Kids Menu: Giving thanks around the neighborhood

Well, the holidays are officially upon us! This year I plan to show my gratitude for all I have by giving back to the people who make our neighborhood great. That means supporting our local merchants and businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25. Why not consider supporting the numerous restaurants by purchasing gift certificates as stocking stuffers, or check out the little boutique you’ve been meaning to pop into. You’ll be supporting the people who help keep Dot thriving.

The Martin Richard Foundation is excited to announce that the 2017 Bridge Builder application is open! "We are challenging young people (with the support of parents, teachers coaches and youth development professionals) to take a giant step forward and lead an effort in their neighborhoods or schools that brings people together in service and motivates others to want to do the same." The Martin Richard Foundation will provide up to 30 microgrants ($500 each) for projects that put our core values of peace, justice and kindness into action. Apply online at team8.org

Fri., Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. Make your voice heard with the Youth Voice Project. Join local leaders, community members, youth advocates for an evening of intergenerational conversations about topics such as police relations, gender equality, and discipline in schools. At the Bruce Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury.
Sat., Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Dot Art Saturday Studios , drop in for 3 - 10 year olds every Saturday at Little House from 10:30 a.m.- 12:30p.m.

Sat., Nov. 18, 10 a.m. Lower Mills Branch BPL, 27 Richmond St. Story Time with Drag Kings and Queens. Join magical story time as some of Boston’s beloved drag performers and friends read from their favorite children’s books. Feel free to dress up and get ready to take some photos. For further information, please call 617-298-7841.

• 1 p.m. Reframing Islam Photo Exhibit at Grove Hall Branch BPL, 41 Geneva Ave. Come experience this showcase of faces behind Islam and partake in a community discussion with members of the Dorchester/ Roxbury Muslim community. Sponsored by State Representative Evandro Carvalho, Imam Taalib J Mahdee Masjid Al-Qur’aan, with photos by Brittany Hathaway.

• 1 p.m. Nuts about Squirrels at the Boston Nature Center. Join us to navigate the forest, find food, and build nests. As we enjoy the crisp fall air and the colorful leaves, we will be scampering around looking for squirrel food, building nests, and doing other squirrely activities. Young naturalists will create a craft and go on a guided hike while learning about these smart animals. Registration not required but recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Tues., Nov. 21, 11 a.m. - Boston’s official Christmas Tree Arrives The annual gift of an evergreen Christmas tree from Nova Scotia will arrive at Boston Common at approximately 11 a.m. The tree will be lit at approximately 7:55 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 30 as the city of Boston’s Official Tree Lighting is celebrated on Boston Common from 6-8 p.m. For further information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505.
Thurs.,

Nov. 23, 9 a.m. Franklin Park Turkey Trot. The Franklin Park Coalition is preparing for a 5k run/walk Thanksgiving morning in Franklin Park at 9 a.m. Online registration is open until Wed., Nov. 22. See fpc5k.com forcomplete information.

Fri., Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. Join Dot Art and the Martin Richard Foundation to paint more banners for the construction site at Martin’s Park. The event is called “Painting For Gratitude” and all are welcome.

Fri., Nov. 24, 10:30 a.m. Native American Heritage Month: Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers.
Join the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers as they share stories of both their history and modern culture in a performance that culminates with a full audience powwow in honor of Native American Heritage Month. All performances are free and take place in the Stephen Smith Center at JFK Library. Make reservations by visiting jfklibrary.org/celebrate or call 617-514-1644.

Sat., Nov. 25, 3 p.m. Greater Ashmont Pop-Up Holiday Market, Ashmont MBTA plaza. Stock your pantry, buy local crafts, and celebrate the season in Peabody Square at our third annual pop-up holiday market! Holiday music will fill the air as you shop our market stands for pantry staples and holiday treasures. The market will lead directly into the Annual Peabody Square Holiday Tree Lighting, part of the Mayor’s Holiday Trolley Tour, and our exact timing will be adjusted if needed once that schedule is set.

Sat., Dec. 2, 10 a.m. Saturday Babywearing Meeting. Codman Square Health Center 637 Washington St.

Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. Leahy Holloran Community Center $10,000 Drawing Join us for a fun night at the Landmark Public House to support the LHCC Community Center. Purchase of a $100 ticket enters you into the $10,000 drawing. Enjoy refreshments, raffles, and great company!


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