beautification Campaign, celebrations such as The Taste of Brookline and First Light Festival, outreach to new businesses via the Welcome to Brookline program, business seminars and forums which have recently included: Internet marketing techniques, debates by candidates for public office, wellness programs for women and the role of the news media in the community.

Networking opportunities for members include special business luncheons and afterhour events, and spring and winter receptions designed to bring the community together, promote member dialogue, and have fun!

NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS:

Beacon Electrology, 1057 Beacon St., 617-7313561, Personal Services

Boston Alzheimer’s Center, 434 Jamaica Way, Boston, 617-983-2300, Elder Services

The Boston-Brookline Chiropractic Clinic, 209 Harvard St. Ste. 204, 617-232-7744, Healthcare

Brookline Village Gulf, 25 Washington St., 617-566-8582, Automotive

Fred Bouchard Writing, 12 Wellman St., 617-566-7882, Writing Services

GolfPlanner.biz, 31 Elm St., Technology

HispanicAmerican Chamber of Commerce, 67 Broad St., Boston, 617-261-4222, Non Profit

Jewels by Francine, 22 Leamington Rd., Brighton, 617-782-7025, Retail

Joanne Garson Accounting Services, 50 Thornton Rd., Chestnut Hill, 617-323-6424, Accounting

Rachel M. Kane, 25 Aberdeen St. 3R, Boston, 617-424-0158, Legal Editing & Writing

John F Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals St., 617-566-7937, Tourism

L.E.D. LightsEnergyDesign, 369 Tappan St. Ste. 2, 617-277-8435, Energy Services

Map Display, Inc.,17 Valley View Dr., So. Hadley, 413-493-6500, Maps

Jason McCrea Co., 28 Stanton Rd. Ste. 2, 617-738-4264, Professional Services

MetroWest Bank, 1641 Beacon St., 978-739-2666, Banking

Millennium Construction Services of New England, 308 Russett Rd.,

Chestnut Hill, 617-829-0061, Contractor

Newbury St. & Back Bay Guide, 143 Newbury St., Boston, 617-424-9005, Media

Period Millwork & Restoration

64A Aspinwall Ave., 617-734-2288, Cabinet Makers & Millwork

Rogerson Communities, 1 Florence St., Boston, 617-363-2300, Elder Service

Salk, Inc., 320 Washington St., 617-232-4030, Manufacture/Distributor

Sherwood Mortgage Group, 1330 Beacon St. Ste. 309, 617-739-2323, Financial Services

Dr. Mitchell D. Simon, 1842 Beacon St., 617-232-7566, Personal Services

South Shore Women's Business Network, P.O. Box 577, Accord, 781-749-8883, Non Profit

Unique Simchas, Inc., 1382A Beacon St., 617-734-3114, Retail

Verid Technology, 2 Clock Tower Pl., Ste. 440, Maynard, 978-897-2880, Technology

Next Business Breakfast (sponsored by Bay State Federal Bank and Sprint PCS): Jan. 16, 2002 at the Holiday Inn Brookline, 1200 Beacon St., 7:30-9 a.m.

Leads Group Meeting: Dec. 18 at the Holiday Inn Brookline, 1200 Beacon St., 7:45-9 a.m.

Brookline Women's Lunch Group Meeting: Dec. 19 at Chef Chow's, 230 Harvard St., noon-1:30 p.m.

Coolidge Corner Merchant Association Meeting: Dec. 19 at the Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St., 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Brookline Chamber Holiday Hours: Dec. 24: half day. Dec. 25: closed. Jan. 1: closed.

Brookline Business Buzz

Dec. 13, 2001

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

The Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation is an exemplary effort by a town bank. Bay State Federal Savings will match donations up to $100,000, by a Customer, Bank Associate, Community Group or Local Resident, to one of the following organizations: The Twin Towers Fund, the Police and Fire Personnel Relief Fund designated by Brookline Fire Department, Catholic Charities, The Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, The Salvation Army, The September 11th Fund, and The Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

Please make checks payable to one of the organizations listed above. Donations may be mailed to Sue Kelleher, The Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation, 1299 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446. For more information, please contact the Foundation at 617-739-9577.

Continuing on last week's theme of hanging and clicking in (especially with winter finally showing its chilly face), a sampling of local values to be printed from the Val Pak web site, www.valpak.com is as follows. Though you'll have to eventually go out to get them (barring home delivery where possible), you can at least accomplish the legwork in robe and slippers.

Café Nicholas, 1628 Beacon St.: Buy one large two-topping pizza, get one regular pizza free.

Audy's Mobil Station, 198 Harvard St. or 345 Boylston St.: Get a lube, oil and filter for $17.95 (regular price $24.95).

This includes up to five quarts of Mobil Super HP motor oil, new oil filter, chassis lubrication and ten point safety inspection.

Holiday Inn, 1200 Beacon St.: Stay one night, get the next night free.

Blockbuster Video, 481 Harvard St.: Rent one at regular price, second one is just $1.25.

Framers Workshop, 64 Harvard St.: get $5.00 off of any purchase of $30.00.

Other area deals include discounts at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Meineke Muffler in Brighton, Comfort Inn and Suites at Logan Airport, Edaville Railroad in Carver, Seaport Hotel in Boston, Sears (portraits, heating systems, carpet cleaning and more), General Landscaping in Dedham, Bob's Stores, Hickory Farms, General Cinemas and lots more. You can also comparison shop online, clip grocery coupons, sign up with Earthlink, buy address labels and stationery, hire a handyman, bid on Ebay, or check out ongoing medical study volunteer opportunities.

You can sort by merchant or offer, location, and sign up to be notified when new offers are available in your neighborhood. Privacy is guaranteed.

FIRST LIGHT RAFFLE WINNERS: Congratulations to all! Gift Certificateto the Business listed will be mailed to you shortly. If you have any questions about your prize please call Sarton Molnar Fenton in the Brookline Economic Development Office at 617-730-2468.

Name - Business - Prize

Alan Kotik - Vintage - $25 gift certificate

Andrea Colby - Clothes Encounters - $25 gift certificate

Andy Chu - Movie Works - $25 gift certificate

Anje Van Berckelaer - Village Fish - $25 gift certificate

Ann Snodgrass - Federal Savings Bank - $25 Savings Bond

Anna Mulholland - Children's Story - $25 gift certificate

Bill Haupin - 10,000 Villages - $25 gift certificate

Broonzy Bowden - Grand Opening - $25 gift certificate

Carll Zack - Bombay Bistro - $25 gift certificate

Chang Zheng Chen - Starbucks - $25 gift certificate

Cheryl Burg Rusk - Dunkin' Donuts - $25 gift certificate

Chris Jansky - Seattle's Best - $25 gift certificate

Cindy Miller - Museum of Transportation - $25 gift certificate

Cindy O'Brien - Shake the Tree - $25 gift certificate

Colby R. Costello - Serenade Chocoltier - $25 gift certificate

David Rauh - O'Leary's Pub - $25 gift certificate

Dawn Van Patten - Aborn Hardware - $25 gift certificate

Diane Shea - Sanabelle - $25 gift certificate

Edison Doyle - Learning Express - $25 gift certificate

Elaine Dolan - Taberna de Haro - $25 gift certificate

Elena Getmanova - Rosalin's Skin Care and Spa - $50 gift certificate

F.B. Perler - Kolbo - $25 gift certificate

Fossmo Lojek - Puppet Showplace - $25 gift certificate

Harriet Rosenstein - Suddenly Slimmer - Free Wrap Valued over $100

Jana Montgomery - Pier 1 - $25 gift certificate

Jannette Rusch - Anna's Taqueria - $25 gift certificate

Jennifer Bjurman - Crew International - $25 gift certificate

John Miranda - Suddenly Slimmer - $25 gift certificate

Julianna Crosier - Café Nicholas - $25 gift certificate

Julie Marr - Starbucks - $25 gift certificate

Karen Hand - Gateway Crafts - $25 gift certificate

Karen Stoler - Brookline Booksmith - $25 gift certificate

Karla Paola Chirinos Sarmiento - Little Swiss House - $25 gift certificate

Kathy Petersen - POD - $25 gift certificate

Kristin Pelak - Fire Opal - $25 gift certificate

Leslie Bondaryk - Jeanne's Greens - $25 gift certificate

Linda Hickey - Fireplace Restaurant - $25 gift certificate

Lisa Franchini - Kokopelli - $25 gift certificate

Lisa Liss - No Kidding - $25 gift certificate

Livia Zarge - Economy Hardware - $25 gift certificate

Liz Arsenault - Imaginarium - $25 gift certificate

Marsha Aaron - JP Licks - $25 gift certificate

Michael Lev - Zaftig's Restaurant - $25 gift certificate

MICHELLE OBRIEN - Barnes and Noble - $25 gift certificate

Milly Krakow - Party Favors - $25 gift certificate

Ongelita M. Miles - Simon's Shoes - $25 gift certificate

Patty Parks - Stones Throw - $25 gift certificate

Phyllis Giller-Rubin - Kabloom - $25 gift certificate

Rick J. Barron - Paris - $25 gift certificate

Robin Glazer - Wild Goose Chase - $25 gift certificate

Rose Mendelsohn - Children's Bookshop - $25 gift certificate

Sally Noteware - Duckworth Lane - $25 gift certificate

Sarah Ballard - CinemaSmith - $25 gift certificate

Solomon Rosenberg - Naturally Cleaner - $25 gift certificate

Soon Chin - RJR - $25 gift certificate

Tom Osborne - Coolidge Corner Theatre - $25 gift certificate

Tonja King - Trader Joe's - $25 gift certificate

Usha Arun - Best Cellars - $25 gift certificate

Vered Rosen - The Pear Tree - $25 gift certificate

Brookline Business Buzz

December 20. 2001

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

Nobody, but nobody wants to think about that slick white stuff. Yet, we can't deny that it's Dec. 20. So…don't say you weren't warned. The Brookline Department of Public Works has released its Winter Guide for Brookline Property Owners,

Businesses and Residents.

A bylaw was voted in at a 1987 Brookline Town Meeting, which required property owners to "maintain sidewalks contiguous to their property in a non-slippery condition suitable for pedestrian travel, by clearing all snow from a pathway at least thirty-six (36) inches in width". It's the law, and it's enforced.

All business owners must comply within three hours of a snowfall. Failure to do so results in fines ranging from $25 to $100 - per day.

So here are the frosty fundamentals as per the DPW release:

Maintain all sidewalks abutting your property or business in a non-slippery condition free of ice or snow.

If you are out of town, or are unable to clear ice and snow due to physical limitations, please be sure to have someone else prepared to maintain the sidewalk for you.

Clear openings at intersections and crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely.

Always have a supply of ice-melt (CaCl2 or KCL) on hand and apply frequently after a storm and during the winter season to prevent snow from packing down and forming ice.

Whenever possible please help to assist your Public Safety Departments by clearing catch basins and snow covered fire hydrants adjacent to your property. Remember, every second counts during an emergency.

The Department of Public Works' bulletin states that it clears snow and ice from approximately 250 lane miles of roadway and 40 miles of sidewalk. In addition, the department is responsible for the clearing of snow from ten public schools, twenty municipal parking lots and all of the public parks and paths. Snow plowing operations remain underway until all roadways are cleared adequately for the safety of the traveling public. Immediately after a storm, snow banks are pushed back to the curb line in order to provide for adequate storage space for future storms.

The DPW cautions shovelers to consider this timetable, lest their hard work be filled in by a snowplow after the storm has ceased.

Winter parking? No on-street meter parking is allowed during declared Snow Emergencies; parked vehicles are subject to towing.

As always, they don't need to remind us, there is no overnight parking on the streets in Brookline.

The Department offers more information regarding snow emergencies, towed vehicles, or to report an unplowed or icy street or unshoveled or icy sidewalk, at their Seasonal Information Line, 617-730-2610, which is available 24 hours a day. One can also visit their website at

www.townofbrooklinemass.com

Business Directory: From Accommodations to Writing Services, the Chamber's searchable, categorized Business Directory is a very convenient, simple way to check out local establishments. Find it at http://www.brooklinechamber.com/business.htm.

"The businesses featured in this directory," says the Chamber, "have displayed significant dedication to their communities through their membership in the Brookline Chamber of Commerce."

The Chamber encourages residents to do business with Chamber members, and advises bookmarking the site for easy referral when considering purchases and business decisions.

Assessors FY2002 Property Database: The Assessors have released a downloadable, searchable Fiscal Year 2002 Property Database, located at

http://www.townofbrooklinemass.com/Assessors/property.asp

Errors, if any are found, can be reported to the Assessors' office at 617-730-2060, or emailed to assessors@town.brookline.ma.us. Property information, an owner name and/or street name are required.

The Assessors Database Help Page can also be of assistance.

Pictures of the 2001 First Light Festival are now available at http://www.town.brookline.ma.us/FirstLight/2001pictures.html

A handy, color-coded Master Town Calendar can be viewed at http://calendars.town.brookline.ma.us/MasterTownCalendar?formID=158

What's New in Brookline Maillist: The Town has just implemented this new information source for Health Alerts, Financial Information, Police Alerts, Website News, Events, Voting Information and more. Check the town site to click, or copy

http://www.townofbrooklinemass.com/Listserver/whatsnew.asp

Kudos to Ben Vivante, Town of Brookline Webmaster, on his excellent work can be sent to ben_vivante@town.brookline.ma.us.

BROOKLINE BUSINESS BUZZ

Dec. 27, 2001

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

Two innovative restaurants in the Coolidge Corner area are, sadly, no

more. Vittorio's Vegetarian Pizza, at 1398 Beacon St. has closed; however, his brother may soon be serving Kosher pizza in the old Galilee locale on Upper Harvard (please see article elsewhere in this issue). Reopening in the Vittorio space is The Coolidge Corner Café, an eatery featuring sandwiches, pizza and other fast fare.

Pandan Leaf Malaysian Cuisine, at 250 Harvard St., has also closed up

shop. Coming soon will be Khao Sarn, a Thai cuisine establishment. Next door, Za'atar's Oven's expansion is complete.

PLANNING PROJECTS & PROGRAMS

For further information on the Webster Street Hotel, which broke

ground on November 20 to be completed in January, 2003, contact Amy

Schectman, Economic Development Officer, at 617-730-2468 or email

amy_schectman@town.brookline.ma.us.

Current Development Applications:

At its December 6th meeting, the Planning Board considered Sign and

Façade Review for Garber Travel at 1440 Beacon St. (including a

project to remove the various one-story 1950s additions, restore the

brick facade, and construct a new entry vestibule), Façade Review for

CVS/Pharmacy at 900 Commonwealth Ave. and Façade Review for Baja

Betty at 3 Harvard Sq., including a proposal to construct a two-story

addition above the existing first story of commercial space, which

will reflect the original 1870’s Second Empire building that once

stood on the site and includes restoring (or replicating) the

historic storefronts on the first floor. The Planning Board

considered additional plans and elevations for the proposal on

December 20; it is scheduled to be heard by the Board of Appeals on

January 10, 2002.

At its December 20th meeting, the Planning Board considered Sign and

Façade Review for Citgo at 387 Boylston St., Review of Sign for gas

station at Hammond/Heath (east side), Review of final Façade drawings

and colors for Kho Sarn Cuisine at 250 Harvard St. and Review of

Façade Sign at Village Fare, 387 Washington St. The Planning Board

also heard the Board of Appeals Case for Fitness Unlimited at 62

Harvard St. to install flags.

2002 Business Meeting Schedules Announced

The next Business Breakfast (sponsored by Bay State Federal Bank and

Sprint PCS) will be held on Jan. 16, 2002 at the Holiday Inn

Brookline, 1200 Beacon St., from 7:30-9 a.m.

Business Breakfast Schedule for 2002:

(Breakfast series is sponsored by Bay State Federal Bank and Sprint

PCS)

Wednesday, Jan 16th, 2002

Wednesday, Feb 13th, 2002

Wednesday, Apr 10th, 2002

Wednesday, May 8th, 2002

Wednesday, June 12th, 2002

All meetings are at the Holiday Inn, 1200 Beacon St., 7:30-9 a.m.

The Business Breakfast, which is open to members and non-members

alike, offers timely and topical business information with

distinguished speakers, and an excellent networking opportunity for

all types of businesses.

Cost: $10 members in advance, $12 door, $15 non-members.

To RSVP, contact the Brookline Chamber of Commerce at 617-739-1330,

or Email info@brooklinechamber.com.

Leads Group Schedule for 2002:

Wednesday, Dec 18th, 2002

Wednesday, Jan 15th, 2002

Wednesday, Feb 19th, 2002

Wednesday, Apr 16th, 2002

Wednesday, May 21st, 2002

Wednesday, June 18th, 2002

All meetings are at the Holiday Inn, 1200 Beacon St., 7:45-9 a.m.

Leads Group Meetings, which are open to members only, give business

owners a chance to pass out literature and exchange business cards

with other entrepreneurs. The informal meetings, complemented by a

continental breakfast, provide a forum for all businesses in the

Brookline area.

Cost: $100 per year, $25 quarterly or $10 per meeting.

To join the LEADS group, contact the Brookline Chamber of Commerce at

617-739-1330, or Email info@brooklinechamber.com.

Coolidge Corner Merchant Association Schedule 2002 - TBA

Meetings are held monthly at the Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard

St., from 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Contact: Mary Lynn Pergantis at 617-734-4831, or Email

pfcakes@aol.com.

Brookline Women's Lunch Group Schedule 2002:

Wed, Jan 16, 2002

Wed, Feb 20, 2002

Wed, Mar 20, 2002

Wed, Apr 17, 2002

Wed, May 15, 2002

Wed, June 19, 2002

All meetings are held at Chef Chow's, 230 Harvard St., from noon-1:30

p.m.

Contact: Linda Zindler at 617-277-1127 or Maureen Mayotte at

617-964-0500, or Email Dbdsign@aol.com.

Membership: $15 a year and $12 per luncheon.

The Brookline Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Jan. 1.