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Michael Bobbitt and the beauty of ‘do nothing’ days – The Boston Globe

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Michael Bobbitt and the beauty of ‘do nothing’ days – The Boston Globe


Michael Bobbitt, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, said he is eager to learn more about his ancestry and eventually travel to Africa — specifically Cape Town, South Africa; Egypt; and Nigeria. He said these places “keep popping up in numerous conversations,” so it might be a sign. Bobbitt, 51, will, on Feb. 1, mark his three-year anniversary at the helm of the state Cultural Council. And while the Washington, D.C., native said he thrives on challenges, he admits that starting this job in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as “having to advocate for funding, [addressing a] racial reckoning, the need for jobs, pay equity across the state in the arts …” was a major undertaking. He stressed the importance of experiencing the arts — especially for people from marginalized communities. “It [the arts] saved me from a dysfunctional home, and I want that for others,” he said. Not only is Bobbitt — who was previously artistic director of the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown — in charge of allocating funding to arts organizations throughout the state, but as a theater director, choreographer, and playwright, “I try to keep my art going” and is currently working on four plays and three musicals. Bobbitt has a 22-year-old son, Sang Bobbitt Hanna, a recent University of Florida graduate, and lives in Watertown with his husband, Steve Miller, a marketing executive. We caught up with Bobbitt to talk about all things travel.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? My son inspires me a lot. He’s recently been on a journey to discover his roots. He was adopted from Vietnam and has been researching his culture — reading historical books, autobiographies, and other nonfiction — studying the language and listening to lots of podcasts. He’s even considering dual citizenship, teaching English in Vietnam, and legally changing his name back to his full birth name. His connection to his culture has me intrigued about my own roots. For some time, I have been wanting to travel to Africa — specifically Cape Town, Egypt, and Nigeria. These places have been popping up in numerous conversations, so I wonder if it’s a sign. Like my son, I have a lot of research to do before deciding to go and learn more about my ancestry.

Where was the first place you traveled to after COVID restrictions were lifted? I went to see a musical that I wrote: “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds” performed in Orlando at the Orlando Family Stage the first weekend of February 2022. It was a terrific production and I got to spend time with my son — who was studying marine biology at the University of Florida — and visit with my husband’s brother, niece and nephew, and their partners. It was a great trip.

Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own? My husband seems to dig the logistics of planning trips, so he makes all the arrangements. He’s much more traveled than I. The one time I used an agent was for planning a trip to Vietnam as a high school graduation gift for my son. In addition to his graduation and impending move to college, my husband and I were moving to Boston to take a new job, so planning a trip to Vietnam required professional help. The trip included working with a person to help us find his birth family and revisit the orphanage he was adopted from.

Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation? It depends on what “unplugged” means. I will peek at email to see if there is anything urgent, and if not, I’m good. I do have trouble unplugging from social media and streaming though.

Do you use all of your vacation time or leave some on the table? As of late, I do. I think as I’ve gotten older and more connected to well-being and mental health, I see the value in taking vacation and leave. I’m obsessed with arts and culture, but taking a break only helps to keep me [more] focused on my work when I return.

What has been your worst vacation experience? I had a trip to London and Paris for Christmas about 10 years ago that was over-scheduled, fast-paced, and sabotaged by the flu for the whole family. Trying to find cold and flu medicine on New Year’s Eve was difficult. And the trip over there was delayed by a major storm. It was a lot.

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Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? I’ve learned to discuss and label the type of vacation prior to planning. Defining these makes all the difference. “Do nothing” days is something that I have coined. Because of my focus on arts and culture, I can pack in visits to museums, shows, and events. I used to think of travel as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and needed to see everything. I now realize that it’s hard for me to even remember all that I saw, because so much was packed in.

What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation? I have two books that I have on my bedside table. I’m in a self-discovery, critical-thinking, pushing-against-the-status-quo, and embracing-innovation phase, so Matt Ridley’s “The Rational Optimist” and “How Innovation Works” would be packed in my suitcase.

If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? This is an unfair question. I have a large list. Recently, I’ve discovered the brilliance of civil rights activist Ella Josephine Baker. Her behind-the-scenes organizing and leadership, plus her willingness to disagree with some of our leading civil rights leaders, was astounding. She was one of the leading voices during this movement and is often not credited for what she did. I have so many questions.

What is the best gift to give a traveler? I’m guessing that you want something specific and tangible. If so, I’d say a filtered water bottle. But, if it was something intangible, I’d say, the spirit of adventure. I encourage people to try new things when they travel: Food, art, a tradition from that culture … things that you would never do at home.

What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip? I’m allergic to gluten and dairy and I only eat whole food plants, so no meat or processed food. Plus, I stay away from sugar. So, on the plane, my go-to is a nut mix. Ideally, a dried fruit and nut mix, but the fruit is often pumped with sugar.

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What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation? When I travel, I have a rule to buy an ornament or three for my Christmas tree that reminds me of the trip. Consequently, I have a pretty whacky tree, where no two ornaments are alike or match. My favorite is a Santa in a grass skirt that I got from Hawaii. I surprised my mother with a trip to Hawaii. She’s afraid of flying, heights, and water, but she did it. She went into a cave, saw the sunrise on a tall mountain, got on a boat to look at us snorkel, got in the water, rode in a submarine, and tried all the Hawaiian cuisine. I was so proud of her, and the ornament reminds me of that trip.

What is your favorite app/website for travel? Pinterest. I love searching on Pinterest for unique experiences in the place that I am traveling.

What has travel taught you? To embrace other peoples’ culture. It’s fascinating to see how people live and to experience life from their point of view. Cultural differences are another obsession of mine. It’s taught me that our differences are things to revere and not fear.

What is your best travel tip? Experience things you would never experience, and schedule “do nothing” days, where you just relax.


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Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.





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Massachusetts bakery that made signature pizza trays for more than 100 years closes for good

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Massachusetts bakery that made signature pizza trays for more than 100 years closes for good



A Framingham institution that has been in business for more than a century closed its doors for the final time on Sunday.

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Framingham Baking Company, known for its signature pizza trays, has officially shut down permanently. Crowds have been lining up around the block in the shop’s final days, with Sunday serving as their last day in business.

“That’s a wrap! Special thanks to all of our loyal customers! It was a great run. We love you!” Framingham Baking Company posted on Facebook Sunday after selling its final slices of pizza.

Founded in 1917, the bakery on Waverly Street became known for the square pizza slices.

The third-generation owners say they couldn’t find anyone to take over the business.

“We’re closing today after 109 years in business,” owner Joan Thomas said. “My grandparents, my parents, and my siblings – three generations have run this bakery.”

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Customers explained why they were willing to wait in long lines to get their hands on some treats one more time.

“So many years of eating this pizza, and the bread, and the cookies. You had to be there for the end,” one woman said.

“My grandfather was a delivery guy for a long time. My first job was riding around with him in the van delivering to all the local restaurants. It’s tough to see it close, but it’s had an amazing run. Here for my last delivery. Bring some pizza home to my family,” another man added.

One customer waiting in line said it wasn’t just pizza the Framingham Baking Company provided, it was memories.

“Brought it to the cousins’ every birthday party, every gathering. Any time there was family there was pizza,” he said. 

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Massachusetts’ middle-class income range is highest in US., topping out at over $200K

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Massachusetts’ middle-class income range is highest in US., topping out at over 0K


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Your household can earn more than $200,000 a year and still be considered part of the “middle class” in Massachusetts, according to a recent study by SmartAsset.

Massachusetts ranks as the top state with the highest income range for households to be considered middle class, based on SmartAsset’s analysis using 2024 income data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households earning roughly two-thirds to twice the national median household income.

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According to a 2022 Gallup survey, about half of U.S. adults consider themselves middle class, with 38% identifying as “middle class” and 14% as “upper-middle class.” Higher-income Americans and college graduates were most likely to identify with the “middle class” or “upper-middle class,” while lower-income Americans and those without a college education generally identified as “working class” or “lower class.”

Here’s how much money your household would need to bring in annually to be considered middle class in Massachusetts.

How much money would you need to make to be considered middle class in MA?

In Massachusetts, households would need to earn between $69,900 and $209,656 annually to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. The Bay State has the highest income range in the country for middle-class households. The state’s median household income is $104,828.

In Boston, the range is slightly lower. Households need to earn between $65,194 and $195,582 annually to qualify as middle class, giving the city the 19th-highest income range among the 100 largest U.S. cities. Boston’s median household income is $97,791.

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How do other New England states compare?

Massachusetts has the highest income range for middle-class households in New England. Here’s what households would have to earn in neighboring states:

  1. Massachusetts (#1 nationally) – $69,885 to $209,656 annually; median household income of $104,828
  2. New Hampshire (#6 nationally) – $66,521 to $199,564 annually; median household income of $99,782
  3. Connecticut (#10 nationally) – $64,033 to $192,098 annually; median household income of $96,049
  4. Rhode Island (#17 nationally) – $55,669 to $167,008 annually; median household income of $83,504
  5. Vermont (#19 nationally) – $55,153 to $165,460 annually; median household income of $82,730
  6. Maine (#30 nationally) – $50,961 to $152,884 annually; median household income of $76,442

Which state has the lowest middle-class income range?

Mississippi ranks last for the income range needed to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. Households there would need to earn between $39,418 and $118,254 annually. The state’s median household income is $59,127.



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‘No Kings’ protests draw thousands against the Trump administration who are ‘fed up, pissed off, and also hopeful’ – The Boston Globe

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‘No Kings’ protests draw thousands against the Trump administration who are ‘fed up, pissed off, and also hopeful’ – The Boston Globe


Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey altered the lyrics of some songs to criticize Trump and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Let’s ship them out of Boston,” he told the crowd, referring to ICE agents and echoing lyrics from “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” “Are you with us?”

Pressley followed, telling demonstrators the “world is on fire.”

“It is going to take every single one of us doing everything we can to put this fascist, white nationalist fire out,” Pressley said. “The only way to beat a dictator is with defiance.”

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Some of the faces in the crowd at the “No Kings” protest on Boston Common.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
The Dropkick Murphys perform during the protest.Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe

The flagship national demonstration was held in Minneapolis, where US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed in January during a massive federal immigration crackdown that ended last month.

Bruce Springsteen performed “Streets of Minneapolis,” the protest song released after the killing of Pretti with lyrics describing the city as “aflame” under “King Trump’s private army.”

In Massachusetts, organizers staged 169 demonstrations, said Rahsaan D. Hall, president and chief executive of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts and emcee for the Boston Common event.

Saturday’s gatherings marked the third time protesters have mobilized under the “No Kings” banner since the first protest last June. Another round of protests took place in October.

Demonstrators gathered as the US war in Iran entered its second month with oil prices surging and Trump declaring victory is at hand even as thousands of additional American troops head to the Middle East.

Within the GOP, congressional leaders are at odds over funding the US Department of Homeland Security, which has been partially shut down since mid-February and has a new leader, Markwayne Mullin. Trump fired his predecessor, Kristi Noem, earlier this month following controversies over her leadership.

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Mihika Gogate, 24, who recently moved to Boston from North Carolina, said she was demonstrating for “absolutely everyone in this world that is suffering at the hands of the decisions of our fascist leader at the moment.”

She carried a sign depicting a Joker playing card featuring Trump with a crown on his head.

“I think, especially now, it’s such a scary time to be an adult in this world,” Gogate said. “It’s not just something that is affecting one of us. It’s affecting all our futures and our current realities.”

Michael Payne, Jean Carroon, and Maxie Chambliss were at the “No Kings” protest on Boston Common.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
The crowd on Boston Common was reflected in the horns of the performers.Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe

In Quincy, demonstrators gathered outside City Hall were encouraged to remain politically active.

“We hate what Donald Trump is doing. I’m tired of being in a state of exhaustion, and he’s bombarding us every day,” said Donna Cunningham, 51, a Quincy resident. “We need events like this to remind ourselves that we’re not alone in our little islands of our homes.”

On Boston Common, Sara Welch filmed the bustle as she walked through the park en route to Cheers. A resident of Hastings, Minn., Welch said she’s in the area for work.

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“It means a lot, especially with everything that went on in our state with ICE,” Welch said.

Yet some questioned whether large demonstrations are generating the changes they seek.

Warren May, a demonstrator from Watertown, said the Women’s March held the day after Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 was the last time he participated in such a large protest.

“That was really kind of great and inspiring and wonderful, but look where we are now,” May said. “It’s just gotten worse.”

John Cluverius, who teaches political science at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, said the mass demonstrations signal to elected Democrats that the opposition to Trump “is real and is tangible.” His popularity has slipped since the last “No Kings” demonstrations in October, he said.

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“Being the party out of power has a very isolating effect on both individuals and voters — the sense that they’re out of control of the destiny of the country,” Cluverius said. “There is almost an affirming effect for people to gather in these places and get the sense that even though they’re opposed to so many things that are happening, they’re not alone.”

There are also signs that the protests are pushing elected officials to answer demonstrators’ demands, Cluverius said.

On Friday, Senate Republicans abandoned vows to resist any deal for Department of Homeland Security funding that did not include money for ICE and US Customs and Border Protection, by voting to do just that.

“Senate Democrats … did not defect in any way, and I think that speaks to the fact that these rallies were today,” Cluverius said.

Several exhibitions on Boston Common brought attention to the impact of Trump’s policies.

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An installation called “Eyes Wide Open — The Cost of War” featured rows of shoes, backpacks, and toys symbolizing the more than 160 children killed at an Iranian school during the opening day of US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

“We hope that this will cause people to pause and consider the humanitarian impact of this war,” said Ziba Cranmer, 54, who belongs to the Massachusetts chapter of the National Iranian American Council.

An ice sculpture reading “END ICE” was carved by artist Kat Carves.

“It’s a very powerful message,” said Lisa Mahoney, 66, of Beverly.

Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s performance as president, according to YouGov polling on behalf of The Economist, which found this month that his net approval rating is at -18 percentage points.

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His deportation agenda, attacks on higher education, and efforts to nationalize elections are deeply unpopular in Massachusetts, which backed his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election.

A February poll by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found 72 percent of Massachusetts residents disapprove of Trump’s overall job performance, driven largely by fears that he threatens democracy.

Dave Beyna, portraying George Washington, arrived at the protest on Boston Common before it started.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
Protesters sit at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the “No Kings” Boston rally.Andrew Burke-Stevenson/for The Boston Globe

Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule paused for now by a federal judge in Boston, new eligibility limits to public safety net programs under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, and research funding cuts have also drawn opposition here.

Sonya Shropshire-Friel of Dover, N.H., said her parents protested during the civil rights movement and were arrested as college students in Elizabeth City, N.C.

“I thought if they can do that, I can show up here today,” she said.

Trump’s rhetoric and the actions of his immigration enforcement agents “really make America unsafe,” Shropshire-Friel said.

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“He has made people more inclined to be unkind and cruel toward one another,” she said. “I need to be out here with people who are also fed up, pissed off, and also hopeful.”


Laura Crimaldi can be reached at laura.crimaldi@globe.com. Follow her @lauracrimaldi. Anjali Huynh can be reached at anjali.huynh@globe.com. Aayushi Datta can be reached at aayushi.datta@globe.com.





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