SBOL_01_14_2021

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

A New Mayor for Boston

Mayor Marty Walsh

by Rick Winterson

I

t is essentially 100% certain that the City of Boston will have a new Mayor very soon. Martin J. Walsh, our current Mayor, has accepted the Cabinet position of Secretary of Labor offered to him by President-elect Joseph Biden. Biden’s appointment of Walsh will proceed through the required formal approval

by Congress immediately after Inauguration Day next Wednesday, January 20.

Soon thereafter, Marty Walsh will assume his new

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duties in the nation’s Capital.

There’s no question that for the last two months – from last year’s Election Day until right now – America has been in a political firestorm.

The Presidential election results, the subsequent change in Senate control, and the recent events in Washington have been immensely magnified by the ongoing (and the sharply increasing) Coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis.

There is no end in sight to any of these huge national issues, so in this article South Boston Online will confine our remarks to finding and electing a new Mayor of the City of Boston.

First, we should point out that a so-called “Special Election” (as well as preliminary elections) for a Mayor might be required. We aren’t familiar with the exact words in Boston’s Charter, but it seems that such elections are required within 120 to 140 days, unless Walsh delays taking the Secretary of Labor’s position until after March 5, which is highly unlikely. After that (if it happens),

Resident Harriet Donovan and Michelle Peters with Director of Dining Experience Ken McCluskey Compass on the Bay Director of Dining Experience Ken McCluskey and resident chefs Harriet Donovan, Michelle Peters, worked together to bake a delicious Brain Healthy Green Bean Casserole.

Story and Photos on Page 5

Continued o Page 2

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

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Mayor’s Race

the interim Acting Mayor (City Council President Kim Janey) would remain as Acting Mayor until later this year when a new Mayor is duly elected, who would then be sworn in immediately.

The media have listed several potential Mayoral candidates already.

South Boston Online is neither recommending nor disapproving of any of them. However, we believe it’s time to start thinking about how to best replace Mayor Walsh. Interim Acting Mayor-to-be Kim Janey is being vetted

by Mayor Walsh – she will have several months to show her performance as Acting Mayor. When asked by the press if she would consider running for Mayor later on, Janey replied that it’s early, but she’s considering it.

You are aware that two Mayoral candidates announced their intentions to run against Mayor Walsh months ago, long before he was asked to join President-elect Biden in Washington.

They are City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell.

Both have served two years as City Council President; both are well thought of

by Boston’s voters. Wu has received several endorsements, including those from environmental groups and from Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Campbell has been quite a successful campaign fundraiser, as well as receiving some endorsements of her own.

Another likely candidate for Mayor of Boston is Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, who spoke about a possible campaign after Mayor Walsh announced he had accepted the Secretary of Labor Cabinet position. The most obvious credential Gross possesses is his decades-long experience in the Boston Police Department, ending with his appointment by Mayor Walsh as the BPD Commissioner. Gross was quoted by the Boston Herald earlier this week as saying he’s “90% in” and in “deep consideration” about a run for Mayor.

But Gross also stated it’s not something he can decide in just a few days.

Several (8) other potential candidates have also been mentioned as possible candidates (listed alphabetically): Boston’s Chief of Economic Development John Barros,

State Sen. Nick Collins, City Councilorat-Large Annissa Essaibi-George, City Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty, Boston’s Chief of Health & Human Services Marty Martinez, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, State Rep. John Santiago, and Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tomkins.

This year, you the voter must decide who’ll be our next Mayor. South Boston Online believes there are six (6) key responsibilities you should use to rate the Mayoral candidates, before you chose whom to vote for. Four of the six are historic Mayoral responsibilities – Public Safety (police, fire, EMT), Infrastructure (harbors, water supply, public transport, roads/bridges/ tunnels, municipal facilities), Schools and Education (including libraries), and Boston’s Finances/Economy.

And Boston’s next Mayor will also have to take on two new, 21st Century responsibilities – the Environment (especially sea level rise) and the Pandemic.

All of these six, when taken altogether, will be an extraordinary challenge to anyone we elect.

South Boston Online will have more to say about the responsibilities we expect the new Mayor of Boston to handle, but for now, we’ll close by complimenting Mayor Walsh on his seven years of governance. He successfully brought together our City’s diverse groups and interests – as just one example, consider how he supported the expansion of Boston into a dynamic, world-class city, including the truly epic development of South Boston’s Seaport District.

All of this was while Boston still enjoyed a “Triple A” bond rating, even during the pandemic in 2020.

And the Mayor’s final “State of the City” address was memorable for how much he said in a very short period of time (just 25 minutes).

Walsh’s human side showed when he choked up momentarily and brushed away a tear. He paid tribute to his family. His goal of “Listen, Learn, Lead” will be remembered, as will his promise, “I’ll bring Boston with me to Washington.” Mayor Walsh warned that some hard times were ahead. But then he closed with that brief slogan from eight years ago: “Boston Strong”.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Sen. Collins & Biele Announce State Releif for Small Businesses $1.295 Billion in Economic Stimulus Last week, State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature in approving a $626 million economic stimulus package. Combined with last month’s announcement of a $668 Small Business Relief Grant Program, the State of Massachusetts has made available $1.295 billion in stimulus funding for our local economy, and especially small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sen. Collins, Rep. Biele and their colleagues in the Legislature made small business and the local economy a priority in last week’s economic development bond bill, authorizing more than $100 million in several grant programs including loans and grants to small businesses, support for restaurants, payroll protection, and job creation.

The bill also included an amendment supported by Sen. Collins and Rep. Biele to include $500,000 for capital improvements designed to support the reopening of small businesses throughout the City of Boston. Representative Biele supported language sponsored by Senator Collins which requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to create a pathway for tax relief for small business owners by exempting them from the IRS’ State and Local Tax (SALT) cap.

“Taken together, this $1.295 billion package represents a significant investment in our economy, local jobs, and our community as a whole,” said Senator Collins. “Now more than ever our small businesses, and the employees they support, need our assistance, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues to deliver real tangible results that will retain and create jobs, help businesses pay their bills, reduce tax burdens, and assist restaurants, gyms, salons, and other small businesses recover from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.”

“During these tough times, I was proud to work with my colleagues in the Legislature to make crucial investments in our local businesses and industries impacted by COVID-19, such as the restaurant industry, salons, gyms, and other personal services,” said Rep. Biele. “These relief packages and resources will provide support and much-needed relief to struggling businesses and their employees with over $1 billion in grant programs and state funding.”

Currently, the state has made $668 million available to support businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. Funds are dedicated to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship and a loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic with preference given to restaurants, gyms/fitness centers, event-support companies (photographers, videographers), and personal services (salons, barbershops). This new business relief program will offer grants up to $75,000, for payroll and employee benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations. The Sector-Specific Grant Program is accepting applications through Friday, January 15th, and can be found at www. empoweringsmallbusiness.com.

Already, the Small Business Relief Grant Program has awarded $116.4 million to 2,524 businesses statewide in the last month, including more than 300 businesses in Boston which received more than $16.25 million in grants.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

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Small Businesses in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

S

outh Boston Online decided to conduct a loc a l su r ve y, which was in fact a kind of census count in South Boston.

Now it’s obvious to all of us that the many, many small businesses located here are extremely important to every part of South Boston. Small businesses that we support and enjoy exist from Andrew Square to Broadway Station, all along Dorchester Avenue; then over to Fort Point and the growing Seaport District via A Street; eastward along Summer Street, Seaport Boulevard, and Northern Avenue; within the growing Flynn Marine and Industrial Park areas, including the expanding Conley Terminal; along East and West Broadway, along Dorchester Street from First Street, and in numerous places along the many side streets in South Boston. In other words, they are everywhere in South Boston!

Our local small businesses are partners with all of us in supporting South Boston’s way of life.

The value of small businesses exists in every American town, city, and state. The nation’s small businesses provide countless jobs, innovative ideas, and opportunities for everyone to achieve financial success. The figures are very impressive: There are 27 million (27,000,000) small businesses in the U.S.; tens of millions of people are employed by them. These businesses account for one-half (50%) of our gross domestic product (GDP), which now amounts to $20+ trillion – more than $20,000,000,000,000. Our ability to conceive, start up, and make a success of small, independent businesses is the envy of the world.

So South Boston Online actually counted every one of the small businesses on both East and West Broadway, as well as along all of Dorchester Street from First Street to Andrew Square. These are our key roadways, at least in

the original, residential part of South Boston. And we were very surprised to find there are 186 small enterprises located on just the fivemile, “Y-shaped” stretch of roadway formed by East/West Broadway and Dorchester Street. We purposely didn’t count bank branches, large stores, or branch chain stores, even though these enterprises are very important to South Boston as well. And we counted no establishments that were either closed for good or “hibernating” until spring. Just small businesses, open and on their own!

Now, the average number of employees in each of America’s small businesses is just three people, which means that the 186 businesses along Broadway and Dorchester Street likely have between 500 and 600 employees. Assuming these employees help support a fourperson household - employee, spouse, one or two kids, and maybe a relative or boarder – that’s perhaps as many as 2,000 or more people who benefit from the small businesses on only three of South Boston’s roadways. It really adds up!

What about all the rest of South Boston? Well, please take another look at the paragraph that lists the many parts of South Boston we did not count in our “informal census”. In addition to the 186 we actually counted, there are hundreds more small businesses in every other part of South Boston.

They employ thousands of people locally and benefit countless other

residents who live here. And think for a moment about the convenience of having so many small businesses everywhere in South Boston. If you want anything ranging from a banquet to a boutique bracelet, stop in at one of the many small businesses in the South Boston Seaport District. And the Seaport is easy to get to via public transport these days. Why not consider giving a loved one a unique and original work of art from one of the studios in and around Fort Point? Or at the Distillery? Or in the King Terminal? South Boston has one of the largest art colonies in all of New England, and yes, artists’ studios are also small businesses – beauty and creativity are their highly memorable products.

We already have mentioned the “innovative ideas” generated by small businesses. Please remember

that once upon a time, every single American-based business started out as a (very) “small business”, with one or two or three employees and little or no funding. But many of these businesses had ideas, really good ideas, which had been thought up by hardworking people who were also willing to take risks.

Think of Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook, which quickly became worldwide business giants just within our lifetimes. And then think of Moderna and Pfizer, who were once small too, and who now will truly end up saving our lives and our world for us.

Our recommendation: Please patronize the small businesses located all over South Boston. They are not only establishments that are enjoyable to visit and get to know, they are critical to our way of life.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Southie Student Finds his Posse

Thomas White Earns Prestigious Leadership Scholarship

By Ginger DeShaney

T

homas White is the epitome of South Boston: hardworking, civic-minded, community-driven, and determined to make a difference. And he will be bringing those Southie qualities to Bucknell University next fall as a Posse Scholar.

The son of Anna and Langdon White, Thomas was officially announced as a Posse Scholar last week when he met the nine other students in his Posse.

“Southie has a strong community,” said Thomas, a senior at Boston Latin School. “I was scared of losing that sense of community when I went to school.”

But the students in his Posse at Bucknell will have Thomas’ back and he’ll have theirs.

The prestigious leadership scholarship covers tuition for all four years at Bucknell, a highly regarded private liberal arts school in Lewisburg, PA. The Posse Scholars will meet once a week for the first two years of college, providing the sense of community and support Thomas has grown up with in Southie. “You have a group of people who, if you’re struggling ... understands it; like someone from home. Especially coming from here, it’s a community.”

Thomas is thrilled with his Posse and the built-in support system. “It’s a really good group; they were handchosen,” he said, noting all the scholars have different interests and different backgrounds but “they see the world the same way as you … it’s really cool.”

According to the Posse Foundation, the Posse model is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students — a Posse — carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development. As the United States becomes increasingly multicultural, Posse believes that the leaders of the 21st century should reflect the country’s rich demographic mix. The key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. Posse’s primary aim is to train these leaders of tomorrow.

At the end of his junior year, Thomas saw information about the Posse Scholarship. In June 2020, he applied to be considered for the scholarship at BLS’s College Resource Center.

The head of the center reached out to teachers for nominations. Thomas doesn’t know who nominated him.

Once he was nominated, he started the process, which included two rounds of lengthy interviews (group and oneon-one). When he found out in Round 3 that he was a finalist to attend Bucknell, he had to decide if he wanted to accept that school and then apply for early decision. In the fourth round, he had another group interview with the 50 finalists in which the school looked to see how the finalists worked with each other.

Out of those 50, the final 10 Scholars were selected. “It’s a group of people handpicked for you,” Thomas said.

Each Scholar possesses exceptional leadership qualities. Part of the process included the applicants talking about being a leader and what it means to them.

“I wasn’t thinking of how it would look on a college application,” Thomas said about all his activities. “I just like doing them.”

Thomas’ South Boston resume is impressive. He played Southie soccer.

He worked with a State Senator in the Summer Leadership Intern Program through the South Boston Neighborhood House.

He is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council representing Southie.

He works as Junior Staff for the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club.

He’s been a track coach for Youth Enrichment Services since eighth grade after having been a member starting at age 10.

He’s coached CYO basketball with the Gate of Heaven program since seventh grade after having participated as a player.

He participated in Regan’s Motivated Fitness exercise programs.

He attended the Paraclete program for many years.

Through his years at BLS, Thomas has learned to budget his time. When not serving the community or studying, Thomas is running. His senior crosscountry season was cut short because of COVID-19, but his hard work, potential, and stellar stats landed him a spot on the Bucknell track team.

Thomas is interested in politics, history, environmental science, and international relations, and he’ll see where that takes him at Bucknell.

He credits Southie and its sense of community with getting him to this point. The friends he’s made here will be friends for life, he said.

He has built strong bonds with South Boston youth from his work with the basketball, the Boys & Girls Club, and track programs. “They look up to you. They’ll tell you things.

They see you as a helper,” he said.

When he walks down the street,

Thomas White parents of kids he’s coached or mentored will tell him, “My son talks about you all the time,” Thomas said. “It’s so rewarding.”

When he was younger and he and his mom would walk somewhere that should have taken five minutes, it would take 30 minutes because his mom knew so many people. “Now I’m the one stopping her to talk,” Thomas said. “I know so many people.”

He credits the YES track program for his success at BLS (he is a captain) and his spot on the Bucknell team. And while he wasn’t the best basketball player in Gatey history, he did make a ton of friends and gain mentors in the coaches. “That’s who personifies the neighborhood,” he said.

At the Paraclete, he met kids of many different backgrounds. By attending Southie schools St. Peter’s, the Condon, and Up Academy, he knows so many kids and continues to have strong ties to them.

“I’ve met so many people with so many different backgrounds,” he said.

“It changed the way I look at the world.”

He will take that Southie worldview to Lewisburg, where he is sure to make a difference in his new community.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

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Sister Evelyn Calls

by Rick Winterson

S

ister Evelyn Hurley was born and brought up in South Boston, spending her first 17 years on L Street. Right after high school, she then joined the Sisters of Charity in Nazareth, Kentucky, which is located close to Bardstown where Stephen Foster, that quintessential American balladeer, lived for a few years. After moving back East, Foster composed his nostalgic “My Old Kentucky Home” (Bardstown is named as it is, in fond memory of Stephen Foster and his songs).

In 1950, Sister Evelyn returned back East from the American south to South Boston, where she taught first grade in what was once named “Nazareth”, then became “St. Brigid School”, and is now (really well) known as the “South Boston Catholic Academy”. After 40 years of teaching there, as

well as more than 1,000 students later, Sister Evelyn retired back to her Mother House in Nazareth.

But there’s an important biographical fact about her that is not to be missed. Sister Evelyn was born in the month of March in 1915, two years before the U.S.A. joined the Allies in World War I (yes, that’s World War One!). In March of this Year of Our Lord 2021, she’ll

turn 106 years of age. And that’s a “yes” once again – in two months, Sister Evelyn will turn 106, the oldest Sister of Charity on Earth.

She had been visiting South Boston regularly every year in the spring to say “Hello” to her students, many of whom have now become grandparents, but unfortunately COVID-19 prevented that, both this year and in 2020 last year.

But she and I swap Christmas cards every year, along with an occasional letter, so she phoned me last week. I am pleased to report that the Good Sister Evelyn Hurley is still very much alive and well, taking regular walks, and truly enjoying her life at Nazareth.

I was astonished at the clarity of her voice (her last Christmas card was a miracle of good penmanship, too). And her cheerful tones and the energy in her voice are remarkable. We spoke via what I guess is the phone number of the Sisters of Charity Mother House – 1(502)348-1500. Call her if you’d like to. If you’d like to send her a card or letter or photograph, the snail mail address is Sister Evelyn Hurley, P.O. Box 3000, Nazareth, Kentucky 40048.

Please let her know how fondly (and often) we all think of her. South Boston does not forget its own!

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Flynn Calls For Hearing on Property Taxes, Assistance Programs

B

oston City Councilor Ed Flynn is filing a hearing order at this week ’s City Council meeting to discuss possible assistance programs for our seniors and long term city homeowners who have difficulties paying property taxes during the pandemic. The pandemic has greatly impacted the finance of many of our

seniors and residents, and this hearing order aims to discuss possible ways that the city can assist those who have difficulties in paying their property taxes.

Property taxes can be a heavy financial burden for many families, particularly seniors on f ixed incomes, who may have brought their homes years ago before housing prices and propert y va lues sk yrocketed in the city. With the COVID19 pandemic, many are facing additional financial difficulties, and may not be able to afford paying their property ta xes.

The Cit y of Boston offers a number of propert y ta x exemptions for residents who qualif y, including for seniors who meet income lim it s and residency requirements.

Councilor Flynn was proud to work with Councilor Edwards as the original co-sponsors to pass an ordinance in the City Council to allow low income senior homeowners who owe back taxes to establish property tax agreements, and get interest relief from the City. Moreover, cities such as New York City have reduced interest for late property tax payments for eligible homeowners, and the City of Detroit offers an exemption of up to 100% for residents who live in poverty. As many seniors and long time residents are facing financial hardship because of COVID-19, the City of Boston should also consider possible assistance programs for those who may be unable to pay their property taxes,

including potentially doubling the exemption for seniors over a certain age while considering their income and evaluation.

“Many seniors and residents have reached out and reported concerns about the increase in property taxes, and I believe that we should do what we can to assist those who are facing financial hardship right now,” said Councilor Flynn. “Our seniors and long time residents are an indispensable part of our city, and it’s important that they continue to stay and thrive in our city. I look forward to working with the city on this issue and having this discussion.”

For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.

Councilor Flynn Announces Installation of Blinking Pedestrian Sign at Dorchester &West 4th Street

C

ou nc i lor Fly n n, working in conjunction with t he Boston Tra nspor tation Department and fellow South B o s ton e le c te d of f ic i a l s , announced the installation of a new blinking pedestrian sign at the intersection of Dorchester and West 4th Street, long considered one of the busiest and most dangerous intersections

in South Boston. Neighbors and visitors to Marian Manor have long had concerns about the lack of pedestrian crossing signals in the area. This new blin k ing pedestria n signa l will enhance traffic safety by alerting drivers to pedestrians crossing the street. Councilor Flynn and Councilor Michael Flaherty also recently met with t he Boston Tra nspor tation

Department about the issue of pedestrian safety, as well as long term and short term plans for hotspots like this and other areas throughout South Boston.

“I’d like to thank neighbors and pedestrian safety advocates for identifying this area for improvements, as well as BTD for the new blinking pedestrian signal at one of the most dangerous intersections in our

community,” said Councilor Flynn. “Pedestrian safety is one of the most critical issues we face as a city, and I will continue to stay focused with my colleagues on infrastructure improvements, slower speeds, and enforcement.”

For more infor mation, plea se cont act Cou ncilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

C

ompass on the Bay Director of Dining E xperienc e K en McCluskey and resident chefs Harriet Donovan, Michelle Peters, and John Campedelli worked together to bake a delicious Brain Healthy Green Bean Casserole.

Compass on the Bay’s management company Senior Living Residences (SLR) is the developer of the Brain Healthy Cooking Program, an award-winning nutrition program that brings residents at their assisted living communities delicious tastetested brain healthy choices on

Bon Appétit their daily menus and offers hearthealthy, memory boosting advice and recipes for anyone through their companion website www.

BrainHealthyCooking.com. SLR’s Brain Healthy Cooking program is largely based on the popular and well researched Mediterranean Diet, and features “brain healthy foods” such as dark berry fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish and seafood.

The full recipe for the green bean casserole can be found on SLR’S Age Right Blog: https://ageright. org/recipes/green-beancasserole/

No Snow (but a Winter Scene Anyhow) It’s the dead of winter but there’s no snow, despite two record falls late last fall. Days got 20 minutes longer since the Winter Solstice, but it has also become very cold. You can see all of this quite vividly along the Old Harbor/ Carson Beach shoreline, where the dark, linear shadow of the low seawall and the long, curving beach contrast with the twisted, black tree-branch above, which seems to be desperately seeking heat – any heat at all.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Welcome Ms. Taylor Avery SBCA New Spanish Teacher From our Spanish Teacher, Ms. Taylor Avery…¡Bienvenido! Welcome to our Spanish class at South Boston Catholic Academy! We have had fun incorporating the Spanish language and culture into our classes. In December, we celebrated Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Feast Day December 12th), the day when Mother Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a farmer in Mexico, in the year 1531 and gave hope to the people of Mexico! Our Lady gave flowers to Juan Diego as a sign that she truly appeared, and our kindergartners and first graders made their own flowers that we put on our bulletin board (as shown in the picture). Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! Most recently, we celebrated El Día de los Reyes Magos (Three King’s

Day, January 6th) when the three wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus.

This day is important in Spanishspeaking countries as many of our friends receive gifts on this day and leave out dulces (candies) for the three kings and heno (hay) for the camels, similar to leaving cookies and milk and carrots for Santa and his reindeer!

The older classes (3rd-6th) have been working on a project “Planning a Trip to a Spanish Speaking Country” on the Chromebooks (as shown in the pictures). They chose one of the 22 Spanish speaking countries in the world and researched basic information about the country and sites they want to visit. We have enjoyed learning basic vocabulary in all grades and are looking forward to speaking,

listening, singing, and writing more in Spanish in the months to come. ¡Gracias por leer! Thanks for reading!

New applicants are welcomed to

email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@ sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

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South Boston Citizens’ Association’s Evacuation Day Essay and Poster Competitions have been announced by the SBCA The 245th Evacuation Day POSTER AND ESSAY CONTESTS South Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath announced that due to the tremendous success of the past several years’ contest, the Association will once again sponsor the 2021 Annual Essay and Poster Contests. Once again, after last year’s outstanding effort put forth by past President Bernie O’Donnell and his committee, they have once again expressed an interest of taking on the challenge of chairing The Essay and Poster Contests. “Bernie always taught me that these contests are a great way to educate and strengthen the interest of the children of the community, I was more than pleased when Bernie offered to once again head up this Event for the children of South Boston. This year we will open up the High School competition to all students residing in Suffolk County or attends a school in Suffolk County”, Remarked McGrath.

Bernie further expressed “One of the missions of the SBCA is to reach out to the young children of this historically rich community, joining the SBCA in promoting, organizing, and judging the Evacuation Day Poster and Essay Competitions is a most fitting way to improve on that mission.”

The current plan with respect to our annual Evacuation Day activities is to continue to host all the events as we have done in years past, but with additional precautions, including social distancing and face coverings. We will continue to work with Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh, the City of Boston Health Commission , and the National Park Service for the planning of our activities, as we do every year, and will strictly follow their requirements and guidance on all aspects of our hosted events. We look forward to working with the community again this year, which commemorates the 245th anniversary of Evacuation Day in Boston. Celebrating Evacuation Day events in the community is a huge undertaking, especially under current circumstances. But thanks to Volunteers and Community Business partners in past years, such as Comcast, Mass Bay Credit Union and City of Boston Credit Union, we at the SBCA are confident we will be able to complete the task and make it possible for the entire community to safely enjoy this year’s commemorative events. Subject matter has been specifically chosen as follows.

Poster competition Grades 3-5

Subject matter has been specifically chosen as follows.The poster competition is open to all students that attend schools in South Boston. This year’s theme is the significance of Colonel Henry Knox and the Noble Train of Artillery. Poster should be original compositions, in any medium at least 8 1/2 x 11” but preferably larger.

Prizes are as follows: First prize$100 Second prize $75 Third prize $25

Essay competition Grades 6-8 What is the significance of Dorchester Heights ? Please focus on the history and importance to the South Boston community. Essays should be at least 500 words

Prizes are as follows: First place $100 Second prize $75 Third prize $25

Essay Competition Grade 9-12 This Essay competition is open to all students that attend ALL schools in the City Boston.

What role did the smallpox epidemic play in the Evacuation of Boston in March 1776 and the War of Independence till surrender at Yorktown. How did the epidemic effect General Washington and British Troops. Essays should be at least 1000 words. All entries should bear, in an attached envelope, the contestant’s name, school and a means of contacting the entrant, and should be submitted no later than Friday, March 12th, 2021 At 5 PM. All entries may be mailed to South Boston Citizens’ Association, P.O. Box 74, South Boston, MA 02127, or can be picked up at schools by a representative of the Citizens’ Association. Entries can also be dropped off at170 M Street.

Prizes are as follows: First prize $150 Second prize $100 Third prize $50

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Celtics: A Workman-Like Job So Far

by Rick Winterson

I

n a way, we have to apologize.

We had originally planned a quick review article about the Celtics’ seasonal start. They’ve played ten mostly decent games – they’re 7W-3L, as of last weekend. But just this week, they have had three games canceled or postponed, mostly because of pandemic protocols. South Boston Online has no idea what’s next for the Celts, including tomorrow (Friday), when

another game with the Magic is scheduled at the TD Garden. Can the Celts come up with eight players ready to go for a full, 48-minute game? And what about the entire NBA 2021 season, if COVID-19 continues to spread so rapidly that it causes too many cancelations?

At 7 wins, 3 losses, the Celtics, by a numerical whisker, have the NBA’s second highest win percentage at .700. Only the LA Lakers, the home of LeBron James et al., are higher, with 9 wins out of 12 total games played, for a winning percentage of .750. However, the Celtics, although surprisingly effective so far, have still been inconsistent.

The numbers conceal the facts that on some occasions, the Celtics key point-makers would go almost scoreless for an entire quarter. The massive leads they enjoyed when playing Washington ended up as a nine-point win, after a double-digit lead disappeared late in the second

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half. Last week’s win against the Heat came from a desperation pop-up two-pointer by Payton Pritchard as the clock ran out. And of course, Walker, Thompson, Green, and Williams III were all out of action.

There are a many bright spots cropping up, to be sure. The energy and playmaking that seems to travel between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is a joy to see. The defensive plays Brown displays and the pure shooting skills of Tatum make for an excellent, floor-spreading twosome.

And Tatum has added two inches, along with considerable upper body strength. Marcus Smart is a true floor leader, particularly on defense. Daniel Theis is a workman-like center, and that’s meant as a compliment. With Williams III out, Coach Brad Stevens had to use Tacko Fall in last Friday’s win against Washington, and for the first time, the 7’ 5” Fall delivered – four points, three blocked shots, and eight rebounds in 19 floor minutes.

Just a short, one-paragraph dissertation on a certain proposed massive Celtics trade (obtaining James Harden of the Rockets for a large (!) package that includes Jaylen Brown). Actually, this dissertation

could be only one, short word: “NO!” Harden is a seasoned NBA player with twelve pro years under his belt. He’s a league-leading scorer, and an NBA MVP having Hall of Fame caliber.

But at 32, he’s in the NBA’s late middle age, and he isn’t really a team leader type either. As we have pointed out, breaking the synergy between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is a Celtics NO-NO. Sure, they have some growing up to do. So let them do it together, with the good-buddy stuff rubbing off on each other. And despite another couple of schemes to get Harden without including Gaylen Brown, Harden’s not worth it. The Celts are growing and developing nicely as they are. Barring a minipandemic among the Green, stay with the existing team members, at least for this abbreviated playing year.

And to you basketball fans, both current and future – make it a point to enjoy some of the Celtics games this year. Watch a Celtics team become better, more consistent. And watch them grow into champs – it’s exciting!

Get to know the Celts’ broadcast staff while you’re watching – Mike Gorman, Brian “Scal” Scalabrine, Abby Chin, and Kendrick Perkins.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

11

GOAT, Gronk Alive and Well

by Rick Winterson

I

n a way, this is a sports column – in a way.

This writer watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play (and win) the initial round of the NFL 2021 Playoffs last Saturday evening. Their opponent was the Washington Football Team, who actually came in with a losing regular season record (7-9), even though they topped the tepid NFC East Division. Tampa Bay sported respectable 11-5 winloss numbers, which was second (after New Orleans) in the NFC South Division. Despite their anemic record, Washington had clicked in four out of five of their season-ending games, so it looked like it could be a contest The Bucs posted a quick lead with a field goal and an easy touchdown, Tom Brady to Antonio Brown. The extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 9-0 with three minutes to go in the first quarter. As the first quarter ended and went into the second, Washington’s quarterback, Taylor Heinecke, led a touchdown drive, bringing the score to 9-7.

A second Brady touchdown pass,

followed by a failed two-point conversion attempt and another Bucs’ field goal, brought the score to 18-7 at the half. It looked like the Bucs were beginning to dominate. (QUESTION: Why did the Bucs try for a two-point conversion so early in the game?)

Washington came alive in the third quarter, both defensively and offensively. The Bucs were held scoreless, while Washington added nine points – a field goal, a touchdown, and their own failed two-point conversion attempt – making the score a low, close 18-16. Washington’s quarterback Heinecke performed

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well, including a desperation TD dive (yes, dive!). But in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay led the scoring by 13 – a touchdown and two field goals – to Washington’s 7, for a winning score of 31-23.

A few comments: This was Brady’s 31st playoff win, by far the most ever by any QB in NFL history. Naturally, his passing largely dominated the Bucs’ offense, which gives their next opponents a clue about how to defend against the Bucs (time for Sack City?). And finally, the Bucs made mistakes – three fumbles, several blown catches, and some red zone breakdowns (not breakouts).

That may not bode well for Tampa Bay against the Saints this Sunday.

Sout h Boston Online decided to watch Saturday’s game mostly to see how Brady would perform. His skills are still there; they clearly made the winning difference. Gronkowski was the target for only one incomplete pass, which Brady overthrew, drawing the Gronk offside in back of the goal area. But at 6’ 7” and 275 pounds, he did an immense job blocking for Brady and the Bucs.

So we are pleased to report that the GOAT and the Gronk are alive and well.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

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