‘Boston’s Finest’ Premieres Wednesday
TNT’s new reality show, “Boston’s Finest,” premieres Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m. The unscripted show, which is executive produced by Donnie Wahlberg, follows the men and women of the Boston Police Department, promising “an up-close and very personal look at what it takes to protect and serve one of America’s greatest and most distinctive cities,” according to the show’s website. “Unlike many unscripted series about law enforcement, ‘Boston’s Finest’ will follow the fearless actions of the entire Boston Police Department, including beat officers, detectives, SWAT, fugitive and special task forces, as well as members of the highly decorated Gang Unit,” the TNT show description states. Some of the promotional shots from the show were filmed in Charlestown, and a few of the views shown in the video above may look familiar to local residents. So far, “Boston’s Finest” has gotten mostly positive to middling reviews. The Hollywood Reporter called the show a “well-made inside look at the Boston PD [that] will draw in fans of police procedurals.” Variety.com gave the show a B- “for effort,” saying that “‘Boston’s Finest’ fits the mold; if only the mold weren’t quite so well worn.” Media Life Magazine reports that the new show doesn’t necessarily do anything wrong but doesn’t offer anything new or creative to the genre, either. So what do you think: Does “Boston’s Finest” look like a show you’ll be tuning in to? What do you think of the above promotional video? And if this subject doesn’t do it for you, what kind of Boston-based reality show would you watch? SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Adoption of Zander (and three companion cases) (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-036-13)
NOTICE: All slip opinions and orders are subject to formal revision and are superseded by the advance sheets and bound volumes of the Official Reports. If you find a typographical error or other formal error, please notify the Reporter of Decisions, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02108-1750; (617) 557-1030; SJCReporter@sjc.state.ma.us 12‑P‑491 Appeals Court ADOPTION OF ZANDER (and three companion cases[1]). No. 12‑P‑491. Essex. December 4, 2012. ‑ February 27, 2013. Present: Kantrowitz, Katzmann, & Hanlon, JJ. Adoption, Visitation rights. Minor, Adoption, Visitation rights. Parent and Child, Adoption. Petitions filed in the Essex County Division of the Juvenile Court Department on September 5, 2008. The cases were heard by Joseph F. Johnston, J. Michael S. Penta for the mother. Ann V. Crowley for Zander & others. Daniel R. Katz for the father. Timothy J. Casey, Assistant Attorney General, for Department of Children and Families. Debra Perrotta Dow for Sam. KATZMANN, J. Marjorie, Amy, Zander and Sam are siblings. They have the same biological mother. Marjorie and Zander were adopted by the biological mother’s sister and husband. Amy was adopted by the Fisher family, and Sam was adopted by the Williams family. This appeal arises from the adoption plan for Sam and from the visitation determinations by a judge of the Juvenile Court. Different parties to the adoption appeal separate aspects of the decrees: (1) Sam’s biological father and mother appeal the judge’s decision to accept the Department of Children and Families (DCF) adoption plan rather than the biological father’s plan and the judge’s decision to deny them postadoption visits with Sam; (2) Marjorie, Amy, and Zander (the three oldest children) and the mother argue that the judge did not order sufficient visitation between the above children and the mother; and (3) the three older children and the mother also argue that the judge committed error in refusing to issue an official sibling visitation schedule. We affirm in part and remand on the issue of sibling visitation between the three oldest children. Discussion. 1. Adoption plan for Sam. The biological parents argue that the judge abused his discretion when he accepted the DCF adoption plan over the biological father’s plan. In arriving at such a decision, the judge properly considered the best interests of Sam. This court may only review such a decision for abuse of discretion or clear error of law. Adoption of Hugo, 428 Mass. 219, 225 (1998), cert. denied sub nom. Hugo P. v. George P., 526 U.S. 1034 (1999). As a general matter, the trial judge is charged with evaluating each of the adoption plans. […]
Who Would You Vote For: Menino or Connolly?
At the very least, it’ll be interesting. Boston City Councilor John Connolly threw his hat into the ring Tuesday and announced his candidacy for mayor. Connolly, a city councilor since 2007, has been raising money at an accelerated clip, according to the Globe. That money haul and speculative tweet made this the worst kept secret in the city. Menino, on the other hand, is no shrinking violet, either. A prolonged illness late last year led to speculation that the longest-serving mayor in city history would step down at the end of this term. The Globe notes, however, that a return to health has led to whispers among the cognoscenti that Menino will run again. What do you think? Should Menino run again? Does Connolly have the political organization to beat as cagey a Boston politico as the mayor? And who would you vote for in this hypothetical match up? Tell us your thought in the comments below (Write-in candidate ideas are welcome)! South End Patch
Connolly: Would Look to Preserve South End Character, Improve Schools
At-Large Boston City Councilor John Connolly announced on Tueday morning he will run for mayor of Boston this year, regardless of whether or not current Mayor Thomas Menino decides to run. Connolly said he respects Menino and his service to Boston, but noted he thought it’s time for a change in leadership. “I’ve worked with [Menino] and I’ve learned from him, however, this campaign is about Boston’s future, and the need for new ideas, new energy and a new resolve for Boston to reach its full potential.” Connolly said the way to ensure the future success of the city of Boston is to invest in its public schools to completely transform them into high-performing schools. “The success of our schools directly impacts our ability to create safe healthy and liveable neighborhoods as well as our ability to create jobs, attract talent and retain families in Boston,” Connolly said. “It’s not a mission impossible. Transforming our schools is a matter of political will and a bold desire to change the status quo.” Connolly said that specifically for the South End, he will be looking to stay make sure the neighborhood’s character remains through upcoming developments, engaging the LGBT community and the school community. “We want to make sure we’re principled about development, and that we respect and protect the character and integrity of the neighborhood,” he said. “I have a strong commitment to the LGBT community… and I’m proud of my committement there. I’ve done a lot of work with Hurley School parents and I’m a big fan of the McKinley and the Blackstone and I want to make sure we’re supporting our schools in the South End.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Five Things: Girls Hoops, Food Choices and Global Warming
1. LHS Girls Hoops Host Boston Latin: Lexington High varsity girls basketball team will look to punctuate a successful 2012-2013 campaign with a postseason run and it begins at 7 p.m. tonight, when the Minutemen host Boston Latin in the first round to the MIAA Division 1 North tournament. 2. Today in Public Meetings: According to the town website, public meetings posted for today include the ad hoc Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee at 8:30 a.m. at the DPW Building, the Town Celebrations Committee at 7 p.m. at the DPW Buildig, the Tourism Committee’s Antony Working Group at 7 p.m. at Cary Hall, the Recreation Committee at 7 p.m. at the Town Office Building and the Planning Board at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Office Building. 3. Food Choices & Global Warming with Sonia DeMarta: Basektball’s not the only thing going tonight at Lexington High. At 7 p.m., Lexington Community Education will present an evening of discussion on food choices and global warming with Sonia DeMarta, a co-founder of the Lexington Farmers Market. Costs $ 20; email info@lexingtoncommunityed.org for more information. 4. Do You Get Daily, Weekly and Breaking News in Your Inbox? If the answer to that question was “No,” then you’re missing out and need to click here to sign up for the Patch Newsletter. 5. Rainy Day, Maybe Snowy Night: Looks like rain today, with a high of 39, according to the National Weather Service, which predicts more precipitation — and possibly snow — overnight at the low gets down to 34. South End Patch
Details Shared on Albany Street Dual-Apartment Complex
Despite multiple setbacks on the Albany Street development, the project is moving forward as a dual-residential apartment complex, according to architects who presented the project’s latest plans at the Old Dover Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday night. The developer of the Albany Street site was first approved in 2010 to build two hotels and a parking lot at 275 Albany Street. That plan changed the first time in the summer of 2012 to become half hotel, half residential, and the developer is now seeking to change the project to two new residential buildings. The new proposal includes up to 220 residential units in the building on the north end of the site at 275 Albany St., identified as the “Traveler Structure.” The second building, located on the south end of the site and called the “East Berkeley Structure,” would feature up to 180 residential units in the second building. The total number of units would not exceed 380. Although the project will change in function from what was originally approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the height of the building and most of the details have remained the same. James Gray, architect with ADD, Inc. said the footprint of the building shrunk a bit, leaving room for more open space. “The lot coverage was about 85 percent of the lot, so we tighted up the footprint, and there’s now about 80 percent lot coverage which we think is an improvement,” he said. “There’s more landscaping along Albany Street to make it more friendly from a pedestrian standpoint,” he said. Gray said on the East Berkeley side of the building, the company is still developing the landscape plan, but plans include some small benches and street trees to line the sidewalk. The architects also noted the project would contain 20 percent affordable housing, although Gray noted that due to zoning, 10 percent could be on-site and 10 percent could be off-site. Also featured in the design is 1800 square feet of retail space, that developers are hoping will be some type of restaurant or cafe. Tamara Roy, principal at ADD Inc. said a cafe or similar type of food service business could help to vitalize the area, especially with the other incoming development, Ink Block, in the same neighborhood. Construction on the project, if all is approved by the BRA, would begin around mid-September of this year, and the first phase, which includes completing the Traveler Street building would take about 22 months. The second building would follow in another six months. The developer, Normandy Real Estate Partners, is scheduled to appear before the full BRA on the project changes on Thursday, March 14 at […]
Things to Know in the South End Today, Feb. 27: Live Music at Darryl’s
1. Weather: The National Weather Service is predicting a pretty gross day. It will start out with rain and snow and turn into all rain after 8 a.m. High temperatures will be around 39 degrees. 2. Bass Guitarist at Darryl’s: Bass guitarist Chris Faison, of Soul Fuzion, will perform tonight at 7 p.m. at Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen (604 Columbus Ave.) Faison will be playing different blends of music ranging from Top 40 to Old School. See here for more information. 3. For Middle Schoolers: An “Art Journaling for Fifth-graders and Up” workshop will be held Thursday, February 28 at the South End branch library between 4 and 5 p.m. It’s free and materials will be provided. See here for more information. 4. International Women’s Day: Boston area women are invited to attend the city’s International Women’s Day Celebration on Friday, March 8 at Simmons College (300 The Fenway). A suggested donation of $ 6 per person includes a light continental breakfast and an informative discussion on the issue of women and hunger. RSVP by Monday, March 4 at http://iwd2013.eventbrite.com. 5. Boston-Based Reality Show Premieres Tonight: TNT’s new reality show, “Boston’s Finest,” premieres tonight at 9 p.m. The unscripted show, which is executive produced by Donnie Wahlberg, follows the men and women of the Boston Police Department, promising “an up-close and very personal look at what it takes to protect and serve one of America’s greatest and most distinctive cities.” See here fore information. Things you can do every day on South End Patch: Share your news with the rest of the community. Click here to add an announcement. Add your events to our events calendar. Click here to sign up for breaking news updates. Want up-to-the-minute news? Click here to follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Share your thoughts on your community in a blog. Click here to get started. South End Patch
Authorities Identify Man Found Dead Under I-93 Overpass
State police detectives have tentatively identified the man who was found dead beneath the I-93 overpass in the South End on Monday morning, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. Auhorities said the man is believed to be a 43-year-old Roxbury resident. However, police will not release his name until family members have been contacted. A passerby called 9-1-1 on Monday morning to report seeing the man’s body in a gravelly area beneath Interstate 93 near Albany and Traveler streets just before 8:30 a.m. Police and the Boston Medical Examiner’s office are still investigating the cause of the man’s death. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call investigators at 617-727-8817. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Freddo v. Freddo (Lawyers Weekly No. 11-035-13)
NOTICE: All slip opinions and orders are subject to formal revision and are superseded by the advance sheets and bound volumes of the Official Reports. If you find a typographical error or other formal error, please notify the Reporter of Decisions, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02108-1750; (617) 557-1030; SJCReporter@sjc.state.ma.us 12‑P‑692 Appeals Court MARY ELLEN FREDDO vs. STEPHEN M. FREDDO. No. 12‑P‑692. Hampden. January 4, 2013. ‑ February 26, 2013. Present: Fecteau, Hanlon, & Sullivan, JJ. Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Divorce and Separation, Modification of judgment, Child support, Foreign judgment, Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction, Modification of divorce judgment, Child support, Probate Court. Probate Court, Jurisdiction, Divorce. Parent and Child, Child support. Civil action commenced in the Hampden Division of the Probate and Family Court Department on December 6, 2007. A complaint for modification of judgment, filed on August 23, 2001, was heard by David G. Sacks, J., on a motion for summary judgment. Dana Alan Curhan for Stephen M. Freddo. FECTEAU, J. Stephen M. Freddo (father) appeals from a summary judgment entered against him in connection with his complaint for modification seeking the termination of his child support obligation on the ground that the parties’ children had reached the age of majority under Florida law.[1] Applying the jurisdictional mandates of G. L. c. 209D, § 6-613 (§ 6-613), a judge of the Probate and Family Court assumed authority, as matter of law, to modify the duration of the father’s support obligation articulated in the foreign judgment and to provide continued support under the “posteighteen” provisions of G. L. c. 208, § 28. As we conclude that duration is a nonmodifiable aspect of the child support order here at issue, we reverse the judgment. The father and Mary Ellen Freddo (mother) were married on July 4, 1981. The marriage produced four children; as here relevant, the two youngest were born on August 3, 1990, and September 8, 1992. The parties were divorced on January 12, 1995, by a “Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage” (Florida judgment) entered by the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, Florida, Family Law Division (Florida Circuit Court). The Florida judgment included a provision for child support, which was to terminate entirely, inter alia, “upon the minor children reaching the age of majority.” On January 31, 1997, a judge of the Florida Circuit Court modified the Florida judgment, increasing the amount of the father’s child support obligation. Since January 31, 1997, however, the Florida judgment has not been modified by any court, despite the extensive litigation between the parties. It is undisputed that the mother, the […]
Boston City Councilor Connolly Running for Mayor
Boston City Councilor John Connolly is announcing he is running for mayor today. “I’m running for Mayor because Boston should be the first city in America to transform urban public schools and offer every child a world-class education. We all need our Boston Public Schools to work because great schools lead to safe and healthy neighborhoods,” wrote Connolly on his campaign website. Connolly, from West Roxbury, is in his third term, and is announcing his mayoral candidacy at the corner of Warren and Cambridge streets, in Brighton at 11 a.m. today. A former teacher and father of two young children, Connolly said he will focus on bringing “change to Boston Public Schools and to bring new ideas and new energy to the challenges facing the City of Boston.” “If I’m elected mayor, I’ll work every day for Boston to be a city where anyone can make their home and say it was the best decision they ever made,” wrote Connolly on his website. South End Patch