Dedham Civic Pride Sponsor-A-Spots Sustain Damage from Accidents.

Last week Civic Pride's Sponsor-A-Spot site at the Court Street Rotary sustained heavy damage when a car jumped the curb and took down the large tree at the center of the island. The sign indicating the sponsor, Foley, Palenscar Schortmann Insurance Agency, was also taken down in the accident. Workers from the Department of Public Works removed the tree debris. At some point the remaining tree trunk will have to be dug out and the site replanted. Luckily no one was hurt in the accident.

This is the second site that Civic Pride manages that has been damaged by a car. Two months ago, in January, the Roscia Plumbing and Heating site on Milton Street in East Dedham was damaged when a car jumped the curb, took out the Sponsor-A Spot sign and tore a large limb off the tree at the site.

NEEDHAM BANK TO SPONSOR CIVIC PRIDE BEER AND WINE TASTING

The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride are pleased to announce that Needham Bank will be the premier sponsor of their 7th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting that will be held at the Endicott Estate on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. 

Needham Bank first opened its doors in 1892. It has grown and changed through the years and now has 10 branches, including one in Dedham on Washington Street. In 2019 alone, Needham Bank has partnered directly with over 300 community non-profits, donating over $600,000 and 2,500 volunteer hours to the arts, education, affordable housing, health and human services, and community development. 

While not as long standing as Needham Bank, Civic Pride will celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Beer and Wine Tasting. Through the years the programs of Civic Pride have grown where the committee is now responsible for over 60 Sponsor-A-Spots, over 80 flowerpots and containers, have placed close to 70 benches throughout the town. We have organized town wide clean ups, participated in community events like Dedham Day where we have given out countless pumpkins to children; the Farmer’s Market and Fairbanks Fall Festival where families have gone home with daffodils bulbs to plant in their yards. 

The 7th Annual Beer & Wine Tasting fundraiser will help the committee to continue with the programs that enhance the neighborhoods in our town. The wine for the event is generously donated by Fine Estate of Spain. Boston Beeventures will be on hand to educated craft beer lovers about local beers, such as Castle Island Brewing Co, who contributed their craft beers to the event. Food from Wegman’s and Roche Brothers along with other samplings from local restaurants will round out the menu. 

Guests can also take raffle chances on some fine items. A gift basket donated by Décor & More in Westwood, a Castle Island Beer Basket, a wine basket and some restaurant gift cards will be on the raffle table.

 Advance tickets are $40 and are available at Eventbrite. Com. Door tickets will be $45. For more information, contact Janet Holmes at 781-249-9258.

BOSTON BEERVENTURES AND CASTLE ISLAND BREWERY AT DEDHAM CIVIC PRIDE BEER & WINE TASTING

The 7th Annual Beer & Wine Tasting, hosted by The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride, will be happening on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at the Endicott Estate. 

This year, the organizing committee is happy to welcome Boston Beerventures to the event. They will be pouring beer from Castle Island Brewery and other original craft beers from other local breweries. Boston Beerventures has an extensive history working with the craft beer industry inside bars and restaurants, and taprooms. Come visit their table at the Beer & Wine Tasting and ask about having a craft beer experience in your home, to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary or check on exploring a brewery in their taproom with exclusive tours and tastings. 

The wines at the event are part of the international collection of Jorge Ordonez/Fine Estate of Spain. This year the six white wines that are available for tasting include Nisia, Vega Sindoa Chardonnay, Kila Cava. The red wines include Breca 2016 and Triton Tinta de Toro. 

Food will include pizza, cheese trays, and other finger foods from Wegman’s and Roche Brothers, along with other local restaurants. The raffle table will include a gift basket from Decor and More of Westwood, a Patriots, Celtic, Red Sox and Bruins fleece thrown blankets, a wine basket with some of the Fine Estate of Spain selections, a Castle Island Beer Basket and some other great items. 

Advance tickets are $40 and are available on Eventbrite.com. Tickets at the door will be $45.

Civic Pride to Celebrate 25 Year Anniversary at the Beer & Wine Tasting

Back in 1994, a group of concerned citizens petitioned Town Meeting to form a committee that would focus on the beautification and aesthetics of the town. Town Meeting agreed that there was a need for such a committee and Dedham Civic Pride was created. The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride incorporated a short time afterwards with the goal of fundraising for Dedham Civic Pride to supplement the funds received from the town.

 The first two programs of Dedham Civic Pride were Blooms and Sponsor-A-Spot. From its small beginnings both programs are now the most visible of Civic Pride’s projects. Today there are 68 sites and over 80 flowerpots and planters throughout the town that are tended by the landscape crew from April through November. The Banner and Benches projects were next on the committee’s list. 70 benches now sit throughout the town. Decorative banners adorn Dedham Square and East Dedham through the year.

 The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride have done a variety of fundraisers for Civic Pride in its 25 years. In the beginning there were plant sales, then the Holiday House Tour which gave way to the Spring Gala. The Beer and Wine Tasting is the newest fundraiser; it is now in its 7th year.

 This year’s Beer and Wine Tasting will be Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Endicott Estate. It is a fun evening where guests can try a great selection of international wines, craft beers and food samplings from local restaurants. Advance tickets are $40 through Eventbrite.com; tickets at the door will be $45.

Dedham Civic Pride Welcomes Two New Sponsors

Dedham Civic Pride’s Sponsor-A-Spot program has again grown by two. Civic Pride would like to welcome Antares Group, Inc. and Ursuline Academy to the program.

Antares Group, Inc. is a nationally recognized tax, accounting and consulting firm with locations in Boston and Atlanta. Antares Group has more than 30 years of experience guiding McDonald’s owner/operators, franchise business owners, small business owners and individuals to a brighter financial future. Their site is located at the intersection of Milton and River streets.

Ursuline Academy, an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for young women in grades 7-12, has been in Dedham since 1957. The school has over 400 students from 45 communities in the Greater Boston Area. Their site is in Dedham Square at the intersection of Harris and High Street.

Civic Pride’s Sponsor-A-Spot program now has over 65 areas throughout the town; the Blooms flowerpot program includes over 85 pots and planters; new benches are still being added to the collection throughout the town. Civic Pride receives a small portion of their operating budget from the town with most of their funds raised by membership and fundraisers.

Their next fundraiser will be their 7th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Endicott Estate. Attendees will enjoy delicious food, fine wines, and tasty craft beers and can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win some nice take home prizes. Advance tickets are $40 available at Eventbrite.com.

Norfolk & Dedham Group and Other Businesses Support Civic Pride Spring Gala

Norfolk & Dedham Group and Other Businesses Support

Civic Pride Spring Gala 

Once again, the Norfolk & Dedham Group will be the Presenting Sponsor for the Friends of Dedham Civic Pride's Spring Gala. A long time supporter of Civic Pride, Norfolk & Dedham Group have been instrumental in two of the early projects to improve the appearance of Dedham Square. N&D underwrote the tree planting along High Street in the Square, along with the Clock area at the intersection of High and Harris Street. 

Understanding that supporting Civic Pride is making an investment in the community, other businesses have also stepped up to support the organization with their gala fundraising efforts. 

Joining Norfolk & Dedham Group as a gala sponsor are MJB Home Services, Chick Montana Group, BETA Group, Newbridge on the Charles, McKinney Brothers Tree Service, Schortmann Insurance Agency, Supreme Development, Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Dedham Savings Bank, Hope McDermott Real Estate, Winbourne, Hampe & Sheehan, M.S. Walker, Donahue Real Estate, along with State Senator Michael Rush, Norfolk Sheriff Michael Bellotti and Dedham resident Roger Marino. 

The Spring Gala is the Friends largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the event underwrite the Friends of Dedham Civic Pride's Landscape Staff and the programs of Dedham Civic Pride - specifically the Sponsor-A-Spot and Blooms projects. 

Advance tickets to the gala are $80 and are available on eventbrite.com or by emailing dedhamcivicpride@gmail.com. The event will be held again at the MIT Endicott House on Friday, May 3 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm.

2019 Spring Gala Tickets On Sale Now

Advance Tickets for the 2019 Spring Gala are now on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/friends-of-dedham-civic-pride-8380635653 .

The Spring Gala will be Friday, May 3, 2019 at the historic MIT Endicott House from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. There will be great food, cash bar, silent and live auction items.

Proceeds from the event underwrite the programs of Dedham Civic Pride.

Dedham Civic Pride Welcomes Two New Sponsors

Dedham Civic Pride has 65 sites at rotaries, traffic islands, road dividers and other areas around town in their Sponsor-A-Spot program where the organization maintains pocket parks and gardens full of plants and shrubbery.  

To defray the cost of plants, waters, and maintenance of the sites, local businesses, organizations, and individuals join with Dedham Civic Pride to improve the aesthetics of the town by adopting a site. Two new sponsors have joined this long time Sponsor-A-Spot project.

Now sponsoring the site at the intersection of East and High Streets, opposite the Clock area in Dedham Square, is Studio Barre. Studio Barre, according to their website, is a premier fitness boutique offering an exceptionally effective and personalized barre workout for all fitness levels, with barre exercises that incorporate the ballet barre, your own body weight, resistance bands, exercise balls and light hand weights to tone, shape and sculpt your body. Studio Barre is located at 95 Eastern Ave, Suite 113. More information on Studio Barre can be found at studiobarre.com/dedham/.

The second new sponsor is Dedham School of Music. Dedham School of Music is sponsoring the garden area in front of the Mother Brook Art and Community Center on High Street. Now in their 10th year, Dedham School of Music offers private lessons, classes and ensembles in a variety of instruments and at all skill levels. Their website, www.dedhamschoolofmusic.org, gives more details of their programs and mission.

Dedham Civic Pride has a few more sites that are available for adoption. If you would be interested working with Dedham Civic Pride in keeping our community green, please contact Janet Holmes at 781-249-9258 or at dedhamcivicpride@gmail.com.

Dedham Civic Pride Spotlight Award

Dedham Civic Pride is pleased to announce Tim Hegarty, Chairman and Board of Director of the Norfolk and Dedham Group as its 2018 Civic Pride Spot Light Recipient.

A Catholic Memorial and Boston College grad, Tim has been with the Norfolk and Dedham Group for over 34 years.  Beginning in 1984 as the Marketing Vice President and as the company President from 1990 through 2017. 

Under Tim's guidance, the company  has had a long standing relationship with Dedham Civic Pride. Our first partner project back in 2002 brought  20 trees and grates to Dedham Square.  A few years later during the Route One bridge construction Civic Pride worked closely with both town and state officials to install the antique clock and garden area at the Square Crossing.  The Norfolk and Dedham Group sponsored the installation of the garden and continues to provide for its maintanence. 

For the past five years, the Norfolk and Dedham Group has been the presenting sponsor of the Spring Gala.  The Gala is the largest fundraiser held by the Friends of Dedham Civic Pride.  Without this support the many programs and projects of Civic Pride would not exist. Tim and his wife Mary are true friends of Civic Pride and can always been seen at our events and we are pleased to honor Tim at this years Gala on Friday May 4th. The Spring Gala, once again, will be held at the MIT Endicott House, 80 Haven Street Dedham, MA from 6:30-9:30. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and for more information please visit our website dedhamcivicpride.org or contact Janet Holmes at 781.249.9258

Wegman's Donates to Beer and Wine Tasting

Wegman's of Westwood will be donating to the Beer and Wine Tasting Night coming up on November 3, 2017 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Endicott Estate.

Wegman's will be providing a Mediterranean Party Dip Tray, Pita Wedge Tray, and Around the World Cheese Platter. Combine this with the food donations from Whole Food, Oscar's, Salem Market, and La Luce Bakery, guests will be feasting on some fabulous finger foods and appetizers.

Fine Estates of Spain will once again be providing the world class red and white wines to sample. We hope to have a local IPA supplying us with the beer. Keep watching for more information.

Whole Foods Donates to the Beer and Wine Tasting

The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride just found out that Whole Foods of Dedham will be generously supporting the Annual Beer and Wine Tasting with a donation of a Crudite Platter, two Meze Platters, a Chip and Dip platter and a Crowd Pleaser Cheese Platter. 

The Beer and Wine Tasting is a fun evening with great tasting foods, wines and beers. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund our community outreach programs for 2018. 

If you would like to join us, tickets are available on Eventbrite.  A pre-event ticket order will automatically enter you into the door prize raffle. Pre-event tickets are $40. 

September News.....

There is much going on for Dedham Civic Pride this September.

The Utility Box Painting Project designs have been chosen and the painting will start by Saturday, September 16th. Four boxes in East Dedham will be painted by local artists with designs of nature. The boxes are located at the East Dedham Fire Station, at the intersection of Saw Mill Lane and Milton Street, on Milton Street, and at the intersection of Milton and River Streets near A.S.P.I. Check out the designs on our "Utility Box Painting" Page.

On Sunday, September 24, Dedham Civic Pride will be at Dedham Day with their annual Pumpkin Decoration Table. Children will receive a free pumpkin, as supply last, to decorate with foam faces, markers and glitter. 

We will also have jewelry for sale to help raise funds for the purchase of fall bulbs to plant around town. The jewelry was donated by a local crafter and include bracelets and earrings at very reasonable prices.

We hope to see you there!

Town Wide Clean-Up Day

The Town Wide Clean Up Day will be Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Lend a hand to help put some sparkle to the town.

We need volunteers for two sites. The first site is the area that will become the next Sponsor-A-Spot. Located at the intersection of Highland and Washington Streets, the area needs a good raking and weeding. During the month of May, the site will be transformed with new loam, native drought resistant plants and hardscaping. Volunteers will need to bring their own rake for this site.

The second site is the old stand by - Rustcraft Road. This is one of many busy streets in town, and unfortunately, trash accumulates up and down and on both sides of the road. 

T-shrits (while supply lasts) will be given out to those you come on time. Snacks and drinks will also be supplied. Trash bags, latex gloves and some tools will be available.

If you would like to volunteer, please email dedhamcivicpride@gmail.com

Volunteers for the 2015 Town Wide Clean Up work at the Town Landing.

Dedham Civic Pride to Develop New Sponsor-A-Spot

Plans are underway for a new Sponsor-A-Spot in Dedham Civic Pride’s signature program. The new spot is located at the intersection of Highland and Washington Streets. This is a large area and will be developed in several stages.

The first stage will be the clean-up of the site including the removal of weeds, unwanted grass, and the raking of several seasons of leaves. This phase will be worked on during the Town Wide Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. Volunteers are needed for the cleanup portion of this project, so if you would like to help with the raking and weeding, please contact Janet Holmes at 781-249-9258 or at dedhamcivicpride@gmail.com. This project would qualify for community service hours for middle and high school students.

Once the site is cleaned up and, with weather permitting, a variety of droAught tolerant and native plants will be installed at the top of the hill. The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride has applied for a grant to the Massachusetts Master’s Gardener’s Association to help cover the cost of the new plantings. The organization is still waiting to hear about the status of the grant. Other funding for this site will come from a portion of the proceeds from the Friends of Dedham Civic Pride’s Spring Gala which will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm at the historic MIT Endicott House. Advance tickets ($80) for the event are available on Eventbrite.

The hilly area in the left of the photo at the intersection of Washington and Highland Streets will be the focus of the DCP landscape staff and volunteers this spring.

2017 Spring Gala

Wrapped bottles of wine provided from Fine Estates of Spain for the Wine Pull at the Friends of Dedham Civic Pride's Spring Gala.

The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride's Spring Gala will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at the historic MIT Endicott House at 80 Haven Street, Dedham, MA.

One of the best social events of the spring, this year the Friends will be honoring Selectman Michael Butler and his wife Cecilia Butler for their support of Dedham Civic Pride through the years.

Come enjoy the fabulous surroundings at the Endicott House while sampling tasty finger foods and appetizers, drinks and desserts.  Take a chance to bid on the terrific items that will be on the silent auction table.  Don't forget the Wine Pull where you will go home with one or two world class bottles of wine.

Tickets are $80 (pre-ordered) at Eventbrite; $90 at the door.

Proceeds benefit the programs of Dedham Civic Pride - Sponsors A Spot, Blooms, Banners and Benches.

Fall Beer and Wine Tasting

The Annual Fall Beer and Wine Tasting will take place on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Endicott Estate from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Sample the Fine Estates of Spain wines and Martignetti Liquor's beers.  Enjoy the finger foods provided by Whole Foods, Wegmans, Uno Pizzeria and Grill, and Cutlets.

Raffle tickets will be sold (15 tickets for $5.00) and you can take a chance to win some fun prizes like Yankee Candles. floral arrangement by Robinson Florist (Oakdale Square), a Blooms Pot, and an accent piece from Décor and More (Westwood).

Tickets are $35 (pre-ordered) or $40 at the door.  All proceeds to benefit the programs of Dedham Civic Pride.  To order tickets visit our home page or Eventbrite.com

Dedham Civic Pride's First Annual Photography Contest

Dedham Civic Pride will be sponsoring a photography contest this spring, summer and fall to see what the gardener's of Dedham have been up to this planting season.

Whether you have a fabulous garden or an outstanding shrub or plant, snap a picture and send it to dedhamcivicpride@gmail.com.  Pictures that are submitted will be posted to our Facebook page.  

Our committee will pick some of the outstanding pictures to be printed and displayed at the Annual Beer and Wine Tasting on Friday, November 4th at the Endicott Estate.  

Dedham Civic Pride Hosts "Dough Raiser" at Uno's Pizzeria

On Friday, July 29th, Dedham Civic Pride will host a Dough Raiser at Uno's Pizzeria & Grill at 270 Providence Highway (Dedham Mall).  From open (11:00 am) to close (11:30 pm) anyone who presents our Dough Raiser Coupon will be helping DCP raises funds for our fall bulb planting extravaganza!

This fund raiser applies to dine in, take out and bar sales.  So mark your calendar for Friday, July 29th...hope to see many familiar faces at Uno's.  Just make sure to print out the coupon below and give it to your server so the Dedham Civic Pride can get credit for your showing up!

Oh, one more thing.....Dedham Civic Pride will be at the Dedham Farmer's Market on Wednesday, July 27th.  You can pick up Uno Dough Raiser Coupons there.

June 2016 Meeting

The next meeting of the Dedham CIvic Pride Committee will be Thursday, June 10, 2016 at the Endicott Estate.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and is open to the public.

2016 Spring Gala

The weather was rainy and chilly, but inside the MIT Endicott House it was warm and bright as the community gathered together for the 2016 Friends of Dedham Civic Pride's Spring Gala on May 6, 2016.

Over 190 people enjoyed the fabulous appetizers and finger foods while engaging in lively conversation.  Musical entertainment was provided by Maya Lane, a talented high school student.

The Silent Auction table was stocked with thirty one donated items.  Decor and More donated a Sisco and Berluti beaded bracelet; The Marr Company donated tickets to the Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astro game; a photograph of the Bradley Estate, Canton was donated by Kerry Hawkins, member of the Dedham Square Artist Guild; an ornamental tree donated by Bartlett Tree Experts and so much more.  

The Live Auction included the premier sponsor a spot on Eastern Ave and Route 1.  This coveted spot will be sponsored by Cheryl Sullivan for 2016.  Another lucky group will be fed by the fabulous chef, Edith Stevens, as a dinner party for eight brought top dollar for the night.

During the course of the evening, Joe Flanagan, Director of Public Works for the town of Dedham was honored for his support and contributions to Dedham Civic Pride.  “As the Director and liaison to our Board Joe has offered his knowledge and years of experience to help us achieve our goals to improve the aesthetic appearance of our community.” said Chairman Amy Black.

Thanks to all who sponsored, donated and attended the Gala for this year.  Again the programs of Dedham Civic Pride will continue throughout the town, improving the appearance of Dedham