Baker square NEWS

 

In this issue


In the community

  • From the Board of Trustees and Management
  • Project updates
  • Important reminders
  • What’s happening?

In the neighborhood

  • Congratulations to Joann Sacco!
  • Local events
  • Dorchester Food Co-op facing closure – community support urged
  • Editor’s note: Legacy Awards nomination

Your contacts


In the community
From the Board of Trustees and Management
Save the date – October Open Meeting
The next open meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Park Mill Function Room. If you’d like to submit a question or topic for discussion, please email management by October 15. We’ll do our best to cover everything during the meeting. If we run out of time, you’ll receive a follow-up email.Late fee waiver policy
To maintain consistency and fairness, the Board has approved a new late fee waiver policy. The basic requirements to have a late fee removed from your condo account are:

  • Requests must be in writing (email is fine).
  • Owner has incurred no late payments in the last 12 months.
  • Only one waiver may be granted per homeowner every 12 months.
  • Requests must be made within 30 days of the fee being charged.

Flood insurance  
Flood insurance for Forbes and Park Mill has been renewed. Copies are available on the owner portal —please forward them to your lender if needed. Baker Mill’s policy will be renewed at the end of November.

Intercom calls marked as spam
As phone carriers increase efforts to block spam, it’s increasingly possible that an intercom call could be identified as spam. Saving the lobby intercom number as a contact in your phone helps ensure these calls are recognized and not blocked or sent to voicemail.

Baker Mill: 617-296-1950
Forbes: 617-446-5225
Park Mill: 617-446-5257
Water Mill: 617-322-3005

Project updates

Forbes fire alarm panel
During the programming of the fire panel, it was determined that the smoke control dampers need to be adjusted to best communicate with the new fire panel. The parts for this adjustment to the dampers have been ordered and we expect to progress to the final stages of the project once the adjustment is completed.

Baker Mill boiler & hot water tank 
The project is now complete—thank you for your patience! The upgrades should improve system performance, especially during the winter.

EV charging station
Inovis Energy is currently working with Eversource to finalize the construction schedule for the EV charging station installation, which is tentatively expected to begin towards the end of October. The project will involve a brief power shutdown to the Water Mill building and we are working to limit the disruption caused by this shutdown.Park Mill elevator
Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback on the timing of this project. The majority of owners favored having the project completed as soon as possible rather than waiting until the first quarter of 2026. With that goal in mind, we’re coordinating with the vendors to get this project scheduled.

Fall HVAC changeover and heat pump maintenance
Duggan Mechanical will perform the seasonal changeover on Monday, October 27 (weather permitting). The changeover should not affect the heat pumps in your unit as you can use them for heating or cooling throughout the year. In some cases, heat pumps may need to be reset. Simply turn off the heat pump, wait a few minutes, and turn back on.

Autumn heat pump preventive maintenance (PM)
The volunteer effort of coordinating heat pump PMs, which began in the spring, continued this autumn. Again, discounts were offered by Back Bay Mechanical and A. Hohmann. These ended last week. The new Hohmann order model of whole-building service requests was very successful. Participation in the fall PM program surpassed the spring effort — 80+ units joined, up from 72 in the spring! Other homeowners continue to use different vendors of their choice.

As in the spring, a retrospective report will capture the results of this autumn’s heat pump PM cycle. Early results look good: Forbes condo units serviced are clear of sludge-sediment buildup and have clean drain pans. If pipe clogging is detected, it is very minor. This is a testament to more homeowners doing the spring PM.

Thanks to all who took part and helped keep our systems in top shape.
– Submitted by Mary Carbonara

Moving & large item deliveries
The Resident Handbook spells out the requirements for moving and large deliveries. Here are the key things to remember:

  • Must be scheduled with the Management office, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (NO weekends or holidays).
  • Moves in Baker Mill and Forbes: one elevator will be padded and locked for the exclusive use of the move; the other must be left open for residents.
  • Fines will apply for violations of the policies.

Trash & pest prevention
With cooler weather (and much construction in the area), rodents are on the move. Please:

  • Bag all trash before sending it down the chute.
  • Don’t leave food in common areas.


 Televisions do NOT belong in the trash room. Residents must make alternate arrangements to dispose of TVs.

Consideration for neighbors
In multi-family living, noise travels. Sounds such as loud voices, heavy footsteps, furniture moving, music, and television can affect your neighbors below and beside you. To help reduce noise, consider using area rugs, especially in high-traffic areas, and removing shoes when entering your unit. And remember, as noted in the resident handbook, quiet hours are observed between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., seven days a week.

Patio courtesy
Our patio is one of the best spots on the property—we all have a responsibility for keeping it that way! Please:

  • Return furniture and tethered pillows to the proper place.
  • Fold down umbrellas after use.
  • Cover grills once cool.
  • Keep the area neat and litter-free.
  • Do not leave food for any animals on the patio. This attracts unwanted pests.

Pool & spa energy use
Residents can help lower the costs of energy in our amenity spaces by:

  • Turning off lights if you are the last person leaving the pool or gym.
  •  Set the spa timer for only the time you’ll use it—longer settings waste energy.

HVAC incident reporting
If you experience issues such as a condensate pan overflow or sediment buildup in your heat pump, please contact the Management Office so we can track these common problems. Mechanical malfunctions do not need to be reported.


   

Community Engagement Committee

Music events
Rain couldn’t stop us from enjoying the Willie J Laws Band—the first event to be moved indoors. The acoustics (and dance floor!) in the Park Mill Community Room worked just fine.

A very special thank you to Vargas & Vargas, Peggy Johnson, and Julie Goodridge for sponsoring our 2025 music events.

Talks & stories
Seven Grandmothers
Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Park Mill Community Room
Elinor Horner, a descendant of seven remarkable women with links to the Eustis Estate in Milton, will present “Seven Grandmothers,” highlighting their history, courage, and choices that shaped future generations. The talk blends memoir and history. Click on image for more details.

History of Jewish community in Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury
Thursday, November 20, 7:00 p.m., Park Mill Community Room
Jeff Calish, well-known local author and speaker and native of Dorchester and Roxbury, will discuss the history of the Jewish population and the synagogues that marked their presence. Learn more about Jeff.
      

Movie Club
Thanks to Tom Tanury for keeping the film nights going! Sign up or suggest movies at BakerSquareMovieClub@pm.me. Join the fun and help shape what we watch next! Dates for upcoming showings are on the website calendar.Crafters group
Interested in restarting Thursday gatherings? Speak with or email Sharon Siwiec.

Got ideas?
The CEC welcomes your ideas – for events, activities, and speakers. Email Claire Hughes.

– submitted by Sarah Brooks

Landscape Committee
Fall is here! Enjoy the cutting garden and herbs on the patio while you can. Bulb planting day will be in late October or early November.

We had a workday recently. We hope you have noticed our efforts! As always, we welcome you to join the committee or just volunteer occasionally. Contact Barbara Conwell or talk to any of us when you spot us working.
– submitted by Heidi Lyne

Book Club
Hosted by Ann Seligsohn, Forbes 613, Sunday, Oct. 19, 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to discuss While Justice Sleeps by Stacy Abramsa gripping thriller set in the halls of the U.S. Supreme Court. Light refreshments served. In-person or Zoom. (email for link)

Composting group
We want to expand our composting group! Please consider joining the households that contract independently with Bootstrap Compost for weekly pick-up of our food waste, plant waste, and other compostable items such as take-out containers, paper towels, and cardboard egg cartons. Each household pays an annual modest fee. Contact Sarah Brooks to learn more.
– submitted by Sarah Brooks

In the neighborhood
Congratulations to Joann Sacco!
Our neighbor, Joann Sacco, will receive the Forbes House Museum Exemplary Service Award at the 2025 Keechong Dinner, the museum’s signature fundraising event. Joann is a tireless civic advocate. She has a deep knowledge of Forbes family history, which she passionately shares through guided tours, events, and special programs.Richard O’Mara, owner of Cedar Grove Gardens, will receive the Civic Leadership Award for his decades of civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and unwavering support of neighborhood initiatives.
More information.
– Submitted by Carlos Vargas

Local events

Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams St., Milton

  • Saturday, Oct. 4, 12:30 p.m., Conversation about “John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist” led by staff member, Miranda Silverman. RSVP.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7:00 p.m., Author talk with Jeffrey Denman who has written several books on the American Revolution, the Civil War, and WWII. Tickets.

Shine On Yoga  – Anniversary Open House, Saturday, Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 60 Adams St, Milton. Free yoga, live music, raffle, aerial yoga & more! Details & RSVP

Ashmont Hill Chamber Music – Sunday, Oct. 5, 4:00 p.m., Peabody Hall, All Saints Church, 209 Ashmont St., Dorchester. Joseph Parrish, baritone, and Francesco Barfoed, piano. Tickets. 

Lower Mills Library, 27 Richmond St., Dorchester – October events for kids & adults include costume workshop, filmmaking basics, trivia, music, story time, and more. Schedule

Eustis Estate Museum, 1424 Canton Ave., Milton

  • Sunday, Oct. 12, 5–6:30 p.m., autumn concert with guitarist Andrew Stern & bassist John Lockwood. Tickets
  • Writers Retreat with Jodi Daynard – Monday, Oct. 13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Info

Mary M.B. Wakefield Arboretum, Saturday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., 1456 Brush Hill Rd., Milton – October Family Fun Fest, music, pumpkin carving, vegetable races, refreshments and more. Tickets and registration. 

Home style store opening this month –The Boston Home Style store will open at 2287 Dorchester Avenue this month. The owner describes the offerings as, “a curated collection of vintage and new home decor. Also a small plant shop and candle room. We also offer home staging and design services.”

Milton Farmers Market – Milton Landing, 98 Wharf Street, ends on October 9.

Dorchester Food Co-op facing closure – community support urged
Many of us who joined the co-op in support of the concept of a worker and member-owned grocery store were shocked to receive an email newsletter in August indicating that the Co-op might need to close in a few months. Since that message, much work has been done by the Board, the interim General Manager, the staff and community members (and by Jenny Silverman who realized the dream of creating the Co-op). While donations have increased, continued strength will depend on owners volunteering in several capacities, and on increasing weekly sales.

As the only food cooperative in Boston, the Co-op provides a community-and worker-owned alternative to the for-profit food system and critically provides high-quality, affordable food in a neighborhood that has historically faced food insecurity. It also offers catering services, accepts special bulk orders, and sponsors free community events and health workshops.
– submitted by Sarah Brooks

Editor’s note: Legacy Awards nomination
Boston’s Legacy Business Program honors long-standing, independent businesses that enrich our neighborhoods.  Residents submit nominations and a robust selection process selects the 30 businesses that will be honored. Many of you know our neighbor, Carlos Vargas, whose family-owned independent insurance agency in our neighborhood, Vargas & Vargas, has served the community for over 45 years. You don’t have to be a customer to submit a nomination.

In recognition of Carlos’ strong commitment to our community, I urge you to nominate Vargas & Vargas.

Your Contacts

Trustees
Laura Gleason, Chair, F609, lmgleason@gmail.com 
Leslie Giddings, Secretary, F111, lkgiddings1600@gmail.com
Mary Beth Alger, WM303, alger.marybeth@gmail.com
Kyle Brichall, B508, kjbirchall@gmail.com
Don Foxworthy, B603, dmfoxworthy324@gmail.com
Michael Ouellet, F108, mikeouellet@comcast.net
Tom Tanury, WM301, tom.tanury@pm.me

Condo Management Office 
Park Mill, to right of the entrance
Meghan Grzybinski, Baker Square Condo Association, 617-296-2287, manager@bakersquarecondos.com
https://barkan.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/home/
After Hours Barkan Emergency Contact Number : 1-800-570-9145
Boston Police 617-343-4911 (quicker than 911)
State Police 617-698-5840 (for state property: park, boat ramp, bike path)

If you have information you would like included in future newsletters please contact Mary Weafer, maryweafer@gmail.com

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Baker Square Condominium
1241 -1255 Adams Street
Dorchester, MA 02124

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