Brookline Sports Bonanza Helps Students Navigate the Pandemic

BHS Social Workers Paul Epstein and John Ortiz, in an effort to help students stay engaged in a new world of virtual classrooms, social distancing, and isolation, formed a Zoom discussion group to help take young minds off the pandemic, by engaging in an age-old form of New England escapism - sports talk.

Students, teachers, and friends of Paul Epstein every Thursday night argue tooth and nail important subject matters like:

• Who will be the next Patriots quarterback?
• Why did the Red Sox trade Mookie Betts?
• Why does Marcus Smart chuck 3’s in the last minute of every game?
• Is it kosher to eat peanuts without the shells when watching sports?

Most weeks Epstein and Ortiz invite notable sports figures like Kevin Youkilis and Dan Shaughnessy to join the discussion. Students ask their guests questions and for words of advice. But when it comes to opinions, having a recognizable name in a Sports Bonanza discussion does not help win points. In the world of Sports Bonanza, disagreeing is a must. And so is laughter, every argument ends in belly-aching laughs all around.

This week, four regulars from Sports Bonanza are our “BrooklineHub In-Depth” guests.

• Paul Epstein, Social Worker BHS
• John Ortiz, Social Worker BHS
• Radley Theolien, MassBay Community College
• Isaac Brendel, BHS Student

“BrooklineHub In-Depth” is hosted by BrooklineHub.com Publisher, R. Harvey Bravman. The show is produced by Bravman and Danielle Myers, a producer from Bravman’s for-profit company, ADW Video Productions.

“BrooklineHub In-Depth” can also be seen on all Brookline Interactive Group cable and online channels.

BrooklineHub.com is a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to reporting and commenting on life, culture, and community in Brookline. As part of our mission, we advocate for non-profits vital in making this a better place to live, and by sponsoring and supporting events that promote community-building. We hold the belief that as a community, we should foster the well-being of all, remaining mindful of our young people, seniors, and underprivileged.