By Bill Forry
Managing Editor

The Cape's great. And there's nothing wrong with a quick trip to New Hampshire's lakes or the Berkshires' peaks. But, we don't all get to take the summer off. Thankfully, Dorchester has got some great adventures - big and small- in store for those willing to explore their own backyard. The Reporter humbly offers up a baker's dozen to get you started as you plan your summertime close to home.

 

1. Go row a boat. Or a canoe… that'll work too

Finishing touches are still being made on a new park at Granite Ave. and Hilltop Street that includes a canoe launch into the Neponset River. The state's Department of Conservation and Recreation says that the park- dubbed "Neponset II"- should be open by "late summer." Of course, canoeists and kayakers and other small craft can already put in at Milton Landing, Pope John Paul II Park, and other points along the river.

If you've never canoed the Neponset, though, it's probably a good idea to get a guided tour from an expert. Fortunately, this summer's Neponset Greenway Festival offers three such opportunities, and they're all free! On Tuesday, July 18, an Evening Estuary Paddle sets off from Milton Landing, right over the town line in Lower Mills, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy an interpretive, historic downstream tour of the Neponset River. On Saturday, August, 5, join a morning paddle that leaves from Pope Park at 9 a.m. The tour will focus on historic spots and sea birds along the. On Wednesday, August 16, an similar evening paddle is planned from Pope John Paul Park, setting off at 5:30 p.m. Paddling experience is required for both. Visit bostonnatural.org.

2. Go fly a kite. watch a movie.

If you have to pick one night of the week for some quality family time in the 'hood, we hereby nominate Thursday. Starting next Thursday (July 6), the Family Movie Series opens at Neponset's scenic Pope John Paul II Park. The free film series is staged beneath the stars each and every Thursday through August 24 and is a popular take for families from across Dorchester. On July 6, the series starts with a late afternoon of kite-flying, soccer clinics and more outdoor fun at the park. Movie-time is at sundown (roughly 8 p.m.) Visit the BNAN website at bostonnatural.org to find out clues to what's playing. It's all a part of the Neponset Greenway festival, sponsored mainly by the Boston Natural Areas Network, the state's Dept. of Conservation and Recreation… and, oh yeah, the Dorchester Reporter. Bring your own popcorn and enjoy!

 3. Hit a softball. Eat some soft-serve

OK, so you love the boys and girls in blue from Area C-11 as much as the next city dweller. Don't let that stop you from rooting for the Dorchester Board of Trade to finally beat the cops in the annual softball showdown during Dorchester Park's annual Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 9. The game starts at noon, but the fun continues long after the last out, as a family-themed cookout is staged by the good folks from the Dorchester Park Association. Face painters, story tellers, free children's books, and of course, Maureen Feeney's trademark ice cream truck round out a great day at the park. All are welcome.

 4. Find your inner Shakespeare

Is your middle schooler the next Mark Wahlberg? Why not skip the whole baggy-drawers phase and cut to the Vinnie Chase: Get your 11-13 year old exposed to some real, live acting this summer as part of the Celebrate Shakespeare program, presented by The Wang and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Two Dorchester sites will host a four-week acting workshop. The sessions start Monday, July 10 at DotWell's Codman Square space at 450 Washington Street. Through performing art skills such as theater games, ensemble building, and original scene development, participants will become familiar with The Taming of the Shrew story line and its universal themes. It all culminates with a showcase on the Boston Common on Sunday, August 6. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions of this program. Also available at the Freedom House, Crawford Street, Grove Hall. For questions and registration information please call (617) 532-1218. C'mon, feel the vibrations.

5. Learn a new sport

The Youth Sports Center at White Stadium in Franklin Park, Dorchester begins its free summer program for Boston youth, ages 7 to 14 on Tuesday, July 13. Boys and girls get the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a variety of sports in this six-week program. Sports offered are baseball, basketball, boys' fitness, double-dutch, football, girls' fitness, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball. To register or obtain additional information, call (617) 635 &endash; 4920, x2218.

6. Create your own emerald necklace

The city runs free craft workshops for kids at Martin playground on Hilltop Street, every Tuesday from 9 a.m.- noon, starting on July 11. The same program is staged each Thursday (beginning on July 13) at 9 a.m. at Ryan Playground on Dorchester Ave. near East Cottage Street. Typical activities include yarn painting and fairy house building along with treasure bottle, book, and jewelry making. All materials will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of six or more must make prior arrangements with the artists.

7. Thursdays on River Street

Starting on Thursday, July 6 at 12:30 p.m., River Street's Ryan Playground - not to be confused with the Ryan playground on Dot Ave.- is home to a great summer series for kids. Each Thursday offers a different hour-long attraction. Meet the creatures of the Rainforest Reptile Show in the kick-off event on July 6. Did we mention it's free? The Ryan Playground is located on River Street, about half-way between Lower Mills and Mattapan square. Also part of the Neponset Greenway festival.

8. Test your skills against the Sox

If Hyde Park's Manny Delcarmen can make it to the bigs, why not you? Take the Fenway Challenge at Harambee Field, Talbot Ave, at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 17. The Red Sox and the Boston Police Activities League skills clinic for kids under 14. Meet some of your favorite Red Sox players and coaches. Registration starts at 9 a.m.

9. Run five miles. For a good cause

The Jim Kane Sugarbowl 5 Miler and Runner's Expo takes over the parking lots around Bayside Expo Center on Thursday, July 20. Starting pistol sounds at 6:30 p.m. See lstreet.org for more info.

10. Playtime at the Playstead

Every Tuesday, (starting on July 25), Franklin Park Coalition's Free Summer Performing Arts Series includes a morning show at 10:30 a.m. and an evening show at 6p.m. All performances take place in the Franklin Park Playstead, the big field between White Stadium and the rear entrance of the Zoo, not far from where the original Playhouse stood. For more information, call (617) 908-4002 or visit franklinparkcoalition.org. Includes Chinese and Irish dancers, Latino and African musicians, and more. See listings for exact shows and times.

11. Cruise Dorchester Bay

Join the Dorchester Historical Society for their July 26th Coastal Dinner Cruise, leaving from the UMass Dock, 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door. Call the DHS at 617-265-7802 for details.

12. Enjoy the classics at twilight

The Boston Landmark Orchestra has become a summer favorite in these parts- and Charles Ansbacher and his team return to Dorchester for three special shows this summer. First up, catch a new composition for kids that celebrates the Red Sox' glorious 2004 season at the Codman Square Great Hall on Thursday, July 27 at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Dorchester Park will host the on Sunday, August 13, beginning at 6 p.m. The Dot Park show will feature the orchestral debut of Dorchester's own Grigory Goryachev, a Russian-born classical guitarist. If rain, concert will be held at Carney Hospital auditorium. And, finally, on Tuesday, August 1, at 6 p.m., the BLO plays Franklin Park's Playstead as part of the park's Elma Lewis performance series. All events are free!

 13. Go Caribbean on Blue

The Boston Carnival - staged Saturday, August 26 along MLK Boulevard and Blue Hill Ave.- is one of the largest Caribbean celebrations in the U.S. Raucous floats, colorful costumes and great music from the islands makes this a must-see event and a great way to wrap up the summer in the neighborhood. Starts at 12 p.m. For full details, check out the website BostonCarnival.org.