One of the oldest local jokes goes, "What are the three best reasons for living in Boston?"  The answer of course is, "June, July, and August."  We could argue a bit about the autumn leaf-peeping season being better, but that lasts only three weeks, not three months.

     South Boston Online hopes you had an enjoyable and meaningful Memorial Day, and we wish you the best and safest summer season.  Did you remember your loved ones in some way last weekend?

     Actually, summer is here just in time.  The winter wasn't especially harsh, but for some reason, it seemed very long.  And Mother Nature showed she wasn't to be trifled with, when she dumped almost a foot of rain on us in May.  Had it been colder, that could have been eight feet of snow.

     There's a lot of good stuff to celebrate.  As of this writing (Memorial Day), our boys of summer are two games up in the AL East, and are playing .625 ball.  Both the starters and the bullpen are throwing fairly well.  The overall team numbers total a .284 batting average and a 4.47 ERA.  They have committed just 15 errors in 48 games. The Sox face ten games of roadkill – Toronto, Detroit, and the Yankees – but they hold a .583 average after 24 away games.  Not too shabby.

     The tourists have returned to Boston, many from other countries.  They come here because Boston is a great destination.  The economy could be better, but it's not bad either, especially considering high fuel costs and a cooler housing market.  It even appears that the state legislature will have a credible budget on time for the upcoming fiscal year.

     And of course, there are Boston's warm, sunny summer days, followed (usually) by cool, dry nights.

     Summer brings its safety concerns, as you know.  Safety while using a grille is one - always keep a full water bucket handy, and stay off  wood decks with the your grille.  Have you laid in a supply of sun blocker?  Severe sunburns can border on second degree, with blistering and open sores, to say nothing of long-term skin damage.

     Perhaps the two most critical safety hazards are driving and water sports.  Is there something we can say to you to encourage careful driving?  All we can do is repeat previous editorial statements, and point out that some South Boston drivers may not make it to September.  That's tragic, and it's preventable.

     As for water sports, we can only repeat the most effective, single precaution for better water safety:  no one, no matter what his or her age, should go into the water alone.  It doesn't matter whether it's a wading pool or a bathtub or Pleasure Bay.  A "buddy" system and constant adult supervision are essential.  Strong swimmers know better than to swim alone.  How much more important is that precaution for a child?  And don't use your cell phone, if your child is anywhere near water.  A tragedy can occur in a short minute or two.

     With the long days and comfortable weather, take a walk.  Get to know your neighbors - reach out to them, if necessary.  Both of you will be better for it.  Even if you are a lifelong resident, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the natural beauty in and around South Boston.  Visit Castle Island.  Visit the Fort and see what a fantastic job the Castle Island Association does.  Put a fishing line in the water in front of the McKay monument.  You don't have to bait it, if you don't want to be disturbed.

     Here's a related suggestion:  pick up a South Boston Historical Guide & Map.  These were assembled by the South Boston Historical Society, with funding from local sponsors, and they're free to the public.  Five historic walks are laid out, with written keys to the sites you'll pass by.  Walk along all five - slowly and purely for enjoyment.

     How about employing a young person this summer?  To those of you who might be a merchant, a businessperson, or a homeowner - is there some cleanup or landscaping you haven't gotten to?  Would you be willing to hire someone to do this for you?  There are many agencies you can call to find reliable young workers.  Try the Action Center, the Boys & Girls Club, the Neighborhood House, or Medicine Wheel.  Or talk to City Hall, via South Boston's neighborhood liaison person.

     This summer, there will be opportunities for you to directly participate in South Boston's neighborhood activities.  Would you be willing spend two or three hours twice a week on coaching, umpiring, or running a youth team?  That activity will be its own reward. 

     A Crime Watch is being started up.  It will need volunteers for a couple of hours a week.  It's only observational.  It involves "neighbors helping neighbors". 

     There's also a continuing problem with litter in South Boston.  Kindly consider joining the "Grime Watch" as a volunteer.  Clean neighborhoods are pleasant neighborhoods.  And please, clean up after your dog.  Keep it on a leash at all times.  There are no places or times when unleashed dogs are permitted in Southie - none!

     Most of all, enjoy the out-of-doors.  These days, we spend far too much time in fantasy land, in front of the tube or the computer.  We lose touch with our friends and acquaintances as a result.  Turn off the TV and the a/c and get outside this summer.  South Boston is one of the nicest urban neighborhoods in America.  It's really very beautiful out there. 

     And we'll make a prediction:  whether you are new here or a lifelong resident, you'll feel much better and more a part of our neighborhood life when you get out and about on a regular basis.  Give it a try - what have you got to lose?