Last-Minute Gift Ideas in One Square Mile

Today is Monday, Feb. 14. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. It feels like a strange and tragic connection to the neighborhood, but a powerful one all the same, so I’m mentioning it. On Sunday, Globe columnist Yvonne Abraham had a pretty moving piece about a young Charlestown native who is thriving at Bridgewater State College. Her story is an exceptional one about the foster care system in Massachusetts — a system this young woman entered after her father was murdered in the neighborhood in 1993, and while her mother struggled with addiction. Take a minute to read the column. I can’t do it justice by trying to summarize it here.

2. Hey, it’s Valentine’s Day. There is no way, of course, that you’re still scrambling to get a gift for your sweetheart. But, if some extenuating circumstances have left you to last-minute shopping, we’ve got a few ideas on how to this year — from Olivia Browning’s own Abby Gray. There’s this excellent suggestion, too: Local photographer Nicole O’Neil is scheduling custom shoots for Valentine’s Day. An excellent gift. You can also schedule a shoot with her for St. Patty’s Day or Easter. Check out her site for more promotions or email her directy at nicoleoneilphotography@gmail.com.

3. Gentle reminder: If you wanted to sign up for spring programming at the Constitution Inn YMCA, today’s the registration deadline. For sign up info and a full schedule of spring programming, go to www.ymcaboston.org/charlestown/schedules.

4. A couple weeks back we had a story featuring Emily is doing some amazing work in Charlestown, and inspiring a healthier lifestyle for lots of folks. She’s taking her message to Newbury Street this month at a special event at the Life is Good store. Entry to the event is $75 — you get a personalized work out, cooking instructions and shopping discounts. Food and drink will be served. Plus, 20 percent of proceeds from the event go toward the nonprofit arm of Life is Good. More details at getfitinspiredtraining.com.

5. Today’s weather: Slight chance of showers after noon. Another dismal gray day. But at least it’s warm. High around 45.

For more info on what's happening around the neighborhood, check out our events calendar.