Wamps Mascot Seeing Renewed Criticism: South Shore Patch PM

BRAINTREE, MA — It's Wednesday, July 8. Here's what Patch has been covering on the South Shore and across Massachusetts today.

The head of the Massachusetts Native American tribe of Ponkapoag, has called on Braintree High School to drop its mascot, the Wamps.

Tribe Sagamore Faries Gray told the Patriot Ledger the tribe does not support any schools using indigenous mascots. He also said the logo isn't accurate, since it includes a war bonnet worn by members of Plains tribes, not the regalia of Native American from Massachusetts.

"My tribe is not in support of any indigenous mascots," Gray told the Patriot Ledger. "We don't feel like we are being honored by any mascots. We feel like a trophy. 'We conquered you and this is our trophy.' It's insane we have to deal with it."

The mascot comes from Chief Josiah Wampatuck, leader of the Mattakeesett tribe. In 1665, Wampatuck signed the Braintree Indian Deed, giving colonists the land that is now Braintree, Quincy, Holbrook and Randolph. The deed remains in the town clerk's office.

The Braintree School Committee has received two petitions, one demanding the mascot be changed, and another urging the school to keep the logo.

Also on the South Shore

If you were planning to escape to an air-conditioned movie theater during this week's steamy weather, you're going to have to put those plans on hold.

Phase 3 of Gov. Charlie Baker's reopening plan began on Monday, and that means movie theaters can begin to open again with screenings limited to 25 people or fewer. But no major movie theater on the South Shore will reopen this week — and likely won't until the end of July.

The Braintree AMC may not open until July 30, according to the company. Kansas-based AMC is also in the midst of a major financial struggle. The company said it might have to close for good due to coronavirus, but may have found a way to stay afloat, according to recent reports.

Regal, which operates a cinema at the Independence Mall in Kingston, plans to reopen its theaters on July 31. Showcase Cinemas, which operates theaters in Dedham, Randolph and Foxborough, has announced a reopening plan, but hasn't scheduled any showings.

All signs were pointing toward a big summer for Vincent Turco and his family as they prepared to open a second location of their Gelato & Chill shop in Hingham — considered a foodie find in the Fenway section of Boston.

The plan was to move into the former Cold Stone Creamery spot in the Derby Street Shops of Hingham, and bring the traditional Italian favorite to the residents and tourists of the town.

Then the coronavirus came along and tossed the Turcos' best-laid plans into turmoil.

"This is the most difficult thing we have ever encountered in business," Vincent Turco told Patch. "As an entrepreneur, you are thrown many curveballs. They are usually temporary and do not involve a complete and utter shutdown of the economy."

Also today....

• Melrose Police 'All Lives Matter' Sign Taken Down
• Harvard, MIT Sue ICE Over Student Deportation Plan
• Outdoor Concerts Coming To Patriot Place In Foxborough