Scrutiny
To Call Allston Home
On the surface, Allston’s high turnover makes our neighborhood seem like a place where people come and go. But its residents — renters, homeowners, artists, families — refuse to let transience define them. Today, they are fighting for a community where those who want to stay can stay.
Volume XXXVI, Issue VI April 3, 2025
Dear Reader, Sibling power duo JL and JL take us back to their hometown of Allston. Allston is often pigeonholed as a transient neighborhood: full of artists, hipsters, and college students, a place where people come and go. But, as JL and JL show through their warm storytelling, Allstonians love the city. They want to stay. JL and JL examine how influential forces in the neighborhood make it difficult for residents to settle down — and how Allstonians help each other put down roots. We have three comper debuts in this issue: SLSY profiles Mira Nair, MSA visits a series of campus Bible studies, and CAE attends the Radcliffe Pitches’ 50th anniversary concert. In a Levity combo, DCB gives us advice on how to beg our professors for an extension, and MEL compares Humanities 10 to Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken.” In this week's 15Q, VWR sits down with John Urschel, MIT math professor, Harvard junior fellow, and former NFL player. Thank you, as always, to the FM exec team, for making my Tuesday nights. Thank you to Design and Multimedia for your wonderful visuals. And, of course, thank you to MTB for your thoughtful edits and your unwavering commitment. FMLove, YAK+MTB
Actor Observer Members
The members of Actor Observer. From left to right: Nick J. Grieco, guitar; Jake M. Satow, bassist; Kyle F. Kowalsky, guitar; Greg W. Marquis, vocals; Daniel R. Goterch, drums.
Ricky Meinke Portrait
Ricky Meinke is behind the creation of many initiatives in the neighborhood such as the Rat City Arts Festival, the Allston-Brighton Renters’ Garden Contest, and Allston Pride Week.
Actor Observer 10th Anniversary
Greg W. Marquis and Actor Observer perform for their 10th anniversary show at Deep Cuts Bar Brewery.
