Boston Scenes

Mayor Thomas M. Menino took the oath of office for an unprecedented fifth time at Faneuil Hall on Monday. In front of a packed hall, Mayor Menino pledged innovation in public education, economic development, and public-private partnerships. (Lolita Parker Jr. photo)

Massachusetts National Guard Master Sgt. Tripp prepares to leave during a send-off ceremony at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. He was part of one of the largest deployments of New England troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. (Lolita Parker Jr. photo)

Setti Warren was installed Friday as Newton’s first new chief executive in 12 years – and first African American popularly elected in Massachusetts. (Lolita Parker Jr. Ploto)

New At-Large City Councilors Ayanna Pressley and Felix Arroyo are all smiles after swearing-in ceremonies at Faneuil Hall on Monday. (Patrick O’Connor photo)

Boston Public School Committee member Alfreda Harris greeted John Barros, one of the committee’s newest members and the first Cape Verdean to hold the position during swearing-in ceremonies. (Lolita Parker Jr. photo)

Members of the Dorchester Education Complex Lady Bears basketball team recently spent an evening helping children at the Dorchester YMCA improve their game. The players worked with children ages 5-8 on ball handling, lay-ups, and shooting skills. Pictured here are teammates Lanette Francis (left) and Nyasia Armstrong (right), both students at Dorchester Academy, and Jajani Jackson (center), a member of the YMCA basketball program. (Photo courtesy of Boston Public Schools)

Massachusetts National Guard Major General Joseph C. Carter shakes hands with one of the members of the 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery during a send off at the TD Garden last week. (Lolita Parker Jr. photo))

Haitian-Americans United, Inc. Chairman Dr.  Eno Mondesir and Dr. Riche C. Zamor , President and CEO of Fondwa University in Haiti, share a moment on stage during the  9th Annual Haitian Independence Day Gala. (Johnny Limonta photo)

State Rep. Marie St. Fleur and City Councilor Charles Yancey enjoy a moment during the 9th Annual Haitian Independence Day Gala organized by the Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) at Lombardo’s in Randolph. (Johnny Limonta photo)