e shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us ... but it doesn't always end there. Welcome to a preview of the Sixth Annual Codman Square House Tour. We are pleased to showcase the Victorian neighborhoods of Ashmont Hill and Melville Park, where eleven of our neighbors have graciously agreed to open their homes so that you may enjoy the stained glass windows, intricate details, and extraordinary craftsmanship that define late 19th century architecture, enhanced by the owners' thoughtful restoration and creative adaptation of their living spaces. This year's tour illustrates the many ways that 21st century households can live very happily in 19th century houses. We are also pleased that the Parish of All Saints, Ashmont is again opening its doors. And look for the fine Victorian homes in the Carruth Street area on future tours. Open-air trolleys will be circling the tour route outlined in the centerfold of the guidebook, which you will receive when you arrive at the Great Hall to take the tour. The tour stops are numbered as a matter of convenience, but feel free to visit the homes in the order that you wish. We encourage you to stroll through the neighborhoods at your leisure and take advantage of the walking notes to learn more; you may board the trolleys at any of the stops. Don't hesitate to ask questions of our volunteers dressed in persimmon-colored shirts. We hope you will enjoy our beautiful architecture and gardens as well as the warmth and graciousness of our residents. Be sure to keep this book as it serves as your admission ticket into the houses and onto the trolleys. Your participation in this event helps the Codman Square Youth and Family Coalition (CSYFC) coordinate summer parks programs for young people who live in the neighborhoods around Codman Square. Participating agencies include the Dorchester Family YMCA, Codman Square Health Center, Salvation Army Jubilee House, Dorchester Center for the Arts (DotArt), the Codman Square branch of the Boston Public Library, and the Boston Parks Department. During the months of July and August children and youths between the ages of 5 and 17 are involved in activities that range from sports leagues and swimming lessons to the visual and performing arts, from computer science and summer reading programs to field trips and other special events. Last summer nearly 500 young people were served by these programs. House Tour proceeds, which covered nearly 25 percent of program expenses, were directed to the hiring of supervisory staff, equipment purchase, and extracurricular activities. The Boston Police districts that cover Codman Square's neighborhoods report a reduction in youth misdemeanor crimes for young people ages 6-16 during the hours that these programs are in place in the summer. The CSYFC, which is made up of local agencies and interested individuals, meets at 1:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, 628 Washington Street in Codman Square. We are grateful to this year's hosts and sponsors and to the organizing committee and many volunteers who help make the tour run so smoothly. We particularly want to recognize Phil Granberry, who chaired the House Tour Committee for our first five years, and William Young, whose house descriptions and walking notes during those same years enhanced everyone's tour experience. Thanks to you all!