St. Paul’s Parishioners Make Pilgrimage into Boston

Parishioners Daisy Girifalco, Candy Walker, Karin Baker, Rev. Chris Wendell, Jan Gurley, Ed Johnson and Cecelia Parks on their way to Boston - Courtesy photo — *Parishioners Daisy Girifalco, Candy Walker, Karin Baker, Rev. Chris Wendell, Jan Gurley, Ed Johnson and Cecelia Parks on their way to Boston – Courtesy photo*

Submitted by Daisy Girafalco for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

A group of parishioners from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Pine Hill Road recently partnered with St. Mary’s in Dorchester to support the B-SAFE program that is held in six locations around Boston.

*Children enjoying the B-Safe program – Courtesy photo*

B-SAFE (https://www.ststephensbos.org/our-mission/b-safe) provides a safe, fun, academically enriching environment for 500 elementary and middle school students. Activities include numbers and word “clubs,” Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time, hands-on exploration of science, technology and the arts, and field trips throughout the Boston metropolitan area. The program is affordable — families who can afford to, pay $80 per child per summer.

The idea to take part in this program originated in the dead of winter when Rev. Chris Wendell, St. Paul’s Rector, brought up the program during an outreach meeting. Having been part of this group over the years Wendell was enthusiastic about the program and what it brings to the youth who participate during the summer months.

As the Bedford group left to serve lunches and Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) in Boston, Wendell said “open your hearts because you are going to fall in love.” And so they did.

Jan Gurley and Candy Walker preparing lunches for B-Safe - Courtesy photo — *Jan Gurley and Candy Walker preparing lunches for B-Safe – Courtesy photo*

The effort was masterfully coordinated by Candy Walker with some logistical back-up from Daisy Girifalco. There was additional support from 25 people who provided food; a gracious donation of snacks from Panera Bread; along with the time and selflessness of those who attended.