13 Comments

1. 

   mgwa on April 15, 2013 at 6:09 pm

   I work in the Longwood Medical Area. Until a short while ago, there was a constant background of screaming sirens.

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2. 

   Greg Reibman on April 15, 2013 at 6:17 pm

   Mark Sokoll, President/CEO, of JCCs of Greater Boston sent this to members. I thought it was worth sharing.

   As the details of this afternoon’s horrifying events at the Boston Marathon finish line are still unfolding, it is critically important for us to talk to each other even as we struggle to continue our daily routines. The images that will be repeated so often will no doubt arouse our fears, our feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability, our sadness, and our anger. The trauma of witnessing our beloved Boston tradition so defiled will be hard to comprehend. We will seek information, demand justice and grieve together. On a day that we are already thinking about those who gave their lives in defense of the state of Israel or as victims of terrorism, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this enormous tragedy.

   The marathon has come to embody not only conquering tremendous physical challenges, but also represents the best in the human spirit. Thousands come together to support those running, many of whom are running for a friend or a cause or as part of a team hoping to heal a loved one who is ill. Whatever has happened today does not confirm that evil has triumphed. However, it does remind us vividly that eventually we will all have a hand in helping the victims, their families, and the community heal.

   At a time like this, it is often suggested that we consider an eleventh commandment, “thou shall not despair.” In the coming weeks, it will be hard not to feel the sadness, but let us gather strength from each other and come together as an even stronger community.

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3. 

   Greg Reibman on April 15, 2013 at 6:19 pm

   From Congressman Joe Kennedy III …

   “Lauren and I are heartbroken by the news coming out of Boston and continue to pray for everyone back home as this terrible tragedy unfolds

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4. 

   Doug Haslam on April 15, 2013 at 7:26 pm

   I just hope all of you and your loved ones are safe.

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5. 

   Matt Stafford on April 15, 2013 at 9:10 pm

   Anybody have news on the unexploded device found in Newton Center?

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6. 

   mgwa on April 15, 2013 at 9:16 pm

   In the darkness, there were also acts of kindness and heroism. It’s important to remember the good, to help us observe the “eleventh commandment” – http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/photos-stories-kindness-boston-marathon-bombing/64258/

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7. 

   Greg Reibman on April 15, 2013 at 9:26 pm

   @Matt: Three suspicious packages in Newton check out OK

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8. 

   Greg Reibman on April 15, 2013 at 9:39 pm

   I was in the family greeting area behind the Hancock less than an hour before the explosion today. I was trying to find my way to the north side of Boylston Street. Lucky for me I couldn’t find a way to get all the way up to Arlington because my plan was to head back down Boylston Street on that side near Marathon Sports. Instead I headed in the other direction. By the time I heard the two loud bangs, I was working my way past the Prudential.

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9. 

   Tom Sheff on April 15, 2013 at 11:12 pm

   Mark Sokoll’s comments were really great.
   I lived less than a mile away before I cameback to Newton. I lived on Berkeley St.
   After we all watched 9-11 happen, I stepped outside me apartment in Copley Sq and watched the sky to make sure there were no suicide airplanes aimed at the Prudential. I have an attachment to that area. No one deserves this.

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10. 

    Kara Robbins on April 16, 2013 at 12:33 am

    I saw a mom marathoner dropped off by cab in Newton Centre and reunited with her husband and son. I’ve never seen people hold each other so tight. Hoping all of you and yours are safe.

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11. 

    Doug Haslam on April 16, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    My wife was working a job at the building behind and ord & Taylor, and left via Exeter St about 45 minute before it went down. She was home, thankfully, before I heard about what was going on. My mother-in-law lives in the neighborhood and was evacuated for the evening. My employer’s office is about a block from the second blast (if you saw the video on the news taken near a Walgreen’s, that woman was standing outside my office building), but I don’t normally work there on Mondays so was at home. Had friends running the marathon but they had not finished yet. Everything, too close.

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12. 

    Maureen Reilly Meagher on April 20, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    Did anyone hear of the Newton Kennel service who made their service available free of charge to all responders Monday?
    I thought it was so sensible as well as generous and would like to commend them.
    The owner was on the radio conveying a wish for people being called in,possibly working long shifts,to be able to work without having to worry about their pets.
    I am sorry that I did not catch the business name.

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13. 

    mgwa on April 20, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    @Maureen – if you find out the business name, could you please post it here? I have a friend who would like to do something nice for them in thanks.

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