Boston GreenFest Kicks Off on Thursday
Find out what's happening in the South End and nearby today, Wednesday, August 14, 2013. South End Patch News
Summer Reading Kicks Off at Boston Libraries
Summer reading at Boston Public Library offers programs and activities designed to inspire children’s creativity and imagination. The theme for 2013 is “Dig into Reading” for children up to age 12. Programs begin in June. Boston Public Library is dedicated to providing educational programming for youth during summer months, helping keep children engaged in reading and in their communities while out of school. Summer reading programs are designed for children to have positive learning experiences and to encourage reading as a lifelong habit. “This summer’s programming is sure to excite children with the varied offerings, which include everything from science and math programs to themed story times and garden crafts,” said Jessi Snow, youth services coordinator for the Boston Public Library. Summer reading is packed with free, fun activities for children and families. Boston Public Library locations will be offering visits from Dr. Can-Do Science, the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. The summer schedule includes Countdown to Kindergarten celebrations as well as visits from the ReadBoston Storymobile and the annual Read Your Way to Fenway essay contest. For a look at the calendar and hours at the South End Branch, visit bpl.org/branches/southend.htm. Boston Public Library’s 2013 summer reading brochure is available online at www.bpl.org/summer where children can find activities just for them. Copies of the brochure are available at all library locations and at Boston Centers for Youth and Families. The summer reading program is made possible by the Boston Public Library Foundation, John Hancock, the Red Sox Foundation, and Bill and Cheryl Swanson. “Dig into Reading” is sponsored by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. —Submitted by Boston Public Library South End Patch
Felix Arroyo Kicks Off Campaign for Mayor
Standing in front of a wall lined with supporters, another city councilor announced he would be running for mayor Tuesday morning. City Councilor Felix G. Arroyo officially entered his name into the race at a press conference from SEIU Local 615 Tuesday morning. If elected, Arroyo, who lives in Jamaica Plain, would be Boston’s first Latino mayor. Arroyo answered a few questions from the media, including one about his campaign’s approach. “I will have the strongest grassroots campaign, powered by committed volunteers and funded by small donors, that’s…the only way that I would want to win, and that’s exactly how I will govern,” he said. Arroyo has been an organizer advocating for workers’ rights at SEIU 16. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Suzanne Lee Kicks off City Council Campaign for District 2
Suzanne Lee, who came within 97 votes of unseating incumbent Bill Linehan in 2011, announced on Wednesday she is again running for the Boston City Council in District 2, which includes the South End. Lee said she remains committed to improving the quality of life here in Boston, and to developing “safe and vibrant communities.” “As I’ve continued to talk to residents throughout the district, I still hear concerns about jobs and liveable wages, about ensuring that every child has a quality education and about making Boston a place where families can find affordable housing options,” Lee said. “As City Councilor, I will build on my years of service to our communities and work hard to deliver the results that our families deserve.” More about LeeLee’s previous campaign in 2011 came just 100 votes short of unseating incumbent Bill Linehan. A resident of Chinatown, Lee has worked in the Boston Public Schools for 35 years, first as a teacher and later as a principal. She led a turnaround at the Baldwin School in Brighton, then went on to head the Josiah Quincy Elementary School for 10 years. During her tenure the school was named one of the Best 100 Elementary Schools in Massachusetts. Lee, a first generation immigrant, first got involved in community work by helping immigrant mothers launch the first Chinese Parents Association and helping unemployed garment workers secure Boston’s first bilingual training program. She has also worked closely with the Boston Foundation to address persistent poverty in the city. Lee grew up in Grove Hall, the child of garment and restaurant workers, and graduated from Girls’ Latin School. Lee was the first in her family to attend college, earning a scholarship to Brandeis University. Later, she earned her Master’s degree at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. “Suzanne’s work at the Josiah Quincy school demonstrates that she knows what it takes to builda successful urban school,” said Josh Weissof the South End, a longtime education advocate and parent of two children in the BPS. “As City Councilor, I am convinced that she will bring neighbors andcommunity groups together to help solve many of the issues our schools face.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch