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“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” (Helen Keller)

Thursday January 7, 2016

2015 was a good year for South Boston’s real estate market.

See Page 15 for details.

southbostononline.com

Andrew Square Convenience to close

Take the plunge

Store was robbed Christmas Eve This is No. 16 in South Boston Online’s series of articles about the ongoing drug problems in and around South Boston.

By RICK WINTERSON

T

he Andrew Square Convenience Store has been located at 390 Dorchester St., by the #10 outbound bus stop for many years. The store overlooks Andrew Square, across the intersection from the T station and opposite from where Southampton Street comes across its bridge into the square.

The convenience store was held up early in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. A group of four individuals entered the store. According to the police, one of them demanded the money in the cash register while threatening the store’s clerk with a hypodermic needle, which makes

this incident an armed robbery. The four then fled, but were arrested later on, based upon being identified from the store’s security cameras. At least one of the four suspects who were arrested was found to have several hypodermics and a large amount of Class E drugs (moderatedose, prescription opioids).

As a result, the Andrew Square Convenience Store will soon be closed.

According to what we have been told, this is the fourth robbery at the Andrew Square Convenience Store since the holiday season began.

One source told us that a total of $2,000 in cash had been stolen so Continued on Page 2

DON’T LET A FAT

Photo by Rick Winterson

South Boston residents started 2016 the same way they have for decades: by jumping into the frigid water of the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day. This year, up to 1,000 people participated in the L Street Brownie’s annual swim, which started at 8:15 a.m. Friday.

Above: Tommy (in the kayak), for the 30th year, bugled the plungers into the water.

Read about the event and see more photos on Pages 8 and 9.

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Thursday January 7, 2016

Continued from Page 1 far. (PLEASE NOTE: South Boston Online has not fact-checked these last two statements yet.)

A writer for South Boston Online visited the Andrew Square Convenience Store last weekend. The people minding the store confirmed that the store will be closed. The owners of the Andrew Square Convenience Store have not made specific plans yet, but will not stay open any longer than they have to. When we inquired if that decision might change, the people behind the counter replied, “No, it’s too risky here!”

The armed robbery on Christmas Eve was another one of the many drug-related problems plaguing South Boston, but now the drug situation here has become outright dangerous. Drug problems all over Massachusetts have also gotten worse – much worse – over the last couple of years. In 2014, there were at least

SouthBostonOnline.com

1,250 deaths from heroin overdoses statewide; complete statistics from 2015 are not yet available.

There’s no doubt about the drug connection, because one of the four arrested is accused of threatening the store’s clerk with a hypodermic. At least one other was carrying both needles and opioids, allegedly, which is “possession with intent to distribute.”

Andrew Square has had substantial difficulties with vagrants and drug users for almost five years. A Boston. com article from 2011 reported the large numbers of people “doing the lean” — shuffling across the Southampton Street Bridge into the square, hanging out around the businesses in the intersection, and stemming for spare change. One source of this pedestrian traffic are the large methadone clinics further down Southampton. Now, the homeless shelter that replaced the facilities on Long Island has added to the problem.

To be fair, most of those receiving

Andrew Square Convenience Store on Dorchester Street is planning to close following four robberies. There was an armed robbery on Dec. 24.

methadone treatment and most of those who are homeless are innocent of any criminal behavior. They need help; they are entitled to use public ways. But now, public safety has become a key issue.

When armed robberies are so frequent that a small business in Andrew Square shuts down, it’s long past time to cease being “politically correct” and

to put more visible law enforcement in place. A uniformed police officer in Andrew Square on foot or patrolling on a bicycle from mid-day until after dark would really help. “Let the uniform do the work,” as they say.

Public safety has to take the first, topmost priority in South Boston, and anywhere else in Boston and Massachusetts.

Justice, gun control and change in America What do you think about this?

By KEVIN DEVLIN I recently watched “Making a Mur-

derer,” the 10-part Netflix documentary about the true crime story of a Wisconsin man, Steven Avery, convicted of the 2005 murder of a young woman. He was previously in prison for 18 years for a sexual assault he never committed and was subsequently released after new evidence surfaced, which proved his innocence. He was in the process of suing the local police department for this miscarriage of justice when he was arrested and subsequently convicted for murder. Boy, talk about luck and talk about timing, hey?

I was under the impression that this story was a two or a three-part documentary, but when I started watching it with my daughter, Deirdre, we

were hooked. The case was astounding: a clear case of injustice. His lawyers thought he was framed by local police. Or was it someone who knew the victim and wanted revenge, perhaps a jilted lover?

In The New York Times on Jan. 5, the prosecutor in the case, Ken Kratz, was quoted as saying that the series “really presents misinformation” about the case, and omitted evidence such as sweat allegedly found on the victim’s car and bullets found in the garage. The documentary’s producers and Avery’s defense lawyer, Dean Strang, felt they presented the “most compelling evidence” in the case.

The prosecution, using information obtained by cops by browbeating his intellectually-challenged nephew (who was also accused and convicted),

accused Avery of brutally killing and raping this woman in his bedroom.

But not one smattering of the victim’s DNA or blood was found in the house or garage. Avery must have been a professional “cleaner” to take care of that arduous task.

By the way, Kratz was a piece of work.

In 2010 he was forced to resign from the DA’s office after being accused of sexting domestic abuse clients he was representing. At the time, he reportedly was abusing prescription drugs and seeking treatment for a sex addiction.

The issue of gun control is again on the front burner in Washington.

Tightening-up measures shouldn’t be so hard to accomplish. Make everyone living anywhere in America undergo background checks. This should be a no-brainer. If anyone has a felony

record or mental health issues, deep-six the application. Some feel there isn’t a gun show loophole, but if there is, close it and make every seller accountable to who, where, and when he sells the guns. Don’t allow those on the no fly list to be able to buy guns. Unfortunately, even when and if they finally get it right, it isn’t going to change much. Terrorists and other bad actors will always find a way to circumvent the rules and find a way to secure guns and then kill and maim others.

And that issue brings me to why Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and Republican candidate Donald Trump are so popular.

Americans are sick of the political elite continuing their ineffective ways in our nation’s capital. Americans want change.

“like” south boston online’s facebook page at facebook.com/southbostononlinefans Jeanne Rooney Owner

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Rick Winterson

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SouthBostonOnline Print Edition is an independent newspaper published weekly by SouthBostonOnline, Inc. We welcome submissions and reserve the right to edit any and all for publication. All photos, stories, artwork, and advertisements are the property of SouthBostonOnline, Inc., and may not be reproduced. Although we have a thorough proofreading process, we assume no liability for reporting or typographical errors that may appear. Editorials are collarborative opinions of the publisher and editor.

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday January 7, 2016

South Boston Online wants to hear from you

S

outh Boston Online values its readers opinions - that’s why we’re asking for your feedback. We’re a community paper and want to know what matters most to our community members, whether that’s news about development, profiles of local residents and businesses, sports stories, photo features, or anything else related to life in South Boston.

We’ve created an online survey where we would like you to share your thoughts on the weekly

newspaper and website. We want to hear it all, what you love and what else you’d like to see in your community newspaper.

The link to the survey can be found here (surveymonkey. com/r/FJWQJPS) and will be shared online through South Boston Online’s social media accounts. South Boston Online is on Facebook, as well as on Twitter as @SouthBostonNews.

Thank you in advance for your feedback, South Boston Online staff

South Boston Online is now on Twitter @SouthBostonNews

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Thursday January 7, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

A Boston tradition upheld: First Night 2016

First Night fireworks explode over the lit-up trees on Boston Common.

Mayor Marty Walsh greets First Nighters in Copley Square prior to the start of the procession to Boston Common.

Just to clarify, back in olden times, each new day began at sunset. So New Year’s Eve, which we know as Dec. 31, was actually the beginning of Jan. 1 back then – New Year’s Day. In merry, traditional Boston, we continue that custom by celebrating the new year starting as the sun sets on First Night.

By RICK WINTERSON

M

ayor Marty Walsh and the city of Boston officials are to be congratulated on their “rescuing” of First Night this New Year of Our Lord, 2016. First Night’s 40-year-old tradition was in jeopardy due to financial problems, among other things. In his remarks from the Copley Square stage just before the procession to Boston Common, he singled out Dusty Rhodes for special thanks. Ms. Rhodes is the creator and president of Conventures, Inc., located in South Boston’s Design Center; she is a hard-working activist/supporter of innumerable Boston causes as well.

South Boston Online basically covered the early First Night activities. Spectacular entertainment, ranging from jugglers to street musicians to light shows beguiled the festive crowds in Copley Square. Nearby Berklee sent a jazz

trio - Esther Rogas (bass guitar), Anibal Cruz (keyboard), and Paul Sanchez (flugelhorn) - to the Huntington Arcade in the Prudential Center, who were outstanding.

You should have heard their cooljazz riff on “Little Drummer Boy.” The Copley Square main stage hosted non-stop music across the ice sculptures on the green space between Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Then, at 6 p.m., the procession to the Boston Common began. Everyone took part – stepping off alongside stiltwalkers, Chinese displays, giant puppets, fife-and-drummers, and costumes of all kinds. Young kids of every age – toddlers, bimps, and on up - marched right along with everyone else. And the crowds were happy and peaceful.

First Night’s early evening ended with fireworks on the Common at 7 p.m., which were especially striking when viewed over the lit-up trees and greenery around the Common. This writer went home early, so he’d be up in time for the next morning’s Polar Plunge in South Boston (See Pages 8 and 9), but the festivities continued unabated until midnight had come and gone.

The Year of the Monkey is at hand. The lucky month in 2016 is March.

Representatives of the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association walk in the First Night procession.

All photos on Pages 4 and 5 by Rick Winterson.

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An ice sculpture highlights the teams playing in the New Year’s Day Winter Classic hockey game: the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens.

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Thursday January 7, 2016

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Even ice sculpture polar animals welcomed the arrival of 2016 on First Night in Boston.

A juggler (yes, those are sharp blades) atop his Copley Square balance pole.

The Red Line becomes a New Year dragon (well, sort of) on First Night.

Confetti descends upon the First Night revelers in Copley Square.

Giant stick puppets have been a feature of First Night since its inception.

The symbolic New Year dragon is paraded on First Night.

A light show depicts snowflakes on the Boston Public Library facade.

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Thursday January 7, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

After-recovery pilot program to launch this spring

By KEVIN DEVLIN

The Team Opportunity afterrecovery pilot program will be opening its doors in March on Washington Street in Quincy.

According to local resident and founder, Thomas “Tommy” McCarthy, this is a not-for-profit independent initiative that will seek funding, public and private donations, and additional financial support via fundraising events.

“I was inspired by the loss of a very dear friend of mine,” wrote McCarthy. “Actually he was a second son to me and my family.

This young man was from a great family, a young Marine who made us proud he served his country.

He completed multiple tours of duty then came home to his native South Boston. He got married but had a monkey on his back. He struggled, trying time and time

again, to shake the monkey off his back.

he calls “spin dry systems” driven by the insurance companies,

“The bottom line is that we are trying to get a small group of men to lean on each other for their support system within our house,” said program founder Thomas McCarthy.

“And this monkey is heroin addiction,” he added. “That is taking our good kids, one at time, by storm. I don’t know a single family in South Boston and any other community that have not been impacted by this scourge.

This is a challenge to the whole community that it is time to take a stand to take our children back.”

Based on his personal experience, McCarthy feels that shortterm treatment does not work for the majority of alcoholics or drug addicts. He thinks they simply don’t receive the help they need and that most programs are what

merely provide a revolving door system that doesn’t work.

He feels that an after-recovery, long-term structure is needed.

Eighteen candidates will be selected for this new endeavor.

The program will provide these individuals with the luxuries of their own homes and a secure environment. The program’s goal is to guide these candidates back to the right road by providing them with guidance in a structured, long-term, after-treatment facility.

Team Opportunity candidates will be referred from other treat-

ment centers after they have completed their initial drug-recovery phase. The plan is a one-to-two year commitment in a structured environment, with an intense 12-step program to address the needs of the mind and body.

“The bottom line is that we are trying to get a small group of men to lean on each other for their support system within our house,” McCarthy said. “There will be a team leader from The Wounded Warriors Program and he will serve as the ‘Sergeant’ of the house and will be expected to enforce all house ‘rules and regulations’ adhering to a ‘no tolerance’ policy and will follow strict house guidelines. The candidates will be required to sign a conditions contract upon entering the program.

If a candidate does not have a job, we will provide them with a career opportunity.”

A belated Christmas salute

By RICK WINTERSON

South Boston’s churches, from the smallest to the largest, are filled with wonderful music, especially during the Christmas season. It’s already a week into the new year, but we thought it appro-

priate to mention the choir at the Fourth Presbyterian Church. They presented an especially beautiful (and unusual) program – “An American Christmas” – the Saturday before Christmas.

It was uplifting and revealed the richness of American music. Much of it was based upon folk

The Fourth Presbyterian Choir sang American Christmas and Advent songs.

and traditional music; there were blues overtones along with multi-part caroling. The Rev. Burns Stanfield, the Pastor of the Fourth, is a professional musician himself. Watch for the Fourth Church’s musical shows and the concert by their “Summer Singers” in August.

Four-part carol singing by the Fourth Presbyterian Choir.

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SouthBostonOnline.com

Vigilance is the price of freedom

By RAY FLYNN

While visiting a sick friend, Boston firefighter and union leader Mike Mullane, last week, a doctor introduced himself to me and said, “I wasn’t around when you were Mayor of Boston, but some of the younger doctors around here are curious, why did the City give this new state of the art hospital to Boston University?” Just then another doctor walked into the cafeteria, and asked if he could join in on the conversation. The doctor explained, “we heard so many stories over the years, but this is the first time we ever met you and we’re hoping that finally somebody in the know might explain why this questionable sale took place.”

When the public is not sufficiently informed and the community is not involved, the people’s interest are often least served.

I started out by saying that believe it or not, all these years, the media has never asked me to explain the situation.

First of all, let me point out that when I was first elected mayor, several prominent Boston businessmen asked to meet with me to urge me to tear down the old city hospital. It would be great for luxury housing, they said. It’s old and antiquated.

Maybe the city could sell it to Boston University. Admittedly, the City Hospital was facing an accreditation problem at the time. But people in my administration had a different priority.

Build a brand new state of the art

hospital for the many poor and uninsured in Boston, and recent wave immigrants, many from Ireland and Puerto Rico.

Even before I was sworn in as mayor, a remarkable team comprised of BRA Director Steve Coyle, City Attorney Joseph Mulligan, Capitol Planning Director Mary Nee and Federal Relations Director Howard Liebowitz put together a comprehensive building plan and despite overwhelming odds, we secured the necessary financing, and Federal insurance to move forward in the rebuilding of a new Boston City Hospital. We received the support of both Democrats and Republicans in Washington.

Most big cities were closing their municipal hospitals at the time, except Boston. However, after the presidential election in 1992 and I was appointed U.S. Ambassador, Boston entered into a deal with Boston University and sold the public taxpayers financed hospital.

Last Sunday, a group of dedicated former City Hall officials met to celebrate the life of recently deceased Howard Liebowitz. I told them about the two medical doctors recent questions about why the Boston City Hospital was sold to Boston University back in the early ‘90s.

When the public is not sufficiently informed and the community is not involved, the people’s interest are often least served.

This was a sad case of neglect.

Yes, vigilance is the price of freedom.

Ray Flynn is the former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.

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Deck the scaffolding?

T

he two wreaths on the courthouse were certainly placed upon the scaffolding at the entrance to mark the Christmas holiday season. But there’s something about all that scaffolding that really doesn’t have much holiday spirit. It looks sad. And the wreaths are still there in the first week of the New Year.

Is this because these wreaths will gradually blacken in the Boston smog, and become mourning wreaths over the lack of maintenance at the Courthouse? Or is it because no one dares to climb up there to take them down, for fear of a total collapse of the structure around the entrance to the courthouse?

Who’s minding the store around here?

-Rick Winterson

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Thursday January 7, 2016

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Hundreds participate in the New Year’s Day Swim

By RICK WINTERSON

T

he Polar Plunge is one of Southie’s oldest traditions.

It’s historic. South Boston Online believes the plunge has been recorded right back till the turn of the last century – around 1901 or 1902, the years of the Dorchester Heights monument and the first St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade.

Others say its first year was 1904, making the Polar Plunge 112 years old. Whichever figure is more accurate, South Boston’s Polar Plunge is the oldest in the nation.

(If any of you readers have different information, please let us know.

Thank you.)

Nowadays, the Polar Plunge takes place on the K Street side of the Curley Community Center. It is overseen and organized by the L Street Brownies, Center Director Freddy Ahern and his staff.

Between 500 and 1,000 people take part each year. More than 500 plunged this year. Promptly at 8:15 a.m., ahern announced the prevailing temperatures: 46 degrees in the water, 38 degrees on the beach. He then cued the countdown – “ten, nine, eight, …”

Participants run toward the water during the L Street Brownies’ New Year’s Day Swim on Friday, Jan. 1.

and Tommy blew the bugle call “Charge” on his baritone horn.

And then they plunged.

You should have been there. In addition to being of great benefit to the Curley Center, the plunge also supports other worthy causes.

Cops for Kids sponsored a contingent of plungers. Kevin Conroy’s Fundraiser for Scleroderma

Research started its morning at the L Street Tavern and then was piped down to the water’s edge by the L Street Tavern Pipes & Drums (once known as “The 103rd Postal Fire Column”). They blew the windows out in the Curley Center’s Community Room. It was “Freezin’ for a Reason.”

To you newcomers, South Bos-

ton’s Polar Plunge is free (unless you choose to make a contribution of some kind). It’s a fabulous “Southie time,” an absolutely unique event nationwide, and open to anyone who wants to take the plunge. See you next year, we hope.

All photos on Pages 8 and 9 by Rick Winterson.

Freddy Ahern, the boss at the Curley Center, cues the start of the plunge.

Suzanne and Danny are a great polar plunging twosome.

This Viking plans to plunge, and then swim back across the pond to Norway.

Do you recall that “South Pacific” line? “What ain’t we got – we ain’t got dames.”

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday January 7, 2016

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Continued: New Year’s Day annual swim photos

A group of swimmers sporting black bathing suits and tattoos pose.

A Star Wars contingent is at hand, including Chewbacca in the background.

The swimmers exit the water - not long after they jumped in.

All the pipe playing in the world couldn’t help the Bruins on New Year’s Day.

Plungers - Justin, Christian, Lisa, Sean, and Trevor - at the “Good Will Hunting“ table at Woody’s L Street Tavern.

The L Street Tavern Pipes & Drums march to the beach, anchored by plunger Kevin Conroy (left) in the tartan bathrobe.

Joyce and Cookie Tallent, who is in his trademark Polar Plunge bathrobe.

Woody’s L Street Tavern, where the Scleroderma fundraiser began and ended.

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Thursday January 7, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grant to city of Boston The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the national model in sports-based youth development in underserved communities. The grant will fund soccer programming in city of Boston parks. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department was one of 24 organizations nationwide to receive a grant.

“With funding from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be able to dramatically increase the scope of our soccer programs,” Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook noted. “This

grant enables us to attract more participants from a large untapped population of at-risk youth by increasing participant capacity, adding more locations across the city, and offering these programs on a year-round basis.”

The Parks Department’s soccer offerings consist of four key programs: Boston Neighborhood Soccer League (BNSL), Seasonal Developmental Clinics, the Mayor’s Cup Tournament, and instruction offered at multi-discipline Summer Sports Centers. The goal is to ensure all Boston’s youth has access to free, quality sports programs in neighborhoods throughout the city. The Department plans to build upon and expand

current soccer offerings to include more year-round leagues and skill clinic series.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants to programs and projects that share their belief that the game of soccer breaks down barriers for children to live healthier, more secure, and confident lives. These programs will improve the physical fitness level of Boston children while building teamwork and a sense of community in a safe environment.

“The U.S. Soccer Foundation is thrilled for the grant recipients,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Through sportsbased youth development, these

organizations provide a structured environment that instills selfdiscipline, builds self-confidence, encourages a healthy and active lifestyle and fosters quality relationships.”

Since its inception in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants to non-profit organizations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s grant process is provided by the Foundation’s corporate partners, including Hellas Construction, Kwik Goal, Hunter Industries, Musco Sports Lighting, Soccer.com, and Sport Court.

-Press release from the city of Boston

Onein3 Council will reflect city’s young adult population Mayor Martin Walsh announced that applications are now available for those interested in obtaining a position on the 2016 ONEin3 Council, an appointed body of 30 young adults charged with leading efforts to engage Boston’s 20-34 year old population. The deadline to submit applications is Sunday, Jan. 31.

“Boston is known for having the best and brightest talent, and I look forward to seeing the great work to come from this year’s ONEin3 Council,” said Walsh.

“The work that ONEin3 does to engage our young adult popula-

tion in the issues that impact them the most is a critically important part of our efforts to move the City forward for everyone.”

The ONEin3 Council serves as the leadership for ONEin3, a civic engagement initiative that aims to empower and support Boston’s millennial population through active citizenship. The council will spend this year overseeing volunteers and managing projects that will increase young adult participation in city government and civic affairs. The council will provide strong leadership in order to build a community

Contact South Boston Online Have a story idea? News tip? Correction?

We want to know about it.

If you have a story idea or tip, contact writers Rick Winterson (rick@SouthBostonOnline.com) and Kevin Devlin (mail@SouthBostonOnline.com) by email or by phone at 617-269-5550. Send additional feedback to owner Jeanne Rooney (mail@SouthBostonOnline.com) or editor Susan Doucet (sdoucet@SouthBostonOnline.com).

We welcome your input.

of active, involved young adults from all over the city, working together to make Boston an inviting, connected, culturally rich and sustainable place for young people to live.

The 2016 ONEin3 Council will reflect the diversity of Boston’s young adult population and will be representative of their wide variety of interests and experiences. Last year’s Council was comprised of 31 Boston residents, including 16 women and 15 men who live in 17 neighborhoods across Boston, and work in 22 different industries. In order

to be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 20-34 and live in Boston.

The 2016 ONEin3 Council will be installed in March, after which point any young adult wishing to be involved with ONEin3 will be welcome to attend open meetings and volunteer time, energy and talent to further ONEin3’s mission of empowering and supporting Boston’s millennial population.

For more information on the ONEin3 program, please visit ONEin3Boston.com.

-Press release from the city of Boston

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South Boston brothers head to regional boxing competition

By KEVIN DEVLIN

On Dec.12 and 13 at Striking Beauty’s boxing gym in Taunton, Francis and Richie Hogan won the New England Silver Gloves titles in their respective divisions. Francis won the 147-lb title for the 14- and 15-year-old age group and Richie won the 90-lb title for the 10- and 11-yearold age group. The Hogan boys will be traveling to Herkimer, N.Y., this upcoming weekend and fight in the Northeast Regional Championships.

If they win in New York, they’ll subsequently compete in the Silver Gloves National Championships.

Overall, Francis has competed in 46 bouts and Richie in 42 bouts.

They travel all over New England, New York, and even as far as the MidWest throughout the year to compete against the best fighters in the nation.

They train year round. Their two trainers, Derek Shea, and their dad, Richie Hogan, put in countless hours teaching them the skills they need to compete with the best.

Francis and Richie are looking forward to fighting in New York and hope to bring the championship trophies back to Peter Welch’s Gym in

South Boston, where they train. Their dad is hopeful - as well as confident.

“Hard work, discipline and dedication are the values they both learn from Derek who himself knows what it takes to make it in boxing,” said their father. “I feel 2016 is the year Team Hogan will make their biggest mark. The boys are known all over the country as the Hogan brothers and there aren’t any gyms on the East Coast that don’t know our name.

“Francis has won the New England Silver Gloves four years in a row and Richie has won the title two years in a row,” he added. “They both won the North East Regional titles last year for the first time, making it to the Nationals. They both hope all the hard work and training all year will help them repeat this year in New York.”

Shea is glad to be part of the Hogan crew and is quite optimistic.

“They are two incredible kids and have been a pleasure to train,” he said. “They have been working hard every day for the past few years.

Whenever they are in the gym with me, they work extremely hard. It’s a perfect team effort. Big Rich takes them to (Rhode Island) for sparring

three days a week and they train with me for three days a week at Peter Welch’s Gym. We hope to go all the way this year and bring home some

home national titles.

“I love these boys,” Shea said, “and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Francis and Richie.”

Gatey wins thriller against Saint Peter’s of Cambridge

By KEVIN DEVLIN and SEAN MONAHAN

The Gate of Heaven CYO seventh grade hoop travel team is now 4-2, after winning a thrilling overtime victory at the Walsh Gym, against Saint Peter’s of Cambridge, 49-41.

It didn’t look good, being down by five points with 38 seconds left on the game clock, but Gatey put on its full court press. Jake Harrison stole the ball and Bobby Delaney hit a threepointer to put the local team within a deuce. With 8.9 seconds left in regulation, Saint Peter’s had the ball under their basket with Gatey pressing. After a time out, Coach Mike Alessandro put forward Jerry Marks on the ball on the throw-in rather than half court, where he’d normally be on a full-court press. The move paid off. Saint Peter’s threw the ball against the back of the backboard, committing a violation and giving the ball to Gatey. With Gatey

inbounding under their basket, they had two chances to score. Marks snagged a rebound and scored with 2.5 seconds remaining. The game was tied 40-40 and a three-minute overtime period was played. In OT, Gatey was on fire, outscoring St. Peter’s 9-1 for the exciting victory.

“The game ball goes to Bob Delaney,” Alessandro said. “Aside from the clutch three-pointer, he hustled all game, scoring 15 points, shooting just under 60 percent from the floor with seven rebounds and three steals.”

Jerry was not feeling well, but managed to pull down a game-high 15 rebounds, none bigger than the one that enabled him to tie the game in regulation just before the buzzer.

Marks also had three steals and three assists. Zach Mitchell led all scorers with 17 points, along with eight rebounds and three assists. Jake Harrison scored 6 points, Marc Iannaco had 4 and Jimmy Dalta had 2 points.

Pictured is the seventh grade Gate of Heaven CYO basketball team which is coached by Sean Monahan and Mike Alessandro. The players are: Tommy White, Marc Iannaco, Bobby Delaney, Jake Harrison, Dan Mahoney, Max Mercer, Zack Mitchell, Jerry Alfred, and Jimmy Dalta.

“We’ve been working on playing tough man-to-man defense, switching on picks and giving help defense,” Coach Sean Monahan said. “It paid off today, causing nine steals and beating the team that handed us our first defeat. Saint Peter’s beat us by 12 points last time

we played them, but we held their high scorer to zero points today. He hit about seven three pointers last time we played, but I don’t think he even got a shot off today. We rotated Harrison, Delaney and Mitchell on him today and shut him down. It was a great win.”

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Thursday January 7, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Happy New Year from South Boston Catholic Academy It has been a very busy and funfilled year in preschool at South Boston Catholic Academy. Children have been listening to stories and working in centers designed around the Opening the World of Learning curriculum. This past week, children experimented with media to create beautiful winter paintings, explored role play and community services in our class grocery store, created Christmas wreaths, and worked together to investigate simple machines and build roads, based on a class favorite book, “Road Builders.�

We are looking forward to a New Year filled with hands on learning, exploration, and discovery!

South Boston Catholic Academy is currently accepting applications for all classes preschool through sixth grade. We have Before School and After School Programs available and have small class sizes; high acceptance rate to parochial, private and Boston exam schools.

Please contact Mrs. Barbara Keohane with any questions or for

a tour of the school at b.keohane@ sbcatholicacademy.org, call 617-

268-2326 for more information, or visit sbcatholicacademy.org.

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday January 7, 2016

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Thursday January 7, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Michelle Wu elected as president of Boston City Council Monday marked a new year at City Hall and the unanimous election of At-Large Councilor Michelle Wu as president of the Boston City Council. The first woman of color to lead the body, President Wu will serve a two-year term from now through the end of 2017.

“Thank you for putting your trust in me,” she said in her inaugural address, “Boston has a long history of showing that citizens can make a difference. Democracy started here, and we will carry on that legacy knowing that the key to progress is empowering people to get involved.”

She was joined at the podium

by Mayor Martin Walsh and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, both of whom praised her focus on improving quality of life for every Bostonian and pledged a new

spirit of cooperation at City Hall and across different levels of government.

Wu was first elected to the City Council in 2013 at just 28 years old, making her one of the youngest members and presidents in its history. Born to Taiwanese immigrants, she brought a unique perspective as only the second Asian-American to join the legislature. She was raised in Chicago and owned a small business called the Loose Leaf Tea Shop before studying law at Harvard University. She also taught citizenship classes in Chinatown and helped provide legal services to low-income medical patients. For a time, she even worked in the Menino Administration spearheading innovative policies like the Boston Food Truck Challenge.

Though she has only served one term on the City Council, Wu has already made her mark on a wide

2016 Boston City Council Salvatore LaMattina, District 1 Bill Linehan, District 2 Frank Baker, District 3 Andrea J. Campbell, District 4 Timothy McCarthy, District 5 Matt O’Malley, District 6 Tito Jackson, District 7 array of issues. She partnered with and Tim McCarthy and Tito Jackson to secure paid parental leave for City workers, joined Josh Zakim to support late night transit services, helped Matt O’Malley push municipal fossil fuel divestment, advocated alongside Ayanna Pressley for better health care equity, and worked with former councilor Stephen Murphy to expand Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) policies for neighborhood restaurants. She

Josh Zakim, District 8 Mark Ciommo, District 9 Annissa Essaibi-George, At-Large Michael F. Flaherty, At-Large Ayanna Pressley, At-Large Michelle Wu, At-Large (President) also sponsored legislation on language access, LGBT youth homelessness, and support for small businesses.

The new president recently moved from the South End to Roslindale, where she lives with her husband, Conor, and their son, Blaise. Her office is located at the far end of the Council wing on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall.

-Press release from Boston City Council

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SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday January 7, 2016

15

Real Estate transactions BUYER 1 (First)

BUYER 1 (Last)

Melissa J

Clary

Shelby C

Allen

Michael J

Michael S

Sullivan

Wing S

Wong

Kevin Shannon

CITY

ZIP

PRICE

DATE

404 W 1st St., #33

South Boston

02127-1343

368795

12/10/15

Riley

539 E 7th St., #1

South Boston

02127-4128

554775

12/11/15

Rebecca R

Sullivan

440 E 5th St., #1

South Boston

02127-3045

534000

12/11/15

Karen

Lee

468 E 7th St., #3

South Boston

02127-4123

460000

12/14/15

Jacobs

591 E 3rd St., #2

South Boston

02127-1524

615000

12/14/15

Coveney

795 E 3rd St., #2

South Boston

02127-2336

379000

12/14/15

149 L Street LLC

149 L St.

South Boston

02127-3160

400000

12/15/15

Michael

Arcieri

127 H St.

South Boston

02127-3097

805000

12/15/15

Antony

Dubois

7 Leeds St., #2

South Boston

02127-2716

340000

12/15/15

Breandon

Fisher

1 Scott Place #4

South Boston

02127-3211

400000

12/16/15

Jenna E

Dodd

188 Bolton St., #3

South Boston

02127-1226

480000

12/16/15

Andrew

Dimitruk

862 E 2nd St., #1

South Boston

02127-2357

699617

12/16/15

Elizabeth D

Cohen

116 G St., #1

South Boston

02127-2942

509000

12/16/15

Michael E

Sullivan

35 Channel Center St., #206 Boston

02210-3411

755000

12/15/15

Shawniece N

Higginbottom

543 Adams St., #35

Dorchester

02122-1918

193000

12/10/15

Nguyet-Tho

Le

27-29 Lyon St.

Dorchester

02122-2918

675000

12/10/15

Michael D

Patton

Colleen M

Coffey

161 Savin Hill Ave

Dorchester

02125-1017

635000

12/11/15

Douglas

Coval

Jaime

Ganson

21 Dix St., #2

Dorchester

02122-1220

290000

12/14/15

Christopher

Cummings

5 Hallem St., #1

Dorchester

02125-1414

365000

12/14/15

195 Hancock St., #2

Dorchester

02125-2148

500

12/14/15

BUYER 2 (First)

Jenae

195 Hancock Street RT Stephen E

BUYER 2 (Last) ADDRESS

Dimitruk

Chaletzky

Ivan

Liriano

29 Oldfields Road

Dorchester

02121-2721

530000

12/14/15

Robert J

Sanborn

604-606 Freeport St., #2

Dorchester

02122-3205

13179

12/15/15

First 519 Geneva Ave LLC

519-521 Geneva Ave

Dorchester

02122-1341

340000

12/15/15

Mikaela

Bloomberg

15 Cawfield St.

Dorchester

02125-2217

450000

12/15/15

Michael

O’Sullivan

7 Helena Road

Dorchester

02122-1908

387500

12/15/15

Sean Thomas Properties

14 Helena Road

Dorchester

02122-1908

290000

12/15/15

SK4 Properties LLC

19 Dorset St.

Dorchester

02125-1148

600000

12/15/15

Reggs Inc.

10 Draper St.

Dorchester

02122-1634

300000

12/16/15

43 Robinson St., #2

Dorchester

02122-1610

317500

12/16/15

Sara M

Winnicki

Ashley

Ryan S

Perkins

Simmons

South Boston remains a desirable neighborhood Just as snowfall is a guarantee this winter, there is something else that can be counted on as 2016 starts: South Boston will remain a desirable neighborhood for young professionals.

South Boston, according to statistics from The Warren Group, continues to have a hot real estate market. In the past year, the number of properties sold and the median sales price of those properties have increased, continuing the trend of recent years.

The neighborhood is popular for a number of reasons, including the increasing number of bars and restaurants in the area, its proximity to the financial district and downtown

Boston, and its two miles of public waterfront, as well as the fact that South Boston is less congested than other Boston neighborhoods. Interest rates remain lows and pressure on pricing is significant.

Despite the ongoing construction and new developments, the supply and demand for real estate here is still out of balance. A healthy real estate market has about three months inventory available. In South Boston, that would mean about 240 properties on the market at a time. However, there are only about 40 to 60 properties on the market at a time – equivalent to two to three weeks inventory.

The properties that are on the

market, though, sold for a higher median price in 2015 than in 2014 and more properties in the neighborhood sold. The median sales price in 2015 - $599,00 – is nearly a 14 percent increase from the previous year’s median sales price for the same period. From January through November of this past year, the median price for a one-family home was $584,500 and the median price for a condominium was $557,000, increases from the median prices of $542,750 and $494,750, respectively.

In total, 940 properties were sold in South Boston from January to November, compared to 908 in that same period in 2014. In 2015, 70 of

those sales were one-family residences and 661 were condominiums. The number of total sales increased by about 3.5 percent from this same period in the previous year.

The final statistics for South Boston’s median prices and number of sales in 2015 are not yet available.

Information from Rooney Real Estate and The Warren Group. Rooney Real Estate is a partner of South Boston Online.

Jackie Rooney of Rooney Real Estate can be reached at 617-269-100 or at jackie@rooney-re.com. For more information, visit rooney-re.com.

16

Thursday January 7, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Rooney Real Estate

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