Ben Franklin Institute Offering Free Computer Help to the South End

Today is Tuesday, April 5. Here are five things you need to know:

1. Expect more thundershowers this afternoon and fog this morning with steady breezes up to 25 mph. Temperatures should reach 60 degrees this morning but will fall into the upper 40s come afternoon.

2. Need some help on the computer? is running a free help desk next Monday to aid residents learning to use the internet, Microsoft Office, email and basic web design. Sessions will be held in the Institute's electionic classroom and no computer skills are necessary to attend. Email Larson Rogers at lrogers@bfit.edu or call him at (617) 423-4630 ext. 145 to sign up for a time and what you would like help with.

3. Are you a restaurant owner in the South End who cares about the environment? Washington Gateway Main Street and the South End Business Alliance invite you to a morning discussion about improving your restaurant's operational efficiency with eco-friendly practices while lowering utility costs. 

Jose Duarte, chef and owner of Taranta in the North End, will present steps his restaurant has implemented and how they resulted in lower costs and a competitive marketing advantage. There will also be representatives from Renew Boston, NStar and National Grid on hand with information about equipment upgrade incentives.  

Space is limited so be sure to RSVP here by Friday, April 8.

4. Speaking of all things green, check back this morning around 10:30 a.m. for photos of your neighbors cleaning Titus Sparrow Park during Sunday's clean-up. Didn't get a chance to help? Mark your calendars for April 30, the city's official clean-up day with organized efforts all over the South End. 

5. Councilor Felix Arroyo will be holding a rally tomorrow afternoon immediately before presiding over a City Council hearing about summer jobs for Boston's youth. Scheduled to speak at the rally are Boston Youth Fund Executive Director Christine Wainwright and ABCD's Vice President of Eucation and Workforce Developement Mark Isenburg. The rally starts at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the hearing at 5 p.m.