City of Boston Winter Fitness Series Returns
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), has announced the launch of the 2024 Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series. This program is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and offers free virtual classes from January 7 through April 6.
Certified fitness instructors will offer a range of winter classes, including Afrobeats Dance, Cardio Kickboxing, Chair Yoga, Dance Fit, Strength and Balance, Strength and Conditioning, Yoga, and Zumba. Class descriptions, dates, and times have been posted on the winter fitness website: boston.gov/fitness.
The program is designed to cater to the different interests of residents, with classes that are accessible and age-friendly, as well as classes for people who are new to group fitness. Regardless of fitness level, everyone is welcome to join. By encouraging physical activity across the city, BPHC and the Parks Department aim to reduce the barriers to active living and ensure that Bostonians have plenty of opportunities to stay active throughout the year.
Participants can follow @healthyboston and @bostonparksdept on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or call (617) 961-3047 for cancellations and class updates. Additionally, to stay up to date with seasonal fitness offerings as well as news, park improvements, and events, sign up for the Parks email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails.
DOC Implements No Cost Phone Calls
The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) implemented no cost phone calls across its 14 correctional facilities to provide equitable access to sustained communication between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. The move results from legislation signed by Governor Maura Healey requiring calls be made available free of charge for individuals in state and county prisons. The Healey-Driscoll Administration supported this initiative in recognition that maintaining a connection between incarcerated individuals and their families is vital to enhancing rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and improving community safety.
As of December 1, 2023, all calls from the standard facility wall phone will use the same call procedures outlined in the Department’s Telephone Access and Use Policy. However, phone calls will no longer incur any charge. Previously, the incarcerated individual or the person receiving the call would pay the fee. Under the change, there is no cap on the number of calls.
“The Massachusetts Department of Correction recognizes the importance of incarcerated individuals maintaining bonds with their loved ones. No cost calls will alleviate the financial burden and remove barriers for an individual in MA DOC custody to stay connected with their outside support system. Strong family support helps to advance the rehabilitative process, reduces recidivism, and contributes to successful reentry upon release,” said DOC Commissioner Carol Mici.
To raise awareness about this change, DOC provided the population with written notification, posted signage in all residential units, and uploaded a message to each person’s department-issued educational tablet.
In anticipation of increased demand and call volume within each housing unit, DOC has proactively engaged the phone vendor, Securus Technologies, to identify locations across the agency that may benefit from additional wall phones. DOC is also exploring ways to facilitate additional access, including the ability to make calls through tablets. In addition, the Department provides other opportunities for incarcerated individuals to stay connected with loved ones through in-person visits, letters, and electronic messaging.