THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2024
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Taking the Plunge
Senator Collins Announces Appointments to SBCDF
S
enator Nick Collins recently selected LTC Tim Murphy, MANG and Mrs. Haley (Dillon) Walsh to his appointed seats on the South Boston Community Development Foundation (SB C DF ). “Tim and Haley know the community well having participated in many of the types of programs SBCDF seeks to support whether in their youth or now as coaches and supporters. I have faith that they know where the needs are and can help guide SBCDF with their fellow membership and execute its special mission.” LTC Tim Murphy was born and raised in South Boston, MA and currently resides there with his wife, Leah and 3 kids, Thomas (9), Molly (7) and Maddie (5). Tim is a 2002 graduate of the United States Military Academy where he
played hockey and served as the team captain his senior year. He was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer and served 6 years on activeduty at Fort Hood, TX with the 1st Cavalry Division. He served two tours (27 months) deployed to Iraq (Baghdad, Baqubah) as a rifle platoon leader and BN Battle Captain/A/S3. He transitioned to the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 2008 and served as the 1-101 FA Rear-D CDR, 1-101 FA Training Officer, 51st TC S4, APMS at Boston University, 1-101 FA XO/AO, J3 for the COVID response and the RRB CDR since 16 AUG 2020. In his free time, Tim serves on numerous local boards in his neighborhood, coaches various sports teams to include a high school hockey team and volunteers with many veterans organizations.
H
undreds of brave souls took the plunge Monday morning at M Street Beach in South Boston for the annual L STREET BROWNIES’
New Year’s Day Polar Plunge! The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, nervous anticipation, and maybe a touch of hypothermiainduced delirium. But there was one thing everyone had in common: a bold spirit and a desire to welcome 2024 with a shock to the system! From seasoned plungers to firsttimers, everyone embraced the freezing challenge with gusto. The screams were definitely real, but so were the highfives and triumphant grins as each person emerged from the icy depths. More than just a wild way to Continued on Page 6
Continued on Page 3
NEW HIGHER RATE! EARN MORE when you save at Mass Bay!
5.25%
APY*
12-Month Certificate
massbaycu.org *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum balance to open and earn APY is $500. Maximum deposit $250,000. The APY for all Certificates assumes the dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Withdrawal of dividends prior to maturity will reduce earnings. Certificates are subject to penalty for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. Rate is effective 10/24/23. This is a limited time offer and is subject to change without notice. Other rates and terms available. Subject to membership eligibility, see our website for details.
Federally insured by NCUA
2
THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2024
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Reflections from Around Town: 2024 By Carol Masshardt
T
he weekend between Dec. 25th and New Years can be slow and a popular time to lounge, visit, and maybe watch a game or movie. However, there are many people who worked throughout and were at their posts on Dec. 29th and 30th. They did not seem annoyed or exhausted, but rather ready to share thoughtful hopes for the New Year. If their wishes could all be realized, the world would be a far better place, and we hope that they would be granted their few wishes for personal well-being. Here is to 2024 and our store, restaurant workers, managers, and owners. Wishing you what you have wished for the New Year. Each were asked about their personal resolutions/ focus; their hopes for the world and what helps them sustain hope. Here are some responses: Nissa, 30, Manager in training at CVS: “My focus personally is my health and purchasing a house. I came close last year, but I think it is the new year and with this promotion I can do it. I would like to stay right around here but am also considering Dorchester.” “My wish for the world is that everyone can get along and that we can help people crossing the border.” “I sustain hope by thinking that if things don’t work out, I just need to try again. My family helps.” Zach, 27, Sherwin-Williams Paint “My personal goal is to get some exercise and stick with it. I’m too off and on. I go to the gym five times, and then stop in two weeks, so I am thinking I need to pace it better.” “For the world, I know it isn’t possible, but I want world peace and positive things to happen.” “Hope is an internal thing. You have to pull from anything
and believe things can be better. Family and friends help.” Tatyana, 55, owner of Fromage “My goals for my business are on my mind. I want to provide great service, have a good customer f low, add new recipes, and have wine and cheese tastings.” “For the world, I would want an end to wars, and to see world peace. My hope is that by coming together with love we can have the help needed. We all have good inside us and it should be possible. We all tend to complain, and loss sight of what we have when we should cherish it.” “My fa mily helps me have hope. W hen I see them happy, I am happy.” Joshua, 21, AT and T Store: “For the New Year, I want to have more fun with my job and be more enthusiastic. I want to connect more with the community, reach out more, and get to know the Southie vibe better. I also transferred to UMass Boston and want to lock in my education.” “My hope for the world is that we can connect our best thoughts and come up with solutions. I think we can do it and move in that direction.” “My main hope comes from my mother. She is why I am who I am. Her passionate love for me to do better will get me there.” Molly, 33, Love Child “My personal focus is on establishing a routine. I have been buzzing around and want to get into some good habits now. I want it to be thoughtful and realistic. The dream is some combination with walking and cooking and things that make me feel good.” “For the world, I hope that people listen to each other more, and better.” “Kids give me hope. I’m a teacher of 12- and 13-year-olds in my other job, and they bring
me hope. They are learning to think on their own, and some will be able to fix things for us!” J.C., 42, Bringing Up Baby “My personal goal is to save money because you just never know what can happen. An emergency or something goes off track and it is here today, gone tomorrow.” “My hope for the world is that it gets better and that the hate stops. We are all just one regardless of gender, color, or beliefs.” “To have hope, I take the attitude that it could be worse. That and working keep me going and are my motivation.” Marisa, 57, Owner of Luze Home Interiors “I have had health issues so better health is on my mind for myself, and for family and friends. I would like calmness. Working hard and prosperity is important, too, and it is all connected. I want positive energy in my life and work.” “I wish for peace can kindness in the world.” “My family give me hope. I look at my beautiful daughters, 14 and 12 and it makes everything brighter.” Raj, 22, Gallery Liquor and Wine “My goal is to focus on my studying. I go to Simmons for Data Science. I would also like to have a franchise business someday.” “My family gives me hope. They are in India and when I
talk to them, I get direction.” Gabe, 33, Gray’s Hall “Personally, I would like to get in better shape. I also want to take some trips with my girlfriend. I think Portland, Maine, and Montreal. In business, I want to continue to help the place grow. We are booked out for New Year’s so that is good. I would like to add new things to the menu.” “For the world, I would like to see the conflicts come to resolution, and more proactive efforts toward climate change. We will see.” “I surround myself with positive people, and that keeps me hopeful. People I work with, my partner and my parents.” Julia, 37, Esthetic Bean, owner “My personal goal this year is a focus on family, both here in Ukraine. My mother is very ill. I can’t be there, but she is on my mind. Work is important, too, but this year family is my priority.” “My wish for the world is that everyone respects everyone more. This applies to every person and every government, and it is needed to survive. There has to be a working together world-wide, and less killing, not only in Ukraine but everywhere. Children are dying and it has to stop. There are ecological problems that need attention and solutions in all the world.” “I see hope in every moment. I see it in my customers who don’t know anyone in Ukraine but donate. I see younger people helping older people on the street. It is a nice community here, and I try to do something nice every day, and I hope everyone does. Without hope, what would we do? “
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Continued from Page 1
SBCDF Upon being reappointed as Sen. Collins’ veteran representative, LTC Murphy stated, “It is an honor to serve on a Foundation that supports programs across the community that so many South Boston families benefit from. Our aim is to ensure that they continue to get the resources they need to thrive.” Mrs. (Dillon) Walsh was also born and raised in South Boston. Newly married, she continues to live in her hometown neighborhood with her husband Conor. A graduate of the Boston Latin Academy and the University of Maine at Orono, in March of 2019 she was elected the “Mayor of South Boston”. Shortly thereafter was was appointed as the South Boston Community Liaison and Neighborhood Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services where she served till spring of 2022. Since then she has been a key member of Senator Collins’ leadership team in the Massachusetts Senate, currently serving as his Chief of Staff. Active in non-profit and civic affairs, she sits on several other
THURSDAY JAUARY 4, 2024
community and non-profit boards. After being sworn in as Sen. Collins’ designee, Mrs. (Dillon) Walsh stated, “I am honored to be appointed to the South Boston C om mu n it y De velopment Foundation by Senator Collins. As someone who grew up in South Boston, I have been on the receiving end of the foundation’s mission. The foundation has helped support many of the programs I was involved in growing up, many of which were crucial to me and my friends’ upbringing. I am thrilled to be a part of a foundation that benefits the people of South Boston.” The Foundation was established through legislation under Chapter 152 of the Acts of 1997 to construct the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) on the South Boston Waterfront and was amended last year to add veteran and labor seats. The board funds community programs with revenues generated from gate shows at the BCEC. Consisting of eleven members appointed by Governor, Legislature, Mayor and District Councilor, all members must be South Boston residents.
LTC Tim Murphy
Haley (Dillon) Walsh
PUBLIC NOTICE: FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION ON MCCA CYPHER STREET REMEDIATION PROJECT On Thursday, January 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority will host a community discussion at CRISPR Therapeutics, located at 105 West First Street in South Boston, regarding an upcoming soil remediation project on Cypher Street. MCCA officials will be presenting and available to answer questions.
3
4
THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2024
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boston City Councilor At-Large Ruthzee Louijuene Newly Elected President of the Council
Ruthzee Louijuene Newly Elected President of the Council
L
ou ijeu ne ea rned t he suppor t of her ne w ly s wor n in council colleagues, making her the f irst Haitian A merican Council President. B oston Cit y C ou nci lor At-L a rge Rut hzee L ouijeune ha s been s worn in a s t he President of the Boston Cit y Council, making her not only t he t hird Black woma n to hold this position, but a lso t he f irst Ha itia n-A meric a n. ‘It w a s a n honor to nominate Councilor Ruthzee L ou ijeu ne as council pre sident.’ sa id Dist ric t 1 Councilor Gabriella Coletta. ‘I’m conf ident t he Council w i l l promote col laborat ion, governance, and accountability this legislative s e s s i o n .’ “I am excited for what’s to come for our city, and believe that our collective work can tra nsform our beloved cit y into one where ever y person feels honored, sa fe, housed, and healthy.” said Louijuene. “I a m hopef u l, a nd I a m grateful, because the only way we get through, the only way we thrive, the only way we push for wa rd, is toget her.” “Councilor Louijeune has shown she knows how to build bridges to address issues that
impact all Boston residents from tack ling crucia l cit y ser vices to spe a rhe ad i ng i n it iat ive s t hat create more a f fordable housing and uplift our most u n d e r s e r v e d c o m mu n it i e s’ sa id Di st ric t 4 C ou nci lor Brian Worrell. ‘I am proud to support her as our next Council President in my capacit y as Council Vice President a nd look forward to partnering with her and all of our colleagues to del iver for ou r Cit y.’ There is add it iona l significance to the swearing in, as Januar y 1st also celebrates Haitian Independence Day, the most important holiday in the Haitian community. On January 1, Ha it ia ns celebrate t heir role in history as the first free Black republic in the Western hem i sphere a nd t he on ly country in the world founded from a slave revolt. Boston is home to the third largest Haitian diaspora in the country. A s Louijeune was sworn in, the chambers f illed with fa m i ly, f riend s, a nd loved ones dawned in red and blue, c e le br a t i n g b ot h H a it i a n Independence Day a nd her histor y-ma k ing appointment. In her f irst speech a s council president, L ouijeune outlined a vision for the city of Boston that addresses historic inequities while envisioning a future that welcomes everyone to the table. From addressing barriers to homeownership, to creating stronger models for waste collection in all of our neig hborhood s, to ensu ring that every BPS student has the tools they need to reach their full potential, and working with our unions to make sure that Boston is a city that continues to put people before prof it. L ou ijeu ne recognized a nd of fered f lowers to her predecessor, Ed Flynn, who
ser ved a s pre sident du ring her f irst term in off ice. She also welcomed new colleagues Enrique Pepen, John Fitzgerald, Henry Santana, and Ben Weber. During L ouijeune’s f irst term, she met t he moment with passion, work ethic, and deep love for Boston. She successf u lly led the council t hrough t he t u mu lt u o u s redistricting process, passing a map that met standards set by a federa l court order. A s Chair of the Committee on Civil R ights and Immigrant A dv a nc e ment , s he pu s he d for additions in the budget, securing funds for fair housing te ster s, a mu n icipa l wa ge study, expanding the Office of Returning Citizens, increased housing support for vulnerable popu lations, a nd initiatives for affordable homeownership. She has been an advocate for legalizing beekeeping city wide, increa sing t he frequenc y of trash pickup for cleaner streets, and actively works to bridge gaps and distribute resources to ever y neighborhood. A s president, L ouijeune i s c om m it ted to bu i ld i ng on her previous work, while upl i f t i n g t he i s sue s t h at her col lea g ues hold dea rly. “One thing to know about
me is t hat I unequivoca lly reject any zero-sum mentality t hat sug gests t hat for one g roup to suc c eed, a not her must lose,” Louijeune stated. The newly-sworn in council is a profound representation of the vibrancy and diversity that ma kes up Boston. Louijeune is hopef u l t hat during her tenure, this body will embrace d i f ferent p er sp e c t ive s a nd lived experiences, while a lso acting as a strong collective voice for the people of Boston. L ouijeune brings seven ye a r s’ e x p er ienc e work i n g on pol it ic a l a nd advoc ac y c a mpa igns, f ig ht ing for working people and Black and Latinx communities on issues of housing, education access, a nd voting rights. Recently, Louijeune started her own legal a nd advocac y business, The Opening PL LC . Pre viou sly, L ouijeune ser ved a s Senior C ou n sel for U. S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. Prior to that, she was a law yer at Perkins Coie LLP. The daughter of Haitian immigrants, f luent in Haitian Creole, French, and conversant i n Spa n i s h, L ou ijeu ne i s t he f irst Ha it ia n-A meric a n to hold elec ted of f ic e i n B o s t on c it y g ov e r n m e nt .
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THURSDAY JAUARY 4, 2024
5
Out with 2023! In with 2024 by Rick Winterson “Out with the old; in with the new” was perhaps the most frequently heard saying early this week, beginning with New Year’s Eve and ending at sunset on New Year’s Day. Obviously, the saying describes the end of the 2023 Holiday Season and the change of the years – from 2023 to 2024, as of last Sunday evening and Monday morning. The New Year is well-known as a time to make resolutions, so we’ll take the liberty of asking that you resolve to vote during this entire Election Year. But first, thanks and a sincere “welldone” are due to our District 2 City Councilor Edward M. Flynn. For the past two years, Ed served as the President of the 13-member City Council of Boston, while still serving as our District 2 City Councilor. He capably handled two extremely demanding jobs during 2022 and 2023. We also thank City Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty and District 3 City Councilor Frank Baker for their years of service to South Boston – both of them retired from the Council at year-end. And it’s appropriate for us to wish the best to City Councilor-at-Large Ruthzee Louijeune, whom the City Council just elected as its new President. For sure, Boston is a sports-
oriented city, especially among the fans here in South Boston. Please remember that we have enjoyed being a pro sports championship city a dozen times so far in the 21st Century, and the adventure continues. Even after a Tuesday loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Boston Celtics still possess the best record in the NBA at 26-7 (.788). As of this writing, the Boston Bruins have 52 NHL points, the most in the NHL. But Colorado and the NY Rangers are close behind at 51 points. Right now, the Red Sox and the Patriots are rebuilding. The Pats must first get themselves an offensive line (where real football is still played), while living with QB Bailey Zappe for a while. Now that Chris Sale has been traded, maybe the Sox will resolve to create a real pitching staff
before trying to do anything else. However, no matter what, 2024 in Boston will be a (very!) interesting pro sports year. Resolve to keep up with our four major teams, while you’re also keeping an eye on the New England Revolution. The art scene in South Boston continues to grow. We have become an in-depth 21st Century center of the arts. The Institute of Contemporary Art (the ICA) relocated here 17 years ago in 2006. Since then, it has created exhibits that have later traveled worldwide, including Simone Leigh’s show in 2023 that since traveled to Venice. The Boston Lyric Opera is now headquartered on Channel Center Street in Fort Point. GrubStreet, the unique writer’s creative center, relocated from Boylston Street to South Boston in 2019. And
you don’t need to be told about the original Fort Point art colony and how it has developed since the last century. Resolve to learn more about the vibrant South Boston art scene – it’s impressive! Most of all, resolve in 2024 to look at Boston and South Boston as living historic urban areas. Just a few examples: Dorchester Heights in South Boston held the cannon emplacement that forced the British to flee from Boston on March 17, 1776, the original Evacuation Day. We will observe its 250th Anniversary here in 2026 – less than three years from now. The Boston Tea Party, which occurred in 1773, passed its 250th Anniversary three weeks ago, on December 16, 2023. The nation’s First Continental Congress convened 250 years ago this year, in response to Britian’s “Intolerable Acts”, which were laid upon the colonies in 1774. Since we will soon be celebrating a lot more American history, we’ll once again ask that you make a firm New Year’s resolution to vote all during this year of 2024. It’s the most important way you can observe and support South Boston’s and America’s ongoing history – past, present, and yet to come. And equally as important – have a Happy New Year.
6
THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2024
Continued from page 1
SBCA ring in the new year, the plunge is also a cherished century-old tradition for the South Boston community. It’s a chance to test your limits, create memories, and honor those we’ve lost. The L Street Tavern hosted a special march from the bar to M Street Beach, with the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes + Drums leading the way.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THURSDAY JAUARY 4, 2024
7
8
THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2024
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Compass on the Bay
January 18, 2024, 6:00 pm. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group will be held in conjunction with our sister community, Standish Village. Call 617-268-5450 or email Program Director Erin Bollinger at ebollinger@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the virtual meeting.
This is a virtual event sponsored by Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston.
The Law Office of
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION (APCC) PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Boston Air Pollution Control Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on January 17, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86329377111. The Commission will consider the proponent’s request for a modified permit for a facility located at 244-284 A St, South Boston, MA, pursuant to the Procedures and Criteria for the Issuance of Parking Freeze Permits adopted under M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31C. This modification consists of 345 commercial spaces and 70 residential excluded spaces in a garage. The existing facility consists of 814 commercial parking spaces. This permit
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
modification is to demolish the existing surface parking lot in order to redevelop the site and build an underground parking garage. Issuance of the permit would return 469 spaces to the South Boston parking freeze bank.
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate
NOTE: In accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting will only take place virtually at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/86329377111. If you are unable to access the internet, you can call 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 863 2937 7111 # and use # as your participant ID. Translation and sign language interpreters will be provided upon prior request. A copy of the application is available for public inspection at Boston City Hall, Room 709, from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (by appointment only), or you may request a digital copy by email at APCC@boston. gov. Questions should be directed to: APCC@boston.gov or 617-635-3850.
No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
For the Commission, Katherine Eshel, Interim Executive Director Air Pollution Control Commission
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THURSDAY JAUARY 4, 2024
Are you considering selling your ho1ne or condo? Real Estate is Thriving in South Boston Knovv the True Value of Your Home Today With a Free Market Analysis Q
(j Facebook.corn/RooneyRealEstat e
Rooney Real Estate, LLC 700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 Jackie@rooney-re.com
Over 30 years of professional service • Over 2,000 real estate transactions #I sales agent in South Boston for 25 of 30 years rooney-re.com • office: 617-269-1000 • cell: 617-645-5370
9