Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the rest of Boston's top brass in the cleaning department took to the Hill last week to introduce the two newest members of the city's anti-litter campaign.
The first - a high speed green machine that scoots around the neighborhood picking up the litter and trash in those places hard to reach by the much bigger street sweepers - has already found its way into the hearts of Beacon Hillers long frustrated with trash accumulating on the streets.
"These sweepers are great," said Beacon Hill Civic Association President John Achatz. "They can clean up close to parked cars and even on some sidewalks. I've heard only positive reports from Beacon Hill residents."
The Beacon Hill Civic Association has been asking for more and better street cleaning for years, Achatz said, and this year the city has responded with more effort. "Now that the city is doing more, we need to focus on residents doing their part to keep the neighborhood looking good, by putting trash out at the right times and by occasionally picking up litter when they see it."
The second new kid on the block is BigBelly, a solar-powered trash compactor designed for public spaces. Created in Jamaica Plain by Seahorse Power Company and already in use in parks in New York City, the device uses sunlight to operate a high-strength compaction motor with a clean, renewable energy source. BigBelly crushes trash, reduces bin overflow, keeps out animals and significantly reduces the amount of time Parks Department personnel need to spend removing trash.
BigBelly, which is currently cleaning up on a trial basis, is part of the City of Boston's new anti-litter campaign asking Boston's park users to "Don't trash your park, park your trash." According to Mayor Menino, other new tools will help with the effort: The Parks Department and the Public Works Department are teaming up to recycle bottles and cans collected in Boston's parks and at City Hall Plaza. In addition, the city has applied for and received a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to purchase 35 recycling bins for heavily used Boston parks.

Is October really the best month in New England?
Everyone feels so good in October. The oppressive heat is behind us, and the days can be crystal clear with the bluest skies imaginable. The yellows, oranges and reds of the leaves make perfect color-wheel opposites to those blues. The nights are cool, causing New Englanders to think they might want to curl up by a fire, but the "Native American" summer days are warm enough to get by without a coat.
Children are back in school so they are busy and purposeful again. Schedules are less erratic than in the summer when some weeks the children could be in camp or lolling around the house with nothing to do. Vacations, as much fun as they are, are disruptive to the household: what to do with the cat; having to sit in traffic; imagining all the mail and unanswered messages you'll have when you get back. You don't have to face that problem as much in the fall. You can keep up with things.
The Red Sox and the Patriots, as well as college teams, are providing plenty of entertainment. Television shows begin a new season. Neighborhood restaurants are open reliably again. Symphony, the opera and the theaters are once again performing. The season has begun.
College students have been burdened with enough homework by October that they are not partying as much. They've learned they can't park their cars in Boston, so they've either given them up or solved the problem in a way that doesn't affect us as much as when they arrived in September and parked illegally in all neighborhoods.
There is a lot to do in October that you can't do any other time. Apple picking, the fall country fairs, and visits to rural New England create a sense of place and season. Some New Englanders make fun of the leaf peepers, but if we didn't live here, we'd go too. Other places in the country have some color in their fall, but nothing like New England where the colors rise up the mountains, contrasting with the white church steeples.
There is a wonderful smell in the air - dying leaves, seed pods, and dead grasses won't remind one of lilies, but they have a subtle fragrance of their own that signifies fall. When those smells mingle with the chimney smoke from wood fires, it reminds everyone of why they live here and not in some Florida town where the zoning is out of control and the temperature in October is still around 90 degrees and humid.
Some residents have exchanged their lanky impatiens for tightly bunched chrysanthemums. While they are a common plant, so many of them planted around the town brings a uniformity that is like New England itself, with its Greek Revival and Cape Code-style houses.
We need the beauty of October to get us through to the beginning of April. This month ends seven months of outdoor life, but it is a glorious ending.

Some folks think Boston ranks at the top of the nation's list of bad drivers, and others say the same about its pedestrians. But, those using a third means of transportation - bicycles - can be menacing as well, and it's a problem police do little about.
Vicky Oleskey of Pinckney Street is a conscientious pedestrian. Throughout the 30 years she has lived on Beacon Hill, she has been mindful of the hazards caused by careless drivers and judicious about not getting in their way.
In fact, her friend, Nancy Marttila of Mount Vernon Street, described her as "cautious to a fault." Sometimes, Martilla said, she would find herself on the other side of a street in Boston or downtown Manhattan only to turn around to see Oleskey still waiting at curbside for traffic to pass.
And that was how Oleskey acted in early September when she stood at the bottom of Joy Street to cross Cambridge Street on her way to shop at CVS at about 5:45 p.m. When the traffic stopped, she crossed to the median where she again waited for the traffic to stop before continuing across. When she was satisfied that again the way was clear, she started out and was about to reach the other side when she was suddenly knocked down by a bicyclist who, cycling at breakneck speed, had passed the line of stopped cars and proceeded straight through the crosswalk.
She suffered a badly fractured hip that necessitated a total hip replacement. "I now have steel, cement, wires and cables inside," she said.
Besides the time spent in surgery and recovery at Mass General Hospital, she spent two weeks at a rehab center and is now home walking on crutches. An ESL teacher in Charlestown, Oleskey hopes to return to work by December 1, three months after the accident happened.
To his credit, the cyclist who hit her - not a bicycle courier but a 51 year old resident of Lexington - stopped and stayed with her until the ambulance came. But, then he went on his way. Despite the fact that he had failed to obey the traffic laws, he was not ticketed by the Boston police.
Yet there are traffic laws governing bicyclists. The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, an independent nonprofit advocacy group, is not only a strong proponent of bicyclists' rights but also of their responsibilities. In its day-long bike training classes, the coalition stresses bike safety principles and tips for riding in traffic. In 2005, the coalition convinced the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee to train new and veteran police officers in bicycle laws, using a curriculum it developed.
"Our Number One goal is to make sure bicycling is a fun, safe activity in Massachusetts," said the coalition's Executive Director Dorie Clark. "It's important that cyclists follow the laws so they are respected by motorists."
Simply put, bicyclists must act like they are driving a car. They may not ride the wrong way on a one-way street, on a sidewalk or through a red stop light - reckless behavior that occurs all too frequently on Charles and other Beacon Hill streets, and putting unsuspecting pedestrians who are conscientiously watching the flow of traffic at high risk.
And yet, according to the coalition, Cambridge is the only Massachusetts city that issues citations to bicyclists. Office Michael McCarthy, a spokesman for the Boston Police Department, confirmed that it is not the practice of officers here to cite bicyclist for breaking the traffic laws.
The coalition hopes to change that. "While we don't receive many complaints about cyclists, certainly [reckless cycling] is a concern," said Clark. "One half of all accidents involving bicyclists and motor vehicles are caused by bicyclists, and those not following the traffic laws are most likely to be involved."
While Mass Bicycle does not have statistics available for accidents involving pedestrians, Almost 150 crashes involving bikes and motor vehicles in Boston occurred each year between 2001 and 2003. Most occurred around 5 p.m. between June and September and involved adult males in their 20s. About 42 percent of those bicyclists were white non-Hispanics. When broken down by City Council districts, the largest percent (20 %) took place in District 8, Councilor Michael Ross's district.


SIDEBAR
Massachusetts Laws Pertaining to Bicyclists
Courtesy of the Massaschusetts Bicycle Coalition
Here is a summary of Massachusetts' bike laws that covers riding, safety standards, violations and penalties. This law applies to all cyclists in Massachusetts.
Your rights
. You may ride your bicycle on any public road, street, or bikeway in the Commonwealth, except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bikes have been posted.
. You may ride on sidewalks outside business districts, unless local laws prohibit sidewalk riding.
. You may use either hand to signal stops and turns.
. You may pass cars on the right.
. If you carry children or other passengers inside an enclosed trailer or other device that will adequately restrain them and protect their heads in a crash, they need not wear helmets.
. You may hold a bicycle race on any public road or street in the Commonwealth, if you do so in cooperation with a recognized bicycle organization, and if you get approval from the appropriate police department before the race is held.
. You may establish special bike regulations for races by agreement between your bicycle organization and the police.
. You may have as many lights and reflectors on your bike as you wish.

Your responsibilities: you MUST do these things
. You must obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.
. You must use hand signals to let people know you plan stop or turn.
. You must give pedestrians the right of way.
. You must give pedestrians an audible signal before overtaking or passing them.
. You must ride single file unless passing.
. You must ride astride a regular, permanent seat that is attached to your bicycle.
. You must keep one hand on your handlebars at all times.
. If you are 16 years old or younger, you must wear a helmet that meets ANSI requirements on any bike, anywhere, at all times. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.
. You must have your headlight and taillight on if you are riding anytime from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise.
. You must wear reflectors on both ankles if there are no reflectors on your pedals.
. You must notify the police of any accident involving personal injury or property damage over $100.

Your responsibilities: you MAY NOT do these things
. You may not carry a passenger anywhere on your bike except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike, or to a trailer towed by the bike.
. You may not carry any child between the ages of 1 to 4, or weighing 40 pounds or less, anywhere on a single-passenger bike except in a baby seat attached to the bike. The child must be able to sit upright in the seat and must be held in the seat by a harness or seatbelt. Their hands and feet must be out of reach of the wheel spokes.
. You may not carry any child under the age of 1 on your bike, even in a baby seat; this does not preclude carrying them in a trailer.
. You may not use a siren or whistle on your bike to warn pedestrians.
. You may not park your bike on a street, road, bikeway or sidewalk where it will be in other people's way.
. You may not carry anything on your bike unless it is in a basket, rack, bag, or trailer designed for the purpose.
. You may not modify your bike so that your hands are higher than your shoulders when gripping the handlebars.
.You may not alter the fork of your bike to extend it.

Penalties
Violations of any of these laws can be punished by a fine of up to $20. Parents and guardians are responsible for cyclists under the age of 18. The bicycle of anyone under 18 who violates the law can be impounded by the police or town selectmen for up to 15 days.
For more information regarding cycling and the law, please consult our pages dedicated to Law Resources, Individual State Laws (US) and International Law. 

For exact requirements, please read the complete text of the laws pertaining to bicyclists and bicycling in Massachusetts. General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 85, Section 11a, Chapter 85, Section 11b, Chapter 85, Section 11c, and Chapter 85, Section 11d.

When two-year-old Austin Burnes of Chestnut Street arrived for his first day of school at the Beacon Hill Nursery School in the newly renovated 74 Joy Street community center last Wednesday, all his parents could say is "Wow!"
It had fallen to Gordon Burnes and his wife Suzie Tapson to chair the committee raising funds for the complete redo of the former Boston police station. Built in 1862, the city turned the building over to the Beacon Hill Civic Association in the 1960s to house its offices, give the Beacon Hill Nursery School a permanent home and for use as a community center. The civic association created Hill House, Inc. that now owns and oversees the building, and sponsors activities for youth there.
Now 74 Joy has undergone a second renaissance this summer coordinated by its three main tenants - the civic association, nursery school and Hill House. "The renovation exceeded our expectations," said Burnes.
The nursery school was the first to come back to the building and, because of the renovations that brought the building up to code, it is now able to enroll children as young as just 2, like little Austin Burnes. The civic association will move in Thursday.
Hill House programs, such as karate, dance, ballet and indoor sports, will resume within a couple of weeks, according to Executive Director Scott McClintock.
That's not all who will use the building. "The real draw is the possibilities the building now opens up for new and expanded programs," said Burnes. "With the more efficient use of space and easy access from floor to floor and throughout the building, it can now support two new groups not served before: folks who are confined to wheel chairs or unable to walk up stairs, and all generations."
Burnes and Tapson's fundraising efforts are not over yet. The work done by Shawmut Design and Construction came within ten percent of the projected costs. "Our total campaign goal was $3.5 million," said Burnes. "To date, we have raised more than $2.5 million from 200 donors, both businesses and residents. We now need to raise $950,000 more."

CLEANING SERVICES
SANDRA'S HOUSE CLEANING. We clean your neighbors' homes and they are happy! Call 617-304-4061.
MARIA'S CLEANING SERVICE. Good references. Call 617-629-0553 or 857-991-3351.
IRISH CLEANING SERVICE. Irish girl available to clean your house, weekly or bi-weekly. Great rates and references. Call 617-265-1187.
WE WAX AND BUFF WOOD FLOORS. We buy and arrange fresh flowers for your home. Beacon Hill Housecleaners,18 years on Beacon Hill. Call Dan or Marguerite at 617-739-1306.
FOR SALE
SOUTH END CONDO IN HISTORIC SQUARE . 4 Concord Square #3, modern, luxurious, sun-filled 2 bedroom, 2 + 1/2 bath, corner duplex penthouse w/ direct access parking. Open living room/dining room, fireplace, study, washer/dryer, central air conditioning ,2 decks. $959,000. Call Edana 617 648 4463
HOME SERVICES
HANDYMAN. Painting/tiling/wallpapering. Works evenings and weekends. Call Ernie 617-515-3785.
DEXTER PAINTING. Construction and apartment renovation. No job too small. Call Degson at 617-259-7398.
PERSONAL ORGANIZER
TOO MUCH CLUTTER? Home, offices, mail/filing, closets, basements, kitchens, toys, moves, charity deliveries and fall clean outs. Call Katrina 617-723-8877.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
MADD. Are you or is someone you know the victim of a drunk driving accident? We offer many free services including court-accompaniment, referrals for counseling and literature to help. Call 1-800-633-MADD.
HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN. Volunteers needed to play with children living in homeless shelters in your neighborhood and throughout Greater Boston. A two hour weekly commitment for 6 months is required. Call 617-287-1900 ext 314 or visit www.horizonsfor homelesschildren.org.
BECOME A BIG SISTER. Create "Little Moments and Big Magic" for a girl between the ages of 7 and 15. Call 617-236-8060 or visit www.bigsister.org to attend weekly orientation session.
PARENTS HELPING PARENTS. Needs volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a commitment to strengthening families to facilitate support groups aimed at assisting individuals who are anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated or feeling isolated in their role as a parent or guardian. A commitment of several hours a week for one year is required. Call 1-800-882-1250 or e-mail www.parentshelpingparents.org.
COMMUNITY SERVINGS. Volunteers needed one Saturday per month to deliver meals to homebound individuals with life threatening illnesses. Shifts are from 9am-12pm. Call Jennifer at 617-445-7777 or e-mail JPOCKOSKI@servings.org.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY. Seeks literacy volunteers to tutor adults with limited English writing and reading skills. Two hours a week, compatible with your schedule. One year commitment required, must be 21 years old with a minimum of a GED or high school diploma. Contact Nora 617-859-2446 or VolunteerBPL@yahoo.com.
BOSTON MINSTREL COMPANY. Needs singers, musicians, and songleaders to facilitate sing-along songfests at Boston-Cambridge homeless shelters. Amateurs welcome. Call 617-787-2122 or e-mail Bostonminstrel@aol.com.
MATCH-UP. Interfaith Volunteers needs people to commit to making a weekly visit to an elder in need of companionship. Call 617-482-1510 see www.matchelder.org.
THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK. Needs volunteers to inspect and sort donated food at the Food Bank's headquarters at 99 Atkinson Street in Boston. Call Laraine Kohler at 617-427-5200, ext. 5030 or visit www.gbfb.org.
AFC MENTORING. Needs volunteers over 18 experienced with adoption/foster care to mentor adopted children. One year commitment desired. Karlee, 617-695-2441 or karlee@afcmentoring.org.
BLIND AND DYSLEXIC in East Cambridge. Needs volunteers with liberal arts, scientific and/or technical backgrounds to record textbooks. Call Peggy at 617-577-1111, ext 17 for more info. www.rfbd.org/bostonhome.htm.
GENERATIONS INCORPORATED. Needs older adults to volunteer as reading coaches and mentors to children in Dorchester, S. Boston and Roxbury. Training provided. Call 617-423-0408 or see www.generationsinc.org.
WGBH. Needs volunteers to assist with computer projects and office support during weekday business hours, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Call Liz Hagyard at 617-300-5715.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF MASSACHUSETTS. Help an adult learn English. Call 617-367-1313 for information.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS. The American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program. Work from home or in our Weston office. For further information call 1800-ACS-2345.
SPAULDING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL. Boston. Opportunities for volunteers. We match volunteers' skills and talents with the needs of the hospital's patients and staff. Training provided. For more information contact volunteer services at 617-573-2740 or jburke11@partners.org.
BOSTON PARTNERS IN EDUCATION.Volunteers needed to tutor 4th grade students in math. Training and placement will be provided. Join this proven program and be a vital part of a student's success story. Contact Barbara Harris at 617-451-6145 x 620, or apply online at www.bostonpartners.org.
WALKBOSTON. Volunteers needed for walks, legislation and newsletter/e-news committees. Also occasional office work including membership mailings. Call 617-367-9255,www.walkboston.org.
MASS SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELPLINE. Volunteers needed for phone service to help people affected by alcoholism and substance abuse. Must have computer experience. Call 617-536-0501 ext. 201 or see www.helpline-online.com.
BEACON HOSPICE .Volunteers needed to provide support and companionship to patients and their families. Call Robin Hansen at 617-242-4872.
THE HORIZONS INITIATIVE.Volunteers needed to play with children living in family homeless and domestic violence shelters. Day and evening hours available. Must commit 2 hours per week for 6 months. Training sessions held monthly. 617-287-1900 or www.horizonsinitiative.org.
COMPUTER TUTORS. Volunteers needed for coaching senior and disabled citizens at the Blackstone Apartments. Daytime and evening hours needed. Call Al at 617-557-9121 or email xAlbert3259@aol.com.
BEACON HOUSE. Housing for elderly, needs volunteers for front reception desk, a few flexible hours per week. Training provided. Please apply in person at 19 Myrtle St. to fill out an application.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Donations needed: dog and cat toys and treats, blankets and towels for the cages, paper towels, clay cat litter, postage stamps, animal nail clippers, dog and cat collars and leashes. 617-522-5055.
DR. SOLOMON CARTER FULLER. Mental Health Center in the South End needs volunteers for several committees. Call C. Curtiss Carter at 617-626-8726.
MAB COMMUNITY SERVICES. Volunteers needed to read or shop with a blind neighbor. 2-3 hours per week, flexible hours. Training provided. Call Donna Bailey 800-852-3029 or see www.mabcommunity.org.
SAMARITANS OF BOSTON. Volunteers needed to provide telephone counseling on our 24 hour listening line.Training provided. 617-536-2460.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION. Cambridge chapter needs volunteers for its telephone Helpline service to answer caregiver calls. Training provided. Call 617-868-6718.
ADBAR ETHIOPIAN WOMEN'S ALLIANCE.Volunteers needed to help with its newsletter, website, grant writing, special events and fund raising. Near Harvard Square. 617-234-8981.
THE BOSTON HOME. Dorchester seeks volunteers of all kinds in this long term care facility for adults with physical disabilities. Pet visits welcome. Call Sally Gorman 617-825-3905 ext. 299 or gormansally@aol.com.