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THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2024

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

“I Have A Dream”

Why Volunteer? Sharing a Love of Reading By Carol Masshardt

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or South Boston’s Linda Chiaramonte, it started a dozen years ago when she spotted a flyer at the library. Literation’s, a program designed to help students reach reading proficiency by fifth grade was seeking volunteers to help students at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club after school program. “My husband was quite ill, and I had to stay close, but also needed something. And I thought working with children, which I hadn’t done, would be good when I was so absorbed in illness,” she said. “There is fun and energy with young people.” She has continued ever since. Ellie Sullivan started eight years ago, when she wanted to do something meaningful and local. Both Linda and Ellie had leadership positions through their lives, and though each

lived in South Boston for more than a decade, a wish to be involved in another way beckoned them. In addition to volunteers from various addresses around the city and beyond, the Boys and Girls Club on West Sixth St. became more than a structure to pass. “I love it,” said Ellie. “The connection to the kids is great and being part of a group of people who want to make life a little better is a big part of it. Just yesterday a girl I worked with when she was in first or second grade and now in seventh came back. She didn’t remember my name, but she remembered the book we read. That was a great moment.” Working two to four afternoon hours a week, the volunteers offer the priceless gift of working one to one with children who are in elementary school. “The goals of the program are clear,” according to Site Manager, Continued on Page 2

SBCA News Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

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he students in Ms. Samantha Guildford’s 4A Class and Mrs. Patricia Colemman’s 4B Class at South Boston Catholic Academy had a chance to learn about and then do a special class project in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. based on his famous “I have a

Dream Speech”... “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. They were given three categories to write about and share...My dream for myself; My dream for my community; and My dream for the world. Some wrote... “My dream Continued on Page 8

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Why Volunteer Beth McHugh, of South Boston. Parents identify their children who attend the Boys and Girls Club for the program to help develop greater fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. We know those who have proficiency at fifth grade will do better.” She is the first to say that the methods used to reach these goals are where the individual talents and creativity of the volunteer’s shine, and the key to engaging children who could be at the gym, swim, or music. “I am in awe of the coaches (volunteers) working in this program. They pursue any options. If a child

likes jokes, I see Linda, for example, coming in with joke books and using her sense of humor. If a child doesn’t like to read but loves soccer or space, we will do anything to get materials on that subject. If they are more visual, we will find graphic materials,” she said. In another synchronistic moment, Beth McHugh, retired from Fidelity after a successful thirtythree-year tenure, moved to South Boston with her husband, Shaun, after living around the country and city. “I wanted to give back and keep it local and get to know the community. This position seemed right, and I see such amazing things. A boy wasn’t thrilled with reading, but now misses his coach when she’s

Linda Chiaramonte with Student

Recommended: ICA Exhibitions The James and Audrey Foster Prize at South Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art (The ICA) is exhibiting three noted local artists – Cicely Carew, Yu-Wen Wu, and Venetia Dale. Two imaginative works by one of this trio of talented artists are shown: “Thresholds of Care: kitchen windows (sisters)”, 2023, and “the gradual gathering of something”, 2021, by Venetia Dale. In addition, the ICA has mounted another exhibition entitled “Forecast Form, Art in the Caribbean”, which is colorful and incredibly varied – it features many talented New World artists. Don’t miss these exhibitions. And for a final touch, be sure to enjoy the striking view of Boston Harbor from the ICA’s huge fourth floor

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not here. The connection that forms in these one-to one relationships are wonderful to see,” she said. “Linda is amazing in her ease and creativity, and Ellie brings warmth and fun, and as an avid reader herself, connects to help the kids build confidence. They and the other coaches are so impressive.” “I am very lucky,” said Linda Chiaramonte as she reflected. “There isn’t a child who hasn’t touched me heart. I’m in a fabulous mood when I leave. They are so resilient and have so much to offer.” Linda, Ellie, and Beth all like the well-known advantages of South Boston-walking, beautiful beaches and parks, proximity, and a vibrant city life. They have an additional love. It is

afternoons filled with challenge and energy, and sometimes the frustration of goals often not easily reached. Beyond all, they are committed to Literation’s with the hope that a child finds joy and confidence in reading and an enriched life going forward. (Those of all genders, ages and backgrounds are welcomed to find out more , and parents of children attending the Boys and Girls Club who may benefit can contact bmchugh@literations.org. )

(Please reach out to Carol Masshardt at carolhardt@ comcast.net if you know of a special volunteer in South Boston to feature)

Beth McHugh, Linda Chiramonte and Ellie Sullivan


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THURSDAY JAUARY 18, 2024

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“Friends of the Library” Begin 2024 Book Sales by Rick Winterson

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n impor ta nt community activity takes place each month in the South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 646 East Broadway. This is a monthly Book Sale held in the Library’s public room. The books on sale are used, and they are therefore sold inexpensively. The book selection provides you with a lot of excellent reading, will attractively fill that empty bookshelf where you live, and includes children’s books for any purpose – from helping young people to enjoy reading to serving as stocking stuffers next Christmas. The Branch Library’s Book Sales are put on by The Friends of the South Boston Branch Library, a local group of volunteers – we’ll simply refer to them as “Friends of the Library” or just “Friends”. Every one of their Book Sales is open to the general public. All proceeds from the Book Sales are turned over to the South Boston Branch Library, to pay for novel patron programs and to cover unbudgeted expenses. The Friends hold Book Sales on each month’s third Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The January 2024 Book sale takes place just two days from now,

on Saturday, January 20. It lasts for 5 and 1/2 hours at the times mentioned. And there’ll also be a special event this coming Saturday. Emmanuel Music: “Breath with Bach” will play beautiful music from 1:30 until 2:30, while you continue to shop for books. Don’t miss this hour-long concert event! Bring your family, especially the kids. It’s free, whether or not you buy any of the books. The items at the Book Sales are mostly donated by South Boston residents. They see this as a way to boost community spirit and to recycle – an important task these days. You are encouraged to donate your own used books, too, along with CDs, DVDs, and even jigsaw puzzles (provided they have all their pieces). You can drop off a shopping bag of books at the Branch Library during regular hours or bring your bag to the Book Sales. The Friends also hold a monthly “Book Drop-off” for large quantities of used books from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on the second Saturday of each month. The next “Book Drop-off ” will take place on Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. In the photograph, you can see Friends of the Library President Joe Kebartas with volunteers Liz Aguilo (l.) and Melanie Morgan-Buschini. They

Joe Kebartas, Liz Aguilo, and Melanie Morgan-Buschini update books for sale. were receiving, cataloging, and shelving books donated on the January Book Drop-off Day – last Saturday morning, the 13th. When you visit the monthly Book Sale at the Branch Library (next Saturday, everyone???), you’ll be absolutely amazed at all that’s available! The Friends actually have thousands (yes, 1000s) of books on their shelves, arranged into sections for fiction, non-fiction, children, young adults, atlases, history, biography, photography, and even large coffee table books. You should just wander around the Book Sale at first; it is staffed by courteous volunteers, who could well be your South Boston neighbors. And as we mentioned, all the book prices are (very!) reasonable. Please note that the Book Sale’s largest single category of books is current fiction novels. These are arranged alphabetically by authors’ names for your convenience. If you

like to read mysteries and thrillers, you’ll find Ken Follett, Sue Grafton, John Grisham, Daniel Silva, and many, many more. In the children’s section, titles range from “Trolls” to “A Child’s Book of Psalms” to a “Science Experiments Book”. Books by J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame are available also; there are even Charlie Brown cartoon books. Among the most recent books is a history of Ukraine’s conflict called “Invasion” by Luke Harding. The Classics aren’t neglected, either – titles range from Dante’s “Inferno” to Galsworthy’s “Forsyte Saga”. Simply stated, there are books for everyone in your family. And you’ll also find a number of jigsaw puzzles (with all their pieces) and CDs from Beethoven’s Fifth to The Chieftains, John Fogarty, and Eric Clapton. Don’t miss the next Book Sale featuring “Breathe wit h Bach ” t his coming Saturday. See you there!


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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

2024 South Boston Citizens’ Association’s Evacuation Day Essay and Poster Competitions Announced

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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President To m McGrath announced today that because of the tremendous success of the poster and essay contest, the Association along with City of Boston Credit Union ,Comcast and Mass Bay Credit Union a will once again sponsor the 2023 Annual Contests and. all other events associated with the Month-long celebration. Because of the successful amount of poster entries and interest, we will be expanding the winners’ categories for the poster contest for grades 3,4 and 5. These grades will compete against students in their own grades. Once again, after last year’s outstanding effort put forth by past President Bernie O’Donnell, Mary Collins and their committee, they have once again expressed an

interest of taking on the challenge of chairing The Essay and Poster Contests. “Bernie always taught me that these contests are a great way to educate and strengthen the interest of the children of the community, I was more than pleased when Bernie offered to once again head up this Event for the children of South Boston. This year we will open up the High School competition to all students residing in Suffolk County or attends a school in Suffolk County”, Remarked McGrath. Bernie further expressed “One of the missions of the SBCA is to reach out to the young children of this historically rich community, joining the SBCA in promoting, organizing, and judging the Evacuation Day Poster and Essay Competitions is a most fitting way to improve on that mission.”

Boston Water and Sewer Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME TO THAW PIPES

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ith Boston about to experience its first sustained cold spell of the winter, with nighttime temperatures well below freezing until early next week, Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) is reminding people that there are proactive steps they can take to prevent interior pipes from freezing. Check for open windows, air vents, and wind drafts near water pipes Seal leaks in the basement foundation where cold air may enter; fill holes with insulation as a tiny opening can cause an exposed pipe to freeze Allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces (the constant drip minimizes any ice

buildup in the pipe, which helps to prevent pipes from bursting) Keep sink cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces; inexpensive insulation can be bought at hardware and home supply stores Locate the water shut off valve and know how to shut off water; if a pipe bursts, shutting off the water promptly can help minimize the damage (shut off valve is usually located by the meter) If your pipes freeze, use a hair dryer to thaw the lines safely; thawing will not be fast, but it will be safe: NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME TO THAW PIPES If there is no water coming through any of your taps, there may be a problem in your street or yard. If so, call BWSC’s 24-hour Emergency Assistance line at 617-989-7900.

The current plan with respect to our annual Evacuation Day activities is to continue to host all the events as we have done in years past. We will continue to work with Governor Healey, Elected Officials from the City of Boston, the City of Boston Health Commission, and the National Park Service for the planning of our activities, as we do every year, and will follow any requirements and guidance on all aspects of our hosted events. We look forward to working with the community again this year, which commemorates the 248th anniversary of Evacuation Day in Boston. Celebrating Evacuation Day events in the community is a huge undertaking, but thanks to Volunteers and Community Business partners in past years, such as Comcast, Mass Bay Credit Union and City of Boston Credit Union, we at the SBCA are confident we will be able to complete the task and make it possible for the entire community to safely enjoy this year’s commemorative events. All entries should bear, in an attached envelope, the contestant’s name, school and a means of contacting the entrant, and should be submitted no later than Friday, March 8th, 2024 At 5 PM. All entries may be mailed to South Boston Citizens’ Association, P.O. Box 74, South Boston, MA 02127, or can be picked up at schools by a representative of the Citizens’ Association. Entries can also be dropped off at 170 M Street. The poster competition is open to all students in grades 3, 4, and 5 who are either South Boston student residents or any student that attends a school in South Boston. In any Medium at least 8 1/2 “x11”, but preferably larger. The Essay competition is open to all students in grades 6-8, who are either South Boston student residents or any student that attends a school in South Boston.

The high School Essay competition is open to all students in grades 9-12 who are either City of Boston student residents attending any High School.

2023 Essay contest Topic for grades 9-12 How did the Sons of Liberty impact our history? Who were its Leaders? What was their role in the Boston Tea party? Essays should be at least 750 words; prizes are as follows: first prize $200, second prize $100, third prize $50.

Topic for Grades 6 to 8 Describe the Events of the Boston massacre (March 5th, 1770) How many colonists died at the massacre? Who defended the British soldiers at their trial and why did he defend them? Essays should be at least 500 words; prizes are as follows: first prize $150, second prize $100, third prize $50.

Poster Topics Grade 3 Illustrate Colonel Henry Knox and the Noble train of Artillery

Grade 4 Illustrate Castle Island in Colonial times

Grade 5

Illustrate General George Washington at Dorchester Heights Prizes are as follows: first prize $100, second prize $75, third prize $50.


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THURSDAY JAUARY 18, 2024

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John Powers Clerk of Suffolk Superior Court Civil is 2024 Evacuation Day General Chairman

John Powers

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outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Thomas E. McGrath has announced that Suffolk County Clerk of Courts (Civil) will serve as General Chairman of the Association’s 2024 Evacuation Day commemoration by the SBCA Executive Board. “The executive board and I look forward to working with John, to ensure once again the success of this unique community celebration, the commemoration of the British evacuation of Boston in 1776,” said McGrath. John and his family are lifelong residents and active supporters of the SBCA. His dedication to the South Boston Citizens’ Association and the

neighborhood will continue to make it a great place for all who live here. We are honored, and even prouder to name him this year’s General Chairman.” John Powers is the Acting Clerk Magistrate of Suffolk Superior Court Civil Clerk’s Office, filling the position previously occupied by long time Clerk Magistrate Michael Joseph Donovan. John has dedicated his professional life to public service for 35 years. John began his legal career with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in 1989 where he handled a wide variety of criminal trials and investigations. He held a number of positions during that time, including prosecutor in the Homicide Unit, Chief of the General and Major Felony Units and eventually Deputy Chief Trial Counsel. In 2008, he joined the Suffolk County Superior Court Civil Clerk’s Office as an Assistant Clerk. He was assigned to a busy courtroom with nearly 800 active cases. This position brought him into daily contact with judges, attorneys and litigants and allowed him to assist with a wide range of issues affecting all those with matters before the court. In 2017, he was appointed First Assistant Clerk, where he assisted in the daily oversight of the entire Civil Clerk’s

Office. He was a daily presence in the Clerk’s Office during the pandemic, working to ensure public access to the court in those challenging times. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Superior Court Integrated Technology Governance Committee, a statewide governance committee, responsible for the implementation and improvement of the Massachusetts Trial Court case management system, e-filing, e-documents, and other technology related issues. He is also a member of the Civil SubCommittee, which is responsible for the improvement of the system as it relates to civil practice and procedure. John lives in South Boston with his wife Nancy, who by the way, was the first girl to play in the South Boston Little League, and his daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth. He has been honored to serve all who appear before the Suffolk Superior Court and would like to continue do so as the elected Clerk Magistrate. The Association, along with The City of Boston Credit Union, Mass Bay Credit Union and Comcast will once again be sponsoring a full roster of civic and sporting events over a three-week period as part of its annual commemorative celebration of Evacuation Day.

The Association’s events begin with the Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast on Saturday March 2nd, at the Sea-Point Restaurant 10:00A.M., where the Henry Knox Un-sung Hero Awards will be presented, followed by a host of educational and athletic events throughout the month of March. This year’s SBCA commemorative events will also include the Memorial Mass, 9AM St. Augustine’s Chapel and followed by the Memorial Exercises in the vicinity of Dorchester Heights (Due to Construction Renovations), after the mass on Friday, March 15th, with the 144th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet at the Boston Convention Center later that evening 5PM. The full schedule of events, as well as the identities of the 2024 Henry Knox Award, John W. McCormack Public Service Award, The John “Joe” Moakley Outstanding Citizens Award and James “Jim” Kelly/Margret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Community Service awards, will be announced in the coming weeks. “A limited number of tickets are available for our Banquet, which is the capstone event of the 2024 commemorative activities,” Stated McGrath. “Anyone who is interested in purchasing a table/ ticket to the banquet should email me as soon as possible at tmcgrath1963sb@g mail.com.”

Councilor Flynn selected to join National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 University Communities Council

Last week, Councilor Flynn was selected to join the National League of

Cities (NLC) University Communities Council for their 2024 membership. Prior to the selection, Councilor Flynn has been an active National League of Cities member and recently participated as a panelist at the Annual NLC City Summit and Council Presidents Convening in Atlanta, Georgia. The objectives of the University Communities Council include sharing ideas and creative solutions to the challenges affecting university communities, as well as connecting municipal officials from university communities nationally to foster a spirit

of cooperation between universities, colleges, and local governments. In March 2024, Councilor Flynn will join colleagues in government throughout the country at the NLC Congressional City Conference in Washington D.C. to discuss city and university relations and other issues impacting cities and towns. “I’m honored to join the NLC University Communities Council this year. Boston is renowned for many outstanding colleges and universities, and we host a significant population of students in our city annually,” said Councilor Flynn. “We value our

relationship with these institutions of higher education, who partner with us on a multitude of issues, employ many of our residents, and whose students contribute so much to our city’s vibrancy and local economy. I look forward to working with members of the UCC to share insights and discuss the integral and indispensable roles these institutions play in Boston and the opportunities and challenges they bring.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.


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Representative Biele Votes to Pass Bill to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation, Enhance Protections for Survivors Legislation addresses image-based sexual assault, coercive control, and extends the statute of limitations for certain domestic violence offenses. State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to unanimously pass legislation that will help to prevent abuse and exploitation, while also enhancing prote c t ion s for su r v ivor s. The legislation: addresses teen sexting and image-based s e x u a l a s s au lt , c om mon ly referred to as “revenge porn;” expa nd s t he def inition of abu se to include coercive c ont rol for t he pu r pose s

of obta ining a restra ining order; and extends the statute of limit at ions for c er t a in dome st ic v iolenc e of fense s from six years to 15 years. “This bill modernizes our criminal statutes to keep up with advances in technolog y by ensuring that individuals who share explicit images of others without consent are held accountable,” said Rep. Biele. “This legislation also increases protections for sur vivors to include non-physic a l forms of abuse, such a s coercive control. I was proud to join my colleagues in the House in passing this critical legislation to prote c t v ic t i m s f rom increasingly prevalent harassing and intimidating behaviors.” Cu rrent ly, minors who

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possess, purcha se, or sha re explicit photos of themselves or other minors are charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register as sex of fender s. T he le g i sl at ion passed today instead authorizes commitment to the Department of Yout h Ser v ic e s (DYS), but also allows minors to be diverted to a n educationa l program in lieu of criminal punishment. A district attorney, however, is allowed to petition the court to bring criminal cha rge s in extreme c a se s. The educational diversion program, to be created by the Attorney General in consultation w it h t he Depa r t ment of Elementa r y a nd Second a r y Education (DESE), DYS, and the District Attorneys Association, would provide teenagers with information about the lega l and nonlegal consequences of sexting, which would be made available to school districts. DESE should also encourage districts to implement media literac y progra ms in t heir schools as a prevention measure. I n a dd it ion to te en sexting, the bill addresses the nonconsensual distribution of explicit images by adults by establishing a penalty in the existing criminal harassment statute, including up to two and a half years of prison time and/or a monetary fine of up to $10,000. The bill increases the upper limit of the f ine for criminal harassment from $1,000 to $5,000. Under this bill, a victim may also petition the court for a harassment prevention order against a person who has violated this statute. The bill passed by the House also adds coercive control to the def inition of abuse. Coercive control is a nonphysical form of

State Representative David Biele abuse which includes a pattern of behavior, or a single act intended to threaten, intimated, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance of a family or household member that causes the family or household member to fear physical harm or to have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy. Examples of coercive control include t hreating to sha re explicit images, regulating or monitoring a family or household member’s communications a nd access to ser vices, and isolating a family or household member f rom f riend s or relat ive s. The legislation passed by the House also extends the statute of limitations for assault and battery on a family or household member or against someone with an active protective order from six years to 15 years. This change brings the Massachusetts statute of limitations for these domestic violence offenses in line with the statute of limitations for rape, assault with intent to commit rape and sex trafficking. The bill, entitled “An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation” (H.4241), passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 151-0 and now goes to the Senate for their consideration.


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Sports by the Numbers: As of January, 2024 by Rick Winterson

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t’s a pleasure to report that the Boston Celtics are the only NBA basketball team left with a singledigit number of losses. After 40 total games, they have 31 wins and only nine (9) losses for a .775 W-L percentage. And they’ve been at or over a league-leading .800 W-L percentage three times earlier this season – 7 losses out of 35 played; 6 out of 30; 5 out of 25. Perhaps this’ll continue at 45W-9L, just four games from this write-up. The second-best team in the entire NBA at this point is the Minnesota Timberwolves, With 11 losses, they have a .718 W-L percentage and are numerically 2 and 1/2 games behind the Celts. For severa l yea rs now, ou r fou r major A meric a n professional sports have fielded a total of 122 teams, nine of them in Canada. These four sports are baseball (MLB-30 teams), hockey ( NHL -32), footba ll ( N F L -32), a nd ba ske tba l l (NBA-30). Three of these sports divide their numbers evenly into “Conferences”; in the case of baseball, the even groupings are called “Leagues”. The three sports organized into “Conferences” subdivide their “Conferences” into two, t hree, or four “ divisions”. Due to these numbers, for every major pro team in the U.S. (and Canada) there’s an average of approximately three mi l lion (3,0 0 0,0 0 0) Nor t h American citizens. Of course, many of these aren’t fans of pro sports, but a lot of them enjoy the Olympic Games, minor league play, college athletics, and local high school games. A large number of Americans play amateur team sports as well. Ever since the 1800s – two centuries back – the numbers prove the U.S.A. is a sporting nation. The whole world now enjoys sports that either began

or grew up in America. And since the 1990s, we’ve had a professional soccer league, too. It has been a week since Bill Belichick stepped down as the New England Patriots Coach and General Manager. Media of ever y k ind are honoring him. But more than that, his six (yes, 6) Super Bowl victories will be an everlasting athletic achievement. He has ju st i f iably been c ompa red to A rnold “Red ” Auerbach, who took home nine (yes, 9) N BA cha mpionsh ips wh i le coaching the Boston Celtics. Can these t wo coaching achievements truly be compared? Let’s consider some numbers: An NBA basketball court measures 94 feet by 50 feet (4,70 0 squa re feet). The playing a rea of a footba ll f ield is much larger - 100 yards long by 45 yards wide (4,500 square yards, or 40,500 square feet). And basketball is always played indoors, while footba ll is played outdoors in ever y k ind of weather. Pe r h a p s even more important are the team sizes. An NBA basketball squad numbers 14 players in total. Five play at a time. Typically, there are only six starters – one of them is “the sixth man”, a quick and skilled player in reserve, if needed. In ever y game, a football team f ields t wo f u ll eleven-ma n

offensive and defensive squads. Add in the manpower on special teams, who don’t necessarily play in the regular rotation, and you have at least 25 athletes to organize, motivate, and then coach during ever y ga me. T he se nu mber s m ig ht

i nd ic ate t h at footba l l i s more diff icult to coach than ba sketba ll, except that the NFL’s regular season is only 17 weekly games long, while the NBA’s regular season is a backbreaking 82 games that stretch over seven months. Actually, these numbers simply prove there’s no fair way to compare B e l ic h ic k a nd A u e r b a c h . Truthfully, we can only claim that both of them dominated their respective sports when they were coaching here in Boston. At this writing, Belichick is getting set to move on and has met with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank. But like Auerbach, a statue in Boston of Belichick is well deserved. He has earned it. And on the statue’s pedestal, just three words should be carved – “DO YOUR JOB!”

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SBCA

for the world is for everything to be fair.” “My dream for myself is to be the best me I can be.” “My dream for the world is to end violence and war.” Great job 4A & 4B! Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr was a prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, the working class, and the oppressed around the world. While others were advocating for freedom by “any

means necessar y,” including violence, Martin Luther King, Jr. used the power of words and acts of nonviolent resistance to achieve seemingly-impossible goals to make the world a better place for everyone. MLK helped bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Each of these bills helped African Americans access civil rights across the country. King’s speeches and writings allow us to continue learning from his beliefs and practices today.

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