►
Description
Strong Women, Families, & Communities Committee Hearing - Docket #0246: Order for a hearing to assess the need for a Senior Center in the neighborhood of West Roxbury.
A
A
A
A
D
A
Is
that
better,
good
morning,
everyone?
My
name,
is
counselor
Liz
Braden,
chair
of
the
committee
on
strong
women,
families
and
communities.
This
is
Thursday
February,
2nd
2023.
We
are
here
today
for
a
public
hearing
on
docket
number
0246
order
for
a
hearing
to
assess
the
need
for
a
senior
center
in
the
neighborhood
of
West
Roxbury
referred
to
the
committee
on
January
25th
2023.
This
target
was
sponsored
by
councilors
Kendra,
Lara,
councilor,
Michael,
Flaherty
and
Rusty
luigien.
A
This
hearing
is
being
recorded.
Written
comments
may
be
sent
to
the
committee
email
at
CCC,
dot
swfc
at
boston.gov
and
will
be
made
a
part
of
the
record
unavailable
to
all
counselors.
If
you
wish
to
provide
public
testimony
and
have
not
signed
up
to
do
so.
Please
sign
up
sign
in
at
the
table.
There's
a
table
on
the
way
and
if
you
want
to
make
public
testimony
this
morning
and
also
for
those
folks
who
want
to
come
up
when
you
make
public
testimony,
you
come
up
to
the
lectern
here
at
the
front.
A
But
if
you
need
to
sit
down
while
you
make
your
comments,
we'll
facilitate
that
this
morning,
I'm
joined
by
my
Council
colleagues
and
representatives
from
the
city,
Administration
ethos
and
Senior
volunteers
and
other
elected
officials.
This
morning
we
have
counselors
Lara
Council
Flaherty
country,
Louisiana,
they're,
the
co-sponsors
councilor
Murphy
City
councilor
at
large
representative
Rob
consalvo
representative
Coppinger
who's
also
going
to
share
some
remarks
from
Senator
rush.
So
thank
you
all
for
being
here.
We
will
have
two
panels.
A
This
morning,
a
panel
from
the
administration
Jose
maso
chief
of
Human
Services,
commissioner
Emily
Shea
from
age
strong
and
commissioner
Martin
Rivera
from
bcyf
and
their
non-city
organizations
file,
freyas
of
CEO
of
ethos,
Ray
Santos,
Chief
development
and
public
relations
officer
for
ethos,
John,
Hamilton
senior
volunteer
and
Kathy
Conway
senior
volunteer
so
with
no
further
Ado
I'll.
Just
ask
our
lead
sponsors
for
some
opening
remarks.
E
Thank
you,
madam
chair.
Can
everybody
hear
me?
Okay,
beautiful,
thank
you
everyone
for
being
here
this
morning
and
to
all
my
colleagues
for
coming
here
to
have
this
important
conversation
for
all
of
you
that
it's
your
first
time
here.
Welcome
to
West
Roxbury
senior
centers
have
become
one
of
the
most
widely
used
services
for
America's,
older
adults,
and
we've
really
seen
incredible
success
with
senior
programming
here
in
West
Roxbury.
So
we
know
that
that
reality
Rings
true
here
in
West
Roxbury.
E
We
have
a
population
of
over
9
000
senior
citizens,
it's
the
second
largest
number
of
any
Boston
Neighborhood.
This
is
27
of
the
neighborhood
here,
and
that
is
the
highest
concentration
of
seniors
in
any
neighborhood
in
the
city
of
Boston.
Now,
I'm
not
going
to
sit
here
and
read
off
a
bunch
of
Statistics
to
you
all
or
really
make
comment
about
the
benefits
that
come
with
senior
centers,
because
we
all
know
what
those
are
and
that's
why
we're
here
today.
E
What
I
will
say
is
that
all
of
you
have
dedicated
your
life
to
your
families,
to
your
neighborhoods
and
to
your
work,
and
you
deserve,
and
all
seniors
across
the
city
deserve
a
right
to
age,
with
dignity
and
in
your
community
and
I
think
that
we
can
facilitate
that
by
building
a
standalone
senior
center
in
West
Roxbury.
I
hope
that
this
conversation
today
moves
us
one
step
closer
to
getting
to
that
goal.
Thank
you,
madam
chair.
Thank.
F
Thank
you,
madam
chair.
Thank
you
and
good
morning.
Everybody
thank
you
for
your
participation
for
coming
out
this
morning
and
a
very
very
brief
because
we
want
to
hear
from
all
of
you
as
reference.
There
are
9
000
seniors
here
in
West
Rockford.
It's
a
significant
number
of
folks
in
West
Roxbury
seniors
deserve
their
own
Standalone
dedicated
space
for
programming.
F
G
G
B
Murphy
good
morning
with
Roxbury,
how
are
you
all
today?
It's
it's
great
to
see
you
all.
So,
as
you
probably
know,
I'm
Erin,
Murphy
I'm,
one
of
your
at
large
city
councilors
and
do
just
want
to
start
by
saying.
I
was
very
fortunate.
Growing
up
that
I
had
my
grandparents
growing
up
when
we
lived
close
by
my
grandmother,
genghi
lived
till
she
was
103
and
my
other
grandparents
lived
into
their
90s
so
I.
Also
as
a
young
mom.
B
My
my
own
children
had
several
great-grandparents,
so
we
definitely
grew
up
in
a
family
where
we
didn't
just
value
the
seniors
but
understood
how
important
you
are
to
your
family,
but
also
to
your
community.
My
grandmother
was
at
the
Murphy
School
Community
Center
Senior
Center,
when
it
first
opened.
B
On
the
second
floor
of
that
Community
Center
that
they're
going
to
dedicate
to
seniors,
but
I
have
seen
too
often
that
we
give
seniors
a
small
space.
They
have
to
share
it
with
another.
You
know
Center
or
Community
Center
and
then
oftentimes,
unfortunately,
they're
the
first
to
go
or
their
programming
doesn't
stay.
So
I
know
that
we
have
the
dedication
of
Chief,
masso
and
Ethos
is
here
also
but
Ellen
Emily
from
age.
Strong.
So
just
think
this
conversation
is
important,
but
when
I
I
knew
this
would
be
a
packed
room.
B
But
when
I
saw
they
were
bringing
in
chairs
in
its
standing
room
only.
You
know
this
in
West
Roxbury,
but
continue
to
Advocate,
but
know
that
you
have
our
back
on
the
council,
because
I
do
believe
that
you
deserve
a
standalone
senior
enter.
There's
one
in
Brighton,
there's
one
in
Charlestown
and
they
get
to
have
lots
of
great
programming
because
they
know
nobody
has
to
out
schedule
them
or
they
have
to
be
the
first
one
to
you
know
get
on
the
calendar.
So
thank
you
very
much
and
I
do
have
a
prior
engagement.
B
H
Right
now,
you
know
I
always
talk
about
the
fact
that
my
mom
right
now
is
73
years
old
and
too
poor
to
retire.
She
lives
next
door
to
me
so
I'm
very
fortunate
that
I
get
to
support
my
mom.
However,
that
is
not
the
case
for
so
many
of
our
elders,
who
are
at
home
alone
and
need
a
space
where
they
can
convene
with
their
peers
and
live
and
create
environments
where
you
all
can
have
a
little
bit
of
Joy.
H
You've
worked
too
hard
in
this
city
to
not
have
a
space
that
you
can
call
your
own
here
in
West
Roxbury.
So
I
just
want
you
to
know
as
one
of
your
four
large
city
councilors
that
not
only
am
I
here
to
listen
and
learn,
but
to
utilize
my
award-winning
personality
to
fight
on
your
behalf,
because
you
know
I'm
known
like
the
little
Chihuahua
on
the
city
council,
so
when
I
care
deeply
about
something
I
go
hard
for
it
and
trust
that
you
have
a
partner
in
me
in
this
discussion.
Thank
you.
A
Our
colleague
councilor
Coletta,
from
district
one
Center
apologies
this
morning,
dear
counselor,
Liz,
Braden
and
Council
colleagues,
I
regret
to
inform
you
that
I
will
be
absent
from
today's
Committee
hearing
on
docket0246
order
for
a
hearing
to
assess
the
need
for
a
senior
center
in
the
neighborhood
of
West
Roxbury
on
February,
2nd
2023.
Due
to
a
previous
commitment.
A
Kindly
kindly
read
this
letter
into
the
record:
I
am
supportive
of
more
spaces
for
our
seniors
across
the
city
of
Boston
and
support
the
West
Roxbury
Community
in
having
its
own
Center
I,
was
so
pleased
to
attend
the
opening
of
the
East
Boston
Senior
Center
last
year,
where
a
portion
of
funding
came
through
airport
impact
mitigation.
I
encourage
the
age,
strong
commission
and
the
public
facilities
Department
to
solicit
similar
Partnerships.
To
make
this
a
reality
for
the
West
Roxbury
Community,
sincerely
Gabriella
Coletta,
so
with
no
further
Ado.
A
I
Thank
you
so
much
share
Braden,
just
for
the
record
that
commissioner
Rivera
is
not
intended
today
and
she
won't
be
joining
us
today.
However,
good
morning,
chair,
Braden
Council,
Lara,
Council
of
Flaherty
Council
of
luigien
councilmania
and
Council
Murphy
Council
Lara
I,
want
to
thank
you
for
your
leadership
and
for
giving
us
the
opportunity
to
be
together
this
morning.
For
the
record,
my
name
is
Jose
maso
and
I.
I
I
In
my
role,
I
oversee
the
age,
strong
commission,
an
agency
that
both
funds
and
provides
Direct
Services
for
older
adults,
including
the
operation
of
two
senior
centers
and
I,
also
oversee
the
Boston
centers
for
Youth
and
families
which
operates
36.
Community
centers,
including
two
dedicated
senior
centers
I'm,
very
excited
to
be
here
today
and
to
be
able
to
see
many
of
our
older
adult
residents
and
attendance.
I
It's
wonderful
to
see
familiar
faces
and
to
have
this
time
to
hear
more
about
our
residents
vision
for
how
we
can
be
a
better,
a
city
that
better
meets
the
needs
of
our
older
adult
residents,
as
commissioner
Shea
will
share
in
a
moment.
We
know
how
important
programming
is
for
our
older
adult
residents.
It
offers
a
vital
opportunity
to
connect
with
others
and
a
chance
to
be
physically
active.
To
learn
new
skills
and
to
build
community
in
the
need
is
something
that
spans
neighborhoods.
I
For
this
reason,
we
are
looking
to
take
a
holistic
approach
to
programming
for
older
adults,
to
step
back
and
see
where
programming
is
available
and
where
it
isn't
and
adjust.
Our
funding
to
address
those
gaps.
Hearings
like
the
once
a
day
provide
valuable
insight
into
helping
us.
Do
that
type
of
needs.
Assessment
I
will
hand
it
off
to
commissioner
Shea
to
share
more
detail,
but
first
I
want
to
thank
I
want
to
close
by
thanking
the
residents
who
are
here
today.
I.
I
I
In
fact,
it
was
my
birthday
so
I
remember
it
fondly,
and
the
largest
contingent
at
the
coffee
hour
was
this
group
of
older
women
who
had
signs
commissioner
Shea
Conley,
introduced
us
and
I
was
able
to
get
my
first
insights
into
the
issues
that
were
discussed
that
day
thanks,
especially
to
Val
Davis
who's,
leading
the
charge
for
a
time
and
to
Jan
Hamilton
who
has
taken
up
the
mantle
now.
We
are
grateful
for
your
partnership,
for
your
leadership
and
for
your
advocacy
and
with
that
I
will
turn
it
over
to
commissioner
Shea.
Thank
you
all.
J
Shea
you
have
the
floor.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Thank
you
good
morning,
I
chair,
Brayden,
counselors
and
councilor
Lara,
thanks
for
convening
us
today
on
this
important
issue
and
hello,
everybody
so
glad
you're
here
today
my
name
is
Emily
Shea
and
I'm.
The
age
strong
commissioner
for
the
city
of
Boston.
J
Some
of
you
may
have
ridden
on
the
age
strong
shuttle
or
met
one
of
our
advocates
in
the
neighborhoods,
but
it
also
were
also
and
as
an
Area
Agency
on
Aging.
We
also
fund
a
network
of
partner
organizations
across
Boston
who
provide
services
to
our
older
residents
and
I,
know
you're
going
to
hear
from
one
of
our
fabulous
partner
organizations
ethos
here
today,
older
adults
are
one
of
Boston's
fastest
growing
populations.
J
We
had
88
000
people
over
60
in
2010,
118
000
people
over
60
in
2020
and
in
the
latest
UMass
Donahue
Institute
projections
that
I've
seen,
which
are
from
2018.
That
number
is
projected
to
grow
to
135
000
by
2025,
146
000
by
2030
and
161
000
by
2040,
which
would
be
an
82
percent
increase
in
people
over
60
in
only
30
years.
J
J
We're
focused
on
supporting
people
to
live
well
and
age.
Well,
in
Boston
there's
a
number
of
important
factors
in
that
having
enough
money
to
be
able
to
live
and
age
with
dignity
and
meet
your
basic
needs,
accessible
communities,
access
to
programs
and
services
and
ways
to
connect
and
engage,
and
we're
here
today
to
talk
talk
about
one
of
my
favorite
topics,
which
is
senior
programming,
so
connection
and
engagement
are
essential
for
aging
well
at
the
age,
strong
commission,
we
support
programming
in
a
number
of
different
ways.
J
We
have
two
senior
centers
one
in
East
Boston
and
one
in
Brighton.
We
also
have
a
team
of
four
people,
our
Outreach
and
engagement
team,
who
coordinate
both
in-person
and
virtual
events
and
programming
across
the
city
with
our
older
Americans
act
money.
We
fund
11
partner
organizations
to
provide
programming
across
Boston,
and
we
convene
and
support
Boston
Senior
Programming
Network,
which
brings
folks
together,
who
are
running
senior
programming
in
a
learning
and
sharing
Community,
providing
them
with
training
and
small
funding
opportunities
to
enhance
their
programs.
J
In
the
past
two
years,
we've
also
been
able
to
use
some
extra
funds
that
were
unspent
in
our
budget
to
give
Community
grants.
So
in
FY
22
we
funded
17
community-based
organizations
to
support
older
adults
with
digital
access
programs,
and
right
now
we
have
16
Community
organizations
operating
programs.
We
funded
focused
on
creating
social
connections
and
reducing
isolation.
J
I
also
want
to
speak
to
our
city,
Partners
Boston
centers
for
Youth
and
families
has
two
senior
centers
in
Boston
in
Charlestown
and
in
Grove
Hall,
and
they
have
senior
programs
running
in
many
of
their
spaces,
including
here
in
West,
Roxbury
and
I
know.
Some
of
you
have
been
able
to
participate
in
yoga
and
Bridge
and
all
the
other
things
that
that
are
happening
in
those
spaces
and
bought
and
Boston
Public
Libraries
also
has
a
number
of
programs
that
older
adults
engage
in
across
the
city.
J
So
it's
a
lot,
but
we
know
that
it
does
not
fully
meet
the
need
and
our
hope
for
the
future
is
to
have
ongoing
programming
across
the
city.
For
older
adults,
we
think
it
will
be
important
to
create
an
equitable
plan
that
drives
the
growth
in
this
programming,
taking
into
account
programs
that
currently
exist,
who
does
not
have
access
and
how
we
can
leverage
consistent
spaces
where
programming
can
happen
and
how
we
can
make
sure
that
people
get
to
that
programming.
J
So
it
was
a
lot
of
community
advocacy
and
there
were
some
amazing,
older
adults
just
like
in
this
neighborhood
who
really
advocated
for
that.
The
funding
for
the
operations
of
this
that
Center
came
from
a
community
mitigation
from
massport.
So
massport
is
funding
a
good
amount
of
the
the
ongoing
operating
costs
of
that
Center
they're
paying
for
that
the
staff
to
to
do
the
coordination
and
programming
and
the
city
was
able
to
to
donate
a
library
give
a
library.
J
When
a
new
library
was
built
in
East
Boston,
we
were
trying
to
figure
out
what
were
the
uses
for
the
other
two
Library
spaces,
and
so
one
of
them
the
city
gave
for
partnership
with
massport
for
the
community
for
the
the
senior
center.
So
I
just
wanted
to
explain
that
and
so
I
know,
I've
I've
talked
a
lot
and
I
know
counselors.
You
have
you
have
questions
so
I'm
going
to
stop
there
and
we'd
be
happy
to
answer
any
questions
that
you
have.
A
E
Thank
you
we're
doing
our
best
here.
Thank
you
all
so
much
and
thank
you
to
commissioner
Shea
and
chief
muscle
for
being
here
today
and
sharing
a
little
bit
about
the
work
that
you
do.
I
do
have
a
few
questions.
My
first
question
is
the
and,
and
this
I'm
gonna
share
a
little
bit
of
context.
The
World
Health
Organization
uses
a
framework
for
their
age
friendly
cities
Network,
and
this
is
just
for
folks
that
are
not
familiar
with
it.
E
They
use
eight
areas
to
identify
and
address
barriers
to
well-being
and
participation
for
seniors
in
cities
and
during
the
Walsh
Administration
Boston
began
a
process
of
becoming
one
of
those
age-friendly
cities.
Is
that
still
something
that's
a
priority
for
age
strong?
Where
are
we
in
that
process?
And
do
you
think
that,
in
addition
of
another
Senior
Center
could
help
us
get
closer
to
that
goal?.
J
J
J
E
J
I
can
say
that
the
senior
center
in
East
Boston
was
really
Community
Driven
and
and
happened
through
the
community
advocacy
both
with
massport
and
and
with
with
the
city.
The
senior
center
in
Brighton
has
been
a
senior
center
for
a
long
time
and
I
actually
don't
know
how
it
ended
up
being
a
senior
center
for
quite
a
long
time.
J
It
was
a
non-profit
operating
a
senior
center
within
a
city
building
at
some
point
in
time
way
before
my
tenure
and
I've
been
here
12
years,
the
staff
of
the
non-profit
I
ended
up
coming
on
and
being
staff
at
the
city,
and
now
we
operate
that
Center.
So
that
is
so.
That's
I
think
a
a
long-standing
thing
in
and
then
I'm
not
sure
that
I
can
speak
to
the
to
the
bcyf
sites.
J
But
I
I
know
that
there's
there
certainly
was
a
need
and
I
think
that
the
Grove
Hall
site
there
was
there
was
a
need
there
for
senior
programming.
I,
know
they're,
actually
looking
they're
going
to
be
building
a
new
Grove
Hall
Community
Center,
because
there's
there's
a
need
for
more
space
for
everybody.
E
J
E
You
that's
incredibly
helpful,
so
you
shared
a
little
bit
to
a
lot
of
a
Fanfare
about
how
the
East
Boston
Senior
Center,
took
about
15
years
to
get
up,
and
one
of
the
conversations
that
we
have
been
having
in
our
meetings
here
in
West.
Roxbury
is
about
wanting
to
get
a
senior
center,
while
all
of
our
beautiful
seniors
are
still
here
to
enjoy.
E
J
E
J
J
E
Chair
I
have
two
more
questions.
If
that's
okay
go
ahead,
thank
you
so
much
Madam
chair.
My
second
to
last
question
is
that
last
year,
mayor
Wu
did
an
audit
of
City
owned
land
and
I
am
curious
if
you
think
that
there's
any
site
in
the
neighborhood
that
could
meet
our
needs
for
a
senior
center,
and
if
not,
are
you
willing
to
include
the
hundred
thousand
dollars
in
the
capital
budget
that
will
help
us
get
a
citing
study
for
the
center.
J
So
I
don't
actually
have
control
over
the
capital
budget
and
we
don't
have
any
the
age.
Strong
commission
doesn't
have
even
our
even
the
two
senior
centers
that
we
operate
they're,
not
our
spaces,
so
that
we
don't.
We
don't
have
any
facilities
at
the
age,
strong
commission,
so
we
don't
have.
We
don't
play
a
role
in
the
capital
budget
process.
I
Sure
so,
in
terms
of
I
mean
to
commissioner
Shay's
point:
I,
don't
have
the
exact
details
in
terms
of
what
is
available,
so
I
can't
speak
to
that
directly.
However,
I
know
for
our
cabinet
for
Human
Services
cabinet.
We
are
prioritizing
the
programming
for
older
adult
residents,
so
that's
something
that
we're
looking
at
I
believe
the
process.
The
full
process
requires
additional
input
from
departments
that
are
now
represented
here
today,
and
commissioner
Shea
alluded
to
some
of
them.
E
E
Thank
you,
rob
Coppinger
and
we've
been
working
collaboratively
to
really
offer
a
draft
of
a
plan
for
what
to
do
with
those
resources
and
possibly
find
a
location
a
few
times
a
week
where,
ultimately,
we
can
have
programming
centralized
temporarily
while
we
kind
of
go
through
a
longer
process.
Commissioner
Shea
is
there
any
update
on
where
we
are
with
using
those
resources
and
I
know
that
rep
Carpenter
will
be
giving
public
testimony.
So
maybe
he
can
share
some
as
well,
but.
E
J
F
J
Yeah
and
and
counselor
I,
don't
want
you
to
think
that
you
know
with
the
15
years.
I
was
just
saying
what
the
process
was
in
East
Boston
and
how
long
that
took
so
certainly
not
recommending
that,
but
I
I
think
that
there
have
been
some
discussions
with
rep
Coppinger
and
about
the
funding
that
he
secured
as
an
earmark
in
the
state
budget
and
where
programming
can
exist.
J
F
G
Thank
you,
chair
Braden
and,
as
I
heard,
someone
say,
I
didn't
say
my
name.
The
counselor
Roots
illegian
at
large
I
want
to
thank
commissioner
Shea
and
chief
maso
for
being
here
and
for
offering
the
testimony
I
think
there's
a
lot
of
energy,
obviously
here
and
around
the
city,
to
make
sure
that
we're
providing
adequate
programming
for
our
seniors
in
West,
Roxbury
and
around
the
city.
I
know
this
is
a
live
conversation
that's
happening
in
Mattapan.
G
All
of
our
seniors
really
deserve
to
have
programming
and
age
indignity
with
dignity
in
community,
and
if
we
wait
15
years,
I
will
soon
be
asking
for
my
own
Senior
Center.
So
we
do
need
to
get
this
done
before
15
years,
and
you
know,
government
can
be
slow
and
can
be
very
bureaucratic
and
can
take
very
long
to
get
things
done.
But
when
there's
this
much
energy
and
with
this
much
support
on
the
state
and
Municipal
level,
we
should
be
able
to
work
together
to
get
it
done
sooner.
G
I
Each
I'm,
sorry
I,
can't
see
you
no
no
words
at
all.
Thank
you
so
much
counselor,
it's
a
great
question.
So
each
each
one
does
operate
based
on
the
needs
of
the
community
and
the
constituations
which
they
serve,
and
so
Charlestown,
for
example,
may
have
different
programming
offered
there
than
in
comparison
to
the
one.
At
Grove,
Hall
I
have
been
able
to
participate
in
the
programming
that
took
place
at
Grove
Hall,
which
they
had
like
a
game
day.
I
I
lost
to
be
honest
in
dominoes,
and
they
were
not
easy
on
me
at
all.
However,
it
was
just
in
speaking
with
the
residents
there
they
did
address.
You
know
what
is
it
they're
interested
in
as
well?
They
had
some
feedback
in
regards
to
potential
programming
for
the
new
community
center.
That's
going
to
be
built
in
Grove
Hall
as
well.
So
we
are.
I
We
recognize
that
there
may
be
a
uniformed
approach
in
terms
of
blanket
offerings.
However,
we
want
to
make
sure
that
in
each
Community
we
meet
their
specific
needs
of
that
community
and
don't
say
that
we're
not
going
to
take
a
Band-Aid
approach
and
say
hey.
This
is
one
size
fits
all.
We
want
to
make
sure
that,
as
we
show
up
in
each
community
neighborhood
that
we
are
representing
in
supporting
the
needs
of
our
older
adult
residents,
there.
G
The
question
is
for,
for
both
the
chief
and
the
commissioner.
Is
there
a
structure
that
allows
for
that
sort
of
direct
engagement
and
input
from
our
Elder
residents?
Is
there
like
a
senior
action
committee
that,
over
that
gives
input
like
what
does
that
structure?
Look
like
for
us
to
make
sure
that
when
we,
when
these
are
built,
that
they
continue
to
operate
based
on
what
our
Elder
elderly
residents
want
and
need.
J
Sure
that's
a
really
good
question
counselor,
because
I
think,
unless
we're
listening
to
the
community,
we
can't
meet
the
community's
needs.
I'll
give
an
example
at
you
know
it's
as
I
said
it's
so
great
to
see
everybody
out
here
today.
We
also
have
had
a
lot
of
interest
in
senior
programming
in
other
neighborhoods.
We
were
in
Hyde
Park
a
couple
of
weeks
ago
and
what
we
did
that
day
in
Hyde
Park
is
we
brought
in
all
different
types
of
programs
that
to
give
people
a
taste
of
what
programming
was
like?
J
J
G
Great,
thank
you
and
then
just
two
short
questions
hopefully
mind.
The
way
that
I've
interpreted
this
need
is
that
it
has
become
more
acute
and
more
relevant
after
the
pandemic,
where
the
pandemic
really
isolated
people
in
their
homes
and
really
led
to
a
lot
of
both
in
our
young
old
residents,
older
residents
and
our
young
residents.
A
lot
of
acute
mental
health
issues.
J
J
That
is
why
we
dedicated
370
000
to
these
creating
connections,
grants
that
I
mentioned
across
the
city
and
why
we
were
so
grateful
for
the
for
the
dedicated
arpa
dollars
to
try
to
get
more
programming
up
and
running
across
the
city.
We
certainly
are
hearing
from
all
neighborhoods
that
that
older
adults
need
more
connect,
more
opportunities
for
connection,
and
we
are
hopeful
that
we
can
continue
to
work
to
bring
them
what
they
what
they
need
and
what
they
want.
G
J
I
I
mean
I,
I
guess
for
a
space
to
happen.
For
for
for
programming
to
happen
anywhere
right,
you
need
a
space,
you
need
the
the
funds
and
by
funds
it's
the
funds,
really
go
towards
coordination,
potentially
bringing
in
instructors,
usually
some
food
and
potentially
Transportation.
So
those
are
those
are
kind
of
the
the
pieces
to
the
puzzle.
J
So
I
don't
have
a
I,
don't
have
a
dollar
amount
to
to
get
it
built,
I
I!
Think.
If
for
any
building
right,
you
need
to
figure
out
like
what
this
I
and
I
am
not
by
any
means.
I
I've
only
owned
a
condo
for
two
years,
so
I
I
had
something
break
the
other
day
and
I
actually
thought
about
moving
so
I'm,
not
I'm,
not
the
person
to
speak
to
facilities,
but
I
think
that
for
anything,
obviously
there's
a
budget
for
getting
something
up
and
running.
J
J
I
can
certainly
get
those
details
to
you
of
our
kind
of
current
spaces
and
what
those
those
operating
budgets
look
like.
But
the
way
our
two
programs
run
right
now
we
have,
they
have
a
staff
of
two,
so
a
director
and
an
assistant
director
and
then
some
money
for
programs
to
bring
in
instructors
or
buy
craft
supplies
or
whatever
is
needed.
G
Thank
you.
Thank
you,
commissioner.
I
appreciate
all
of
your
work.
I
think
those
numbers
would
really
help
ground
Us
in
this
conversation.
So
look
look
forward
to
that
and
as
a
recent
homeowner
myself
I
am
with
you,
I
want
to
call
the
landlord
whenever
there's
a
problem
and
the
landlord
is
me
so
yeah.
Thank.
B
Thank
you
chair
and
thank
you
for
your
testimony
that
information
is
helpful.
I
do
just
want
to
reiterate
that
if
we
as
a
city
truly
value
our
seniors,
our
capital
budget
and
our
spending
is
going
to
reflect
that.
So
we
do
need
to
remember
that
we
are
a
rich
city
and
this
room
is
full
of
people
today.
B
But
we
really
need
to
continue
to
make
sure
that
us
on
the
council,
when
it's
budget
season
or
every
Department
knows
that
yes,
Emily
Shea,
like
you,
don't
have
a
final
say,
but
your
voice
does
matter
and
I
know.
You
know
that
so
so
continuing
to
make
sure
that
you're
reaching
out
not
to
your
elect
just
to
your
elected
officials,
but
also
to
anyone
who
works
in
City
Hall
in
any
Department
that
you
can
say
hey.
Can
you
advocate
for
this,
because
the
more
voices
always
make
a
difference?
B
Also
I
know
it
is
true,
and
you
mentioned
this
Emily,
but
you
know
the
community
has
to
drive
the
needs
and
you
know
the
wants
of
the
programming.
So
that's
definitely
a
conversation
not
if,
but
when
this
senior
Standalone
Center
is
built
that
it
will
be
the
community
that
drives
what
what's
there,
because
every
neighborhood
has
an
at-large,
City
councilor
I
know
firsthand
that
every
neighborhood
is
different.
B
There's
lots
of
things
that
we
have
in
common,
but
there's
also
different
needs
depending
on
where
you
live,
and
one
thing
through
the
pandemic,
which
was
wonderful,
that
age
strong
did
step
up
and
seniors.
There's
there
was
a
learning
curve,
not
just
for
seniors,
but
for
many
to
get
connected
to
iPads
or
computers
and
understand
Zoom,
but
a
lot
of
programming,
and
you
should
check
the
age
strong
website.
B
If
you
don't
already
know,
but
every
day,
there's
different
like
salsa
and
different
programming,
that
anyone
across
the
city
can
access
and
I
know
many
of
our
community
centers
now
and
senior
centers
do
have
that
on
their
schedule,
so
you
can
be
at
home
or
you
can
show
up
at
a
center.
That's
already
there.
B
B
I
would
have
to.
You
know
ask
you,
people
who
live
here
in
West
Roxbury,
but
I,
don't
see
that
there's
any
big
Development
coming
that
you'd
be
able
to
get
a
windfall
like
East
Boston
did
a
building
a
building
or
something
so,
even
though
you're
here
today,
I
don't
think.
Even
though
I
know
you
get
a
room
full
of
seniors,
you
can
move
mountains,
you
can
make
things
happen,
but
I
wouldn't
want
you
to
leave
today.
Thinking
that
the
burden
for
this
Center
is
on
just
your
shoulders.
B
Make
sure
that
you
understand
that
seeing
you
here
today
and
your
voices
matter,
but
you
definitely
need
young
kids.
We
should
have
school-aged
children
out
here
too
advocating
for
a
senior
center.
They
have
grandparents,
their
parents
will
be
seniors
soon.
We
need
everyone
in
the
community,
not
just
the
seniors
advocating
for
this
to
make
this
happen.
So
no
other
questions
and
I
do
look
forward
to
the
other
panelists
to
hear
Mejia.
H
Thank
you,
chair
and
thank
you
to
commissioner
Shea
and
chief
muscle.
I
was
startled
with
the
15-year
timeline
too,
because
that's
a
long
time
to
hurry
up
and
wait
for
anything
these
days,
and
so
I
am
encouraged,
though,
that
we
do
have
an
Administration
that
has
really
been
thinking
outside
the
box.
H
In
terms
of
how
do
we
remove
those
barriers
to
move
things
along
because
when
it
comes
to
government,
it
feels
like
drip,
drip,
drip,
molasses
and
I
think
that
there
are
ways
for
us
to
do
things
a
little
bit
different
to
to
meet
the
moment,
and
so
I
want
to
encourage
us
to
really
think
outside
the
box.
As
we
continue
to
move
this
conversation
forward,
I
guess
I
do
have
some
questions.
H
I
always
say
that
Boston
is
resource
rich,
but
coordination,
poor,
and
so
we
have
this
amazing
opportunity
to
work
across
different
city
departments
and
I'm
just
curious.
If
you
know,
if
you
had
to
name
a
few
departments
that
could
help
support
this
work
outside
of
age
strong.
What
would
what
would
those
departments
be?
I,
I
think
about
Workforce
Development,
a
lot
of
our
age.
H
A
lot
of
our
seniors-
yes,
you
guys
have
retired,
but
I'm
sure
you
have
a
lot
of
great
ideas
and
innovative
ways
that
you
may
want
to
develop
a
side
business
and
if
there's
a
way
for
us
to
have
a
community
center,
that
creates
an
opportunity
for
you
to
do
that.
That
could
be
some
dollars
that
we
can
tap
into
through
Workforce
Development.
J
It
I
I,
don't
know,
I,
don't
know
what
the
other
pots
of
dollars
are
per
se
I'm,
not
sure
I'm
I'm,
familiar
with
with
a
lot
of
folks
budgets,
I
I
will
say
that
we
do
try
to
partner
across
departments,
certainly
so
because
you're
talking
specifically
programming,
certainly
Partnerships
across
departments,
are
important
for
all
of
our
age
friendly
work
right.
We
work
with
very
closely
with
transportation
and
public
works
on
accessibility
of
sidewalks.
J
We
work
very
closely
with
economic
development
around
small
businesses
and
making
those
age
friendly
we're
working
closely
with
the
Boston
Public
Health
commission.
We
work
closely
around
I
guess
around
programs
with
with
other
folks
in
our
cabinet,
so
Boston
centers
for
Youth
and
families
with
the
libraries
as
I
mentioned.
J
You
know,
potentially
there's
the
opportunity
to
to
talk
to
that
the
worker
empowerment
cabinet
and
see
I
kind
of
if
there's
an
opportunity
for
Workforce
Development
funds
and
and
how
that
figure
out
how
that
relates
to
programming.
There
could
be
an
opportunity.
We
actually
have
a
creative
aging
program
that
we
do
in
partnership
with
the
arts
and
culture
cabinet
and
a
community
partner,
Goddard
house
that
has
been
funding
some
of
that
work.
They
actually
we're
going
to
be
expanding.
Some
of
that
work
over
the
next
year.
J
I
And
I'll
add
to
that
Council
as
well,
so
for
our
cabinet.
One
of
the
goals
that
we
actually
uplifted
is
increase
in
programming
for
older
adults
as
a
Cabinet
goal.
You
know,
and
so
we
have
the
benefit
of
having
many
departments
in
our
cabinet,
including,
of
course,
age.
Strong,
the
libraries
Veterans
Services
bcyf,
and
so
those
touch
points
do
happen
and
so
want
to
make
sure
that
the
coordination
happens
first
within
our
cabinet
and
then,
of
course,
to
the
external
City
agencies
as
well.
I
I
So
those
are
the
ones
like
right
off
the
top
that
I
could
definitely
think
of,
but
we
do
have
the
extreme
benefit
of
working
closely
with
our
internal
departments
to
figure
out
like
how
does
the
word
increase
in
programming
at
a
library
sites
at
rbcyf
sites
and,
as
you
speak
about
employment,
just
to
inform
folks
that
we
are
can
be
rolling
out
some
part-time
positions
for
lifeguards.
So
if
anybody
just
just
put
a
call
to
action
out
there,
we
are
out
of
work.
I
H
So
I
I
want
to
uplift
that
this
is
just
something
that
we've
heard,
but
I'm
glad
that
you
have
on
the
record
how
to
identified
the
fact.
It
seems
like
in
terms
of
programming
we're
good
where
it
seems
like
the
work
that
we
need
to
focus
on
is
identifying
the
location
and
the
dollars
to
have
a
permanent
space
for
all
of
these
Amazing
Ideas
and
programming
to
exist
right.
H
Talking
about
what
the
possibility
looks
like
might
be
helpful
in
terms
of
helping
us
level
set,
because
what
I
don't
want
us
to
do
is
to
walk
into
this
conversation
with
some
false
hope
that
we
can
make
something
happen
when
we
don't
have
all
of
the
information
in
terms
of
what
it's
going
to
take
to
make
it
happen,
I'm
still
unclear
in
terms
of
what
the
dollar
amount
is
and
I
know.
Commissioner,
you
were
really
clear
that
you
don't
know
what
it
would
cost,
but
I'm
curious.
If
there's
anyone
here
or
Chief
maso.
H
If
you
have
an
idea
and
I
know,
we
were
in
Charlestown
trying
to
get
that
pool
open
and
so
there's
a
lot
of
of
different
moving
pieces
and
different
departments
that
are
not
here
to
help
us
understand.
What's
it
going
to
take
right,
is
it
that
fair
to
say
it
is
fair
to
to
to
say
in
regards
to
that
so
with
that
I
think
that,
as
we
continue
to
move
through
the
budget
process,
it's
going
to
be
really
helpful.
H
A
You
councilman
here
I'm,
thank
you,
I'm
very
cognizant
of
the
time
and
I
I
did
omit
to
set
a
timer
at
the
start
of
this,
so
I'm
going
to
try
it
we're
an
RN.
Now,
just
one
quick
question
for
the
panel
I
I
think
it
relates
to
country's
comment
or
councilor
Murphy's
comment
about
coordination.
Do
do
we
have
a
nod?
Have
we
done
an
audit
of
programming
across
the
city?
That's
not
just
City
programming
but
other
non-profit
programming,
and
then
also
the
coordination
would
be.
A
You
know,
between
bcyf
and
and
Edge
strong
one
thing
I
know
that
many
bcyf
facilities
are
shared
with
with
schools
and
other
programs
and
very
often
I
feel
that
the
senior
programming
sometimes
gets
short
shift
and
I.
Think
it's
really
important
as
our
population
ages
and
and
are
to
have
our
seniors
have
dedicated
spaces
that
they
that
we
can
have
programming
at
times
and
content.
That's
appropriate
for
our
seniors.
A
J
Cancer
I
would
say
that
we
have
some
idea
of
what
the
landscape
looks
like.
We
did
a
scan
of
programs
that
exist
probably
about
five
or
six
years
ago
now,
but
so
many
of
those
programs
are
funded
by
little
grants
and
it
changes
over
time.
So
I
think
we'll.
We
need
to
go
back
out
and
and
do
it
again.
A
Yeah,
we
I
think
that'll
be
a
really
valuable
exercise.
You
know
I
know
that
as
a
chair
of
this
committee,
we
we
we
we
we
accept
grants
regularly,
you
know
for
it
strong
and
just
having
a
better
sense
of
the
landscape
and
known
where
the
where
the
deficits
are
would
be
really
helpful.
So
thank
you.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Chief
Masson
and
commissioner
Shea
I'm,
going
to
move
along
to
the
next
panel
and
you
folks
are
welcome
to
stay.
If
you
know
I'm
sure
we
might
have
more
questions
for
you.
A
F
A
A
M
So
I'm
going
to
be
brief,
I'm
not
reading
anything
I'm
just
going
to
I,
don't
want
to
rehash.
What's
already
been
said,
I
almost
think
if
I
take
a
picture
of
this
room
and
send
it
in
and
that's
my
testimony
just
to
show
the
crowd
that
is
here
and
the
need
in
the
knee.
So
thank
you
to
all
of
you
that
showed
up
today.
M
But
since
we
were
awarded
this
money
in
the
budget,
it's
still
in
the
process.
I
used
Parkway
in
motion,
which
is
a
local
non-profit
as
a
conduit
to
receive
the
money.
They
typically
do.
Children's
programming
in
the
area,
but
they're
a
non-profit
that
I
know
and
that
I
trust
they're
not
going
to
provide
the
senior
services,
but
the
money
is
just
going
to
flow
with
them.
M
But
since
we
received
this
money,
the
that
the
need
or
the
interest
from
the
community,
including
everyone
in
this
room
today,
including
bcyf,
including
ethos,
including
Emily
Shea,
who
honestly
Emily
Shea,
has
been
unbelievable
to
work
with
to
have
conversations
with.
She
understands
the
need,
as
does
ethos
and
every
every
member
of
the
Boston
city
council.
That's
here
today
and
one
of
the
things
we've
discussed
in
the
last
couple
of
weeks.
M
It
I
guess
the
premise
for
trying
to
get
the
money
was
I
want
a
place
where
everyone
in
this
room
and
people
that
were
unable
to
make
it
here
today
know
that
they
can
go
every
Tuesday
Thursday
every
Monday,
Wednesday
Friday,
whatever
the
schedule
will
be-
and
you
can
go
there
at
10
o'clock
in
the
morning
till
two
o'clock
in
the
afternoon
or
whatever
the
hours
will
be
because
I
heard
from
Seniors
that
bcyf
does
the
best
they
can
and
they
truly
do
a
very
good
job.
However,
space
is
limited.
M
Seniors
would
be
told
that
this
is
their
senior
space
Weeks
Later
months
later.
Sorry,
that
space
is
now
teen
space.
You
shouldn't
be
bounced
around.
So
again,
the
attempt
was
250
000,
rent,
a
great
space
such
as
the
Elks
or
another
place,
and
you
know
what
you
have
we're
not
going
to
interfere
with.
M
What
bceyf
does
we're
going
to
add
to
what
they
do
so
you
can
get
three
to
five
days
a
week
of
services
you
can
go,
have
a
meal,
you
can
have
a
cup
of
coffee
or
anything
like
that
that
you
might
want,
or
just
to
see
a
friend
right,
just
just
a
meeting
space.
So
the
conversations
are
going
very,
very
well.
The
Elks
who
I
should
thank
for
hosting
us
here
today
has
been
great,
is
eager
wants
to
work
with
us
wants
to
work
within
our
budget.
Ethos
wants
to
be
a
very
strong
partner.
M
The
city
wants
to
be
a
partner
and
and
I
think
it's
a
great
way
for
us,
as
the
community
to
show
there
is
a
need.
There
is
a
want
in
kind
of
a
to
use,
a
saying.
If
we
build
it,
they
will
come
and
we
let
the
city
Know
Myself,
Council,
representative,
consalvo
and
Senator
Rush-
that
we
want
to
be
partners
in
this
process.
M
N
Everything
he
said.
Thank
you
good
morning,
everybody
thrilled
to
be
here
today.
I
want
to
thank
our
city
councils
and
the
makers
of
the
hearing
order,
always
thrilled
to
be
back
testifying
before
the
Boston
city
council.
As
many
of
you
know,
I
was
a
almost
13
year,
member
of
the
city
council
and
I
cherished
my
time
there
and
so
appreciate
the
work
that
they
do
on
the
city
council
every
day.
N
I
want
to
also
give
a
shout
out
to
my
constituent,
Chief
myself,
who's
doing
a
great
job
for
mayor
Wu
and
his
work
and
also
I
know
that
my
colleague
rep
Carpenter
mentioned
Emily
Shea,
but
there
is
no
greater
commissioner
in
anywhere
in
any
city
in
the
United
States
of
America.
That
cares
more
about
older
adults
than
Emily,
Shea
and
I
want
to
thank
her
for
the
work
that
she
does.
N
And
just
also
a
quick
shout
out
to
the
team
from
ethos:
that's
at
the
table,
I
mean
ethos,
does
so
much
work
in
our
community
for
seniors,
and
we
thank
you
so
much
for
your
efforts
there
as
well
and
then
just
to
thank
all
of
you.
I
mean
this
room
is
packed
they're,
opening
up
the
back
now
right
as
we
speak
to
let
more
people
sit.
N
You
know
there
are
160
reps
and
there
are
thousands
of
earmarks
and
so
to
get
one
passed
he's
not
giving
himself
enough
credit
for
the
work
it
takes
to
get
that
done
and
I
was
proud
to
support
that
as
a
co-sponsor
and
proud
to
vote
for
that.
But
thank
you,
rep
Carpenter,
for
your
work
on
behalf
of
our
seniors.
N
For
me,
you
know
there
are
many
friends
in
this
room
from
West,
Roxbury
and
I
do
represent
two
precincts
in
West
Roxbury,
so
I'm
proud
to
be
here
as
a
state
representative
who
represents
West
Roxbury
as
well,
but
also
I,
see
many
faces
from
Roslindale
and
Hyde
Park
in
this
room
as
well.
So
this
is
an
issue
that
affects
my
entire
District,
all
of
Southwest,
Boston
and
I.
N
Think
it's
one
of
the
most
important
issues
that
we
have
out
there
today
and
like
the
rep
set
I
stand
ready
as
a
sophomore
state
representative,
just
starting
my
second
term,
to
whatever
I
to
do
whatever
I
can
to
be
your
partner
to
be
his
partner
to
be
Senator
Russia's
partner.
Who's
also
done
amazing
work
on
this
at
the
state
house
and
in
the
community
support
this
effort.
This
effort
has
my
full
support.
N
Officially,
when
I
turned
55
or
am
I
right,
commissioner,
say
that
at
55
I'm,
officially
by
the
the
stats
on
older
adults.
So
well
that's
what
AARP
says:
I'm
getting
all
of
their
stuff
so,
but
but
nonetheless,
have
always
been
a
strong
supporter
of
our
older
adults
and
will
continue
to
do
so.
Working
with
our
great
elected
leadership
and
all
of
you
in
this
room,
thank
you
very
much.
Thank
you.
O
Sure
thank
thank
you,
chair,
chair
Breeden
and
thank
you,
Council
Laura,
for
your
leadership
on
this
councilor
Mejia
councilor
Flaherty,
Louie
Jean.
Thank
you
all
for
being
here
and
thank
you
all
for
being
here.
For
those
who
don't
know
me:
I'm
I'm,
Valerie,
Frias
I'm,
the
Chief
Executive
Officer
of
ethos.
I
will
speak
with
my
yelling
at
my
children
voice.
Is
that
better
I
am
the
Chief
Executive
Officer
of
ethos.
O
We
are
an
older
adult
and
a
disability
services
organization
based
out
of
Jamaica
Plain,
but
we
serve
all
of
Southwest
Boston,
so
Mattapan
Hyde,
Park,
Roslindale,
Jamaica,
Plain
and,
of
course,
West
Roxbury.
Some
of
you
have
been
to
many
of
our
events
that
have
been
held
here
in
the
Elks,
so
another
shout
out
for
the
Elks
for
hosting
our
Oktoberfest,
our
Thanksgiving
event
for
cooking
for
our
Thanksgiving
event
for
those
who
are
homebound.
O
If
it's
okay,
with
Council
alarm,
I'll
switch
around
and
go
to
a
couple
of
my
my
previous
lives
to
talk
a
little
bit,
maybe
about
the
nuts
and
bolts
that
have
come
up
here
today
and
and
perhaps
throw
some
ideas
out
and
as
the
the
chair
probably
knows,
being
from
Austin
Brighton
I
I
ran
the
Austin
Brighton
Community
Development
Corporation
for
several
years
and
part
of
East
Boston
and
part
of
some
of
these
locations
is
in
fact
luck
of
geography.
And
that's
that's
simply
the
way.
O
P
O
And
I'm,
sorry,
this
is
a
little
bit
technical,
but
the
point
of
all
this
is
that
whenever
they
make
any
significant
change
to
their
facility
or
an
addition,
they
are
actually
required
by
the
state
to
provide
Community
benefits
and
those
benefits
are
supposed
to
be
in
the
immediate
vicinity
of
where
that
impact
is
so
again.
This
is
maybe
not
a
today
issue,
but
as
those
things
happen,
those
are
ways
you
know
buildings
apartment
buildings
get
developed.
O
You
work
with
a
developer
to
perhaps
use
the
the
ground
floor
instead
of,
as
retail
as
the
community
benefit
to
the
city
as
a
as
a
community
space
that
that
can
be
used.
So
there
are
some
creative
ways:
they
don't
happen
overnight,
but
they
do
happen
with
the
community,
that's
here
and
and
others
coming
together
and
making
sure
not
to
Advocate
just
here
today,
but
at
all
of
those
Community
meetings
along
the
way.
So
you
know
I'll
answer
that
I
was
also
the
capital
council
at
the
state
level.
O
O
So
we
are
a
private
non-profit.
We
are
in
our
50th
year,
like
I,
said
we're
based
in
Jamaica
Plain.
We
serve
over
8
000
adults
daily,
so
we
are,
we
are
out
and
about
across
the
city
of
Boston,
while
our
home
care
and
some
of
our
other
services
are
focused
here
in
Southwest
Boston
throughout
the
city,
We
Run
The,
the
city's
Meals
on
Wheels
program,
for
instance.
Currently
we
do
about
9,
000
meals.
O
O
Real
fear
about
the
pandemic
before
vaccines
were
available
and
food
insecurity
was
one
of
those
initial
issues
that
really
came
out
as
something
that
was
that
for
seniors
in
particular,
were
really
living
on
the
edge
with
their
food
insecurity
and,
and
we
became
a
Lifeline
to
several
thousand
additional
seniors
in
that
regard,
and
so
that's
one
piece
of
that
and
I.
You
know
and
that
I
I
mentioned
that,
because
during
the
pandemic,
our
Meals
on
Wheels
drivers
were
for
many
folks
their
one
contact
with
another
individual.
Q
O
Day
and-
and
so
when
we
talk
about
being
in
community
in
Need
for
being
in
community
I
just
want
to
reflect
on
why
why
we
need
that
Community
right
and
what
happened
during
the
pandemic?
That
said
to
my
right
is
my
colleague,
Ray
Santos
and
his
team
are
here
they're
scattered
about,
and
you
probably
know
many
of
them.
O
O
It
moves
around
a
bit,
but
they
are
a
very
close-knit
Community
who
have
found
different
ways
to
do
book,
clubs
and
meals
together,
and
things
like
that
that
I,
that
I
think
is
a
you
know,
is
another
pathway
and,
as
commissioner
Shea
said,
we
need
to
find
Pathways
until
we
find
buildings.
So
we
need
to
make
sure
that
the
programming
is
robust
and
serves
the
community.
So
I
wanted
to
just
put
that
out
there
as
a
possibility
for
how
we
sort
of
connect
a
little
bit
more
in
in
West.
O
Roxbury
I
am
going
on
a
little
bit
on
this,
but
I
did
want
to
say
that,
while
the
the
convening
in
person
is
so
incredibly
meaningful
and
important
for
so
many
I
want
to
make
sure
that
we
don't
lose
sight
of
the
fact
that
we
actually
touched
many
seniors
for
the
first
time
during
the
pandemic,
because
they
couldn't
access
programming.
That
was
happening
here
because
of
ability
or
disability
issues.
Language
things
like
that.
O
So
I
want
to
make
sure
that
that
we
also
maintain
a
a
virtual
presence
for
those
who
either
can't
or
or
just
choose
not
to
come
out
to
an
event,
because
I
want
to
make
sure
that
we're
not
missing
any
seniors
right.
So
I
want
to
make
sure
that
we
have
the
spaces
available
for
being
in
community,
but
also
that
we're
able
to
serve
those
who,
for
whatever
reason,
are
not
able
to
be
in
community
and-
and
we
learned
how
to
do
that.
O
Well
and
I-
want
to
make
sure
that
we
maintain
that
presence
as
well.
Someone
had
asked
about
mental
health,
so
I'm
jumping
a
little
bit
around
about
what
we
do,
but
we
we
run
two
mental
health
programs
and
they
are
tremendously
impactful
and
have
doubled
in
size
since
the
pandemic.
I
forget
I'm,
sorry,
which
counselor
asks
about
it,
but
both
mental
health
programs
have
doubled
in
size
since
the
pandemic
began.
And
that's
you
know,
that's
not
a
coincidence.
O
One
of
them
is
the
elder
mental
health,
Outreach
team,
and
that's
where
we
get
a
call
and
we
work
intensively
with
an
elder
who
is
in
crisis
and
the
other
is
our
suicide
prevention
and
we
do
both
suicide
depression
as
well
as
substance
abuse
work
in
that
program,
and
these
are
tremendously
beneficial
to
older,
older
adults.
I
think
that
you
know
folks
don't
necessarily
talk
about
mental
health
challenges
that
are
facing
older,
Americans
and
and
at
ethos.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
we
never
lose
sight
of
all
aspects
of
of
health.
O
Physical
health
and
mental
health
are
all
Health.
We
want
to
make
sure
that
we're
addressing
all
of
those
so
I
have
gone
on
enough.
There's
a
list
of
what
we
do
out
there.
We
do
money
management,
we
do
counseling
for
Medicare,
but
again,
I
think
that
the
most
fun
that
we
have
is
with
all
of
you
when
we're
out
here
in
community
I,
think
one
of
our
Tai
Chi
instructors
is
back
there
and
and
has
has
had
several
of
you
in
class.
So
I
look
forward
to
continuing
this
conversation.
O
P
Good
morning,
excuse
me
good
morning,
everyone,
I'm
Ray
Santos
I'm,
the
chief
development
and
community
relations
officer
for
ethos
just
to
Echo.
You
know
Val's
comments
and
definitely
want
to
thank
the
Boston
city,
council,
H,
strong
commission,
Chief,
maso,
mayor
Wu
and
all
those
rep
Coppinger
Mike
Mike
rush
and
Rob
consalvo,
and
all
those
who
have
been
working
on
these
issues
for
so
long.
P
I
heard
the
a
number
this
morning
that
sort
of
struck
a
chord
with
me
15..
So
15
years
ago
a
group
of
community
residents
started
working
on
on
the
development
of
a
community
center
15
years
ago.
Ethos
commissioned
A,
needs
assessment
and
spoke
to
many
of
the
community
members
in
this
room,
and
you
know
which
led
to
the
development
of
age
well
West
Roxbury,
and
that
is
our
Flagship
health
and
wellness
program.
It
provides
health
and
wellness
exercise,
socialization
opportunities
for
seniors
throughout
West,
Roxbury
and
Beyond.
P
It's
become
a
beacon
for
so
many
you
know
throughout
the
community.
So
many
folks
come
from
all
over
the
city
of
Boston
to
partake
in
in
age,
while
West
Roxbury
programming
I
can
speak
a
little
bit
to
the
need
in
the
community
coming
out
of
the
pandemic.
We
saw
tremendous
demand
for
activity,
health
and
wellness
programming,
getting
together
with
their
friends
and
and
Neighbors.
In
a
safe
space.
P
We
age-rel
West
Roxbury
utilizes
all
of
the
assets
that
a
community
has.
It
uses
Community
rooms
rooms
like
this
room,
the
Boston
police
stations,
senior
housing
locations
wherever
there
is
an
opportunity
to
be
as
close
to
seniors
as
possible
and
that's
our
goal.
We
don't
want
you
traveling
very
far.
We
want
you
to
come
in
and
enjoy.
You
know
the
work
that
we
do
so
we
try
to
be
as
close
to
Consumers
as
possible.
P
I
can
speak
to
the
need
that
it
is
a
challenge
for
us
to
find
the
amount
of
space
that
that
we
need
to
provide
the
programming
that
we're
capable
of
and
I'm
I'll,
keep.
My
remarks
brief,
because
I
want
to
hear
you
know
from
from
my
my
fellow
panelists
and
from
you
all
ethos
is
you
know
a
ready
willing
and
able
to
provide
an
expanded
set
of
programming
and
meet
the
needs
of
the
community,
but
we
need
your
voice
to
make
that
happen.
Thank
you.
R
Yes,
I
needed
to
get
my
glasses
on
hi.
My
name
is
Jan
Hamilton
and
I
have
been
a
lifelong
resident
of
the
city
of
Boston.
During
my
early
years,
through
high
school
I
lived
in
the
Mission
Hill
area
of
Roxbury
for
the
past
50
plus
years,
I
have
lived
here
in
West
Roxbury
throughout
my
career,
I
have
worked
in
the
city
of
Boston.
R
R
Excuse
me,
residents
of
West,
Roxbury,
Roslindale,
Hyde
Park
and
the
surrounding
communities
before
I
go
any
further,
because
I
need
to
do
what
I
read
here,
but
some
of
it
has
already
already
been
said,
and
that
is
because
there's
thank
yous
that
need
to
go
around
this
whole
room.
It
is
absolutely
awesome.
We
are
so
thrilled
with
so
many
abuse,
the
seniors
and
people
in
the
audience
that
were
able
to
come
out
for
this,
because
we
all
know
there
is
a
need
so
before
I,
any
more
do
before
I
go
further.
R
I
would
like
to
take
this
opportunity
to
thank
the
many
individuals
and
organizations
for
their
help
during
the
past
year.
Specifically,
I
want
to
thank
Boston,
City,
councilors,
Kendra,
Lyra,
Michael,
Flaherty
and
Ruth
Z
Lejeune
for
sponsoring
the
hearing
in
West
Roxbury
rather
than
in
city
hall,
because
I
think
we
all
know
that
we
couldn't
get
this.
We
couldn't
get
all
of
us
into
City
Hall
and
it's
just
not
it's
just
not
possible.
R
I
would
like
to
thank
representative
Ed,
Carpenter
and
Senator
Mike
rush
for
securing
funding
in
the
state
budget.
I
would
like
to
thank
ethos
for
their
continued
support
and
provision
of
services.
Thank
you
to
the
age-drawn
commission
for
their
assistance
with
the
budget
and
their
services,
also
to
the
to
the
programs
that
have
existed
for
years
at
the
roach,
Community
Center
and,
more
recently,
the
orenberger
community
center.
R
R
So
and
thank
you
thank
you
to
all
the
singing.
Without
all
of
this
help
we
would
not
be
here
today.
We
are
very,
very
grateful
to
have
everybody
here
today.
Thank
you,
so
much
I
do
want
to
mention
just
at
this
time
with
this
particular
group
that
there
are
four
people
actually
on
this
committee,
and
someone
mentioned
her
before,
but
Val
Davis
was
the
Secretary
of
our
group
and
it
was
myself
and
Kathy
Conway
and
Mary
rice.
R
R
The
conversation
about
a
senior
center
in
this
area
actually
began
under
the
Menino
Administration.
It
became
more
focused
over
a
year
ago
when
we
were
able
to
gather
after
covert.
We
had
approximately
two
to
three
hundred
signatures
on
the
petitions
for
a
senior
center.
The
petitions
were
submitted
to
Mayor
Wu's
office
and
Council
Lara's
office.
Currently
there
are
three
senior
centers
with
stand-alone
senior
centers
within
the
city
of
Boston.
One
is
in
Dorchester
one
in
Charlestown
and
a
brand
new
center
in
East
Boston.
R
These
locations
are
not
accessible
to
the
seniors
of
our
area,
which
is
Southwest
Boston.
There
was
nothing
in
this
particular
area.
West
Roxbury
alone
has
nine
thousand.
Thank
you
for
the
information
Council
councilwara
9
000
seniors,
which
is
27
of
the
total
population
of
West
Roxbury.
So,
if
you
think
about
that,
that's
more
than
a
quarter
of
the
percent
of
West
Roxbury
27
is
it.
It
is
seniors.
R
The
these
statistics
do
not
include
information
about
the
numbers
of
seniors
living
in
Hyde,
Park,
Roslindale,
Jamaica
Plain
in
any
place
else
that
they
would
come.
That
would
come
to
a
center
for
over
here
on
what
with
the
sentence
the
new
center.
These
here
are,
must
with
the
new
Senior
Center,
it
needs
to
be
handicapped
accessible,
it
needs
to
be
accessible
to
public
transportation
and
it
needs
to
have
sufficient
parking.
That's
really
that's
it
that
we
really
really
need
more
details
on
the
needs
of
the
of
the
history.
R
While
many
programs
are
currently
offered
at
the
roach
community
center
on
the
orenberg
community
center
to
a
lesser
degree,
in
the
police
station,
we
had
dependent
on
the
availability
of
space
in
these
centers,
because
these
centers
are
also
used
for
summer
school
activities.
We're
really
limited
with
what
we
can
have
during
the
summer
and
other
activities,
especially
at
the
orenberger,
because
where
it
is
a
School
bcyf
site,
it
gets
very
limited
there
with
with
what
we
can
have
there
and
again,
we
can't
find
space
for
programs,
especially
during
the
summer
and
school
vacations.
R
The
need
for
a
senior
center
now
is
even
more
crucial
than
it
was
three
years
ago.
The
recent
covered
pandemic
has
caused
significant
isolation
and
loneliness
for
the
senior
population
and
serves
to
highlight
the
need
for
a
permanent
for
a
permanent
home,
permanent
location,
a
permanent
home.
We
as
seniors
need
and
thrive
on
the
opportunity
to
gather
together
at
the
various
programs
or
to
just
use
it
as
a
drop-in
location.
This
includes
activities
such
as
yoga,
Tai,
Chi,
dance,
Wellness
classes,
Mahjong
memory
classes
Etc.
R
These
Services
enable
us
to
remain
in
our
homes
and
participate
in
our
community.
Once
we
secure
a
senior
center
in
the
parkway
area,
there
will
be
many
more
opportunities
for
seniors
to
attend,
scheduled
events
and
also,
more
importantly,
enable
us
to
develop
more
friendships.
All
of
this
will
enhance
the
quality
of
Our
Lives
during
our
golden
years.
We
want
to
thank
you
for
your
support
for
the
support
you
have
shown
thus
far
and
ask
that
you
continue
to
keep
a
senior
center
in
the
parkway
area
as
a
top
priority.
A
S
S
I
would
like
to
thank
the
city
officials
and
the
members
of
the
audience
for
coming
today
to
hear
our
hopes
and
dreams
for
a
senior
center
in
the
parkway
area
a
place
for
seniors
to
call
the
Iran.
The
parkway
area
is
home
to
over
9
000
seniors,
representing
27
percent
of
the
population.
It's
the
second
largest
concentration
of
seniors
in
any
Boston
Neighborhood.
S
While
we
would
like
to
thank
the
bcyf
facilities
at
the
roach
Center
in
orenberger
community
for
having
some
activities
for
us,
the
space
in
time
available
for
these
activities
is
severely
limited.
They
are
not
available
to
seniors
during
school
vacations.
This
means
a
total
shutdown,
not
just
for
a
week,
but
then
for
the
entire
summer.
S
Having
limited
space
in
time
available
to
us
means
that
there
is
no
place
for
seniors
to
drop
in,
to
have
conversation,
and
perhaps
a
cup
of
coffee
with
other
seniors
many
of
the
seniors
live
alone
and
perhaps
are
not
physically
able
to
participate
in
the
yoga
or
Tai
Chi
classes.
They
are
completely
forgotten.
S
Having
one
place
to
call
home
would
save
seniors
from
having
to
travel
between
sites
and
avoid
time
conflicts.
According
to
the
National
Council
for
aging
availability
of
the
senior
center
significantly
delays
the
onset
of
chronic
disease.
It
improves
the
physical,
social
and
emotional
well-being
of
seniors.
It
improves
their
life.
Their
quality
of
life
seniors
need
a
senior
center
one
that
would
be
available
five
or
six
days
a
week
for
52
weeks
a
year.
This
Center
should
have
ample
space
to
conduct,
classes,
hold
meetings
and
lectures,
and
just
gather
for
conversation
and
socializing.
S
It
should
have
ample
parking
and
be
totally
handicapped.
Accessible,
should
have
a
kitchen
area
suitable
for
preparing
at
least
small
amounts
of
food
and
coffee.
Some
of
the
activities
it
would
be
utilized
for
would
be
yoga.
Taishi
bingosage
balance
class
line,
dancing
tech
support,
guest
speakers
and
perhaps
it
would
serve
as
a
focal
point
for
arranging
a
trip
a
day
trip
a
few
times
a
year.
S
Thinking
ahead,
perhaps
it
could
offer
a
noontime
meal
either
free
or
at
a
limited
cost.
I
know
this
is
done
in
many
senior
centers.
This
would
encourage
socialization
and
provide
some
seniors
with.
Perhaps
this
sole
healthy
meal
of
the
day
in
closing
I
would
like
to
thank
everyone
for
their
attendance
and
for
our
elected
elected
officials
in
the
audience.
We
hope
this
will
provide
the
impetus
for
finding
a
permanent
home
for
our
seniors
in
the
parkway
area
and
thank
you
all
very
much
for
coming.
A
A
A
T
But
what
I
want
to
say?
Besides,
oh
and
the
birthday
girl,
there's
a
secret
birthday
girl
having
a
brick
and
mortar
Senior
Center
is
a
benefit
to
our
seniors
and
to
the
gerontology
nurses,
gerontology
nurses
of
the
future,
when
I
taught
it
at
UMass
Boston
in
the
nursing
program.
I
was
in
the
hospital
acute
care,
but
my
faculty
colleagues
taught
in
community
health
clinics
in
senior
centers
during
their
10-week
rotation.
They
delivered
holistic
care
to
homebound
Elders
under
the
supervision
of
Faculty
for
free.
T
There
are
Replacements
in
Malden
and
Norwell
on
Arlington
and
cities
other
than
Boston,
because
they
were
at
the
Pine
Street
Inn,
because
there
was
no
brick
and
mortar
Senior
Center
and
it
had
to
be
brick
and
mortar
so
that
students
could
serve
in
other
ways.
Hold
clinical
conference
promote,
provide
educational
offerings
for
the
staff,
provide
programs
for
the
seniors
and
the
like,
and
the
pharmacy
faculty
would
do
a
brown
bag
day
regularly
in
the
semester.
This
is
a
win-win-win
and
in
the
future,
should
this
Center
come
to
pass.
A
U
Thank
you
and
I
appreciate
everybody
showing
up
for
West
Roxbury
today
and
I'd
like
to
officially
welcome
the
Boston
city
council
for
coming
to
West
Roxbury.
Thank
you
very
much.
I'll
have
to
check
your
passport
to
make
sure
you
got
get
over
the
Border
all
right,
but
this
is
a
great
community
and
we
deserve
a
great
place
now.
I
understand
the
problems.
U
I've
been
listening
to
all
the
backup
and
the
feedback,
but
just
want
to
let
the
city
of
Boston
know
not
that
I
am
also
the
president
of
the
the
Boston
Irish
Social
Club.
We
have
we're
a
non-profit
club.
We
have
our
own
building,
which
is
three
times
the
size
of
this
Hall.
My
fire
law
for
the
city
of
Boston
is
close
to
700
people
and
I.
U
Hall
is
available
for
rent
for
any
occasion,
whether
it
be
a
a
meeting
or
about
baptism
after
have
to
potty
for
any
events,
birthday
parties,
weddings
whatever
we
have
over
700
shares
in
our
hall
right
now,
and
we
would
like
to
offer
our
facility
if
you
accept
our
premise
for
a
short
amount
of
rent
to
help
out
the
city
of
Boston.
Thank
you
very
much.
A
V
We
never
lost
anything
out
of
collections.
Everything
was
mocked.
Everything
was
prepared,
but
we
also
put
a
limit
on
when
the
developers
would
finish
the
job,
so
I
think
so
that
we
don't
see
any
15
years
that
when
the
developers
do
get
involved
and
the
site
is
found
that
we
will
put
limitations
on
a
lot
of
things.
Thank
you.
A
W
W
W
My
remarks
going
forward
are
as
a
devil's
advocate
and
God
knows.
Everyone
needs
one
as
a
professional
I've
managed
numerous
projects
from
inception
to
conclusions.
None
was
simple:
all
required
planning,
commitment
to
a
budget,
regular
updates
reassessment
and
starting
a
restart
with
different
parameters.
W
Much
as
Mary
Malloy
just
said,
these
are
major
considerations
for
any
project
and
if
which
is
a
big,
if
the
entire
Council
and
mayor
approved
the
recommendation
that
I
expect
from
this
Gathering,
there
are
numerous
steps,
including
finding
a
site
determining
its
suitability,
developing
a
design,
estimating
costs
and
security
securing
funding
a
project
such
as
this
will
require
the
commitment
and
coordination
of
numerous
City
departments.
Councilor
Lara
has
already
spoken
to
many
of
these
things,
as
well
as
as
the
other
counselors
the
step
side
to
identified
as
having
the
most
impediments
are
citing.
W
We
know,
there's
no
vacant
Lots
in
West
Roxbury.
Will
this
be
a
ground-up
project
or
will
it
involve
retrofitting
a
building?
Will
it
be
completely
Ada
complement
with
accessibility
for
individuals
with
mobility
and
other
disabilities?
Will
there
be
ample
safe
parking,
which
is
critical?
There
will
be
various
Vehicles,
including
personal
cars,
Vans
and
other
accessible
excuse
me
modes
of
transportation.
Will
it
be
near
the
bus
very
critical
will
be
Staffing
and
scheduling
as
key
as
well
as
Partnerships
with
organizations
like
ethos,
the
VNA
and
others
who
deal
with
the
geriatric
population.
W
W
W
W
it
for
those
who
know
it.
It's
a
standalone
building
that
was
built
from
ground
up
and
I,
don't
believe
it's
more
than
30
years
old.
If
that
it
was
closed
during
the
pandemic,
I
got
a
hip
replacement
after
the
pandemic,
and
I
could
have
used
that
ability
to
go
to
the
pool
more
recently
it
closed
on
June,
1st
Last
Summer
for
unspecified
or
repairs
with
an
unspecified
cost.
W
W
F
K
Thank
you,
madam
chairman.
My
name
is
Dennis
Kirkpatrick
I
live
in
Roslindale.
Pardon
me.
This
seems
to
be
a
lot
of
that
going
around
this
winter
I'm
here
representing
myself,
to
support
a
senior
center
in
the
parkway
District
I'm,
also
here
to
speak
on
behalf
of
a
organization
known
as
the
Roslindale
Community
School
Council.
Most
people
don't
know
who
that
is
or
what
it
is.
But
at
one
time
there
were
organizations
like
us
throughout
the
city
of
Boston.
In
fact,
there
were
at
least
30
of
us
Citywide.
K
Unfortunately,
in
the
post-pandemic
period
there
are
only
a
handful
of
us
left,
and
only
those
of
us
that
were
rather
strong
and
well
organized
and
well
supported,
are
still
around
I.
Am
not
a
employee
of
the
city
of
Boston
and
I
am
not
qualified
to
speak
on
behalf
of
the
city
of
Boston,
but
our
program
operates
at
the
Roslindale
Community
Center
and
that
building
reopened
on
December
the
19th.
It
opened
very,
very
quietly
after
very
close
to
three
years
of
closure
as
part
of
that
renovation
process
to
repair
it.
K
After
some
serious
internal
water
damage,
the
city
acquired
the
registry
of
Motor
Vehicle
space,
which
occupied
a
good
piece
of
that
building.
The
registry
of
motor
vehicles
is
not
returning
there,
and
it
is
my
understanding,
and
unfortunately,
commissioner
Rivera
could
not
be
here
today
from
bcyf
is
my
understanding
that
the
overall
plan
is
to
turn
that
into
a
senior
space.
I
would
estimate
that
space
is
probably
about
well
about
50
percent
the
size
of
this
room.
It
has
its
own
entrance
and
Ada
ramp.
K
It
has
its
own
restrooms,
it
does
not
have
a
kitchen,
but
that
can
be
overcome
a
little
bit
and
is
certainly
on
several
major
bus
lines,
so
that
might
be
an
interim
solution
for
consideration
until
such
time
as
a
building
is
built
just
for
seniors.
The
the
if
I
understand,
commissioner
Emily.
There
has
been
some
discussion
about
that
am
I,
correct.
K
Here,
oh
Ann,
are
you
going
to
talk
in
oh,
okay
and
and
Siegel
is
our
administrative
coordinator,
yeah
Ann
Siegel
is
our
administrative
coordinator
of
the
building
one
of
the
blessings
we
have
at
that
particular
building,
and
so
I
would
suggest
that
might
be
a
consideration
for
the
city
council
to
consider.
Also,
our
organization
is
a
qualified
501c3
non-profit.
There
was
discussion
here
with
representative
Coppinger
earlier
regarding
State
funding,
our
Corporation
channels,
a
substantial
amount
of
money
back
into
the
community,
from
the
state
and
from
private
Enterprise
into
various
programs.
K
So,
aside
from
our
Child
Care
Program
that
channels
money
from
the
state
to
supplement
after
school
programming,
we
work
in
partnership
with
the
youth
swim
team
at
the
polarity
pool
we
Channel
about
fifteen
thousand
dollars
through
their
income,
which
goes
back
into
the
swim
team
every
year.
Certainly
we
get
City
core
Cori
Etc,
we're
also
qualified
to
take
Federal
money
direct.
We
have
an
existing
cage
code
and
a
qualified
and
are
listed
with
them
to
do
both
children's
programs
and
Senior
programs.
K
So
if
we'd
work
something
out,
we
are
a
qualified
non-profit
to
be
the
fiscal
sponsor
to
channel
those
funds
immediately.
In-House
I
previously
discussed
my
words
today
before
this
committee,
with
my
own
board
of
directors,
and
they
are
in
support.
So
I
would
welcome
any
dialogue
with
the
city
of
Boston
moving
forward
to
see
what
we
can
do
to
support
that
it
would
be
a
good
place
as
template
for
senior
programming
workout
best
practices.
We
are
also
not
bound
by
a
city,
RFP
and
other
contractual
restrictions.
K
We
have
an
existing
vendor
list,
we
buy
local,
and
so
we
have.
We
think
we
check
a
lot
of
boxes
that
might
be
able
to
help
develop
and,
of
course,
we're
on
about
five
different
bus
lines
that
serve
West
Roxbury.
So
that
would
be
about
it.
If
anybody
has
any
questions
of
me
after
I'll
make
myself
available.
Thank.
X
We
found
all
kinds
of
other
organizations
and
exercises,
but
we're
going
from
the
community
center
in
Roslindale
to
the
Auburn
Burger
to
the
roach
Center
and
we
go
on
and
on
and
there'll
be
a
great
place
to
come
to
sit
and
after
our
classes
of
exercises
or
whatever
we
did
we'd,
be
able
to
sit
down
and
get
to
know
each
other
even
better,
because
I
think
you
do
you
get
through
and
we
all
walk
off.
So
it
would
be
wonderful
to
have
a
Community
Center.
Y
Good
morning,
I
see
a
lot
of
familiar
faces
here
this
morning.
I,
don't
know
how
much
I
can
add
to
what's
been.
What's
already
been
said
this
morning,
except
to
say
that
certainly
would
be
available
to
me
or
living
alone
being
a
widow
as
most
of
us.
A
lot
of
us
can
attribute
to
that
having
a
place
of
the
roach
Center
and
the
orangeburger
have
been
very,
very
attentive
to
us.
Y
Obviously,
their
first
priority
is
children,
which
it
should
be
so
that
when
the
children
take
over,
we
lose
and
that's
something
that
we
can't
avoid.
But
as
far
as
I'm
concerned
a
place
as
Kathy
just
said,
a
place
to
be
able
to
just
sit
and
be
with
people
is
I,
think
Paramount
in
our
lives
as
as
far
as
seniors
are
concerned
and
that
15-year
space
really.
Y
W
A
Z
Hi
everybody
and
thank
you
to
the
council
for
having
this
meeting
I
am
a
West
Roxbury
resident
I
am
a
senior
citizen
and
I
have
worked,
providing
and
coordinating
Services
for
Seniors
in
the
southwest
Boston
area
for
the
last
18
years.
Prior
to
that,
I
did
the
same
thing
in
Cambridge
in
Cambridge.
They
have
and
had
all
through
that
time,
a
very
vibrant,
Senior
Center,
so
I've
been
able
to
work
in
two
different
areas
and
sort
of
see
the
difference
of
what
that
looks
like
in
West.
Z
Z
There
are
tables
and
wiring
that
can
go
around
rooms
so
that
people
can
hear
what
is
being
said.
We
witnessed
it
this
morning
when
we
just
started
the
hearing
today
about
how
difficult
it
is
for
people
all
around
the
room
to
be
able
to
hear
someone
who's
speaking.
So
there's
that
and
going
Beyond
just
accessibility
to
Universal
Design.
Z
So
these
are
things
that
I
would
like
to
see
Incorporated
if
we
are
going
to
build
a
new
building
and
the
whole
idea
of
dementia,
friendly
I
think
is,
is
also
crucial
and
that
is
in
terms
of
making
people
safe
when
they
walk
around
so
that
outdoor
spaces
are
enclosed
and
people
can
get
around.
People
can
find
their
way
back
way,
finding
they
can
get
back
without
getting
lost
and
and
all
in
a
tizzy
about
it.
So
those
are
some
of
the
ideas
I
have
about
what
the
new
building
might
look,
like.
Z
The
other
thing
that
I
noted
when
I
think
it
was
Val
was
speaking
about
ways
to
fund
some
of
this,
and
she
talked
about
Faulkner
and
Hebrew.
Rehab
Faulkner
is
in
the
midst
of
a
huge
development
right
now
and
I.
Don't
know
whether
those
earmarked
funds
have
already
been
spent
or
earmarked
the
things
for
benefiting
the
community,
but
that's
something
that
I
would
love
to
have
looked
at.
So
thank
you
very
much.
Z
Oh
sorry,
one
more
thing
putting
on
my
other
hat
member
of
the
Stratford
Street
United
Club
in
the
United
Church,
which
hosts
Rose's
Bounty
food
pantry.
We
are
in
the
midst
of
a
big
renovation,
and
we
are
going
to
this
fall,
have
brand
new,
fully
renovated
space
that
will
be
accessible,
fully
accessible
with
bathrooms
and
access
to
a
kitchen.
So
we
would
like
to
offer
up
that
for
consideration
of
space,
at
least
in
the
meantime,
if
not
ongoing.
Thank
you
very
much.
AA
Thank
you
all.
Thank
you.
Everybody
I
wear
many
hats.
First
of
all,
have
an
eyesight
disability,
which
means
I
get
fantastic
service
from
ethos.
Take
advantage
of
it.
I
get
cleaning
service,
I
could
cut
Meals
on
Wheels
from
three
different
vendors
and
phenomenal
transportation
for
medical
physics,
I
also
serve
on
the
H
strong
commissions,
maywood's
senior
advisory
Council.
AA
If
you
are
a
patient,
you
got
a
complaint,
speak
up,
call
Patient
relations.
They
do
listen.
They
really
do
listen,
I'm
very
lucky.
Even
with
this
eyesight
and
I've
also
taken
age,
strong
Commission
on
a
tour
of
the
sidewalks
of
West
Roxbury,
it's
speak
up.
Please,
because
sidewalks
are
a
mess,
also
believe
it
or
not.
Aged
strong
commission
offers
limited
medical
transportation.
AA
617-635-3000,
if
you
don't
remember
the
number,
just
call
three
one
one:
the
folks
are
three
one
are
fabulous.
They
will
connect
you
with
any
City
Department.
You
need
services,
I'm
very
lucky
and
I
also
represent
the
company
based
in
Philadelphia
that
provides
online
pharmacy
and
accessible
Pharmacy,
and
they
offer
services
that
Walgreens
and
CVS
will
never
offer.
AA
AB
A
A
AB
You
so
I
grew
up
in
West
Roxbury
and
my
mother's
lived
here
for
50
years
and
I.
Thank
you
for
the
opportunity,
counselors
to
speak
and
I'm
working
as
a
president
of
the
Highland
neighborhood
civic
association
here
in
West
Oxbridge
as
well
and
I'm
I've
been
happy
to
hear
how
many
different
people
are
offering
locations
for
a
senior
center,
whether
permanent
or
temporary
locations,
and
that's
wonderful
and
I
was
a
little
surprised,
I
guess
early
on
in
the
meeting
when
there
was
so
much
discussion
about.
AB
Where
is
the
money
going
to
come
from
because
I
recall
back
in
October,
the
city
council
I
mean
I.
Believe
you
put
the
budget
together
and
60
million
dollars
was
set
aside
for
the
Grove
Hall,
a
full-service
Youth
Center
in
Grove
Hall
in
Dorchester
and
I'm,
hoping
that,
like
a
small
fraction
of
that
type
of
of
that
amount
of
that
money.
But
of
that
amount
that
the
city
council,
like
even
I,
don't
think
anyone
here
is
even
talking
about
six
million
dollars,
but
that
would
be
only
one
tenth
of
what
was
set
aside.
AB
So
I
beseech
the
city
council,
like
I'm,
reminded
of
when
my
fifth
grade
grade
teacher
Sister,
Mary,
Allen
David,
used
to
say
where
there's
a
will
there's
a
way
and
I'm
hoping
that
the
city
council
will
find,
like,
obviously,
there's
a
will.
There's
people
hundreds
of
people
here
who
would
benefit
from
that
and
I
hope
you
have
the
will
and
can
find
a
way
to
find
the
money
that's
needed
for
the
Senior
Center.
Thank
you.
AC
AC
Everybody
can
meet
that
same
time
to
go
to
the
programming,
but
they
might
have
had
a
doctor's
appointment,
but
they
want
to
come
in
and
have
a
cup
of
coffee
and
talk
to
their
friends
and
I.
Think
that
is
so
important
that
we
have
a
place
is
that
we
can
call
home
in
this
area
of
the
city
and
I
was
going
to
use
that
phrase.
AC
A
A
G
AD
I
think
you
know
feasibly
finding
a
place
in
West
Roxbury
to
build
from
scratch.
Senior
Center
is
going
to
take
a
long
time
based
on
some
of
the
developments
that
we've
seen
for
housing
and
what
have
you
so
just
to
piggyback
on
Richie
gormley's
kind
offer
for
the
audio
Social
Club
I,
wonder
if
the
committee
would
consider
here
in
Saint,
Teresa's
Parish,
where
we
have
a
Convent
and
the
large
house,
the
priests
lived
in
may
or
may
I,
don't
speak
to
the
parish
but
may
or
may
not
be
available
for
rental.
AD
The
convent
would
be
ideal
for
short
term
if
the
city
could
enter
into
some
kind
of
a
three
or
five
year
rental
with
the
parish.
He
has
everything
that
you
need.
It's
next
to
a
school
where
lots
of
children
can
mix
with
our
elders,
which
is
just
one
of
the
components
they
need
and,
as
I
said,
piggybacking
on
Richie's
offer
for
the
Irish
Social
Club
it
might
satisfy
one
of
the
things
you're
looking
for,
which
is
an
instant
space.
AD
A
Q
B
AE
If
the
re-election
depended
on
getting
ahead
of
that
schedule
from
my
Municipal
experience,
it
would
happen,
it
would
happen,
and
one
of
the
things
that
bothers
me
is
I
travel
around
rural
areas
in
Massachusetts
Montana
to
go
fishing
in
one
horse
towns.
These
small
towns
I
walk
into
what
do
they
have
senior
citizen
centers
they're
all
over,
and
here
we
are
in
West,
Roxbury
taxpayers.
People
who've
worked
hard
and
we
don't
have
a
Senior
Citizen
Center.
So
anyway,
thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
speak
this
morning.
A
AF
Hi
everyone,
my
name,
is
Jill
hemian
and
I.
Am
the
director
of
community
relations
at
Edelweiss,
Village
Assisted,
Living,
Edelweiss
Village
is
located
on
the
German
Center
campus,
which
a
lot
of
you
are
probably
familiar
with
because
it's
been
around
in
this
community
for
over
a
hundred
years,
and
it's
also
been
caring
for
a
lot
of
seniors
for
over
the
100
years.
AF
A
lot
of
our
seniors
and
residents
couldn't
make
it
today
so
I'm
here
on
behalf
of
them,
we
noticed
after
the
pandemic
socialization
making
friends
having
a
good
quality
of
life,
as
you
age
is
so
important,
and
so
I
feel
the
need
that
the
senior
center
will
extend
some
more
activities
outside
of
our
assisted
living
and
our
Skilled
Nursing
Facility
to
assist
the
community,
because
this
is
a
wonderful
community
and
you
guys
are
so
welcoming,
so
it
will
be
such
a
benefit
to
have.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
AG
Hello,
my
name
is
Jane
Cola
Jovani
I've
been
a
resident
of
West
Roxbury.
Most
of
my
life
I
was
talking
with
my
son
last
night
about
this
meeting,
and
actually
it
was
his
suggestion.
He
said
to
me:
you
know
the
building
where
clay
Chevrolet
used
to
be
right
at
the
corner
of
Belgrade
Avenue
West
Roxbury
Parkway.
He
said
that
would
be
a
great
spot.
There's
lots
of
public
transportation
coming
up
through
Roslindale,
it's
on
the
commuter
rail.
AG
AH
AH
I,
don't
know
if
I
heard
you
write
the
commissioner,
because
why
can't
we
start
off
in
the
box
with
the
storefront?
You've
got
Family.
Dollars,
that's
closed.
You
got
the
Hebrew
head
that
crossed
the
street.
That's
closed.
You've
got
the
little
Ridge
store
down
closed.
You've
got
St
Stephen's
church.
That
is
wonderful
for
the
community.
They
got
the
ramps,
they
got
the
they
got
the
bus
service
and
they'd
be
well.
You
got
that.
What
do
we
call
that
building
in
the
VFW
Parkway
they
have
a
wide
open
space?
AH
They
get
three
places
that
I
know
you'd
be
about
them.
You've
got
clock
Buick
across
the
street
that
owns
that
building.
That's
empty.
You've
got
two
buildings
on
West,
Roxbury,
Washington,
The,
Grove
area.
They
got
a
great
big
placed
in
parking
bus,
so
I
mean
I,
mean
I,
go
back
when
we
started
with
sharksbury
high
and
it
took
five
years
and
by
that
time
my
kids
couldn't
go
there
and
look
at
look
at
school.
Now,
it's
gone
so
that
now,
and
so
it's
like.
H
AH
Germany
right
so
I
mean
a
lot
of
us.
I
am
now
partially
shut
in.
So
it's
just
like
we
didn't
even
hear
about
this
meeting
and
it
wasn't
until
my
son
called
me
and
said
Mom.
It
was
like.
Oh,
it
takes
me
six
hours
to
get
ready
to
go
to
a
meeting,
but
it's
like
you
know.
We
got
to
think
about
fluid
pills.
No,
no,
no,
and
so,
and
I
love.
This
gentle
and
he
said,
speak
up.
West
Roxbury
people
have
not
spoken
up.
AH
AH
AH
AH
F
AH
D
Thank
you,
I'm
Sarah,
Hamilton
I,
probably
was
in
the
room
15
years
ago,
and
now
I'm
looking
forward
to
being
a
senior
soon
and
I
hope
it
will
go
on
for
several
decades
being
a
senior
I
live
in
West
Roxbury,
my
parents
lived
in
West,
Roxbury
I
grew
up.
You
know
a
mile
over
the
Border
I
just
wanted
to
to
thank
the
counselors
for
coming
I
love
the
idea
of
the
portable
City
Council
I
love
I
want
to
just
do
a
huge
thank
you
to
ethos.
D
They
have
been
a
part
of
my
life
as
I've
tried
to
care
for
my
aging
parents
to
find
resources,
for
you
know
just
to
have
somebody
local
that
you
can
call
and
say
my
91
year
old
aunt
lives
in
Buffalo.
Where
would
I
start
that
conversation
in
Buffalo?
They
have
a
non-profit
group
called
a
canopy
of
Neighbors,
which
is
very
similar
to
JP
I.
Think
one
of
the
things
I
want
to
ask
is
that
you
encourage
our
assumptions
about
age
to
to
look
at
them
again.
D
I
would
like
to
see
us
assume
that
technology
is
equally
available
for
people
with
disabilities
of
any
kind
to
embrace
the
Ada
laws,
rather
than
drag
our
feet
about
our
buildings,
to
bring
and
share
and
borrow
technologies
that
allow
our
seniors
to
be
connected
with
one
another
and
to
really
take
a
look
at
why
our
MBTA
services
are
so
limited
here
in
West
Roxbury.
Is
there
a
law
that
could
be
changed
about
the
buses
connecting
on
the
parked
ways?
D
D
It's
got
a
study
room.
It's
got.
It's
got
a
very
flexible
design
so
that
you
can
use
the
community
room
for
storytelling
for
preschoolers.
At
one
time
of
day
you
could
have
the
tech
goes
home
program
for
teaching
computers
for
55
and
older,
and
then
everything
folds
up
and
goes
back
into
a
closet,
and
you
can
clean
it
easily,
and
my
last
point
is
just
thinking
ahead
about
climate
change
in
the
next
15
years.
D
The
city,
I
hope,
will
expand
cooling
centers
places
where
elders
and
others
with
health
conditions
can
get
air
conditioning
ways
of
keeping
us
warm
and
safe
in
the
winter.
So
I
just
wanted
to
to
ask
for
equity
and
inclusion,
and
to
really
thank
you,
because
I
do
think
we
need
a
place
for
our
seniors
to
gather
and
I
hope
the
competition
for
funding
between
seniors
and
youth
and
will
won't
be
our
primary
goal.
Our
primary
goal
is
to
have
a
healthy
Community
where
all
the
generations
cooperate
and
care
for
all
our
seniors.
So
thank
you.
C
Good
afternoon,
I
have
Kathy
Slade
I'm
a
life
Club
resident
of
Roslindale.
The
only
other
place
in
the
whole
wide
world
I
would
want
to
live.
Is
whistle,
Roxbury
honestly
go
out,
I'm,
boring
I,
guess
I
do
have
a
summer
house
in
Maine,
so
I
enjoy
swimming
in
the
ice
cold
water
up
there,
it's
nice
to
get
away,
but
I,
don't
know
what
it's
that,
except
for
to
say,
I'm
glad
Council
alive.
C
Had
this
I
just
found
out
about
this
a
couple
of
days
ago
and
then
I
appreciate
all
the
other
City
councils
are
here,
I,
don't
know
where
I
was
going
to
go
after
that,
but
I
I
appreciate
it
and
somebody
Judy
Joyce.
Oh
she
mentioned
that.
It's
it's!
It's
wonderful
to
have
the
youth
involved
in
some
of
the
senior
programming.
C
So
it
was
all
a
white
population
at
the
time,
as
as
things
progressed,
we
became
much
more
integrated
because
I
did
a
lot
of
work
on
Public
Safety
down
in
the
Archdale
neighborhood
and
I
ended
up
getting
a
lot
of
so
the
last
couple
of
years.
Most
of
the
kids
in
my
group
were
Haitian.
I
had
more
fun
with
them
than
anybody
else,
because
they
appreciate
it.
They
didn't
have
much
to
do.
They
lived
down
in
the
neighborhood
where
single
parent
homes
and
they
didn't
get
out
and
do
much.
C
We
did
a
lot
of
work
on
public
speaking
and
they
got
so
much
confidence
and
and
we
that
we
did
a
lot
of
work,
we
went
to
the
Roslindale
house
work
with
seniors
and
the
kids
we're
so
proud
of
themselves
because
they
would
walk
down
the
street
and
people
would
say
hi
to
them,
and
they
said.
Oh,
you
know
us
yeah,
you're
already
rep.
We
know
you,
you
do
great
work,
so
I
I
think
it's
a
generational
programs
are
great
and
I
just
want
to
thank
you
for
coming
here.
C
A
L
Hi
I'm
Abby
Henrich
I'm,
the
pastor
of
the
Stratford
Street
United
Church,
which
is
also
the
home
of
rose's
Bounty
food,
pantry
and
I
again,
would
like
to
Echo
what
Judy
Joe's
Roddy
said,
a
member
of
our
church
that
we
have
space
and
it
will
be
ADA
Compliant,
which
has
been
a
long
long
time
goal
of
ours
and
is
now
going
to
have
well.
It
is
happening,
but
I
also
hope
that
it
seems
that
there
is
clear
that
there's
a
need
for
a
senior
center
in
your
own
space
here
and
I
hope
that
happens.
L
But
I
encourage
you
not
to
stay
siled
and
what
I
mean
by
that
is.
If
there
is
a
Senior
Center
built,
I
hope
you
will
invite
others
to
your
senior
center
and
that
you
will
have
programming
for
Youth
and
adult
you
know
Youth
and
children,
or
that
you
would
invite
anxiety-ridden
parents
so
that
you
could
hold
our
hands
and
tell
us
that
our
teenagers
will
not
end
up
in
the
gutter.
L
L
It's
because
we
have
young
children
working
alongside
seniors
and
we
have
Youth
and
we
we
have
everybody
in
between
and
we're
so
grateful
that
you've
done
so
much
volunteering
at
Rose's
Bounty
and
we're
grateful
for
our
partnership
with
ethos
and
we're
super
grateful
for
the
support
of
the
city
council.
So
thank
you
so
much
for
all
being
here
and
what
you
are
all
doing.
Thank
you.
AI
Cheers
good
afternoon
everyone,
my
name
is
Dale
Mitchell
and
I
am
a
50-year
long
resident
of
Jamaica
Plain,
which
was
earlier
described
as
one
of
the
surrounding
communities.
I
hope
it
will
be
one
of
the
integral
communities
for
when
the
senior
center
gets
up
and
running,
and
while
I
want
to
thank
the
city
councilors
for
having
this
hearing
here
in
the
community,
I
think
that's
extraordinarily
important.
AI
I
want
to
thank
everyone
from
West
Roxbury
and
the
surrounding
communities,
the
integral
communities
for
turning
out
for
this
very,
very
important
event.
Many
of
you
may
know
me
from
my
previous
life.
I
was
for
25
years
the
Chief
Executive
Officer
of
ethos,
which
is
the
name
that
has
been
bandied
about
quite
a
bit
today,
and
it
was
one
of
my
most
frustrating
experiences
during
that
tenure.
AI
That
senior
voices
are
not
adequately
heard
and
our
needs
are
not
being
adequately
met,
and
it's
really
through
turnouts,
like
this
extraordinarily
impressive
turnouts,
like
this
on
an
advocacy
issue
that
is
so
absolutely
critical
for
moving
forward.
So
I
hope
everyone.
Let's
give
ourselves
a
big
round
of
applause.
AI
AI
This
is
a
neighborhood
which,
unlike
many
of
the
other
neighborhoods
in
the
city
of
Boston,
is
comprised
mostly
of
single-family
and
two-family
houses,
and
people
are
more
as
we
get
older.
We
are
more
at
risk
of
being
isolated
in
that
kind
of
housing
than
we
are
in
senior
housing
or
apartment
multi-unit
complexes,
and
it's
also
been
mentioned
that
public
transportation
is
less
available
in
West
Roxbury
than
it
is
in
many
other
neighborhoods.
AI
It
often
leads
to
premature
institutionalization
nursing
home
placements,
and
it
was
our
contention
and
the
reason
why
we
developed
the
program
age
well,
West
Roxbury
that
we
wanted.
That
was
the
need
that
we
wanted
to
address
age
well
with
stocksbury,
though,
in
all
of
the
community
work
that
ethos
does
and
others
do
in
West.
Roxbury
is
really
only
a
stop
Gap
measure.
It
can
never
replace
the
kind
of
intensive
programming
and
accessibility
and
availability.
The
senior
center
would
be
able
to
do.
AI
Thank
you,
I
just
want
to
say
and
I
really
hope
this
happens
and
I
hope
it
doesn't
take
15
years
to
do
because
I
won't
be
around
to
make
to
Avail
myself
of
it.
But
I
do
want
to
say
one
other
thing,
since
I
retired
I've,
gotten
involved
in
a
group
called
outstanding
life.
Outstanding
life
is
a
new
non-profit.
That's
trying
to
create
a
virtual
Senior
Center
for
older
lgbts,
lesbian,
gay
men,
bisexuals
and
transgenders,
and
the
reason
why
we're
trying
to
do
that
is
because
certain
communities
are
particularly
isolated.
AI
AI
So
it
is
my
hope
that
if
this
Senior
Center
gets
off
the
ground
and
I
strenuously
hope
it
does,
and
it
doesn't
take
15
years
to
make
that
happen,
that
it
is
opened
up
with
an
explicit,
explicit
mandate,
because
otherwise
it
won't
happen,
an
explicit
mandate.
They
reach
out
to
isolated
and
marginalized
communities
within
Southwest
Boston,
not
just
older
lgbts,
but
somalies
Haitians
people
who
speak
Spanish,
African,
Americans,
Caribbean.
AI
AJ
So
I
am
a
senior
citizen,
I
guess,
and
it's
beyond
the
age
of
55.
and
I
formally
was
the
social
service
director,
the
altenheim
nursing
home,
Assistant,
Living
Senior
place
and
our
wonderful
memory
loss.
Neighborhood
I
have
dealt
with
ethos
for
a
long
time.
I
dealt
with
Dale
through
our
ups
and
downs
and
all
arounds
with
the
beginning
of
ethos.
I
worked
with
Ray
since
he
started
at
ethos
and
I
have
to
give
them
credit.
AJ
One
of
the
things
I'm
really
surprised
is
to
see
this
happening
here
here
in
West
Roxbury,
where
we
can
meet
with
the
city
councils
and
everybody
here
on
the
board.
This
is
I
walked
in
here.
I
wasn't
didn't
know
what
to
expect.
I
personally
did
not
find
out
about
this.
Only
through
my
church
bulletin
that
had
a
flyer
in
it.
AJ
AJ
That's
scary,
that's
scary,
not
only
for
us,
but
also
for
the
children.
I
think
it's
definitely
a
well
deserved
and
well
needed.
There
are
lots
of
areas
and
I've
heard
so
many
different
suggestions,
which
also
came
to
my
mind.
One
of
them
in
particular.
One
gentleman
spoke
about
Saint,
Teresa's
Convent.
AJ
AJ
Guidance
to
help
them
through
their
their
youth,
but
again
a
senior
center
I've
been
hearing
this
for
years.
All
my
life
here
and
I
am
honored
to
be
a
West
Roxbury
night
and
I.
Thank
you
again
for
hearing,
but
it
is
definitely
well
over
overdue
overdue
and
guys.
Please
continue
to
speak
up.
We
need
you
guys,
voices
my
graduate
students
that
I
dealt
with
for
over
20
years
from
different
colleges
in
schools
of
social
work.
AJ
I
was
able
to
get
numbers,
how
many
seniors,
how
many
single-family
homes,
how
many
apartments
and
I
still
use
that
same
data
through
the
city
of
Boston,
Neighborhood
development
and
I,
use
that
as
a
teaching
basis
to
teach
them
what
we
have
here.
And
yes,
it
is
the
Golden
Ages
and
yes,
we
deserve
the
best
here
and
we
do
deserve
it.
Every
single
one
sitting
here
and
those
who
have
left
hey
power
to
you
and
let's
keep
going
all
right.
Thank.
A
You
thank
you.
Thank
you
very
much
before
I.
Ask
my
colleagues
to
make
some
closing
and
remarks.
I
really
want
to.
Thank
you
all
for
coming
today.
Your
voices
are
incredibly
important
and
I'm
so
impressed
with
the
number
of
folks
who
who
came
to
attend
this
very
important
hearing.
I
also
want
to
thank
our
friends
at
the
Elks
of
West
Roxbury
for
hosting
us
did
a
fabulous
venue
here
and
we're
really.
A
A
When
you
bring
a
meeting
out
to
a
community,
you
have
to
come
and
do
a
site
visit
ahead
of
time.
It's
a
lot
of
work
and
I
really
appreciate
all
the
efforts
of
our
Central
staff,
so
I'd
like
to
hand
it
over
to
counselor
Lara
who's,
the
lead,
sponsor
and
and
close
it
close
it
out
for
everyone.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
So
much
Madam.
E
E
Wow
first
off
I
just
want
to
say
thank
you
I.
When
I
was
elected
to
represent
District
Six
I
was,
like
you
know,
I'm
going
to
be
representing
JP
in
West
Roxbury,
two
neighborhoods
that
are
very,
very
much
well
known
for
speaking
out
and
showing
up
and
getting
organized
and
as
a
community
organizer
myself,
one
of
the
things
that
gets
me.
The
most
excited
is
when
I
see
people
organize
themselves
and
show
up
and
I
am
incredibly
incredibly
humbled
to
represent.
You
I
mean
200
people
in
a
room.
E
They
had
to
expand
the
room
out.
They
had
to
double
the
room
in
size
so
that
we
could
all
fit
here
and
I
just
want
to
say.
Thank
you
because
one,
it
is
much
easier
to
fight
for
you
at
City
Hall
when
I
know
that
I
have
the
support
and
the
backing
of
my
constituents
and
I
know
that
I
have
you.
So.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
Thank
you.
So
much.