The Board of Trade's newly-elected officers for the 2003-2004 term restated the Board's policies, namely to promote local businesses and professional persons, to advance the interests of its members and act for their mutual protection, to promote efficient, fair and ethical business conduct, to provide advice and assistance to members in the operation of their business, to promote a coalition for members against unfair taxes or legislative enactments, and to serve as a sup-port or liaison in members' disputes with regulatory entities.

The Longfellow House on South Street served as the site for the September, October, and November meetings. MJ's Sub and Pizzas and Open Door Realty were the sponsors. The speakers included Glenn Williams the outgoing president of Roslindale Village Main Street ("RVMS"), who spoke on the Roslindale economy, Brendan . Higgins of Higgins Funeral Service who provided advice on planning a funeral, and Barbara Lottero, executive director of Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center who talked about the Center's future expansion plans. The December meeting centers around the Board's annual Christmas party scheduled to take place at Cafe Apollonia on Belgrade Avenue, as it did a year ago.

A rejuvenated RVMS under new president Stephen Gag also has an ambitious agenda of involvement with the bottom line directed toward the good of Roslindale Village. In many instances, RVMS works cooperatively with the Board of Trade Exciting developments continue to take place in the territory encompassed by- the Board. When I dropped into the offices of the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center at 6 Cummins Highway, I was amazed at the number of clients awaiting professional services. The patients represent a true melting pot of ethnicity. Executive director Barbara Lottero could hardly control her. enthusiasm as she showed me plans for the new center that will encompass the old Rialto Theater area on Washington Street, as well as the former Post Office at South Street and Taft Hill Park (the building which has more recently served the AFL-CIO Union).

The relocation project has received two most generous grants, one from the George White Memorial Trust and one from the Boston Medical Center on Harrison Avenue. This supplies the leverage to go forward -with the bidding process for the proposed new construction. Patients come here from Roslindale, Hyde Park and West Roxbury, as well as from suburban areas. Here they receive a plethora of services from dedicated staffers who dispense them with dignity.

The area's restaurants continue to receive media hype as the major players engage in developing new policies on hours, reservations and choice of portion sizes to meet the demands of their customers. A new Latino restaurant on Poplar Street is on the drawing board to replace Ali's Roti. Under the leader-ship of owner Joe Beck, J.B. Edwards has become the official distributor of Girl Scout uniforms for the Greater Metropolitan Area of Boston, including outfits for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadets. Village Books continues to offer a series of interesting programs.

Through its Charity Account, the Board of Trade has made donations to the Roslindale Crime Watch, the Roslindale Parade, The Cooperative Bank, and the Annual Trick or Treat Trot. For the holiday season, they have earmarked funds for the Church Food Pantries at both the Congregational Church and St. Nectarios. Carl Schmidt and Prospect Lodge AE and AM gave the account a generous unsolicited sum for which the Board is most grateful.

Once again, Blooms and Greens florist and their principals Jeff Marguiles and June Alexander plan to donate a large sum to the Charity Account from their anticipated sale of Christmas trees.

The Roslindale Board of Trade wants to wish Happy Holidays to all!