The Brookline Voice 1/10/2017

Brookline VOL 2, NO 1

BROOKLINE’S VOICE

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

Voice blocked from Shrage’s Twitter Photo | Joshua Resnek Carol Sapoznik is the heart and soul of the oil wonderland called the Olive Connection at 1426 Beacon Street. Stop in and tell her The Voice sent you there.

Caffè Nero serves Italian coffee in the shadow of giants

By Alexander Culafi

The Voice Last month, Caffè Nero finally opened to the good people of Brookline with their Brookline Village location, right across from Clover on Harvard Street and remarkably close to both Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.

This is Nero’s first Brookline location, with another in Washington Square on its way in Spring.

Dunkin Donuts has a half dozen locations open in Brookline according to their store locator, and almost 50 Dunkin Donuts within two and a half miles. You can throw a rock and hit a Dunkin Donuts in Greater Boston.

A more apt comparison is Starbucks, a mega-chain that prides itself on being an artisanal coffee shop, but really only has the prices of an artisanal coffee shop, which also has around a half dozen locations in Brookline proper.

Worldwide, Starbucks has 24,464 locations, a NASDAQ price of over $55,

and a 2015 revenue of $19.16 billion dollars. Starbucks is Goliath.

The company was founded in 1997 by Gerry Ford in London as a way to bring the joy of Italian coffee shops to new markets.

Caffè Nero has but seven shops in the whole Boston area, and 700 throughout the world. It is no David in a traditional sense, but it sure is compared to Starbucks, who dominates the coffeehouse market.

And, as spokesperson Jay Gentile said to the TAB last month, "The owner is still very involved overseas and sees all the designs, and is intimately involved with day-today things and is very instrumental with guiding how it looks."

Sokoll quarantines Voice e-mails

By Alexander Culafi

The Voice Two stories appearing in the Voice about Combined Jewish Philanthropy CEO Barry Shrage’s $1.3 million retirement bonus, his $1.9 million total compensation package and breaking the story about his home mortgage being forgiven by the CJP, all of this without public notice for the charity’s contributors or employees, has led to punitive actions by the head of the $1.1 billion dollar philanthropy and one of his underlings, Rabbi Mark Sokoll.

Sokoll heads the Newton JCC and its offshoot organizations.

On our Twitter account, @voicepub, Shrage has blocked the Voice from viewing his Tweets as well as from interacting with his account, and this follows public tweets we sent out regarding the content of our investigative reports.

Over email, Sokoll, CEO of the JCC and Greater Boston Community Centers, has quarantined the Voice. In other words, when we send him emails, they bounce straight back.

We reached out to representatives of both the CJP and JCC to explain these actions.

How much do you think CEO Howard Schultz cares about every Starbucks location on an intimate level? Either way, he’s resigning as CEO in April to hand the reigns to someone better equipped to “run the company” than he is, Kevin Johnson.

No one from either organization replied to our requests.

Continued on page 3

Our investigations revealed that no public

The transparency of the CJP’s dealings is a legal and ethical responsibility requiring the CJP to be clear about its compensation packages and expenditures.

notice was given for over 2 years regarding the CJP Board’s decision to forgive Shrage’s home loan. In fact, the loan was forgiven over the course of a half dozen years ending in 2012. The IRS frowns upon such perks in the belief that such actions create a conflict of interest.

Also, his $1.3 million retirement bonus was questioned because Shrage is not retiring. The enormity of his 2014-2015 compensation package of $1.9 million was listed on the charity’s IRS forms, but because of extensions that dragged out the public airing of the returns, no word was uttered about this by the Board to their contributors and supporters.

Then the Boston Globe published a story following ours revealing that Shrage is driven around by a CJP-paid chauffeur, and reasonable people began looking more closely at what has been revealed.

New questions have been raised about the CJP’s expenditures to sustain its charitable empire.

Are any contracts totaling many millions of dollars put out to bid? Does the agency seek the lowest possible cost from vendors for goods and services? What new multimillion dollar compensation packages have been approved by the Board, but not yet revealed?

Why the news blackout on social media?

Continued on page 3

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The Brookline Voice

International E ditorial

Newton

October Jan. 1018-31, - 23, 2016 2017

From the publisher

MR. SHRAGE: GIVE BACK THE $1.3 MILLION RETIREMENT BONUS.

MR. WALLACK:

THE BROOKLINE VOICE THE NEWTON VOICE PUBLISHER AND PRESIDENT Joshua Resnek jresnek@voicestaff.net

EDITOR Joshua Resnek

SENIOR REPORTER Alexander Culafi aculafi@voicestaff.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lorenzo Recupero lrecupero@voicestaff.net David Stanford dstanford@voicestaff.net

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Ashley rashley@voicestaff.net Jared Charney jcharney@voicestaff.net

CALENDAR EDITOR Sheila Barth sbarth@voicestaff.net

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Carolyn Lilley Resnek cresnek@voicestaff.net

DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN Trevor Andreozzi tandreozzi@voicestaff.net

PRINTING Graphic Developments Inc. Norwood, MA.

DISTRIBUTION Max’s Trucking Winthrop, MA.

YOU’VE LOST THE ETHICAL HIGH GROUND. RESIGN.

I

n this edition of The Voice, we follow up with our look into the not-so transparent Combined Jewish Philanthropies and its CEO Barry Shrage, as well as the policies of its Board led by its Chair, Neil Wallack.

When a charity as large as the $1.1 billion CJP fails to note publicly for 2 years a $1.3 million bonus and a $1.9 million total compensation package, and never mentions for more than 6 years the forgiving of the CEO’s home mortgage, it is a sign, according to Charity Navigator’s published opinions, that the charity is at risk of heading in the wrong direction, and that further scrutiny of the charity by government agencies might be necessary.

We have provided Attorney General Maura Healy’s office with information regarding the so-called retirement bonus (Shrage is not retiring). We have also asked her to study the Board’s apparent lack of transparency for handing Shrage such a large retirement bonus without making note of it to contributors or on the CJP website.

Independent observers might be led to wonder that such a huge bonus, ostensibly given to make up for past years' salaries that weren’t large enough, were handed out without public knowledge by the Board, knowing it would take at least 2 years for the CJP’s extended IRS tax returns to be released.

Did the Board hope that there would be no controversy over such a retirement bonus for a man not retiring after so long a time had passed?

We hope not.

vendetta against Shrage or Wallack.

Far from it.

The embarrassment is the lack of transparency between working partners – Wallack and Shrage – that shielded from public scrutiny huge payouts and perks while agreeing with one another that they are entirely, absolutely, incontestably deserved.

Board Chair Wallack – a successful businessman with an extraordinary curriculum vitae – Yale undergraduate and Harvard Business School – could have and should have acted with transparency with this $1.3 million hand out to a CEO making more than $500,000 a year and being driven around by a chauffeur paid for by the CJP.

They are not deserved – not unless the CJP is determined to make Shrage a multi-millionaire, and to provide him with a chauffeur and who knows what else.

All of Charity Navigator’s literature discussing compensation packages and boards who do not announce them publicly indicates this is a flaw impacting on the charity’s ability to remain true to itself and keeping to the letter of its mission statement.

It is entirely another thing to have a $1.1 billion charity enriching its CEO by more than $1.3 million at a time with bonuses and paying off his home mortgage (his home in Newton is worth $2 million), and paying for him to be chauffeured around.

We agree with the postulations of Charity Navigator, inarguably the most distinguished organization tracking charities in the United States.

Then the Board Chair slaps Shrage on the back and says great job, Barry. Anything else the Board can do for you to even the score?

The CJP Board of Director’s handing Shrage a $1.9 million salary as well as paying off his home mortgage without public notice to the CJP’s contributors is egregious behavior for very smart and accomplished people who ought to know better.

Chairman Wallack should resign.

This type of publisher’s column is not an embarrassment or a

BANK East Boston Savings Beacon Street Brookline ___________________ THE BROOKLINE VOICE THE NEWTON VOICE Owned and operated by: THE CHELSEA PRESS LLC 1309 Beacon Street Suite 300 Brookline, MA Arnold Jarmak, President Joshua Resnek, Chairman of the Board

Neil Wallack, CJP Board Chairman.

Barry Shrage, CJP CEO.

It is one thing to tell those asking the CJP for money to save their organizations or to aid the poor and to be told in return there is not enough money to go around.

CEO Shrage should return the $1.3 million retirement bonus.

Joshua Resnek

The Brookline Voice

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

Voice

news

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Voice blocked from Shrage’s Twitter Continued from page 1 The decision was allegedly made in response to the investigative reports, it appears, to shut out the Voice from Shrage’s Twitter and for Sokoll to enact the e-mail quarantine.

Cause and effect, we wondered?

Indeed.

Is it legal or ethical to block journalists from getting the information they need?

Legally, there are no ambiguities. Shrug and Sokoll, the CJP and the JCC can stop communicating at any time with anyone they wish to exile from their vortex.

Twitter, like Facebook and Google, is a private company. Although pretty much anyone can see what we tweet out into the world, Twitter is not a public entity, so of course, interactions on Twitter between parties are not regulated by the First Amendment.

Twitter can and does create special rules, but they’re rules that stand outside free speech. No special rules for journalists, either.

“Even the President of the United States is probably safe,” Elizabeth E. Joh wrote on such a topic in the New York Times article, “Should the President Be Able to Block You on Twitter?”

“As for Trump, when he assumes office in

2017, his speech is probably government speech. The First Amendment permits the government to control its own speech, so blocking followers may be permissible,” Koh added.

But Shrage is not the President of the United States. Sokoll is a rabbi cum administrator.

Ethically, sources can be, should be, and are able to choose exactly how much or little they wish to speak with us as Shrage and Sokoll have done.

Joh disagrees.

“Like granting the White House press pool access, the president’s social media obligations may ultimately be decided as a matter of custom. In a democratic society that values transparency and accountability, keeping the social media account of a president open to all ought to be part of these customs.”

Charity Navigator insists that charities like the CJP must be open to differing opinions, that its Board should be composed of individuals who are not rubber stamps for its CEO, and that above all, the organization is required to be transparent about its financial dealings, or it risks the likelihood of government scrutiny.

Fruitations is available at Roche Bros., Bros. Marketplace, Gordon's Downtown Crossing, Kappy's Peabody and Whole Foods Market.

Find Fruitations behind the bar at Woods Hill Table, RedBird, backbar, Porto Boston, Envoy Hotel.

Recipes on our website: Justaddfruitations.com

Police arrest impostor for attempting to steal from Panera Bread Caffè Nero serves Italian coffee in the shadow of giants Continued from page 1

an experience like Starbucks, but it does a far superior job of it.

For the purpose of this article, I went to both Starbucks and this Caffè Nero to compare and contrast the general vibe of the location.

Books line the walls otherwise covered with wood and brick. People are smiling, working diligently. At 2 p.m. on a rainy Tuesday, it was hard to find a seat, but it remained pleasant despite being totally full.

Starbucks has gotten to the point where it just feels like a more liberal Dunkin Donuts with a darker color scheme and more expensive prices. Dunkin Donuts knows that it’s a mass-market coffee chain, Starbucks goes for an artisanal feel and tries to sell you an experience, but that experience feels inauthentic. I feel like I’m being tricked when I go into a Starbucks.

It doesn’t feel authentic or special or cool to go into a Starbucks. It feels like I’m walking into a coffee McDonalds, except instead of a McDouble, it’s a Venti regular.

Caffè Nero is a whole different ballgame.

Between the repurposed wood on the table I’m sitting at right now, to the armchairs that look like they came out of my grandmother’s house, this place feels warm. It feels homey. It may be simulating

My Americano – and the pastry I ordered alongside it – were delicious. The Americano was perfect; a lot of places either use too much hot water or too little.

The barista got it just right, giving it that delicious mild espresso flavor.

Caffè Nero stands in the shadow of giants, but its quality is impressive, and it maintains an authentic flavor and feel even as a company with 700 locations.

Its coffee is a quality addition to the town of Brookline, and if the one in Brookline Village is anything to go by, the one in Washington Square should be worth looking forward to.

Or you can always go get a cake pop from the Starbucks Corporation.

Brookline Police arrested Anthony Binsfield of Duxbury on December 28, for stealing employee belongings at several Brookline businesses while posing as a repair man, thanks to the report of one Harvard Street Panera Bread employee.

He was arraigned in Brookline District Court the following day, facing a charge of attempt to commit a crime and multiple counts of larceny.

According to the police report, the employee reported that a man came into the Panera Bread and claimed to be there to check the cooling system. When the employee asked for identification, the man refused and said that he would have his supervisor call to confirm.

Then the employee asked for a work order, the man (later identified as Binsfield) just walked out, and the employee contacted police.

The employee showed police security footage of Binsfield, who was later arrested and picked up without incident near Harvard and Beacon streets. This wasn't his only rodeo, either. Police have also charged him with larceny from the 16 Handles, Paris Crepery, and Breugger’s near Coolidge Corner.

Even if you don’t own a business, let this be a lesson to all of us.

If anyone – ANYONE – comes to your place of residence you did not invite there, asking to check any thermostat or gauge or anything, you ask for their identification, a work order, and call your landlord if you have one. While they’re standing there.

Do not let them touch a thing you own until you have confidence that they’re supposed to be there. And stay safe, gang.

Reports of multiple car break-ins in a one-block radius in Brookline Multiple people have reported that their cars have been broken into in Brookline, and “rummaged through.”

Police said that there have been multiple break-ins reported in the last month, with three on the same block. The latest came in on December 28 from a vehicle owner on Freeman Street.

Other recent reports include a similar such break-in to a parked vehicle on Armory Street, and another vehicle, also on

Freeman Street.

Always, always, always lock your doors.

Brookline is a wonderful, generally safe place, and my favorite place I’ve lived, but this isn’t one of those pleasant mountain towns in Worcester County with 4,000 people who can just leave their doors unlocked on the regular. It’s just different when you’re in a town with tens of thousands of people and near a major city.

Lock your doors. Keep you, your family, and your stuff safe.

The Brookline Voice

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Alex Picks: T

he five best games of 2016

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

You’ve heard people say, “2016 was the worst year ever.” While I hardly think an election and a few dead celebrities constitutes the worst year of all time for our collective species, I wanted to think positively and talk about some of the cool things happening this year. Even if President-Elect Trump’s inauguration has you feeling down, at least one of these should make you think a little more positively.

2. Dave Chappelle is going to be releasing new stand-up specials starting this year on Netflix. One is going to be all new, and the other two are going to be previously unseen.

Get ready for more Rick James!

1. Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Homeland, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Girls, and The Walking Dead all come back this year.

3. Nintendo is going to be launching a brand new console this year after the dismal performance of the Wii U. The Nintendo Switch, coming out in March, will allow you to play full-scale console video games both at home and on the go?

HD gaming on the T? Yes please.

5. A solar eclipse is coming on August 21, and it’s expected to be visible across the whole United States for the first time in nearly 100 years.

7. A California start-up called Perfect Day is making real milk without using a single animal.

That’s expected to come out by the end of this year. Apparently, it’s a lot like brewing beer.

4. Star Wars: Episode VIII is finally coming out.

Rogue One was not the greatest movie ever in my humble opinion, so hopefully this one will far better. It has old-man Luke Skywalker in it, so I am very hopeful. Oh, and in case you were curious, Carrie Fisher’s scenes for this movie have already been filmed. Rest in peace.

6. New music from Adele, Eminem, The Arcade Fire, Dropkick Murphys (that one comes out this week!), Drake, Katy Perry, Chiddy Bang, and more. One of those probably appeals to you, right? Maybe?

8. The infant technology that is consumer virtual reality will be bigger and better than ever. Microsoft is going to be joining the race with new consumerlevel headsets in the next few months.

9. Google is leading an effort to get humans back onto the moon. The company is offering a $20 million reward for three teams that can reach Earth’s moon by the end of this year. If that sounds feasible to you, the catch is that your rover needs to travel 500 meters, and you need to send back HD footage.

10. Okay, this one is just for me, but Persona 5 comes out this year. If you have a PS4, you should get it. It’s gonna be crazy.

What are you looking forward to in 2017? Let me know at aculafi@voicestaff.net. It could be in a future issue!

The Brookline Voice

To view these fine and stylish timepieces, please contact Fabrizio at his Darling Street Italian coffee shop in downtown Marblehead. These are wonderful holiday presents for the people you love — and if you’re in the area, Bello Preciso Cafe has the finest Italian coffee you will savor, delight in, and come back for — guaranteed!

U.S. +1.352.639.2824

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The Brookline Voice

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

The Brookline Voice

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Response to US abstention on UN resolution criticizing Israel We are deeply disappointed by the Obama administration’s refusal to veto United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which harshly criticizes Israel and labels Israeli settlements as having “no legal validity.” Allowing the resolution to pass prejudices future negotiations.

This one-sided resolution harms only the Israelis, yet it is the Palestinians—not the Israelis—who rejected two states for two peoples in 1937, 1947, 1967, 2000, and 2008.

Supported by the United States, Resolution 2334 We welcome David Friedman’s nomination as US promotes dividing Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Ambassador to Israel. He has demonstrated a longJewish people, and contradicts the longstanding US time commitment to and love for Israel. We call on policy that lasting peace can only come through direct the JCRC, the New England Jewish community, and negotiations—as happened with Egypt and Jordan.

friends of Israel to join us in wishing Mr. Friedman a successful tenure as US Ambassador to Israel, and in opposing all actions that unfairly condemn Israel and endanger its security.

The Palestinian Authority continues to support terrorists and promulgate murderous Jew-hatred, resulting in well over 1,000 Israeli civilians murdered throughout the last two decades—several from the Boston area. The obstacle to peace is not Israel’s intransigence, but rather the Palestinians’ rejection of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in any borders.

With this stark reality, we take issue with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston’s recently released statement criticizing the nomination of David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel and calling for the US Senate to challenge his views during the confirmation process.

While we agree with the JCRC that a solution to the Middle East conflict can be achieved only “through direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” we part with the JCRC’s premise that a two-state solution is the “only viable approach.”

While the two-state solution was conceived with the best of intentions, it unfortunately has not yielded the desired peace for anyone. We support Mr. Friedman’s contention that "a two-state solution is a way, but it’s not the only way.” After almost 25 painful years, it is time to consider other avenues in the interest of advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

This ad sponsored by APT, BIAC, CJUI and Russian Federation.

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IC nternational alendar

The Brookline Voice

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

CALENDAR

Photo | Joshua Resnek All tracks heading South lead from Brookline and Newton to Boston. At the same time, all tracks heading North lead to Brookline and Newton. Steel tracks leading to and from warm communities shown after a dusting of snow.

BOSTON ENTERTAINMENT AND BEYOND STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT

The Firehouse Center of the Arts’ stand-up comedy night series continues Jan.13 at 8 p.m., featuring comedians Paul Gilligan, regular Las Vegas performer and popular New England comedian; Ryan Gartley, veteran Las Vegas, New York and popular Boston-New England comedian; and Steve Halligan, Boston/New England up-and-comer. Market Square, Newburyport. $20. firehouse.org.

THE ATHEIST

Ronan Noone’s stirring play about a crooked, unscrupulous journalist is performed Jan. 19-Feb. 5: Thurs-

day7:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., at Boston Playwrights‘ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. $30; BU faculty, staff, $25; seniors, $25; students with valid ID, $10. bostonplaywrights.org, 866-811-4111.

MELISSA MANCHESTER

1980’s Grammy Award-winning, pop star Melissa Manchester headlines at Shalin Liu Performance Center, Friday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m., 37 Main St., Rockport. $55,$72,$79. Manchester is followed by Louisiana soul singer-guitarist Marc Broussard, Saturday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m., along with Broussard’s opening act, the Jamie McLean Band, $19, $29, $39. rockportmusic. org, 978-546-7391.

OUR SECRETS

Hungary’s Bela Pinter wrote, directs and stars in stirring play, “Our Secrets,” a tragicomic examination

THE CABOT

Area skilled and experienced restoration specialists and resident staff members present a free symposium about the House of the Seven Gable’s investigation of “The Secret Room” unlocking its mystery and their plans for restoration,Jan. 22, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., lunch, brainstorming roundtable discussion, 1-2 p.m., at the 115 Derby St., Salem renowned historic site. Attendees may tour the Secret Room between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. before the symposium begins. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. 7Gables.org/events, 978-744-0991, Ext. 152.

A SECRET SYMPOSIUM

Boston Ballet has joined hands with world-renowned choreographer William Forsythe and Boston Ballet’s second company, Boston Ballet II, presenting a series of performances, “Haieff Divertimento,” and more, starting Jan. 21,22, at 7:30 p.m. A conversation with Forsythe and Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen takes

of the sinister culture of mass surveillance, co-presented by the Baryshnikov Arts Center and Dartmouth College’s Hopkins Center for the Arts, Jan.19-22, at Emerson/Paramount Center’s Robert J. Orchard Theatre, 559 Washington St., Boston. Mature audiences; contains adult language and graphic sexual content. $10-$80; group,senior, student discounts. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.;Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

617-824-8400.

Gaelic Storm takes downtown Beverly by storm musically, that is - Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m.; the Fab Four perform Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m.; and comedians Dan Crohn, Paul Gilligan, Artie Januario and Jeff Koen yuk it up, Jan. 28, 8 p.m. at The Cabot, 286 Cabot St., Beverly.thecabot.org.

BB@HOME SERIES

READY FOR 2017 BROOKLINE 335 Harvard Street 617-975-0075

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017 place, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., “Focus on Forsythe,” and excerpts from his masterpiece, “Artifact,” in the ballet company’s grand rehearsal studio, 19 Clarendon St., South End, Boston headquarters. Tickets start at $55. bostonballet.org/bb-at-home, 627-695-6955.

ZUMIX HIP HOP NIGHT

East Boston’s ZUMIX will hold hip hop night - WZMRand HipStory Present: Latrell James and Oompa,” Jan. 27, 8 p.m., at ZUMIX, 260 Sumner St., East Boston.

Advance tickets, $12; at the door, $15; free with high school ID. Opening act features some of ZUMIX’s young hip hop artists. wzmrpresents.eventbrite.com.

OBERON

The club’s avant garde performances continue, with The Poetry Brothel, Jan. 20, 8 pm.. $20; The Moth: Topic-Gender, by the Usual Suspect, Jan. 31 and Feb. 21, 8 p.m.; Burlesque Against Humanity, Feb. 5 ,8 p.m., Feb. 10, 7:30,10:30 p.m., $15-$30; The Usual Suspects’ “Mortified,” Feb. 11,12, 7:30 p.m., $15;True Lust, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., $15-$25; The Story Collider, Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $10 - $12; AcousticaElectronica, Feb. 17, 10 p.m., $15-$55; Queen Night at the Donkey Show, Feb. 18, 7:30,10:30 p.m., tickets from $25; ARideo nthe Irish Cream,” Feb. 28-March 4, tickets from $25; the long-running Donkey Show, every Saturday, 10:30 p.m., tickets from $25, and also various performers as part of the I.D. Festival. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. cluboberon.com.

BLACK BOX SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES

ArtsEmerson’s live concert series features The Sun Lions, Zip Tie Handcufs, Gene Dante and the Future Starleys, and the Lights Out, Jan. 20, doors opening at 8 p.m., and Jack, Mini Dresses, Creaturos, and Haybaby, Jan. 21,doors open at 8 p.m., Emerson/Paramount center’s Jackie Liebergott Black Box, 559 Washington St., Boston, Advance tickets, $8; day of show, $10. artsemerson.org, 617-824-8400. Patrons must be 18+ years old,or 21+ years old to drink, Limited number of four-person reserved seating tables available for $60. email tickets@artsemerson.org.

The Brookline Voice Wellesley Repertory Theatre presents Lauren Gunderson’s play about the exciting 18th century female scientific genius, through Jan. 29: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sunday. Jan. 15,22, at 2 p.m., Jan. 29, 5 p.m.; Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre, Wellesley College. $20; seniors, students, $10. Wellesleyrep.org, Reservations, 781-283-2000.

GREAT SMALL WORKS

Trudi Cohen and John Bell present “Great Small Works,” a brief entertaining history of Toy Theater, a livng newspaper, Episode 2: Sidewalk Ballet, and Ode to Common Things, free of charge, Sunday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Midway studios, 15 Channel Center St., Fort Point, Boston. Light refreshments served. The event is sponsored in part by the Mass. Cultural Council, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.

Reservations recommended. fortpointtc.org.

THE MOUNTAINTOP

Trinity Repertory Company presents Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning play, “The Mountaintop,” a re-imagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night, starring Joe Wilson Jr. and Mia Ellis, appearing Jan.12- Feb. 12, Dowling Theater, 201 Washington St., Providence, RI. Tickets start at $25. trinityrep.com, or call 401-3514242.

LES BOSTONADES

THE MAKING OF A GREAT MOMENT

BRILLIANT ADVENTURES

Apollinaire Theatre Company presents Alistair McDowall’s two-act, two-hour, darkly comic sci-fi thriller about brotherhood, addiction and breaking the laws of physics, through Jan.21: Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 3 p.m., Chelsea Theatre Works, 186 Winnisimmet St., Chelsea. Post-show reception in the gallery. Advance tickets,$20;at the door, $25; students, $15.617 - 8872336, apollinairetheatre.com.

EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT

The string quartet performs works by Philip Glass, Janacek, Beethoven and Brooklyn Rider’s Colin Jacobsen, Wednesday, Jan. 25,8 p.m., Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main St., Rockport. $29,$35,$39. The group will also participate in a three-day residency, working with orchestra students in several North Shore schools, and present a program for students at Pathways for Children. rockportmusic.org, 978-546-7391.

SCULLERS JAZZ CLUB

If you missed this brilliant Kander and Ebb musical when it appeared last month to accolades, take heart.

The play returns to SpeakEasy Stage Company, through Jan.22, Roberts Studio Theatre, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion,Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. Get your tickets early before they sell out again. speakeasystage.com.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre ushers in the new year with its world premiere, one-act, 90-minute comedy by ATCA/Steinberg award-winning playwright, Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, through Jan. 29, showcasing comedians Danny Scheie and Aysan Celik. The two actors portray performers on tour of their play about human history, bringing it to audiences nationally, while riding their bicycles. Nancy L. Donahye Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell. $26-$70; senior discount, 10 percent off adult tickets; students, $15; group, military, other discounts also.

BROOKLYN RIDER

THURGOOD

‘WHAT OUR FATHERS DID: A NAZI LEGACY’

Period instrument ensemble, violinist Sarah Darling, cellist Michael Unterman, recorder player Heloise Degrugillier, and harpsichordist Akiko Sato, present a concert of French Baroque, “Leclair and His Rivals, the Music of Leclair, Guignon and Barriere, “ Saturday, Jan. 21, 3 p.m., Gordon Chapel, Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., Boston. Tickets start at $15.617-3048843, Brown Paper Tickets.

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Renowned director Benny Sato Ambush directs New Repertory Theatre’s production of George Stevens Jr.’s play about Justice Thurgood Marshall, starring award-winning actor Johnny Lee Davenport, through Feb. 5, Mosesian Center for the Arts Black Box Theater, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown:Jan.12,18,19, Feb. 1,2, at 7:30 p.m.;Jan.13,14,20,27,Feb. 3, 4,at 8 p.m.; Jan. 15, 26, at 2,7:30 p.m.;Jan 21,28, at 3,8 p.m.; Jan.22,29,Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. $19-$42, student, senior, group discounts.617-923-8487, newrep.org.

The jazzy night club has added the following acts to its January line-up: Joey DeFrancesco, Jan. 12, Christian Scott and Tunde Adjuah, Jan.13, Roy Hargrove with Roberta Gambarini, Jan. 20-21. Doubletree Suites

by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. info@ scullersjazz.com.

The Boston Jewish Film Festival continues with the Boston premiere of film “What Our Fathers Did: A Nazi Legacy,” with a special appearance by screenwriter Philippe Sands, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Raytheon Amphitheater, Northeastern University, 120 Forsyth St., Boston. info@bjff.org.

VC oice alendar news

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS

A DOLL’S HOUSE

Huntington Theatre Company presents Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic dramatic play, through Feb. 5, 2017, BU Theatre, Avenue of the Arts, select Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.;select Sundays, 7 p.m.; matinees, select Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, at 2 p.m. 264 Huntington Ave., Boston. Related events also. Tickets start at $25; senior, military, subscriber, BU community, 35-year-olds and younger, student discounts. huntingtontheatre.org, 617-266-0800.

CATALYSTS

The Dance Complex presents its annual show, “Catalysts!”, featuring artists-in-residence Ryan P.Casey, Lorraine Chapman, Junichi Fukuda, Yosi Karahashi and the Doppelganger Dance Collective (DDC), with Danielle Davidson and Shura Baryshnikov, Jan. 14,20,21 27,28,at 8 p.m.; Jan. 15,7 p.m.; 536 Mass.

Ave., Cambridge. $30, cabaret tables; $24 regular; students, BDA members, military, $18. dancecomplex. org, 617-547-9363.

CLUB OBERON

At Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge, The Moth StorySLAMS, Usual Suspect perform ,Jan. 31,8p.m.; Visit cluboberon.com, or call 617-547-8300.

LIVE NATION NEW ENGLAND CONCERT LINE-UP

Live Nation has added the following performers to its

January line-up: Palmistry performs Jan. 17, at Middle East-Opstairs; Joe Purdy, Jan. 29, Brighton Music Hall; Deorro, Jan. 30, House of Blues Boston; Mat Kerekes of Citizen, Jan. 11, ONCE Ballroom; Circa Survive, Jan. 12, House of Blues Boston; Kings of Leon, Jan. 13, TD Garden; New York Funk Exchange, Jan. 13, Brighton Music Hall; godheadSilo, Jan. 14, Brighton Music Hall; Reel Big Fish & Anti-Flag, Jan. 15, House of Blues Boston. livenation.com

GLOWBERON

Oberon presents monthly shows, Glowberon and the Afterglow Festival, through March 9, 2017, featuring solo performances and cabaret.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Jordan Furniture’s Sunbrella ImaxTheatre in Reading and Natick has tickets for the new, spectacular film featuring 4K laser technology. Natick, call 508-8445170, Reading, 508-844-5171.

Erica Spyres and Dan Whelton star in Lyric Stage Company of Boston’s production of Edward Albee’s classic play, Jan. 13-Feb. 12: Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3,8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m., Jan.18, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. 140 Clarendon St., Boston.

Tickets start at $25, seniors, $10 disocunt, student rush, $10; group rates. Lyricstage.com.

TAPESTRY – THE CAROLE KING SONGBOOK

Stoneham Theatre presents Suzanne O. Davis recreating the sound of a Carole King concert, performing her songs in this musical tribute to the Grammy Award winner, Jan. 13-15: Friday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m., 395 Main St., Stoneham. VIP, $55; premium, $45. Stonehamtheatre.org, 781-279-2200.

DORRANCE DANCE IN CONCERT

HAND TO GOD

World Music/CRASHrts presents Boston premiere work, “Dorrance Dance in Concert,”Jan.13,14, 8 p.m., and Jan.15, 3 p.m., Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston. Reserved seats, $40-$65. 617876-4275, WorldMusic.org.

GUSTER

Jo Bonney directs Paul Lucas‘ new play, taken from interviews of transgender women internationally, Jan. 19-Feb. 5, American Repertory Center Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge: Jan. 19-22,2428,31,Feb. 1-4, 7:30 p.m.; Jan.22,28,29, Feb.3,5, at 2 p.m.; student matinee Feb. 1,11 a.m. Tickets start at $25.AmericanRepertoryTheater.org, 617-547-8300.

As a new year treat, SpeakEasy Stage Company presents Robert Askins‘ Broadway, multi-nominated, two-act, two-hour comedy, “Hand to God,” featuring Boston’s stars Lewis D. Wheeler, Marianna Bassham, Tyrone the Puppet and more,through Feb. 4, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-9338600, bostontheatrescene.com.

The group returns to Boston to celebrate its 25th anniversary performing four shows at Paradise Rock Club, Jan. 12-15,with opening acts Steven Page, Jan. 12, And the Kids, Jan. 13, The Bogmen, Jan. 14, and John Wesley Harding a.k.a. Wesley Stace, Jan. 15,967-969 Comm.Ave., Boston. Shows are 18+ years old. Doors open 7 p.m., shows start 8 p.m. Four-show pass, $125,includes meet and greet, special surprises.

Single show tickets, $36. Ticketmaster.com, 8000-7453000.

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

Multi-award winners Paula Plum, Steven Barkhimer,

TRANS SCRIPTS, PART 1: THE WOMEN

NEW WORKS FESTIVAL

The Firehouse Center for the Arts hosts its annual new works festival,featuring full length, one-act and 10-minute short plays, Jan.20,21,27,28,Market Square, Newburyport. firehouse.org.v

ODC/DANCE

World Music/CRASH arts presents internationally acclaimed San Francisco’s groundbreaking ODC Dance, making its Boston debut and featuring a Boston premiere work, Friday, Jan. 20, Saturday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m., at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston. Free pre-performance talk with Boston dance Alliance Director Debra Cash in the lobby, 30 minutes before the show; also free post-performance Q&A with the company, Friday. Reservations, $40; ICA, World Music/CRASHarts members, $36.

WorldMusic.org, 617-876-4275.

JOHN ABERCROMBIE QUARTET

The group performs Jan. 21, at 7:30 and 10 p.m., followed by the Art Hoenig Trio Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m., at the Regattabar at the Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge. 617-661-5000.

NEW MOON COFFEEHOUSE

Mustard’s Retreat of Michigan, a musical storytelling,songwriting duo, and The Lowdown trio, performing folk, rock, blues jazz and country, appear at the New Moon Coffeehouse, Saturday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church,16 Ashland St., Haverhill. $20; 18-year-olds and younger, half-price. Doors open 7:30 p.m. newmooncoffeehouse.org, 978-459-5134.

CARVALHO’S JOURNEY

Photo | Joshua Resnek Cafe Nero in Brookline Village repurposed Jarmak Company wood appointments, book lined walls and sturdy wooden tables, comfortable chairs, great pastries and outstanding coffee brews. Check it out.

The Yiddish Book Center features 2015 film “Carvalho’s Journey,” an authentic 19th century American western adventure story about observant Sephardic Jew, Solomon Nunes Carvalho, American historic, renowned photographer, artist and pioneer, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m., 1021 West St., Amherst, MA. yiddishbookcenter. org.

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Music Worcester presents the Grammy Award-winning

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IC nternational alendar

The Brookline Voice

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017 Boston. They’ll also perform the concert Jan. 31, 8 p.m.,at Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Mo.$25-$55. bostoncamerata.org, 617-262-2092. u/events

FAMILY FUN RISING STAR MUSIC SERIES

Newburyport’s Firehouse Center for the Arts presents the Ipswich High School Honors Chamber Orchestra, featuring Newburyport pianist Rachel Ameen, freshman at Syracuse University, Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m., at Market Square. Members, students, $12; non-members, $15. firehouse.org, 978-462-7336.

WINTER PANTO

Imaginary Beasts theater company presents their popular, family-friendly, favorite satiric, silly, topsy-turvy winter panto, “The Princess and the Pea,” Jan. 14-Feb. 4, Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 1,4 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m., Plaza Black Box Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St., Boston. $24; children ages 10-under,$12; seniors, students, $15. Group rates, discounts also. Bostontheatrescene.com, 617-933-8600.

IMPROVBOSTON

The Boston comedy improvisation theater of Cambridge presents a 10-week laughter school for middle- and high school students, starting Jan. 18 and 19:Youth Laughter School, grades 6-8,Wednesdays, 11a.m.-12:30 p.m.,after School Laughter School, Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m.;grades 9-12, Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m. The group is currently also accepting registration for February and April vacation Comedy Clinics for ages 8-13, and Summer Clinics for ages 8-17. Registration, ImprovBoston,com/training, scholarships for season starting in March, ImprovBoston.com/training/scholarships.

Photo | Joshua Resnek Lee’s in Newton Centre serves up a daily bill of fare that is pedestrian, but delicious and all-American. Whether it is a Pearl dog grilled on a toasted bun or a cheeseburger, or a great order of fries, this is the one place in the Centre where you are in and out with the speed of a rocket ship with your food hot and ready to go, and some spare change remaining in your pocket when you get back to the office. The staff, shown above, are all great people.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, featuring Ukrainian-born, Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman, performing on the 1690 Stradivarius for which the Tchaikovsky concerto was composed, Sunday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m., at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, preceded by a free concert talk at 3 p.m. $7.50-$55. Group rates, discounts available.

MusicWorcester.org, 508-754-3231.

VOCALOSITY

This ACA-Perfect Concert Experience appears Tuesday, Jan. 24,7:30 p.m. at the Boch Center (Shubert Theatre), Tremont St., Boston. $29.50-$49.50.866-348-9738.

MOZART AND HAYDN

Harry Christophers conducts a program of Mozart and Haydn’s music, featuring concertmaster Aisslinn Nosky, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 29, at 3 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston. $28-$98;student, group discounts. 617-266-3605, handelandhaydn.org.

BETTYE LAVETTE

The award-winning soul queen performs at Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main St., Rockport, Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m. $29,$40,$46.rockportmusic.org, 978546-7391.

REALLY!

Company One Theatre and Matter and Fine Light Art present the New England premiere of Jackie Sibblees Drury’s intimate theatrical installation, directed by inimitable Artistic Director Shawn LaCount, Jan.25-Feb. 12, at 45-seat Matter and Light Gallery of South Boston. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m.; Feb. 5, 12, 4,7 p.m. $38; students, $15. The theater experience begins in Gallery Kayafas, where guests may enjoy cocktails and the gallery’s photography, then proceed downstairs to the show. 617-2927110, Brown Paper Tickets via CompanyOne.org.

I.D. FESTIVAL

Oberon presents this festival exploring gender identity and celebrating diverse experiences of the trans community, presented in conversation with ART’s production of “Trans Scripts, Part 1: The Women,” performed at Loeb Drama Center, Jan. 19-Feb. 5. The festival includes GLOWOBERON: Johnny Blazes and Brian King, Jan. 13, 8 p.m., $25; Alison Young and the Swinging Steaks, Jan. 22, 8 p.m., $20; Becca Blackwell, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m., $25; Peacock Rebellion, Jan. 27, 8 p.m., $20, Our Lady J, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35; NIC KAY, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., $15-$20; The Moth, Jan. 31, 8 p.m., $10; Kit Yan, Feb. 3, 8 p.m., $20; ART of Human Rights, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., free requires advance reservations; and Calpernia Addams, Feb. 4, 7 p.m., $25. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. 617-5478300, cluboberon.com.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

WINTER FESTIVAL 2017

Stoneham Theatre’s Young Company presents its winter festival of plays, Jan, 25-Feb.5, including “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.,” for ages pre-kindergarden - fourth grade; “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” for grades pre-K through seventh; “Mary Poppins,” for third- to seventh-graders; and “Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” eighth-through 12-graders, 395 Main St., Stoneham. $15. Showtimes, matinees, 781-279-2200, stonehamtheatre.org.

food, international beer and cocktails and more, House of Blues Boston, 15 Landsdowne St., Boston, Presented

by World Music/CRASHarts and Crossroads Presents. $48. Worldmusic,org, crashfest.org, livenation,com-houseofblues.com/boston, 800-745-3000, 617-876-4275

DANIEL

Boston Camerata presents 800 year-old mystery play, “Daniel: A Medieval Masterpiece Revisited,” composed in Beauvais, France, which follows the story of Daniel, a visionary, who was taken captive after speaking truth to people in power, Jan. 29, at 3 p.m., Trinity Church,

BCT WINTER CLASSES

Boston Children’s Theatre is offering weekend and weekday classes for children, ages 4-7, 7-10, 9-14, and 14-19, in Boston and Beverly. info@bostonchildrensthe-

Cordis Management, Inc.

Marblehead Little Theatre’s Emily Grove directs Oscar Wilde’s social satire Jan.27-Feb. 5, at the 12 School St. theater in downtown Marblehead. $25; student Sunday matinee tickets only, $15. mltlive.org.

BILLY ELLIOTT

Wheelock Family Theatre presents multi-award winning musical, “Billy Elliott,the Musical,” Jan.27-Feb.26,200 Riverway, Boston. Recommended for children 8+ years old and adults. 617-879-2300, tickets@wheelock,edu, wheelockfamilytheatre.org.

CRASHFEST

Spend an evening immersed in 10 bands’ music performed on three stages, featuring Bombino, San Fermin and NOW Ensemble, Salif Keita, Debo Band, Orkesta Mendoza,Daby Toure, Carrie Rodriguez, LADAMA, Air Congo, and Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, Saturday, Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m. There’s also global street

Second generation of carpentry, fabrication and installation services for architects, designers and owners.

Serving Newton, Brookline and Back Bay. 617.889.6699

~

THE CHILDREN’S HOUR

Coming soon to your favorite grocer, and now available at Katz Bagel in Chelsea:

The pizza bagel.

A tradition since 1938.

The Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre features Lillian Hellman’s powerful Depression Era drama, Jan. 12- Feb. 12, 2017, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI.$44,$52. Preview performances, Jan. 12-15, $33.401-723-4266,gammtheatre.org.

139 Park St., Chelsea

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

The Brookline Voice

Calendar

11

SOUTH ASIAN SHOWDOWN 2017

Photo | Joshua Resnek

The biggest East Coast Bollywood vs. Fusion competition, featuring 12 teams from all over North America, will be held Saturday, Feb. 4,6 p.m., at John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St., Boston. Miss India Teen New England Shreya Patel Ranganarayan and Saatvik Saatvik Ahlumalia of Bostonhost the show. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, $20-$100, at southasianshowdown,com.

More oil than you can imagine inside the Olive Connection at 1426 Beacon Street in Brookline.

and character. Contact SBESTVINA@RTWBOSTON.ORG. atre.org.

SEUSSICAL

TheaterworksUSA presents its adaptation of the Broadway musical, “Seussical,” for young audiences, ages 3+ years old-up, Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a,m,and 1 p.m., Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. $18, center members, $15. bostonjcc.org/magicark, 617-965-5226,866-811-4111.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE IMAX

Ongoing films at the museum’s mega-screen are “Dolphins,” “Extreme Weather,” and “National Parks Adventure,” Science Park, Boston.

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM IMAX

Explore Galapagos and visit its natural inhabitants in “Galapagos: 3-D: Nature’s Wonderland,” see “Great White Sharks” and their underwater world, and follow whales and see how they communicate with each other in “Humpback Whales:3-D,” all ongoing, at New England Aquarium’s IMAX Theater, Boston.

BABY AND ME CLASS

Bring children ages 6 months to 3-years-old to the Marblehead Jewish Community Center, Fridays, 10:1511:30 a.m. for fun, baby-focused classes and the chance to meet other parents and caregivers, while children play together. Jccns.org.

FITNESS CLASS

North Suburban Jewish Community Center and Temple Ner Tamid sponsor Pilates, Sunday mornings, 10:3011:30 a.m., and zumba, Monday nights, 6:15-7:15 p.m., at Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody.

RSVP to arlyneg@nsjcc.org.

GOT SHABBAT?

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 60 Highland St., West Newton, welcomes the community to join in “Got Shabbat?,” Saturday Jan. 14, 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon.

The event kicks off with songs and blessings for adults and children, followed by several activities, from yoga to drumming to art midrash to discussion and services.

There’s also reading from the little Torah to close the service. Tot shabbat is included. dorsheitzedek.org, 617-965-0330.

KIDS NEW JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM

Experiential skill-building classes connecting children to Jewish life is offered beginning in January, at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. The classes are part of the center’s new program, Discovery Club, and include Earth Adventurers, Early Astronomers, Spicing it Up, Spectacular Storytellers, and Growing Gardeners, for children ages 5-8. Registration started December 8. bostonjcc.org/ discoveryclub, discoveryclub@jccgb, 617-558-6483.

NEW JCC HIP HOP CLASS

Eight-week dance classes teaching children ages 4-5 years old new hip hop moves and fun dance combinations are offered Saturdays, Jan. 14 - March 18, 1010:45 a.m. at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community

Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. The developmentally appropriate class includes hip hop technique and choreography, and freestyle improvisation. $160.

Classes are open to the community. bostonjcc.org/ register, 617-558-6486, artclasses@jccgb.org.

ADAPTIVE MUSIC PROGRAMS

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center at 333 Nahanton St., Newton offers educational musical and performance-based program for children age 6-17 with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Wednesdays, Jan. 18-March 22: ages 6-12, 4-5 p.m.; ages 13-17, 5-6 p.m. Participants will write songs, stage, choreograph and perform a show for family and friends. Nine-week class, $315, scholarships available.

Open to all. The program is in collaboration with amplifi-adaptive music programs for life. Registration, more information, inclusion@jccgb.org, 617-558-6507.

SHORE COUNTRY DAY OPEN HOUSES

First Friday open houses continue on Jan. 22, for co-educational students in grades pre-kindergarten to 9, 545 Cabot St., Beverly. Buses are provided for students from Andover, Gloucester, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Swampscott and Newburyport. First Friday open tours also offered. ShoreSchool.org. 978-927-1700.

JCC GROSSMAN CAMP OPEN HOUSE

All are welcome to come and meet the camp director and staff at the free, JCC Grossman Camp open house, Sunday, Jan. 22,2-4 p.m., at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. The camp has various activities for children ages 4.5 to 15 years old, and is located on the Hale Reservation in Dover. Financial assistance available for this Ryan Grossman JCC Center program. bostonjcc.org/grossman, grossman@jccgb. org, 617-244-5124.-5124.

COMMUNITY EVENTS POTLUCK SHABBAT SHIRAH

Temple Emmanuel of Wakefield welcomes members and non-members to a dairy-vegetarian-fish potluck dinner, with food prepared either at your home or bought, then followed by a joyous Shabbat Shirah, Friday, Jan. 13, at 6:30 p.m. 120 Chestnut St., Wakefield.

RSVP with your menu item - appetizer, main dish, side dish - to Svitz9@gmail.com, 919-605-0523. For more information, visit WakefieldTemple.org.

MEN’S PILATES CLASS

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center offers men’s 11-week Pilates classes on Thursdays, through March 16, from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m. $231. Classes are open to all. Registration, bostonjcc.org/register. More information, call 617-558-6459, or visit fitness@jccgb.org.

FOOD DRIVES

The Lynn Youth Alliance is joining hands with Move for Hunger to host a Fill A Truck food drive on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with trucks parked outside of Super Stop & Shop, 25 Washington St., Lynn, taking donations of non-perishable food. There also is a collection box at Compare Supermarket, 2 Adams St., Lynn. Two Men and a Truck will deliver the donations to the Greater Boston Food Bank.

FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY

From book clubs for adults, multi-age movie festivals, children’s events, teen and adult poetry and creative writing sessions, ukulele gatherings, and more. the Flint Public Library in Middleton offers a cornucopia of events for families throughout December.

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS

Schedule a tour to meet teachers and the school’s director, tour the classrooms and learn about the ELC’s educational philosophy, Bernice B. Godine JCC Early Learning Center,Leventhal - Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St.,Newton. Limited openings available in January at the enrollment; information for September 2017 also available. Operated by the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston, the school is for children 6 weeks old to 5 years. Flexible hours and days with full week or part week options, full year and school year programs, early drop-off and extended day, swim lessons for four and five year olds and optional in-house afternoon enrichment classes. Leventhal-Sidman JCC Family membership included. Everyone welcome. 617-558-6420, newton-elc@ jccgb.org, bostonjcc.org/earlylearning.

PARKINSON’S WELLNESS PROGRAM

The nine-week winter session of exercise and

movement classes and support group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers continue at Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton.(Classes, $90). The support group meets Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m. ($45). Registration required.

617-667-1276.

PARENTING THROUGH A JEWISH LENS

Registration for fall parenting classes supported by Hebrew College and CJP, is held throughout the Boston area. Classes are offered for parents of children ages 0-10; tweens, ages 10-13, and teen-agers. Parents of all backgrounds welcome; free babysitting for daytime classes; scholarships, discounts offered. Hebrewcollege.edu/parenting, email parenting@hebrewcollege. edu.

COURSE ON JEWISH ART

Swampscott resident-Jewish studies scholar Nicole Levy, through the Explorers Lifelong Learning Institute in Salem, presents a four-part lecture series, “Jewish Art During Times of Change.” The institute is geared towards individuals 50 years old and older, but Levy also welcomes students from the general community.

Visit salemstate.edu/explorers or call 978-744-0804.

ENGAGING ISRAEL: FOUNDATION FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP

Temple Emanu-El and Congregation Shirat Hyam present rabbis David Meyer and Michael Ragozin, leading the Engaging Israel project, where Jews join others from around the world, to think about Israel, its meaning in their lives, and the enrichment and positive influence of the reality of a Jewish nation. The discussions are held Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m., February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, May 23, June 6, at alternating synagogues , JCC, Hillel Academy and synagogue members, $36; general community, $50. shirathayam. org/iengage. Check for Temple Emunah’s ongoing

SALES AND MARKETING PRO SOUGHT The Newton and Brookline VOICE are seeking a sales and marketing professional to bring to the local and wider business community the value of advertising in THE VOICE publications.

This sales professional will be a self-starter who makes his or her own hours, whose salary will be based on sales generated for the publications. Dependent upon the level of experience, the final choice for this position will be given a draw and a generous commission scale unmatched.

Perfect for a cracker jack real estate broker tired of the game and of the competition, and looking for a future with our publications.

Please contact publisher Josh Resnek at 978-239-8860.

‘INTO THE WOODS’ AUDITIONS

Riverside Theater Works is holding auditions for its production of “Into the Woods,” Jan. 15, 16, 7-10 p.m. or by appointment only Prepare 32 bars in the show’s style

Is now on And Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/The-Brookline-Voice-The-Newton-Voice-326582154376385/ https://twitter.com/voicepub

Visit us for photos, digital copies of all past editions, and more.

12

Calendar

The Brookline Voice

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

CANTATA SINGERS

As part of its chamber series, the singers perform music by Kurt Weill and Lazar Weiner, including their collection of Yiddish art songs,from their “Abendlied and Four Walt Whitman Songs,” and more, Friday, Jan.20, 7:30 p.m.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Yehudi Weiner, son of Lazar Weiner, delivers a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. American Academny of Arts and Sciences, 136 Irving St., Cambridge.cantatasingers.org, 617-868-5885.

programs, EmunahAdEdbrochure.

MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUES

Three leagues in Men’s Basketball will begin in January at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center.

Under 35, Over 35 “A” (more competitive) and Over 40 “B.” The Under 35 league plays on Thursday evenings, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Over 35 “A” league plays on Wednesday evenings, same time; and the Over 35 “B” league plays on Sunday mornings. 7:30-10:30 a.m. Individual or team sign-ups are allowed. The leagues are open to the entire community. The JCC is located at 333 Nahanton Street in Newton. Contact basketball@jccgb. org or 617-558-6464.

ticket, $15 dinner voucher, $10 in free bets, and more.

Couples welcome. Reservations required. 508-3331466, datemeimjewish@gmail.com.

Members Exhibit, through Feb. 5. marbleheadarts.org/ exhibits/next-exhibit/.

ART EXHIBITIONS AND MUSEUMS

Besides going to TD Garden to watch the Celtics and Bruins play, browse through the Sports Museum,100 Legends Way. Boston. Open daily 10a.m.-4 p.m.$12; student, seniors, $6; military,children under 10 years old, free. sportsmuseum.org, 617-624-1234.

LIBRERIA DONCELES

JCC MASTERS SWIM PROGRAM

Urbano Project presents this socially engaged, participatory art project that contains a bookstore of more than 10,000 used books in Spanish, Jan.13-March 31, featuring bilingual salon-like gatherings for conversations, performances and workshops meant to encourage cultural understanding, tolerance and social activism, at Ubano’s Gallery space, 29 Germania St., Jamaica Plain.

Opening reception is Jan. 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The event is free, open to the public and includes an artist talk and performance at 7:30 p.m. Libreria Donceles is open Monday-Friday, 1-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MOHEGAN SUN TRIP

Boston Cyberarts Gallery will hold an opening reception Friday, Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m., for exhibition “Not of This Earth: Contemporary Art and Science Fiction,” appearing at the gallery, 141 Green St., Jamaica Plain, Jan. 14-Feb. 26. Artist include Sophia Brueckner, Micah Ganske,Tatiana Gulenkina, Carol Hayes, Michael Lewy, Joseph Popper, Chris Rackley and Marion Tampon-Lajarriett. bostoncyberarts.org, 617-524-8495, info@ bostoncyberarts.org.

TIFERET SHALOM OPEN HOUSE

Peabody Reform Jewish congregation welcomes people of all backgrounds to its open houses located in several areas of the North Shore. For information or to RSVP to a site, e-mail bsimons@templetiferetshalom.org.

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center at 333 Nahanton St., Newton, holds year-round a Masters Swim training program on Sundays, 7:15-8:15 a.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays 6:15-7:15 a.m., geared to adults (age 19+) who want to improve their overall fitness, swim for fun, develop better technique and train for triathlons or swim competitions. Included are professional coaching, structured workouts, drills and speed sets. aquatics@jccgb.org.

Date Me,I’m Jewish will offer a trip for patrons 40+ years old, to Mohegan Sun, including Bowzers rock ‘n’ roll and doo-wop concert, Sunday. Jan. 15. $79 package includes round trip chartered bus, concert

NOT OF THIS EARTH

NEW ARTIST MEMBERS EXHIBIT

Marblehead Arts Association features an exhibition of works by 24 new artist members with its New Artist

THE SPORTS MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

The museum features great abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass, and thousands of artwork, documents and phtosdepciin African-American early life in New England, 46 Joy St., Beacon Hill, Boston. Monday-Saturday, 10a.m.-4 p.m.$5; seniors, children ages 13-17, $3; under 13, free. 617-725-0022, maah.org.

INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Works by Kara Walker, Louise Bourgeois, Marlene Dumas and others are highlighted at the museum’s “First Light: A Decade of Collecting at the ICA/Boston,” through January 16, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston. $15; seniors, $13; students, $10; members, children under 18, free, also Thursdays, after 4 p.m.617-478-3100, icaboston.org.

JOHN F. KENNEDY LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Visitors flock from all over to the museum at Columbia Point, Boston, open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 617-5141600. $14; seniors, students, $12; ages 13-17, $10; members, children under 13, free. jfklibrary.org.

MARY BAKER EDDY LIBRARY

The famous mapparium, Hall of Ideas commemorating people who have been inspired by concepts throughout history, Mary Baker Eddy’s writings and much more are displayed at the 200 Mass. Ave., Boston library-museum.

open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $6; seniors, students, and children ages 6-17, $4; children under 6 years old, free. marybakereddylibrary.org, 617-450-7000.

ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM

This beautiful museum isn’t known only for the notorious art heist there, but features several artistic exhibits and displays, 25 Evans Way, Boston. Wednesday-Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thursday, 11a.m.-9 p.m. $15; seniors, $12; students, $5; age under 18 and visitors named Isabella, free; $2 off with same-day admission to Museum of Fine Arts Boston.617-566-1401, gardnermuseum.org.

ARMENIAN MUSEUM OF AMERICA

Located at 65 Main St., Watertown, the museum offers exhibition, “Women’s Work,” through February 28, and more. Thursday - Sunday, noon-6 p.m. $7; students, seniors, $3; members, children under 12, free.armenianmuseum.org, 617-926-2562.

BOSTONIAN SOCIETY OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM

Located at 26 Washington St., Boston, this museum is open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $10; seniors, students, $8.50; members, military and children under 18, free. bostonhistory.org, 617-720-1713.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

The prestigious museum, located at 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $25; seniors, students ages 18-up, $23; during school hours, children ages 7-17, $10; children under 18 on weekends after 3 p.m., weekends and Boston Public School holidays, and museum membrs, free.617-367-9300, mfa.org.

BOSTON PREMIERE EVENT Monday, January 30, 2017 A powerful, new documentary examining how anti­Semitism is being made fashionable at many American universities.

See the film followed by an interactive panel discussion with Avi Goldwasser, Executive Director and Producer; Dr. Charles Jacobs, President of APT; Andrea Levin, Executive Director of CAMERA; and Tatiana­Rose Becker, CAMERA Campus Coordinator.

Reception 6 pm I $50 per person Wine and hors d'oeuvres I Dietary laws observed

JCC of Greater Boston 333 Nahanton St, Newton

Screening and Panel Discussion 7:00 pm I $10 pre­registration required

For more information or to register go to www.CameraBOS.eventbrite.com

SPONSORED BY

COSPONSORED BY Americans for Peace and Tolerance

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

The Brookline Voice

13

CHAPTER 3 The Glove

A

fter an afternoon at her lover’s home in Newton, Emily returned to Brookline. The interlude, the session, whatever one chooses to call it, obliterated reality for Emily.

After an afternoon at her lover’s home in Newton, Emily returned to Brookline. The interlude, the session, whatever one chooses to call it, obliterated reality for Emily.

Since telling Bret she was leaving him and that she was having an affair, they remained living with one another in their Beacon Street condo, but under strained circumstances; sleeping in separate beds in different bedrooms.

She was done with him. He wasn’t done with her.

He was in check with his mate.

She asked him to leave.

He told her to leave.

Their marriage had come to a nerve-wracking, nasty mess.

For three hours in Arnie’s bed, Emily was free of Bret. She was free from the responsibilities of her two teenage kids. With her lover Arnie, there was only the two of them and what they were sharing at that moment.

She was free. She felt like a woman again.

Everything about Arnie was refreshing – the way he touched her hair, rubbed her cheeks, massaged her back, and there was the deed itself more satisfying and exhausting and liberating than she could have ever imagined before she started in with Arnie.

Was it the sex? Yes, of course.

Was it the fact they were hiding out that caused the interlude to seem all the more wrong, and therefore all the more sought after and satisfying?

Yes, again.

Emily feared getting caught, but she was beyond caring in a meaningful way about carrying on with her new lover.

When she arrived at Arnie’s home in Newton, the garage door opened. She drove the car inside. The door came down. She was safe. No one, she thought to herself, knew she was there.

Arnie appeared. She got out of her car. They started hugging and kissing in a mindless hurricane of fire hot passion.

What she didn’t know – what she couldn’t have known – was that Bret was driving around Newton, trying to find exactly where his wife was at.

He was jealous. He was fuming. He was upset. He was wild with rage. There were no boundaries to his emotions. Everything inside flowed outside. He barely focused on the road, and in Newton Centre, his anxiety rose to a level where he had to stop. He pulled his car into a space in front of Walgreens.

Anxiety attacks defy logic. His heart pounded hard and fast, unrelentingly. He was dizzy. He was light-headed. He was sweating. He thought he was passing out – and he did.

The next thing he recalled was a Newton police officer banging his closed fist on the driver’s side window.

He opened the window.

He looked up at the police officer.

“Are you OK, sir? Do you need an ambulance?” the officer asked, looking straight into his eyes and wondering to himself what the heck is going on with this guy. The officer leaned toward him to check for alcohol and to stare inside the automobile for drugs.

At the same time, Bret came to.

“Yes, officer. I’m OK. I felt a bit dizzy but I’m OK now,” he answered.

“Are you sure?” the officer asked.

“Have you been drinking? Are you on medication?” he asked Bret.

“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I am not on medication of any kind,” he answered politely to the officer.

“Thank you so much for caring,” he said.

“OK, sir. Be careful. Have a good day,” the officer said and walked back to his cruiser.

Bret’s heart rate had slowed. The sweating stopped, but his shirt was soaked. The panic had subsided into a moment of peace – meaning the natural reaction to having passed out and returning to consciousness had replaced the anxiety of the attack.

Relieved he didn’t die, he came back to himself.

Bret started the car. He drove out of the Centre onto Beacon Street, renewing his search for Emily, who, at that moment, was driving away from Arnie’s house.

Late in the afternoon, Emily strode into Peets in Coolidge Corner.

The barista welcomed her friendly and attractive countenance. She ordered a latte with a Splenda and skim milk.

“You look like you’ve been working hard. I can tell you need a hit of caffeine,” the barista said to her.

“Indeed,” she replied, turning her eyes downward.

Carrying the latte, she found an empty seat by the window looking out at Harvard Street and sat down. When she took off her coat, she reached for her gloves, only to find one of them was missing.

She took the single glove and placed it on the seat by her side.

Bret bought her those fancy leather gloves for their 18th anniversary at Nordstrom’s at the Chestnut Hill Mall last year.

“Where could the other glove be?” she wondered for a moment before taking a sip of the latte and settling back into the chair.

Meanwhile, while driving up Pine Street just off of Commonwealth Avenue in Newton randomly searching for Emily, Bret saw a glove lying in the street. He stopped the car and walked over to the glove.

He knew it was hers – his anniversary present to her.

He looked around and wondered how it had been dropped there. And then he knew.

J.R.

14

The Brookline Voice

, e m o h s ’ n o s r Thomas Jeffe

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

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Thank you sincerely for all of your support this year!

JARMAK RECLAIMED WOOD —

Jarmakwood.com 617-548-1829

The Brookline Voice

Jan. 10 - 23, 2017

Editorial

Nothing is what its cracked up to be

By David Stanford I wouldn’t argue with anyone who thinks the proliferation and influence of fake news is as serious as a voicemail that includes the words, “your blood tests are back and the doctor would like to see you as soon as possible.”

I get it. There are real dangers of fake news, starting with the simple fact that its fakeness can instigate something very real. The obvious example is the 28-yearold from North Carolina — a misguided vigilante sort — who traveled to a D.C. pizza shop to “self-investigate” a fictitious (and vile) story about a nonexistent child sex operation. Instead of a notepad and a list of questions, he brought an assault rifle with him. Not how Mike Wallace would have handled it.

Yet, I’m reluctant to castigate or belittle someone who falls for a fake news story, certainly not for a brief moment. As President Obama observed, there’s a degree of sameness to the way things are presented on the Internet (particularly on Facebook). What’s more, digital information is like the produce aisle; things look identical, sure, but you have the luxury of picking through them until you find something that feels just right.

Social media postings aren’t color coded — red for real, blue for bogus. Smartly written headlines, content that strikes the right tone, and powerful images can give even an outlandish item a patina of legitimacy.

If the counterfeit news item stems from something that actually happened, all the better. If the information gets re-tweeted, awesome. If it gets picked up by a popular website or legit news organization, jackpot.

One can contemplate human nature for only so long before throwing in the towel.

People embrace lies and disavow truths, and the Web is filled with people who broker in validation. So, before you can say, “Wait! Pope Francis doesn’t refer to Trump as ‘Saint Donald,’” the cat’s out of the bag. And once it is, retractions and apologies get as much attention as the pre-takeoff safety instructions from a flight attendant.

But let’s not kid ourselves. Fake news isn’t the worst thing out there. That distinction belongs to real news that we wish was made up.

At least with fake news there’s that moment of relief when the hoax has been revealed.

No such luck with real news.

Consider these recent headlines: 1. Uber reminds its passengers: Don’t have sex in the car Indeed, Uber felt compelled to issue this formal reminder to its customer base.

Apparently, the dirt-cheap fares and lighting-quick pickups aren’t enough for some touchy-feely passengers. From the company’s guidelines: “… You shouldn’t

touch or flirt with other people in the car.

As a reminder, Uber has a no sex rule.

That’s no sexual conduct with riders, no matter what.”

Guess that puts the kibosh on my UbereHarmony merger proposal. Find a ride — and a soul mate! “Your driver’s name is Jenny. She drives a Honda Accord, and she likes rollerblading, sushi, graphic novels, and craft beer.” Talk about a license to print money.

2. Millennials workaholics

aren’t

lazy,

they’re

This comes from a nice read in the Boston Globe. Bummer. I was hoping the generation behind mine was going to make me look good until I’m 85 and finally ready to retire on six bucks a day. Turns out these whippersnappers are tireless and ambitious and cognizant of the harsh financial realities facing them — starting with, for so many, staggering college debt.

Isn’t all this responsibility cute?

I don’t know what I was expecting. I guess I was hoping they were all stashed away in Starbucks, watching their favorite TV shows on a laptop, laughing at those of us who still pay for cable.

No. They’re in the cubicle next yours.

Working their tails off. Consider yourself warned.

3. “Countering Trump, Bipartisan Voices Strongly Affirm Findings on Russian Hacking.”

From the January 6 New York Times. This one smacks of high-brow satire or a sick joke, depending on your state of mind.

Is this the way it’s going to be? A parade of people who know what they’re talking about being carted in front of committees and cameras to counter the offhand and careless Tweets of our president?

Can you imagine siding, even momentarily, with Julian Assange over National Intelligence Director James Clapper Jr.? I can’t. It’s insulting, disgusting even.

4. A&E to premiere eight-part documentary series “Generation KKK” beginning on January 10.

In an interview with the New York Times executive producer Aengus James said, “The struggles we were most drawn to were the struggles with the internal families. We had a stance, and we were clear with folks that we were hoping for them to see the light and to come out of this world. It’s an incredibly destructive environment for anybody to be in, let alone children.”

Using the limelight and attention of a television series as a way out of the darkness? You buying that?

Didn’t think so. You probably aren’t buying fake news, either.

Have a great 2017.

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