Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jun 2006
Source: Wilmington Advocate (MA)
Copyright: 2006 Community Newspaper Company
Contact:  http://www2.townonline.com/wilmington
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3796

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.