Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, July 19, 2019 McCourty brothers visit House of Correction for meeting with PEACE Unit participants T he Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department recently welcomed twin brothers Devin and Jason McCourty into the House of Correction to meet with the participants in the Department’s PEACE Unit. (The acronym stands for Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation.) The visit was arranged through a collaborative effort between the McCourty brothers, the Boston Police Department and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department for the members of the PEACE Unit, which was specially developed by Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins to address the unique needs of the 18-to-25-year-old inmate population. Though it can be argued that the twins are best known for their on-field heroics as members of the NFL’s New England Patriots, an increasingly powerful case can be made that they are becoming equally as famous for their personal efforts to bring attention to the need for criminal justice reform, particularly for juveniles, and more diversionary programming to communities most impacted by incarceration. Arriving with neither the fanfare nor pretense that sometimes accompanies celebrities of entertainment and politics, the McCourty brothers immediately engaged the members of the PEACE Unit with an informal but frank discussion about their own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, their struggles with many of the ups and downs of life, including their college and professional careers, and how they worked to overcome adversity. Throughout the conversation, they pointed to the most critical ingredient for their success against the odds, summing it up in a single word – perseverance. Jason spoke to the men on the unit about his time playing for the Cleveland Browns before becoming a New England Patriot. During that time, while his brother Devin was making history for winning titles, he and his teammates were making history of a different kind for not winning a single game throughout the 2017 season. Jason’s point in sharing this story with the members of the PEACE Unit, he said, was to remind them that “if one continues to try hard and persevere, regardless of setbacks, good things will eventually happen and success will come.” The McCourty brothers also conducted a workshop with the members of the PEACE Unit in which a discussion developed about some of their anxieties around the prospect of reacclimatizing to their respective communities after release. As the visit progressed, the conversation became less about the players and their celebrity, and more about how they continually overcame adversity by surrounding themselves with positive people and by making better choices in life. Noting the themes expressed by their current visitors, House of Correction Superintendent and Special Sheriff Yolanda Smith and PEACE Unit Director Val Harris spoke about the common thread shared beBrothers Jason and Devin McCourty, members of the NFL’s New England Patriots, visited the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department’s House of Correction to speak with residents of the Department’s PEACE Unit, which provides specialized programming for 18-24-year-old members. The visit was part of the McCourty brothers’ ongoing personal advocacy around criminal justice reform. tween guests. “We’ve had many different speakers and panelists who have come to meet with not only the members of this unit, but with the men and women in our care and custody at the Department,” said Superintendent Smith. “In almost all of the instances, they stress the importance of being resilient, surrounding yourself with positive influences and continuing to strive for success, even in the face of adversity.” Director Harris also pointed to the need for participants to set and meet achievable goals, a sentiment that was echoed by Devin as he concluded the workshop. “You have to set small goals and see them through,” Devin said. “In doing so, the follow-through and commitment will become habitual and a part of your everyday lives.” The bottom line, said Devin, is that through perseverance change – and consequently success – is possible. NYRA partners with Encore Boston Harbor for 2019 meet at Saratoga Race Course Encore to present second floor of new 1863 Club, two races, and Saratoga and “Fourstardave” Challenges S ARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced a partnership with Encore Boston Harbor. The partnership includes the second floor of the all-new 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course presented by Encore Boston Harbor. The 1863 Club is a threestory, climate-controlled building located along the Clubhouse turn featuring differentiated hospitality options and modern amenities. The second floor of the 1863 Club features a group event space which accommodates up to 100 guests. The floor is designated Legends Hall in tribute to the numerous well-known trainers and jockeys who have made a mark at Saratoga. “We’re excited to partner with Encore Boston Harbor this summer at Saratoga Race Course. The luxury resort and casino is an ideal match for our new hospitality venue,” said NYRA CEO & President Dave O’Rourke. “Wynn Resorts has a proven Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for family since 1958 • 61 over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! track record of providing the finest hotels, dining and gaming the casino industry has to offer. We look forward to welcoming racing fans to the second floor of the 1863 Club in partnership with Encore Boston Harbor.” “There is a natural synergy between Encore Boston Harbor and Saratoga Race Course making this alignment a perfect partnership,” said Encore Boston Harbor President Robert DeSalvio. “As a racing fan, I am personally excited to have the opportunity to bring Wynn Resorts’ world-renowned hospitality to the brand-new 1863 Club and showcase to Saratoga visitors what we are offering in Greater Boston.” In addition to the 1863 Club, Encore Boston Harbor will present two races during the 2019 Saratoga meet: the Saratoga Oaks on Friday, August 2 and the Forego on Saturday, August 24, which is part of a blockbuster Travers Day card. Encore Boston Harbor will also partner with NYRA to present two handicapping contests during the 2019 summer season: the Saratoga Challenge on August 9 and the Fourstardave Challenge on August 10. The pair of live money challenges will occur as two separate oneday contests. For more information about the handicapping contests, visit NYRA. com/Challenge. The resort is also providing an exclusive promotional NYRA| SEE PAGE 14 Summer is Here!
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