SBOL_06_22_2023

Veterans Town Hall Friday

Council President Flynn to host Virtual Veterans Town Hall this Friday, June 23.

Boston City Council President Ed Flynn will host a virtual Veterans Town Hall this Friday, June 23, 2023 at 3pm on Zoom. The Town Hall is organized in light of the City Council’s passage of the amended FY24 budget, which voted 7-5 in favor of cutting over $31 million in public safety services, as well as a $900,000 cut from the Office of Veterans Services.

The Veterans Town Hall will focus on listening to the needs of the Boston Veterans community and the challenges they face, walk through the array of important services and benefits the City’s Office of Veterans Services provides, and explain why these are vital to the physical, mental well-being of our veterans, women

Hotel California – BINGO!

veterans, and military families.

“When we send our military into harm’s way, we have a duty to look after them when they return as veterans, learn about the issues affecting them, and advocate for better care and support for them and their families,” said Council President Flynn. “The current $900,000 cut to the Office of Veterans Services will have a devastating impact on our veterans and military families. Our veterans have served our country with honor and bravery, and it is never a good time to cut services they depend on. We, as a City, must do better to ensure that our veterans and women veterans are able to continue to receive services related to disability and health care benefits, mental health resources, and PTSD support, among others.”

For more information, please contact Council President Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Game Days at Pappas Way Bring the Fun and Music Bridget

O’Halloran and her son, Torin, had a blast at the musical bingo event at Pappas Way last week. Bridget and Torin stopped to talk while playing a rousing game of ring toss near the Recreation Station before the bingo started.

“This is pretty awesome,” Bridget said. “It’s good for families;

there are fun games, good music. We can’t wait for bingo.” Travel through the Decades Musical Bingo was the second in a series of three Game Days at Pappas Way. This free series has been a huge hit. The first one, Family Pop and Disney Hits Musical Bingo, on June 8, sold out right away. So more tickets were added to last week’s event. The third Game Day,

An Ad Hoc Meeting – City of Boston Budget Reallocations

was adamantly opposed to the proposed cuts. Everyone uniformly supported Mayor Wu in restoring her original budget figures. The decrease in veterans’ services was an especially sensitive issue, and everyone at the meeting was encouraged to contact City Council members to express their opinions.

So what were these proposed City Council reallocations all about?

by Rick Winterson

City Council President

Ed Flynn called a meeting of concerned residents at the Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 on Fourth Street. The central issue at this meeting was the City Council’s proposed reallocations to Mayor Wu’s City of Boston fiscal 2024 budget –especially the cuts to Boston’s Police Department, as well as to the City’s Office of Veterans Services. These cuts amounted, in total, to some tens of millions of dollars. To summarize, everyone at Council President Flynn’s meeting

Last week by a 7-5 vote, the City Council tried to reallocate just over $50 million ($50,000,000) of the budget proposed by Mayor Wu. Obviously, that is only a small percentage of Boston’s $4.28 billion ($4,280,000,000) total budget, but even small percentages of large figures add up. For example, the reallocations would cut the largest single amount from the Boston Police Department, the BPD. This was $30 million ($30,000,000), which not only would lead to less cops on a beat and an increase in crime, but also could be mathematically impossible due to overtime demands on the BPD. As it is right now, the BPD is 400 officers understaffed, so any cut might reduce the BPD’s Community

Services efforts as well. The Office of Veterans Services would have lost one-seventh or 14% of its budget. In addition to the police and to veterans, the City Council’s reallocation attempt would also have diminished funds for firefighting, public transport, the Boston Public Library, and certain public works.

This would damage Boston’s ability to perform “core services”, which are the most essential ones.

Since then, Mayor Wu has shown leadership by rejecting the reallocations proposed by the 7-5 City Council vote described

above. However, time is short. Wednesday, June 28, will see a final vote on the City’s budget, which then goes into effect on July 1. Even though the Mayor rejected the City Council’s reallocations, a two-thirds, 8-4 vote by the Council could bring them back. Get in touch with members of the City Council and let them know personally how you feel. It is especially important to inform the At-Large City Council members (Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, and Flaherty) of your opinion concerning any more attempted reallocations

Tom Lyons emphatically opposes City of Boston Veterans Services budget cuts.

Flynn opens the meeting on proposed City budget cuts.

Partying and Fundraising at the Harry McDonough Sailing Center

by Rick Winterson

The Harry McDonough Sailing Center fundraiser last Thursday was actually quite the event. Held at the Center itself on the Pleasure Bay shoreline, it was a perfect evening for a cookout –warm, with a mild breeze and a more than eye-catching sunset. The lagoon seemed especially calm and friendly; the walk out to the edge of the new dock was a real pleasure. The unusual components of the new Sailing Center dock are corrosion-proof plastic floats that flex a bit as they are walked upon. Unusual, yes! But also effective. The fundraiser was another one of those good old Southie “times”. More than a hundred came and went. Most stayed for a long while. Memories were recalled with joy. Among those taking part in the many conversations and the non-stop gales of laughter were

Edso Foley – up from Falmouth –Jimmy Callanan, Rep. David Biele, Billy Higgins, Denise Higgins Cohen, and Rob Pacitti – just to name a few. And George at the grille skillfully turned out oceans of hot dogs and burgers non-stop. Music by the Thomas Park Band added to the festivities.

Thomas Park is perhaps the most prominent of South Boston’s bands. The Band’s lead singer is Paul Eastman, and you know something, a new bass guitarist played with them at the Sailing Center’s fundraiser. His name is “Michelangelo” – just that, only one name. Not only is Michelangelo a talented bass player,

he hails from Sandwich, was once a monk, and practices “reiki” – a therapy that involves energy healing. And to repeat, when the Harry McDonough Sailing Center’s fundraising party was over, the sunset along Day Boulevard was stunning – a great way to end a Southie “time”.

By Carol Masshardt

Eighteen-year-old Excel High School graduate Quantae

Blakey loved English and Science, but beyond academics learned how to persist with dignity in less-thanideal circumstances. He moved to South Boston from Lynn to live with his father three years ago and has had more adjustments than many adults know in a lifetime. He quickly named at least seven places he lived, including family shelters and with relatives.

“Graduation is something I wanted to do for my dad, Derick Blakey,” he said. He also knows it may help his future. “I love to cook, so I hope something like that can work out. Not so much customer service, but the culinary arts part is one of my goals.”

“I’ve been isolated most of my life,” said Quantae. “I did have friends in Lynn so initially I didn’t want to come to Boston, and here it was just me and my dad, but I got used to it. The school wasn’t the best or worst. There

South Boston Graduate: Quantae Blakey

are some amazing staff and teachers there, but it’s chaotic, and kids pull fire alarms and then everyone deals with that,” he said with a sense of resignation. “I deal with it by staying to myself. I used to play basketball and football when I was younger but didn’t here.”

Quantae observes closely and comments thoughtfully. “I didn’t have much guidance at all growing up, my mom had her own issues, so I learned to rely on myself and keep a steady mindset.” He also experienced a number of loses in his family and has concluded that “life is difficult,” but he looks for “lessons.”

Quantae became involved with the Youth Advisory Board at Spoke Gallery, in South Boston that was developed to build community and artistic leadership. He remembers liking to free- draw when he was younger, but hasn’t been involved in the arts since, until now.

“To be honest, it was the money that appealed to me first. A friend told me about it.” he said referring to the stipends offered to students. “But it’s a community. A bunch of lives and stories coming together. It could be like a family. It’s supportive,” he said. “Charles, Autumn, and Richie are getting to know me, and we can talk about art and ourselves. It’s good. I think I will stick with it for another year.”

Quantae Blakey articulates his

Celebrating Kate Bennett

Kate Bennett, administrator of the Boston Housing Authority, was celebrated last Saturday at the Peace Breakfast at Monica’s Kitchen/St. Monica Church. Kate is retiring after a long and distinguished career as an advocate for housing justice and as a public servant to individuals and families seeking affordable and safe housing.

values clearly and without hesitation.

“What is important to me is self-respect, respect for others, and having morals. I know my limits and I want to understand myself and others. I know how to treat people,” he said softly but surely. “I was depressed and angry at fifteen-sixteen, and never asked for help,” he adds.

His goals are not unlike many new high school graduates. “I want to work in culinary arts or the trades,” he said.” My long, long-range goals is to get a home, and if I have the right woman, to be a dad. Those are long term. Right now, I

need to get my ID and get a good job.” Quantae Blakey may have had to go it alone early, but he now has a community joining his family. There is ample reason to believe that the next article may well be about his success in an area of one of his many talents. Congratulations, Quantae! Your community is proud of you.

(If you know of others graduates you would like to see in this column, please contact carolhardt@comcast.net)

Quantae Blakey

Council President Ed Flynn, Councilor Michael Flaherty and State Representative David Biele joined residents in thanking Kate for her many years of dedicated and compassionate service.

Fr. Kennedy, pastor of St Monica Church and Capt. Boyle offered congratulations to Kate who holds a framed apron. The apron is a symbol of the ministry at Monica’s Kitchen to be servants to others. Kate has been a true servant to residents in the city’s public housing community and leaves a legacy that will always be remembered.

Peace Picnic

The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the smiles were big at the Monica’s Kitchen Peace Picnic Wednesday night on the St. Monica’s lawn. There were burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, chips, ice cream, camaraderie, games, and more. Everyone was welcome to join together to build a community of peace.

Massport will host a hybrid information session (in-person and virtually) to provide an overview of the topics that will be included in the upcoming 2022 Boston Logan International Airport ESPR. These topics include: ground transportation, activity levels/ forecasting, aircraft noise, air quality, regional transportation, and airport planning. This information session will be streamed in English and Spanish.

The hybrid information session will take place: Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. Cathy Leonard-McLean Community Room Logan Airport’s Rental Car Center* 15 Transportation Way East Boston, MA 02128

To access the meeting link and for more information, please visit: www.massport.com/logan-airport/about-logan/ environmental-reports/

*Limited parking is available at the front parking lot of the Rental Car Center; Access also available via the MBTA Blue Line Airport Station and Massport bus.

Additional languages for the Public Information Session on the 2022 Boston Logan International Airport Environmental Status and Planning Report will be available upon request; requests for additional languages are due by Thursday, June 22, 2023. For more information or to request translation services please contact community@massport.com.

Pueden solicitarse servicios de interpretación en otros idiomas para la sesión informativa pública sobre el Informe de Estado Medioambiental y Planificación del Aeropuerto Internacional de Boston Logan; las solicitudes de otros idiomas deben enviarse antes del jueves 22 de junio de 2023. Para obtener más información o para solicitar servicios de interpretación, escriba a community@massport.com.

Lang adisyonèl pou Sesyon Enfòmasyon Piblik sou Planifikasyon ak Rapò Sitiyasyon Anviwònman Ayewopò Entènasyonal Boston Logan pou ane 2022 a ap disponib sou demann, ou dwe fè demann pou lòt lang yo anvan jedi 22 jen 2023. Pou plis enfòmasyon oswa pou mande sèvis tradiksyon, tanpri, kontakte community@massport.com.

Outros idiomas para a Sessão de Informação ao Publico sobre o Relatório do Planejamento e Situação Ambiental de 2022 do Aeroporto Internacional de Logan em Boston serão disponibilizados mediante solicitação. O prazo para o pedido de idiomas adicionais terminará na quinta-feira, dia 22 de junho de 2023. Para obter mais informações ou solicitar serviços de tradução, contate community@massport.com.

Tiếng Việt Các ngôn ngữ thêm cho Phiên Thông Tin Công Cộng về Tường Trình Hoạch Định và Trạng Thái Môi Trường của Phi Trường Quốc Tế Boston Logan năm 2022 sẽ có sẵn theo yêu cầu; yêu cầu thêm ngôn ngữ phải có trước Thứ Năm, ngày 22 tháng 6 năm 2023. Để biết thêm thông tin hoặc để yêu cầu dịch vụ dịch thuật, hãy liên hệ community@massport.com.

By Carol Masshardt

There is a special joy in the accomplishments of adults who work tirelessly to learn the English language and culture. Such was the experience on June 15, 2023, as sixteen new graduates received Certificates of Completion at Level 6, the most advanced stage in acquiring English as a second language. They are women and men, some parents, nearly all working, and all determined to better their lives and those of their families. In addition to taking the classes and studying, many, according to coordinator, Trevor Farrell, work two jobs.

“They become motivated, and we see how what they learn helps them reach their dreams. They grow exponentially as they learn, and it is very gratifying,” said Farrell. “They also are so

appreciative of the opportunity.”

In the current class, twenty began and sixteen completed, which is quite exceptional for a program of adults with complex lives and multiple demands. They are Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian. French, Russian and Haitian

Paul J. Gannon PC

Creole, and work or have worked in restaurants, as cleaners, as teachers, a priest, and a host of other positions. The program, grant funded by the Ma. Dept of Education will track the student’s continued success as they continue building confidence in language and enter colleges, promotions, and selections of work. Some already have a master’s degree from their country of origin, and many will begin community college.

Beyond individual achievement, the sense of mutual support and pleasure in their success together was on ready display at their ceremony as awards were given and cheers filled the room. Their comments were unforced and generously expressed.

“I like everything. The teachers and the whole program. We learned about cultural things and saw historic sites.”

“We talked about our futures and how we would continue.”

“We went step by step, and the school mirrors the directions we can all take.”

“It will help me with citizenship, and I met and learned about all cultures beyond my own. That helps.”

The specifics of the program are impressive enough, patient teaching through multiple levels, merging techniques that work for all languages of origin to learn English, incorporating culture and history and providing support for next steps and tracking of outcomes. The qualities less quantified are pride in learning English and embracing American culture, passion for education, and a determination on the part of students and staff at all levels to work together for better and more inclusive opportunities. The contributions of the new graduates may well be felt for generations.

Congratulations, graduates, and staff at Laboure!

Continued from Page 1

Bingo

Family Pop and Taylor Swift Hits Musical Bingo, on June 22 is sold out.

Erika McAuliffe and Rebecca Griffing, co-founders of EMRG Events, organized the Game Days for Oxford Properties and Pappas Enterprises. Erika and Rebecca have seen musical bingo before and knew it was fun and family-friendly.

The bingo players got cards with song names on them. The DJ played a clip of each song and if the player’s card had the song, it got crossed off. Since the songs were

from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and today, the kids needed adult help for the song names.

Everyone had a great time, marking off songs and dancing to the beats.

In addition to the three Game Days, EMRG is scheduling more events for the fall, such as movie nights, a wellness weekend, a dog Halloween festival, and more. “We’ll be activating the space more,” Rebecca said. These events help bring the community together, the duo said, noting the area around the Recreation Station is a beautiful place for the community to hang out.

The Game Day activities featured not only bingo, but also food trucks, a variety of kids games, activities from the Rec Station – the binoculars were quite popular – and trees to climb.

Emerald Davis and her family checked out the Travel through the Decades Bingo. “It’s really nice,” she said. “This is so great.”

Emerald has come by the Rec Station but has never opened it up. This event has changed that.

“It’s nice because I feel like this part of Southie I never spend any time in and I don’t really think of it as Southie.”

As Pappas Way is becoming more connected to the Seaport, “it will feel like one neighborhood,” Emerald said.

2023 Graduation Exercises Notre Dame Education Center

by Rick Winterson

The Notre Dame Education Center (NDEC) held its 2023 Graduation Exercises at 200 Old Colony Avenue. It was a joyful occasion, after years of hard work by the graduating students.

The graduates solemnly proceeded into the room to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance March” by Edward Elgar. Charles Shediac, the Chair of the NDEC Board of Directors served as the Master of Ceremonies, welcoming everyone and congratulating the graduates. Sr. Geraldine Burns read a meaningful Invocation that focused on the themes of gratitude and celebration. Opening remarks were delivered by NDEC Program Director Manny Reynoso, who concluded his words to the graduates by proclaiming, “You matter!”

Leslie Feeney, YES/AES Program Manager at NDEC, introduced the graduation’s Student

Speaker, Megan Rose Harrison. Harrison’s theme was the necessity to “keep moving forward in life.” Diplomas and certificates were then presented by Charles Shediac and Adam Berndt, AES/YES Program Specialist. Brief biographies and expressions of thanks by each graduate were read by Berndt and NDEC Instructor Elaine Fallon as the diplomas were awarded. Applause and one shout - “We love you!” – greeted each graduate. Manny Reynoso delivered a few

Virtual Public Meeting

Farragut Rd.

June 28, 2023

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Project Description:

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3Cfb454

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 939 3394

The Proponent is proposing to construct a new four (4) story, twenty-one (21) unit residential rental building with garage parking for twenty-one (21) vehicles at 27 Farragut Road in South Boston.

Close of Comment Period: 7/14/2023

mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201

phone: 617.918.4418

email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

@BostonPlans BostonPlans.org

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

congratulatory closing remarks. As part of the Education Center’s Youth Education Services Program, the High School Diploma Program conferred diplomas on Megan Rose Harrison, Anthony Devonte Jackson, Jason Peralta, and Tayla Teixeira Barros. The Education Services Program also presented Certificates of HiSET Completion to Jonathan Breen-

Enos, Tykell Jamauri Jones, Justin Knowledge Love, Liban Mohamud, and Star Tejada Inoa. In the Adult Education Services Program, HiSET Completion Certificates were awarded to Samir Khalifa Ibraham and Jamey Reeves. At the end of the Graduation Exercises, Leslie Feeney stepped up to conduct the tassel ceremony, in which the new graduates switch the tassels on their graduation caps from the right to the left of the caps. This simple but beautiful and symbolic tradition is performed at graduations all across the U.S. And please note that graduations are often referred to as “commencements” – because graduation is certainly a new beginning to the rest of a student’s life. A supper at NDEC’s 200 Old Colony facility then followed. South Boston Online congratulates all of these recipients. Education counts!

NDEC Chair Charles Shediac welcomes graduates and guests.

The conferral of certificates and diplomas is underway.

Megan Rose Harrison, Student Speaker at the NDEC graduation.

Summer Gardens in Old Harbor/Mary Ellen McCormack

by Rick Winterson

Summer has arrived. This article was written yesterday; the 2023 Summer Solstice took place at 10:58 p.m. last night. Even though summer just began, the extensive gardens in the Old Harbor/Mary Ellen McCormack Project are already producing oceans of leafy green vegetables, which might just be the most nourishing food you can possibly eat. These greens include kale, arugula, bok choy, lettuce, spinach, and leaves of beets. And, of course, they are absolutely fresh-picked, from 10:30 until noontime every Thursday morning, right at the place you go to buy them! Just head for Sterling Square in the Project on that day and at that time. You can also find more freshly

grown goods in the second Project Garden, located near Moakley Park Field House across Columbia/Old Colony Avenue.

These gardens are the work of the Round Table, Inc., a social group founded by George Benner and staffed by young residents of the Old Harbor/ Mary Ellen McCormack Project. George himself is a Project resident; during the wintertime, Round Table, Inc., has many indoor activities. But according to George, in the summertime all Round Table activities are focused on gardening. Just one simple fact: the amount of fresh vegetables grown in these gardens each and every summer is measured in TONS!

As you go through the gardens, you’ll see that each individual growing plot is raised, carefully trimmed and weeded, and heavy with edible produce. It’s quite a sight. These plots

add up to approximately 50,000 square feet under cultivation, which is more than an acre of growth. To make the gardens even more attractive, many pollinated flowering plants are blossoming in small patches to one side or another. Visit the gardens, walk along them, and enjoy the flashes of red, yellow, and purple you’ll see. About 200 tomato plants will ripen as July progresses; you’ll find squash and cucumbers in August. And know that you can get credited for your purchases on your EBT card that will lead to SNAP or HIP reimbursements later on. Besides nourishment, although that’s very important, George Brenner believes there is a more significant meaning to the Round Table’s gardens. He believes that public gardens like these bring Old Harbor/ Mary Ellen McCormack a much stronger sense of

“community” - community that includes everyone who comes to buy their fresh vegetables from the gardens. To describe this, George uses the word “personalism”, a feeling for others that begins with face-to-face interactions in the Project’s gardens.

Boston Common Frog Pond Spray Pool Opens June 27

Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Parks Commissioner

Ryan Woods, and The Skating Club of Boston are pleased to welcome children and their caregivers to kick off the 2023 summer wading season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Tuesday, June 27. The wading pool opening is made possible by title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsors College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving and H.P. Hood LLC. The event will include a fun and exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool.

In addition to activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents can enjoy tasty treats and a visit from official mascot Frog Pond Freddie. Contributing sponsors include Polar Beverages, New England Dairy Council, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, and SourCan, with additional support from PROJECT Melanoma.

Also participating will be the Boston Police ice cream truck,

Mass Audubon, the Boston Public Library Chinatown Branch, Read Boston, and Science from Scientists. For more information visit www. boston.gov/frog-pond-opening.

A year-round recreational facility, the Frog Pond offers ice skating in the winter, a spray pool and supervised wading for youth in the summer, and the Carousel from spring through fall. Information on additional activities offered at the Frog Pond can be found by visiting www.bostonfrogpond.com.

The Frog Pond spray pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day. The facility is managed by The Skating Club of Boston and staffed by youth workers from the Boston Youth Fund. For further information, please call the Frog Pond at (617) 635-2120.

To stay up to date with news, events, and design and construction work in Boston Parks, sign up for our email list at bit.ly/GetParks-Emails and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

George Benner, founder of The Round Table and Old Harbor’s “head gardener”.

2022-2023 has been another fabulous school year here at South Boston Catholic Academy!

Ms. Keough’s students in Grade 2A celebrated the last day of school with a Red Carpet Award Ceremony. They were so excited to receive their awards!

In Ms. Monaghan’s STEM class, the third and fourth grade students built a cardboard arcade. They started off this unit by watching the video “Caine’s Arcade”. It truly is an amazing story! In order for the students to showcase all of their hard work, they hosted a Caine’s Arcade Day of Play in the school cafeteria on Monday, June 12th. Each teacher signed up for a time to bring their

SBCA End of the Year Highlights

students down to the cafeteria in order to play the games third and fourth grade built. The students worked very hard on their projects and were really excited to allow everyone a chance to play them! The third and fourth graders did an outstanding job with this STEM class project!

The First Graders in Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Byrne and Ms. Gannon’s first grade class enjoyed walking to Farragut Park for the Teddy Bear Picnic. The children ate their lunch, read with friends, listened to stories read by their teachers, and played on the playground. It was a beautiful sunny day enjoyed by all!

Our Annual Field Day, organized by Ms. Brogan, the Physical Education Teacher, was a big hit with the students. Students were placed on teams led by our 6th Graders. The team colors were Red, Orange, Navy,

Tie Dye, Lime Green, Purple, White, Gray, Light Blue, Yellow, Pink and Dark Green. Some of the games they played were…Tug of War, Tic Tac Toe, Bean Bag Toss, Egg Relay Sponge Relay, Beach Ball, Water Balloon and Sack Race. “A Reflection of Team Spirit, Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress, working together is success.” by Henry Ford

Students in K1 became published authors this school year! They brainstormed topics to write about, picked one topic, illustrated the pictures and wrote the words! Then we sent it off to the publisher!

The title of the book Ms. Hope’s student’s published is entitled: “When I Grow Up” by K1A.

The title of the book Ms. Courtney’s student’s published is entitled: “What Lives under the Rainbow” by K1C The title

of the book Ms. Erin’s students published is entitled: “When I Grow Up” by K1D. The students were so excited to become published authors! Much to their families and teachers’ amazement and delight, the K1 students did an outstanding job as authors and illustrators. As we mark the end of another great school year here at SBCA, we wish everyone a Healthy and Happy Summer! Let’s keep our school prayer that we start with each day at school in our hearts and minds. --Dear God, Thank you for creating us and giving us this day, help us grow in faith and show respect in every way. We welcome all people into our school family with care, Work hard in all subjects, have patience, and share. Guild us as we do our best to lead and learn today, and celebrate as proud students of SBCA.

Mayor’s

Garden Contest Deadline July 12

Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the 27th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest highlighting the hard work of Boston’s urban gardeners. The competition provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the skills of all Boston residents who contribute to the beauty of the city’s landscape.

Boston’s green thumbs have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, to submit their gardens for award contention. The contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, shrubs, and, in the process, helped beautify Boston’s neighborhoods.

Gardeners or those nominating their favorite gardeners may find printable and online nomination forms at boston.gov/mayors-gardencontest. The preferred method of entry is to submit photos through the online application. Alternatively, contestants may request an application by emailing their name and address to gardencontest@ boston.gov. Paper applications are also available in English and ten additional languages.

Judges will fan out across the city visiting finalists the week of

July 24. Once the votes are tallied, first place winners will receive the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor Wu while second and third place winners will be awarded certificates. Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be automatically entered into the Hall of Fame. These distinguished Hallof-Famers are not eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges. First place winners are eligible for a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of roundtrip flights for two to any nonstop destination from Boston. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. In addition, Mahoney’s Garden Centers will provide gardener’s gift bags to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2023 Hall of Fame winners.

Stay up to date with the Mayor’s Garden Contest as well as news, events, and design and construction work in Boston parks by calling (617) 635-4505, signing up for our email list at bit. ly/Get-Parks-Emails, and following our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.