THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
VOLUME XVIIII - ISSUE 27
Groundbreaking Ceremony: Martin’s Park by Rick Winterson
T
o say that it was a “celebration” strikes the wrong note. It was a “bittersweet” occasion. But there was something “uplifting” or even “solemnly joyful” and “fitting” about breaking ground for the park at Children’s Museum dedicated to Martin Richard’s memory. Martin Richard left us because of the Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013. He won’t return, but Martin’s Park assures us that he’ll never be forgotten. Such it was by the Children’s Museum at 64 Sleeper Street early last Wednesday afternoon. The sun shone brilliantly on an event formally called “Martin’s Park at Smith Family Waterfront, Groundbreaking Ceremony, 1:00 p.m., August 16, 2017”. A crowd of perhaps as many as a thousand gathered across Fort Point Channel from downtown Boston, on the
grassy plot in front of the Children’s Museum. They were there to witness the groundbreaking. One thing in particular was more than just “a nice touch”; it was “stirring”. Young people of or near Martin’s age – he was 8 years old at the time of the 2013 Marathon – were given shovels along with construction workers’ safety vests and helmets. They were the ones who actually broke ground for Martin’s Park at the end of the program, and they were justifiably excited. Fr. Sean Lennon invoked a poignant Blessing that reflected on the fragility of our lives; Boston’s Park Commissioner Chris Cook ably emceed the groundbreaking’s speakers program, which was set against the towering backdrop of Boston’s skyline. Mayor Walsh offered heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the establishment of Martin’s Park – it is to be built along the Smith Family continued on page 4
OUR EASY FREE CHECKING ACCOUNT IS JUST BETTER.
Gov. Charlie Baker delivers brief but poignant remarks at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for Martin’s Park
A History of Dissent: on Boston Common
By Richard Campbell
pasture, owned by a hermit English Clergyman William Blackstone (Blaxton) who received a patent for the property three years after the arrival of the Pilgrims, in 1623. Blackstone suggested to original settlers in Charlestown’s fetid swamp- who were suffering from a shortage of potable water- that continued on page 6
The long history of the Boston Common may be obscured to contemporary visitors who wade at the Frog Pond, take merry-go-round rides, or picnic on the lawn- but it has a history as a place of dissent that continues to echo down to this day. What is America’s oldest park began as a 42-acre private cow NO MONTHLY FEE NO MINIMUMS
SURCHARGE-FREE CASH AT 55,000 ATMS EASY ONLINE BANKING & BILL PAY GREAT MOBILE* APP & CHECK DEPOSIT CONVENIENT BRANCH ACCESS NATIONWIDE
Think We’re Kidding? See our competitive comparison chart at massbaycu.org
Stop Paying Their Fees! Open a free checking account anytime online at massbaycu.org or stop by any branch. Easy!
massbaycu.org
(617) 269-2700
147 West 4th Street, South Boston 409 D Street, Seaport Federally insured by NCUA
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
*Mobile carrier fees may apply.