SYRINGE STEPS FORWARD

Here is a list of some people who deserve thumbs up and thumbs down
based on recent actions:

Thumbs up:

Syringe legislation: Thumbs up to the City Councilor Jerry McDermott
and other officials and residents who are taking it upon themselves
to improve the disposal and handling of used syringes. Last year,
within a week, two residents found exposed, used syringes on the
street in Allston. What if that were to happen again? What if it were
young children who found the syringes? They would not know what to do
with them and might harm themselves by handling diseased syringes.
Adding kiosks where used syringes can be safely disposed of is a
great idea, as is training for those who take calls on the mayor's
24-hour hotline.

End of the school year (kids' version): Congratulations to all the
students - you have made it through another school year. Now it's
time for a little over two months of vacation fun! Let's hope all
this rain finally stops and the sun, warmth and everything else that
makes summer such a great season arrives soon. We hope you all have a
great time.

Thumbs Down:

The closing of St. Gabriel's: Thumbs down to the Archdiocese of
Boston - again - for closing yet another Catholic church in Brighton.
The Catholic community in Allston and Brighton has already suffered
enough, losing both churches and schools since the financial crisis
in the Catholic Church began. Within less than two years, the
community lost both the Our Lady of Presentation Church and the OLP
School as well as St. Anthony's School. For many faithful, these
closings have shut down the buildings where they were married, had
their children baptized and buried loved ones. This is a heavily
Catholic and very faithful community that needs its churches and its
schools, and the archdiocese has gone too far.

End of the school year (parental version): OK, so now you have the
kids at home for the next two months or so. And yes, by mid-August
they might get bored. But on the plus side, if the price gouging by
the oil companies and gas stations hasn't sunk your budget, it's time
for the annual family vacation. And fear not - September will be here
before you know it.