Boston, MA

Boston students learn ‘knife skills and life skills’ at Future Chefs in Roxbury

Published

1 year ago

July 6, 2023

Press Room

Boston students learn ‘knife skills and life skills’ at Future Chefs in Roxbury

ROXBURY – Showing guests around the Future Chefs space in Roxbury, founder Toni Elka is beaming with pride.

“I would never have thought that I could do this. And I—alone—did not do this. I had an idea,” Elka said.

That idea became what is now a thriving program for Boston Public School students who learn life skills using food as the medium. Originally a program to prepare teenagers for careers in the culinary industry, Elka said Future Chefs is now for all students who are open to project-based learning and interested in developing skills they will use far beyond the kitchen.

“We have a leadership ladder,” she said. “So you’re not learning the same thing in year two and year three. You start to find out what your particular skills are and you move into those opportunities that we make possible here.”

A THERAPEUTIC PLACE

Most of the students who enroll in Future Chefs are referred by friends, teachers, school counselors or parents. There are 43 teenagers involved in the summer program. They commit to 24 hours a week and get paid for their time.

The money comes from the City of Boston and the program’s fundraising efforts. Students pay nothing to attend. During the school year, they are in the program for 8-10 hours a week – enough time to learn and connect with other kids in a supportive environment.

Members of the Future Chefs program.

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At a time when young people describe feeling disassociated from peers because of “screen time” and mental health challenges, Future Chefs offers immersive, hands-on learning.

“It becomes a therapeutic and mindful place for young people. So the trauma of your school day, or your particular life, falls away as you come into really deep focus on the thing that you’re doing,” Elka said.

It is the kind of program Elka wishes had been available when she was a kid. As a low-income, high-risk high school student who almost didn’t graduate, she said that she was full of potential that no one recognized.

“Everything at Future Chefs is geared toward making sure that never happens to a young person that walks in here through our doors,” Elka said.

OPENING DOORS

Elka is a MassArt graduate, an artist who by her own admission had vision but no idea how to fundraise for a non-profit or manage a staff.

Seeking that knowledge in Future Chefs’ early days, she enrolled in a year-long certificate program at Boston University in non-profit management and leadership.

She realized that, although she had never called herself an entrepreneur, that is exactly what she was and what she had always been. She launched Future Chefs with a $200,000 annual budget just before the 2008 recession.

When the economy crashed, years of resilience served her well. She kept the program going on the slimmest of margins until she could build on its success. Today, Future Chefs operates on a $1.9 million budget and offers year-round instruction in a beautiful Blue Hill Avenue space that opened during the pandemic.

“If you’re doing the thing you’re supposed to do, doors are going to open for you,” Elka said.

CONFIDENCE TRANSLATES TO THE CLASSROOM

Incredibly, most of the students chopping vegetables and whisking marinades were only days into the program. Grouped in small teams, they prepared full meals in the Chop Challenge, a timed competition.

Judges included professional chefs, advanced Future Chefs students and special guests including Alexandra Valdez, the Executive Director of Mayor Wu’s Office of Women’s Advancement.

No matter which team wins, all of the students applaud for one another. Most of them don’t know anyone in the program when they join, but friendships form quickly. Before the cooking begins, they gather around a table to talk about what’s bugging them and what they’re grateful for.

“What happens here for every student is that they become a part of a community of people that are learning and growing,” Elka said.

With instructors who become mentors, they have a place to gain mastery. Elka explained that it becomes a kind of muscle memory. You learn something, practice, and master it. Experiencing success in that process teaches students to trust themselves and their abilities.

The confidence they develop at Future Chefs serves them in the future and often improves their academic performance.

“It’s a way of getting your mind ready to learn,” Elka said.

Elka also pointed out that for students who ultimately pursue culinary careers, the program facilitates valuable networking opportunities and problem-solving.

“They’re able to step up an say, ‘I can do this’ and negotiate for a decent salary. And if the culture is toxic in the kitchen, they can talk about why it is and figure out what to do about it,” Elka said.

“KNIFE SKILLS AND LIFE SKILLS”

Advania Veiga, a sophomore at Boston Latin Academy, said she was shy and nervous when she enrolled in Future Chefs a year ago. She credits the program for teaching her “knife skills and life skills” and helping her become comfortable speaking up.

“I was really nervous talking in big groups of people. Even small groups of people. But I’ve totally learned to put that aside,” Veiga said.

She is particularly excited about the pop-up restaurant the students will open and run next month.

Veiga was part of the last summer’s pop-up which received rave reviews from patrons. Students are responsible for planning the lunch and dinner menus, taking the orders and making the food.

This year’s pop-up will run on August 9-10 in the Future Chefs space at 305 Blue Hill Avenue.

LEARNING KEY LIFE SKILLS

In the last minutes of the Chop Challenge, Elka watched young people who are focused, engaged and energized.

“The dream was that this room would be filled with young people doing their thing. And they are!” Elka said.

With praise for her instructors, she is quick to point out that the dream is only possible with teamwork — one of the key life skills students learn in the program.

“It’s a social contract to be here for our young people. We all need to do it together. And this is a gathering place for that,” she said. “It’s wonderful.”

Lisa Hughes

Award-winning journalist Lisa Hughes anchors WBZ-TV News weekdays at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. with co-anchor David Wade.

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Boston, MA

Ex-Celtics Guard Offers Blunt Confession About Boston Departure

Published

5 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Ex-Celtics Guard Offers Blunt Confession About Boston Departure

Malcolm Brogdon departed the Boston Celtics two offseasons ago, in surprise fashion, sparking some speculated bad blood between both sides.

During Friday night’s NBA Cup battle, Brogdon, now a member of the Washington Wizards, got his first chance to compete against his old team. Brogdon missed both opportunities last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team Boston initially traded the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year to in order to land Jrue Holiday.

“Guys get traded every year,” Brogdon told reporters, per CLNS Media. “I think for teams, a lot of the time it’s not personal, it’s a business decision. For players, it is personal. You’re uprooting your family at the end of the day. You’re moving to a new city, you’re having to adjust to a new situation. But honestly, it was a good trade for them. We’ll both be good in the long run.”

Brogdon made the start against the Celtics, sharing the floor with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, for the first time since Brogdon was teammates with the crew. The 31-year-old met the challenge posed by the reigning champions and performed well, scoring 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field with 10 rebounds to notch his fourth double-double in his first season with the Wizards.

As frustrating as parting ways with the Celtics in the middle of their championship hunt might’ve been for Brogdon, the nine-year veteran doesn’t plan on letting the past haunt him moving forward. Brogdon’s inherited a leadership role for a Washington team that’s gone 2-12 so far, is 1-6 at home and isn’t expected to compete in the playoffs. And for Brogdon, that’s perfectly fine.

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“Honestly, I’m not even in a position anymore where I even talk about it, man,” Brogdon said of the trade. “I’ve made peace with the situation and moved on. I’m in a good place now.”

Brogdon even gave his former team its flowers and made it known that even though he’s in Washington now, he’s been keeping tabs on Boston.

“They’re a very well-rounded team,” Brogdon said. “The way they’re constructed. And I think the Jay’s together — people have always criticized them over the years: ‘They can’t play together. Their games are too similar.’ I mean, they’ve heard it all and I think they’ve really come together and figured out how to play well and mesh on the court, on both ends. They’ve embraced the defensive side and they’ve then learned how to play together and embrace each other on offense.”

The Wizards — and Brogdon — were Boston’s latest stepping stone as the team continues to embark on its journey toward punching a ticket to Las Vegas in the NBA Cup. The Celtics improved to 13-3 overall and 2-1 in tournament play, securing a plus-14 point differential to put them second to the Atlanta Hawks in the Group C standings.

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Boston, MA

How to Watch Boston College vs. North Carolina: Time, TV Channel, Live Stream – November 23, 2024

Published

13 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

How to Watch Boston College vs. North Carolina: Time, TV Channel, Live Stream – November 23, 2024

Data Skrive

Omarion Hampton will lead the North Carolina Tar Heels (6-4) into their battle versus the Boston College Eagles (5-5) at Alumni Stadium (Chestnut Hill, MA) on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.

You should head to The CW in order to watch this game.

Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports.

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Drake Maye sat down with Kristina Pink to discuss starting for the New England Patriots, getting drafted and his relationship with his family.

Learn more about the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Boston College Eagles.

How to Watch North Carolina vs. Boston College

When: Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 12 p.m. ET
Location: Alumni Stadium (Chestnut Hill, MA) in Boston, Massachusetts
Live Box Score: FOX Sports

North Carolina’s 2024 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Score
8/29/2024	at Minnesota	W 19-17
9/7/2024	vs. Charlotte	W 38-20
9/14/2024	vs. North Carolina Central	W 45-10
9/21/2024	vs. James Madison	L 70-50
9/28/2024	at Duke	L 21-20
10/5/2024	vs. Pittsburgh	L 34-24
10/12/2024	vs. Georgia Tech	L 41-34
10/26/2024	at Virginia	W 41-14
11/2/2024	at Florida State	W 35-11
11/16/2024	vs. Wake Forest	W 31-24
11/23/2024	at Boston College	–
11/30/2024	vs. North Carolina State	–

North Carolina 2024 Stats & Insights

North Carolina is averaging 440.1 yards per game offensively this year (28th in the FBS), and are surrendering 364.2 yards per game (64th) on the defensive side of the ball.
North Carolina is putting up 235.6 passing yards per game offensively this year (55th in the FBS), and is allowing 235.7 passing yards per game (91st) on the other side of the ball.
The Tar Heels are putting up 33.7 points per game on offense (30th in the FBS), and they rank 78th on the other side of the ball with 26.2 points allowed per game.
The Tar Heels own the 44th-ranked defense this year in terms of rushing yards (128.5 rushing yards allowed per game), and they’ve been better on offense, ranking 17th-best with 204.5 rushing yards per game.
North Carolina is averaging a 42.9% third-down percentage on offense this year (47th in the FBS), and is allowing a 34.1% third-down percentage (33rd) on the other side of the ball.
The Tar Heels have forced 13 total turnovers (69th in the FBS) this season and have turned it over 11 times (37th in the FBS) for a turnover margin of +2, 53rd-ranked in college football.

North Carolina 2024 Key Players

Name	Position	Stats
Omarion Hampton	RB	1,422 YDS / 14 TD / 142.2 YPG / 5.7 YPC 31 REC / 281 REC YDS / 1 REC TD / 28.1 REC YPG
Jacolby Criswell	QB	2,003 YDS (59.0%) / 12 TD / 3 INT 136 RUSH YDS / 3 RUSH TD / 13.6 RUSH YPG
J.J. Jones	WR	28 REC / 528 YDS / 5 TD / 52.8 YPG
Davion Gause	RB	285 YDS / 2 TD / 31.7 YPG / 5.2 YPC
Amare Campbell	LB	53 TKL / 8.0 TFL / 5.0 SACK
Antavious Lane	DB	61 TKL / 2.0 TFL / 1.0 SACK
Jahvaree Ritzie	DL	29 TKL / 5.0 TFL / 6.5 SACK / 1 INT
Power Echols	LB	59 TKL / 0.0 TFL / 0.5 SACK / 1 INT

Boston College’s 2024 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Score
9/2/2024	at Florida State	W 28-13
9/7/2024	vs. Duquesne	W 56-0
9/14/2024	at Missouri	L 27-21
9/21/2024	vs. Michigan State	W 23-19
9/28/2024	vs. Western Kentucky	W 21-20
10/5/2024	at Virginia	L 24-14
10/17/2024	at Virginia Tech	L 42-21
10/25/2024	vs. Louisville	L 31-27
11/9/2024	vs. Syracuse	W 37-31
11/16/2024	at SMU	L 38-28
11/23/2024	vs. North Carolina	–
11/30/2024	vs. Pittsburgh	–

Boston College 2024 Stats & Insights

Boston College ranks 93rd with 360.5 total yards per contest on offense, and it ranks 79th with 379.2 total yards given up per contest on defense.
Boston College’s passing game has been struggling, ranking 22nd-worst in the FBS with 184.5 passing yards per game. It has been more effective defensively, giving up 248.8 passing yards per contest (107th-ranked).
The Eagles rank 73rd in the FBS with 27.6 points per game on offense, and they rank 65th with 24.5 points given up per game on the defensive side of the ball.
The Eagles rank 50th in the FBS with 176.0 rushing yards per game on offense, and they rank 46th with 130.4 rushing yards allowed per contest on defense.
Boston College ranks 40th in the FBS with a 43.5% third-down conversion rate on offense, and 56th with a 37.0% third-down percentage allowed on defense.
The Eagles have recorded 18 forced turnovers (21st in the FBS) and committed 14 turnovers (60th in the FBS) this season for a +4 turnover margin that ranks 35th in the FBS.

Boston College 2024 Key Players

Name	Position	Stats
Thomas Castellanos	QB	1,366 YDS (61.5%) / 18 TD / 5 INT 194 RUSH YDS / 1 RUSH TD / 21.6 RUSH YPG
Kye Robichaux	RB	561 YDS / 8 TD / 56.1 YPG / 4.6 YPC 4 REC / 17 REC YDS / 1 REC TD / 2.4 REC YPG
Treshaun Ward	RB	391 YDS / 2 TD / 43.4 YPG / 5.4 YPC 13 REC / 251 REC YDS / 4 REC TD / 31.4 REC YPG
Lewis Bond	WR	46 REC / 464 YDS / 3 TD / 46.4 YPG
Donovan Ezeiruaku	DL	63 TKL / 11.0 TFL / 10.0 SACK
KP Price	DB	57 TKL / 1.0 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD
Carter Davis	DB	41 TKL / 0.0 TFL / 2 INT / 2 PD
Daveon Crouch	LB	56 TKL / 2.0 TFL

FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Boston, MA

Boston police seek to ID man in burglary at elderly housing

Published

21 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

Boston police seek to ID man in burglary at elderly housing

A man stole financial documents and credit cards from an elderly person’s apartment in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood Tuesday, police said as they asked for the public’s help identifying the burglary suspect.

Boston police say the incident occurred between 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the area of 11 Woodcliff Street, the Cardinal Medeiros Manor Apartments.

According to police, the suspect allegedly entered the victim’s apartment, which is located in an elderly housing community, and convinced them to turn over financial documents before stealing several personal documents and credit cards.

The suspect is described as a man wearing glasses with a red shirt and black pants. He also had a lanyard around his neck, a tattoo on his right arm, and a brown backpack, police said.

An investigation into the incident is underway, and anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 617-343-4275. Anonymous tips can also be called into the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS, or texted to CRIME (27463) with the word ‘TIP’.

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