The Department of Conservation and Recreation will host a public meeting to discuss the Ryan Park and Playground 25% Design on Thurs., Feb. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. After the meeting, the presentation will be available for viewing at mass.gov/dcr/past-public-meetings. DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of Feb. 22. See dotnews.com to register.

The newly revitalized Friends of the Codman Square Library will meet next Monday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. in the branch library’s Community Room. Become a Friend today and help with children’s and family programming, gardening, and much more. Annual memberships start at $5 for adults and $10 for families.  All new members who join or renew by Monday will be entered into a raffle from local businesses including: Tavolo, The Local Hand, Kenneth Preaster Design Studio, American Provisions, Ashmont Cycles, and Lisa Graustein. Membership forms are available at the circulation desk. 

The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) hosts an “in-district meeting” of its Housing Justice Campaign this Thursday (Jan. 25) at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 401 Ashmont St., Dorchester. State Rep. Brandy Fluker-Oakley will attend and state Sen. Nick Collins has been invited. The group calls the event “an opportunity to engage with lawmakers directly” and to “secure public commitments from these lawmakers to address issues surrounding public housing, affordable rental/homeownership, and re-entry from incarceration.

Boston Little Saigon and the Boston Public Library will co-host a Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration this Saturday (Jan. 27) from noon to 2 p.m. at the Fields Corner Branch of the BPL, 1520 Dorchester Ave. Arts and crafts, food, and more. Call 617-436-2155 for info.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute on Dorchester’s Columbia Point will host a forum on Mon., Feb. 5, featuring Dr. Carey Wright in conversation with Rehema Ellis of NBC News focused on Mississippi’s journey from last in the nation to a leader in education outcomes. Free. The program starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. reception. See emkinstitute.com/special-events to register.

Storyteller Len Cabral will be the featured speaker in a free program at the JFK Library on Thurs., Feb. 22, at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Celebrate series. Cabral will share stories of power and joy in honor of Black History month. Call 617-514-1644 for more info or go to jfklibrary.org/celebrate to reserve space. Appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

ADSL will be open for February break (Feb. 20-23) for kids ages 5-11. Tuition ($25 per child) includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks; sports/fitness; competitive gaming, and more. Register today. See ad on page 11.

The city of Boston sponsors a free Winter Soccer Clinic to help aspiring athletes aged 10 to 18 maintain their skills during the offseason and gear up for spring play at Carter Playground Bubble, 709 Columbus Ave. Professional coaches and trainers will guide participants through specialized drills and exercises tailored to their age groups. Program Dates: Sundays, Jan. 28 – Feb. 18. Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. To register, visit boston.gov/sports.

The Boston Parks & Recreation Department has launched the 2024 Youth Flag Football League, a co-ed program that runs from this Saturday, Jan. 27, to March 2 in the Carter Playground Bubble, located at 709 Columbus Ave. in the South End. The league offers an inclusive environment with divisions for 6U, 8U, 10U, and 12U categories and is suitable for young athletes of all skill levels. Days and Times: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Game Schedule: This Saturday (Jan. 27 – Feb. 24). Playoffs: Saturday, March 2. Early registration is recommended as spots are limited. To register for Flag Football, visit boston.gov/sports. For more information on the program, contact woodley.auguste@boston.gov or call (617) 961-3084.

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