World Series Champions

Today is a day of great celebration and happiness for Red Sox Nation. Our beloved Red Sox are World Series champions after an impressive four-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies. This year’s championship might seem anti-climactic given the fact that the Sox led their division for most of the year and had come back from a nail biting series against the Cleveland Indians to win the pennant. Those of us who have been around for a while, however, know differently and cannot take any Red Sox success for granted.

The Red Sox of 2007 were an impressive team that will go down as one of the greatest in club history. Experienced veterans like Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling and Jason Varitek were joined by exciting rookies Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury. The power lineup of David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell was unmatched by any team, and the pitching staff led by Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima were equally impressive. And my personal favorite, Jon Papelbon, exemplified the team that played hard but had fun doing it.

In 2004, the first Red Sox World Series championship in 86 years was celebrated like no other. The 2007 championship will be celebrated differently, but with great joy for a wonderful team that makes all in Red Sox nation proud. I am looking forward to the World Series trophy making a return visit to Winchester in 2007!

In Support of ABC

Since this blog does not accept comments, I have intentionally avoided controversial public policy issues. However, recent events that have resulted in compromising the safety and happiness of some of our most promising yet vulnerable residents is simply too important to evade.

Winchester is home to A Better Chance (ABC), an organization that places academically talented minority students in the Winchester school system. Currently, eight scholars live in the ABC house, attend Winchester schools and are members of a host family in the community. Since 1971, more than 70 scholars from ABC have graduated from Winchester High School. Most have gone on to receive higher degrees. It is fair to say that the Winchester community has been equally enriched from our ABC students. Recently, a dispute between a member(s) of ABC and other youths has escalated into a protracted and dangerous series of altercations. The most recent event has resulted in felony charges against individuals who have targeted our ABC students. The Police Department has taken this matter very seriously, but must proceed in a manner that is deliberate and consistent with our state and federal constitution and laws. At its meeting on October 15, 2007, the Board of Selectmen made individual and collective statements that confirm the Town’s commitment to supporting our ABC students and pledge to use the Town’s full resources to prosecute the individuals charged with assaulting them. Specifically, the Town will vigorously encourage and support the District Attorney to pursue the maximum criminal penalty allowed and to take other measures necessary to ensure the safety and well being of our students.

At the Selectmen’s meeting, ABC House Director Gavin Samms provided a compelling story about the vulnerability of young minority men living in an upscale community far from their hometown and families. At this critical juncture, these young men deserve the Town’s duty to keep them safe. Just as important, they need the community’s love and support.