According to Headmaster William Wharton, it was the David versus Goliath battle of the Massachusetts high school chess world, and the underdog won again. On March 30, a team from the Back Bay’s Commonwealth prep school won the high school division of the Massachusetts Chess Championship, upsetting perennial powerhouse and champion of the past three years Newton South.
“[It was amazing to have] such a small school being able to beat a bigger school with a bigger student body and more students to choose from,” says Danny Moraff, a sophomore from Lexington and a member of the winning team. “The win speaks to the nature of the students here who built this up from nothing.”
Commonwealth, with a total student body of only 150, was up against much larger schools with faculty-sponsored and coached teams all season long. At Commonwealth, the chess team is student led and self taught, and in fact it wasn’t even in existence until last year. That’s when senior and Back Bay resident Gabe Frieden and Moraff, who had been competing each other in chess for years, decided to start a chess club. Junior Jake Garbarino, who lives in Somerville, is another member of this year’s championship team who helped to start the team last year. Soon dozens of students were playing games at lunch and challenging each other before and after classes.
“People really got into chess,” says Frieden. “They actually had to ban playing from the library.”
Last year, the top team from a school tournament went on to place second at the Massachusetts Chess Championship. This year, the team refined its skills and recruited new talent, including senior Max Ehrman, the fourth member of this year’s championship team.
“I only started playing chess when Gabe and Danny revitalized the chess team. A lot of my friends are in the same position, so we played whenever there was free time,” says Ehrman. “Gabe, Danny and Jake were always really helpful with teaching.”
Frieden says the win this year was sweet because the whole school supported the team and got behind their efforts.
“It has a lot to do with the kind of school this is,” Frieden says. “People here like that kind of thing.”
Moraff says that the school is so small that most people are members of multiple clubs and play many different sports, with almost half of the members of the chess team also playing on the basketball, soccer and Frisbee teams.
“There’s a surprising amount of overlap in people who play competitive sports,” he says.
The team’s victory at the State Team Championship concluded a successful season, with Frieden finishing second and Garbarino fourth at the 2008 Spiegel Cup State Singles Championship. And although Ehrman and Frieden are graduating this spring – Ehrman has chosen to attend Columbia while Frieden is deciding between Princeton and Brown – they hope that the tradition will continue to build without them. They are confident the talent is there -- Commonwealth’s B team at the championship finished an impressive seventh after having been initially ranked second-to-last, and Moraff is pledging to improve his individual ranking.
And maybe some of the team’s supporters and unofficial coaches will step up to the plate as well, putting some of their new chess skills to work.
“When they presented us with the trophy, they also had an award for the coach,” Moraff says. “Our ‘coaches’ were some kids who had promised to make us a batch of brownies and by the end of the season learn how the pieces move.”

CREDIT: D. Harney

CAPTION: Keara Sexton, 20, inside Oak at Gloucester Street.

Martha Stewart's got nothing on 20-year-old Nashua native Keara Sexton, who a few weeks ago became one of the youngest store owners in the Back Bay, opening her handmade clothing and gift shop at 31 Gloucester Street called Oak. Just don't expect to find pinecone tree stands or gilded decoupage eggs for sale at this haven of urban craftiness. Instead, think trendy tees, mojito-flavored lip balm, and supple leather wallets. DIY has come a long way since crocheted potholders.
"People are shocked that our products are handmade," Sexton says. "Everyone's visual of handmade is completely different from what's here."
Even though Sexton is only a few years out of high school, she had had a vision for her own store for some time. Sexton has always been crafty, even though she never received any sort of formal training in sewing or other skills.
"I had my grandmother's sewing machine and would make my own creations through trial and error," she says.
Her mother and father are business owners, and it was tacitly expected within that family that Sexton would follow in their footsteps. Having always been a craft maker, a store of all things handmade -- clothing, jewelry, accessories, bags, beauty products, home goods, books and children's items - seemed natural. Once the idea for Oak (which stands for "one of a kind") began to sharpen, Sexton flyered art schools and searched the online crafting community for artisans who would like to sell their wares in her shop. She's tapped into the new wave of hand made, with an emphasis on creating unique products that stand out in a mass-merchandising world. Sexton currently carries items from about 150 local and global artisans on consignment.
Sexton says handmade products are special, and supporting the crafts is important.
"You're helping a person when you're buying handmade," she says. "It's helpful to buy a product from an artisan who has never been able to sell their work. You're giving money to a person, not a corporation."
Some of the most popular products at Oak include a series of Boston postcards with modern iconic images like the seats at Fenway and the Fung-Wah bus. Sexton says pretty cocktail dresses have also been selling well. And if customers are inspired to try their own hand at handmade, Sexton will be offering classes led by those who sell their wares at Oak in the basement space below the shop. In three weeks, screen printing and basic sewing classes will begin.
For a first-time business owner, Sexton says the whole experience has been great. She hopes the Back Bay business community will welcome her, and she is looking forward to the summer and to business continuing to grow.
"Of course there have been some technical difficulties, but it's going really well," Sexton says. "I'm very excited for it to be warmer and for more people to be walking around."

Back Bay City Councilor Michael Ross was elected as a delegate to represent the 8th Congressional District during the Democratic National Convention, August 25-28 in Denver.
Ross was elected on Saturday during a caucus run by U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano.
As a delegate, Ross will be throwing his support behind Senator Barack Obama for President.
Nine years ago, at the age of 27, Ross was elected to the Boston City Council for District 8 on November 2, 1999. The district includes the neighborhoods of Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway and Mission Hill as well as Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle and the West End. At 36 years old, he is the youngest city councilor on the Boston City Council and the first Jewish city councilor in over 55 years.
Since taking office, Ross was voted Best Politician by the Boston TAB, served as commencement speaker for Fisher College, and was featured in Boston Magazine as one of 40 Bostonians to watch.
Ross graduated with a bachelor's degree in governmental studies from Clark University in 1993 and completed his master's degree in business administration from Boston University in 2001. He recently graduated from Suffolk Law School in 2006 and passed the bar exam in May of 2007.
This year Ross was chosen by Council President Maureen Feeney to chair both the Committee on Government Operations and the Special Committee of the Boston Common.
For the first committee, Ross will oversee the organization and structure of city government, including departmental fees and charges. All proposed ordinances and special laws affecting the structure, duties and responsibilities of city departments, agencies and commissions pass through the committee. The committee also reviews the city's policy regarding residency for city employees.
For the second committee, a new committee established by Ross, Councilor Sal LaMattina and Councilor Bill Linehan, Ross and the other three councilors will focus on promoting, protecting, and coordinating the Boston Common.

After all the planning and wrangling, it looks as if Columbus Center may not ever become a reality.
The state has pulled $10 million in funding originally earmarked for the condo/retail/hotel high rise development in order to direct the funds towards other development projects, according to the state’s Housing and Economic Development Office.
The developer, Winn Development, who planned to build the 1.4 million square foot tower straddling the Back Bay and the South End, did not return a call seeking comment before press time, but said in an interview with the Boston Globe that they would assess the general financing picture before making any decisions about the future of the project.
Winn has applied for $20 million in grants from the state. The fate of the second $10 million has not been determined yet, but the loss of the previously approved original $10 million may make future grant decisions moot.
The troubled Columbus Center project, estimated to cost a total of $800 million, has been in the planning stages for over a decade, as the developers have dealt with funding, air rights, construction delays, and a host of other issues. Last month, the project hit another snag when the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, citing “intervening circumstance,” placed a hold on a crucial air-rights lease which it had previously negotiated with the developers.
Construction began on the project in November, but is still in its infancy. Now, the future of the site is anyone’s guess. Many critics in the past have objected to state funding of a development project that would include a luxury hotel, well beyond the means of the average state resident. The developers, meanwhile, have cited the number of jobs that the project would create.
The center, as part of an ongoing citywide project to develop over the turnpike, would have been built over the highway on a steel and poured concrete piling. It would, if built, join Copley Place and the Prudential Center as the third major development built over the Mass Pike.

On Tuesday, barista Nick LaRocque was offering customers samples of three pressed coffees from Indonesian. He also invited neighbors to stop into the 165 Newbury Street cafe and ask for a sample of Starbuck's new everyday brew, Pike Place Roast.
"The Pike Place Roast™ coffee beans will be hand-scooped, freshly ground, and freshly brewed and served, giving the coffee a consistent, pure taste. To further ensure customers enjoy the freshest, high-quality cup of brewed coffee, stores also will brew smaller batches with a hold time of no more than 30 minutes," said company officials.

The Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) received unanimous approval from the Bay Village Architectural Commission for the new building planned at 122 Arlington Street. The process that began in January has resulted in a continuous dialogue with Bay Village community groups and residents, city officials, and architects for the BCAE that have honed the details of the building to make it fit into the neighborhood. There will be a review of the materials on site to be inspected by interested parties.

Advisory

The Bay Village Architectural Commission heard tentative plans for the building planned for 212 Stuart Street and Shawmut Street. The proposal calls for a 10-story office building with retail on the first two floors and offices on the remaining floors. The commissioners wanted the developer to retain the existing facades that are a church on Shawmut Street and an Art Deco style building on Stuart Street. The design did not sit well with the commissioners. So it will be back to the drawing board for this one.

Verizon gets
the signal

The Back Bay Architectural Commission has approved the request by Verizon to have equipment located at 341-347 Newbury Street. Originally, Verizon officials sought an equipment shed located on the roof of the structure. That was denied last month. Verizon officials said that they are able to locate the equipment inside the structure. The back up generator and air conditioning units will be located on the roof behind the parapet so that it will not be seen from the street. The measure was adopted unanimously.
A new storefront is being planned for 911 Boylston Street. The commission ruled last month that the tenant must have the new sign reflect the existing store façade or a new store façade reflect the sign. The tenant wanted a turn of the century sign. The storefront is modeled after a 1940’s diner. The tenant agreed to a new storefront that is more representative of the sign. The only issue raised by the commissioners was the durability of the new façade. The façade was approved with office staff overseeing the construction materials.

Walz gets
100%

Representative Marty Walz received a perfect 100% voting record according the Mass Audubon Legislative report card for 2007. Senator Diane Wilkerson received a 93% score. The report card, which is prepared by the group is a compilation of roll call votes on environmental bills or budget items.
“Caring for the environment is one of the most important issues facing our Commonwealth. I am proud of my environmental voting record, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass even more environmental legislation during the reminder of the 2008 legislative session,” Walz said.

You got
a break

Since April 1, residents who park their cars on the city’s streets have been cut a break by the city. There have been no tickets issued or cars towed since street cleaning has gone into effect. However, the good times are about to end. According to a spokesperson from the Mayor’s office, flyers have been placed on cars and the no towing respite has been in effect as a way to remind residents that it is the street cleaning time of the year. Residents should expect the stringent street cleaning operations to begin next week. So, read the signs and if you choose to ignore them, then face a hefty fine and towing.

Residential decals

If you look at your parking decal, you might have noticed that it expired on March 31, 2007. According to city officials, the mailings for new decals will go out and you must have a new decal by May 1. This decal will last until May 2010. So check your mail and get it or else pay a fine.

Esplanade on
the docket

The Boston Landmarks Commission is still reviewing the application to give the Boston Esplanade landmark status. According to a spokesperson, the study report should be completed this year. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) that oversees the Esplanade is reviewing the construction contract bids for Storrow Drive. After the bids have been awarded the DCR will be holding public meetings about the potential impact on traffic flows and on neighborhoods.

Cleanup
Meetings
and dates

There are two important dates to remember about Spring clean-up. On April 16, the Beacon Hill Civic Association will be holding a public meeting with city officials about general cleanups in the neighborhoods of Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, North End and West End. Interested residents are invited to attend this informational hearing. The hearing will take place at 74 Joy Street starting at 6:00 p.m. For more information please contact Suzanne Besser at
The annual alley rally will be held on Saturday April 26 starting with coffee and donuts at 8:30 a.m. at the Clarendon Street Playground. This year the cleanup is in conjunction with Mayor Thomas Menino’s Boston Shines. “We really encourage residents of all ages to take part this year. This is a great way to meet neighbors while cleaning up the neighborhood,” Ellen Rooney Chairperson for the event said. For more information please contact Ellen Rooney at parnell3@verizon.net

CAPTION: The Esplanade Association board of directors, from left: Hans Vaule, treasurer; Jeryl Oristaglio, vice president; Sarah Reinstein; Roseanne Colot; Fritz Casselman; Ellen Rooney, clerk; Deb Rosenbloom; Steve Wolf; Jim Duane, vice president; Dr. Karin Dumbaugh; and Herb Nolan. Not pictured:Sandy Steele, president(was in attendance); Robert Duboff; Rich Lucas; Margaret Pokorny(was in attendance); David Solomon; and Jim Whitters.

The Esplanade is a mecca not exclusively for Beacon Hill or Back Bay residents who are outnumbered almost 3 to 1 in the use of the parkland by Greater Boston residents and tourists according to a survey that was conducted last year , members of The Esplande Association (TEA) were told at their annual meeting last Thursday night.
So what else is new?
Other points in the survey indicated that users of the Esplanade expressed high satisfaction about access to the park but that these same people were dissatisfied about availability of restrooms and drinking fountains.
Of course, despite its reputation as a tourist destination, Boston has never been known for these type facilities being made available in larger numbers to tourists, let alone for residents who use the park system.
Another concern expressed by users of the Esplanade is the inconvenience and danger of having to share walking paths with cyclists, geese droppings, the traffic on Storrow Drive, and the ongoing maintenance and desire for more functional amenities.
Rick Sullivan, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) also addressed the association and told how his team looks forward to improving the Esplanade and working with TEA.
Again, we’ve heard these promises before.
Sandy Steele, president of the TEA, said, “We are quite busy and have a very firm direction.”
A number of projects completed during the past few years have contri=buted greatly to the quality of life for users of the Esplanade, this includes the new wooden docks by the Union Boat Club as well as raising a $1,000,000 endowment for the maintenance of Ebersole Field.
In addition, the TEA is being vigilant to make sure that the DCR does not use any of the park for motor traffic during reconstruction of the Storrow Drive Tunnel, providing more seasonal activities like model sailing club, continued tree care for the more than 1,900 trees in the park, landscape restoration and park amenities like water fountains and solar trash compactors.
Board members Ellen Rooney and Roseanne Colot will be leaving the Board and Fritz Casselman, Herb Nolan, David Solomon, Sandy Steele and James Whitters were re-elected.
The Marathon Team was also introduced during the meeting.