News and Notes

BOSTON HAS A NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER

Superintendent in Chief of the Boston Police William Gross has been promoted to Commissioner.

Gross is the first African-American to ever hold the top cop job.

Gross is a proven leader who is trusted and respected in the community, as well as by his colleagues in the Boston Police Department.

SUMMER EATS PROGRAM FOR YOUTH UNDERWAY

The City of Boston has launched the 2018 Boston Summer Eats Program which will be held at City Hall through August 25 starting at 11:30 AM each day.

Free and nutritious meals will be provided at 100 locations throughout the city, providing meals to youth under 18 for the summer.

“No child in the City of Boston should ever have to experience food insecurity simply because school is out of session,” Mayor Martin Walsh said.

YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION STRATEGIC PLAN

A first-ever city-wide Youth Substance Prevention Strategic Plan, which will be used for substance use prevention and early intervention has been announced by Mayor Martin Walsh’s Office of Recovery Services and members of the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Developed in collaboration with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, the plan serves to both assess existing youth-focused substance use prevention initiatives within Boston and deliver actionable recommendations to fill gaps in services.

POLICE REPORT BODY CAMERA -USE

The final report on the Boston police body-worn camera pilot program has been released by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh.

According to the report, the overall findings indicated small but meaningful benefits of the project between residents and police officers.

As a next step, the city plans to expand the body-worn camera program through a phase-in approach pending conversations with the police unions.

RUFF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

A dog wash fundraiser for RUFF was sponsored by Back Bay Veterinary (BBV) Clinic at the park.

The BBV team also answered questions, offered advice, and provided breakfast streets.

RUFF is working with them on another event to be announced.

RUFF will conduct a Prince Street Park Clean-Up on Sunday, August 5 at 11 AM.

Joining many other groups and organizations, RUFF participated in the need Nation Night Out held in DeFilippo Park on August 7.

On Thursday, August 9 RUFF will participate in a fun filled evening at the Charlestown Navy Yard featuring public art and socializing on Thursday, August 9 at 5 PM.

On Tuesday, August 14 RUFF will hold its monthly meeting at 7 PM in the Nazzaro Community Center. Event planning, fundraising and the park will be discussed.

RUFF will hold its 3rd Yappy Our North End at the Living Room at 6 PM. Absolute Vodka and Polka Dog will sponsor treats for humans and dogs.

All dogs using the park must be license and vaccinated. This ensures that altercation will not occur and neither dog will wind up in quarantine.