SBOL_01_28_2021

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Cafe Polonia Reopens

Commissioner William Gross to Retire on Friday Dennis White Appointed as 43rd Commissioner of the Boston Police Department

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ayor Martin J. Wa l s h today announced the appointment of Dennis White as the 43rd Commissioner of the Boston Police Department (BPD), and the second African American to hold the role of Police Commissioner. White, who is currently a Superintendent in the department and Chief of Staff to the Commissioner, will assume the duties and responsibilities of Commissioner William G. Gross, who is set to retire from BPD on Friday, January 29, 2021.

“I w a nt to thank Commissioner Gross from the bottom of my heart for his 37 years of service to the Boston Police Department and for his

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two and a half years leading the department as Commissioner.

Throughout his decorated career, he’s always embodied the spirit of community policing that is so important to building trust with the people we serve,” said Mayor Walsh. “Anyone who knows Willie can instantly feel his love for the job and his passion for keeping communities safe. No matter the situation, his warm smile, dedication, and love for meeting people made him uniquely capable of taking on the toughest challenges.”

“As Boston’s f irst Black Police Commissioner, Willie ref lects the great diversity of our city,” added Mayor Walsh.

“We can all be proud of the legac y he’ ll leave behind, from reducing major crime to helping undertake the most Continued on Page 2

Damian (left) and Marcin Biedrzycki Polish Restaurant Under New Management After Hiatus

By Ginger DeShaney

A

fter an almost yearlong hiatus, Cafe Polonia is open again!

The famed South Boston Polish restaurant is under new management with a pair of hard-working Polish brothers at the helm: Marcin, 32, and Damian Biedrzycki, 24. But the small, homey restaurant

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looks the same, the menu is the same, the cooks are the same (amazing Polish mamas), and the food is as good as ever.

“We’ll blow your mind with the taste,” said Marcin.

“We offer traditional Polish meals,” Damian said. “It’s nice and filling.”

“And you get a solid portion,” Ma rcin added.

What makes polish food so special?

“Everything,” said Marcin, who loves pierogi. The restaurant offers different styles of pierogi: cheese; potato and cheese;

Continued on Page 4

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Commissioner Gross

Commissioner Gross ambitious set of police reforms in the department’s history.”

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Police Commissioner, leading a department of hardworking men and women who serve this city day-in and day-out, and put the safety and well-being of our community first,” said Commissioner Gross. “They have shown time and again their unwavering commitment to our residents, rising to the occasion during moments of crisis, reaching out a helping hand to those in need, and

running towards danger in the name of public safety for all. I am immensely proud of their performance under tremendous pressure. It is only after long and careful consideration that I have made the decision to retire from my role. My heart will always remain alongside my brothers and sisters of the BPD, who over the course of my 37-year career have become my village. I will continue to be one of their biggest champions as I move forward with my next chapter.”

As of Friday, January 29, 2021, Superintendent White will serve as Acting Commissioner until he is formally sworn i n a s C om m i s sioner. A swearing in ceremony will be announced in the coming days.

“Superintendent White is a proven leader who is trusted and respected in the community and by his colleagues in the Boston Police Department,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m confident that Dennis will continue to advance the progress made by Commissioner Gross, including implementing communit y-led

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Compass on the Bay February 24, 2020, 6:00-7:00 p.m. hosted by Compass on the Bay 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston 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 month’s group will feature Veronica Martinez, LICSW, who will present, “Self Care for the Caregiver.” Call 617-268-5450 or email Program Director Kristi Faby at kfaby@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the Zoom meeting.

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recommendations for police reform, while drawing on his own extensive career experience to bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to the department.”

“The women and men of the Boston Police Department have become my extended family over the course of my three decades of service,” said White. “I want to thank Mayor Walsh for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity and the responsibility of leading our historic department. To the community and all the members of the Boston Police Department, I pledge to uphold our mission of community policing each and ever y day. Ser ving as Commissioner is the honor of a lifetime, and I will never take this sacred duty for granted.”

A member of Mayor Walsh’s Boston Police Reform Task Force, Superintendent W hite is a seasoned veteran of the police force, having served the community for 32 years. Prior to being promoted to Chief of Staff to Commissioner Gross and to the rank of Superintendent, White was a Deputy Superintendent in the Office of the Superintendentin-Chief and in the Bureau of Field Services Night Command.

As Boston’s first Black police commissioner who rose through the ranks of the department, having joined as a cadet in 1983, Commissioner Gross appointed and oversaw the most qualified and diverse command staff in the department’s history.

Throughout his career, he has cultivated and maintained a strong connection with the community, and has prioritized community engagement as part of his community policing model.

As Commissioner, he established t he f irst- e ver Bu re au of Community Engagement at BPD, which is charged with overseeing a city wide effort focused on building relationships and trust between law enforcement and residents, creating new and innovative partnerships, and promoting inclusion and diversity

Dennis White within the department. During Commissioner Gross’ tenure, part one crime, which includes the most serious offenses, declined.

As Police Commissioner, Gross worked to ensure that BPD lived up to the ideals of c om mu n it y p ol ic i n g.

He took steps to f urther accountability and transparency at the department, including completing a review of Boston Police’s policies against the recommended use of force policies outlined in the “8 Can’t Wait” effort, resulting in clarified rules and the implementation of several reforms. Under his leadership, BPD has issued body-worn cameras to more than half of the department, and the program continues to expand to cover more officers.

Previous Police Commissioners Gross and Evans started as police cadets. After the cadet program was suspended in 2009 for financial reasons, Mayor Walsh reinstated the program in 2015 as a way to diversify the force and create a pipeline for Boston residents seeking a career in law enforcement.

The cadet program is a 2-year apprenticeship designed for Boston residents between the ages of 18-24 interested in joining the ranks of one of the most storied and professional police departments in the country.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

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Compass on the Bay Residents and Staff Receive Covid-19 Vaccine

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esidents and staff of Compass on the Bay Memor y Support Assisted Living were able to get their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

This was one of the region’s first Assisted Living community clinics.

The vaccines were administered

by CVS Health/Omnicare through an arrangement between the healthcare company and Senior Living Residences of Braintree, MA, which manages Compass on the Bay. “We are very excited that Assisted Living communities are finally getting the vaccine and are very much looking forward to the physical protection it will afford our residents and associates,” said Lindsay Nelson, Interim Executive

Director at Compass on the Bay. The mood for residents and staff was celebratory. Residents posed with homemade posters and signs featuring inspirational phrases and leaders. “We’re all so excited - residents and staff - to finally be receiving this vaccine,” said Kristi Faby, Director of Compass Memory Support Programming.

Compass on the Bay in South Boston is an assisted living community dedicated exclusively to those with memory loss featuring Compass Memory Support, a renowned, research-based treatment program for those with dementia, from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-causing diseases. Learn more at http:// w w w.CompassOnTheBay.com.

Compass on the Bay resident Jenna Fitzgerald after receiving her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine

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Cafe Polonia

cabbage and mushroom; and meat.

Damian is a big fan of potato pancakes and kielbasa. “I could eat it every day,” he said.

Customers, especially those not familiar with Polish food, have been ordering the Polish plate, Damian said, which allows them to try a lot of different things: hunter’s stew, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, and kielbasa.

Cafe Polonia, at 611 Dorchester Ave., offers beer and wine. All the beer is Polish style and “we’re proud of that,” Marcin said. When asked about Polish wine, the brothers joked that Poland doesn’t make wine!

When people go to a Mexican or Chinese restaurant, they already know the food, Marcin said. “At a Polish restaurant, it’s a big surprise. You have to read the menu.” The regular customers from the previous owner have come back. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive comments,” Marcin said. “People are coming back. The regulars are so happy.”

The brothers said diners have

come from as far away as Connecticut to eat at Cafe Polonia, which had been featured by Guy Fieri on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”

The restaurant, which opened in December 2002, shut down in March to “fully support the local and global efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said the Cafe Polonia Facebook page at the time.

The owner, Tadeusz Barcikowski, was looking for someone to take it over and keep it as a Polish restaurant. The brothers heard that news and thought, “Should we give it a shot?” They did, and they reopened the restaurant on Jan. 8.

The energetic brothers had no experience running a restaurant, but they had both been in the hospitality industry and they both have a love of Polish food and the Polish community. “We are still learning little things,” Marcin said.

Marcin has been in the hospitality business since the age of 16. He worked at a Sheraton in Poland before coming to the United States 10 years ago. Here, he has worked at the Boston Legal Harborside, Russell House Tavern in Cambridge, and Lolita in Fort Point.

In Poland, Marcin attended regular high school four days a week and one day a week he worked in the hospitality industry, learning the ropes. He got experience in marketing, hotels, receptions, kitchen work, and more. “You are learning and doing,” said Marcin, who attended college but was learning the same things he learned in high school.

Damian came to the US in 2013 and graduated from high school here. He then went to Bunker Hill Community

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College but dropped out in his second year to focus on work. Marcin helped him get into the restaurant industry, starting as a barback at Russell House and working his way up to bartender. He also spent time at Mariel.

Marcin already had experience with inventory, ordering, scheduling, etc. from his time in the hospitality industry and in working as a bartender.

“That was very helpful,” he said.

The brothers work every day of the week. “We were ready for that,” said Marcin, who noted they’ll likely work every day for the next 4-6 months.

“We have to hustle to make it work out,” Damian said.

They realize that the COVID19 pandemic has shut down good restaurants. “Twenty-five percent capacity is not enough,” Marcin said.

They are both trying to figure out every way possible to do things that need to be done. “We want to make everyone happy,” Damian said.

“And keep them safe,” added Marcin.

They are hopeful that being the only Polish restaurant in the area -- and serving amazing food -- will help the business survive.

Ten customers at a time can be in the restaurant. The brothers have put up safety barriers throughout the space.

Customers can scan a QR code on the table and read the menu on their phones.

The restaurant is doing a lot of takeout and delivery business.

The brothers used social media to get the word out about the reopening. They told their friends,

who also helped spread the word.

“We consistently post on social media,” Damian said, noting that one recent post on beet soup (borscht) brought people in just for the soup. As did a post on mulled wine: “People were asking for it.”

Cafe Polonia is open: Monday-Wednesday 12-9 p.m.

Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Right now they have one menu for all day, but they are looking into creating lunch and brunch menus, too.

“Come hang out and try Polish food!” said Marcin.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

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The New Year Has Arrived

by Rick Winterson

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outh Boston Online received a News Bulletin from Alexandra Sullivan and Chris Langley of “44 Communications”, the Public Relations outfit for various firms in our Seaport District. This Bulletin announced Amazon’s agreement to lease a second building in “Boston Seaport”, which is the very large project that WS Development plans to complete during this decade (2021 – 2030, the year that is Boston’s 400th Anniversary).

The numbers in this decision are impressively big. The building, to be constructed at One Boston Wharf Road, will be a 17-story, 700,000 square foot mixed use edifice. Amazon intends to occupy some 600,000 square feet; the ground floor will contain retail and a theater of some kind. The project will house 3,000 new technical and corporate jobs. And this is Amazon’s second full lease in Boston Seaport. Right now, there’s another Amazon building

under construction at 111 Harbor Way, which is 500,000 square feet and will bring 2,000 jobs to South Boston.

You don’t have to be told that we now have two vaccines for preventing the spread of COVID19 – Pfizer and Moderna developed these in the amazingly short time of less than one year! Both of these companies have a presence here in Massachusetts. Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron are well on the way in their searches for a third vaccine and a new COVID-19 antibody treatment.

Boston’s Phase Two vaccinations are getting underway right now, as you’re reading this. Good news all around!

In his Inaugural Address from quarantine last week, President Biden spoke of how “America has been tested, but will participate in the World again.” He calmly but emphatically stated we must “repair, restore, and move forward”. Biden admitted this is a time of testing, but pointed out that we’ll be judged by how well we come

through. He called for Unity (!) among all Americans, and quoted St. Augustine, “Joy cometh in the morning together.”

Governor Charlie Baker delivered his “State of the State” Address Tuesday evening. South Boston Online was surprised at how brief he kept it – 25 minutes. But as Gov. Baker admitted, “Last year (2020) was a year like no other.” He of course discussed the progress made on fighting the pandemic in Massachusetts, especially the 13 million COVID tests so far. But he also mentioned progress in other areas, such as police reform legislation, economic recovery, transportation, and housing, as well as small business assistance and zero emissions by 2060.

Baker quoted Walt Whitman (“Be curious, not judgmental.”), and he paid eloquent tribute to those who are on the pandemic’s “front lines”.

Mayor Walsh will be leaving us soon. He was a good Mayor of Boston; his “inclusionary legacy” will continue.

Life sciences are extremely strong in

South Boston. Their associated bioconstruction projects will continue, because life sciences need more laboratories, pilot/scale-up facilities, and specialized manufacturing for new, sophisticated bio-products. One site being considered is the empty acreage next to Andrew Square. Boston has a group of the world’s best universities either here or nearby. Also, despite an uncertain future, the AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association) has offered empty hotel facilities as places to do vaccinations (Thanks!). We must consider how we handle the return to work – WFH (Work From Home) could have an important future. Phase 3 re-openings begin on Monday, February 1. And the Marathon is now scheduled for October 11. Yay! South Boston Online is mentioning all these positive items because we have a good, strong future to think about, to anticipate.

Of course, 2021 will be a “Recovery Year”.

But have we (finally) turned a corner? YES!

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

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Seaport Art Walk

by Rick Winterson

L

ately, South Boston Online has been encouraging our readers to get out and walk around South Boston. Walking out of doors is considered by medical and health authorities, especially those working on the pandemic, to be the best, safest way to get some low-key, wholebody exercise. We agree. Just dress very warmly, particularly near the ocean, and (of course!) wear a good face mask.

Certainly, Boston is justifiably known as a “walking city”. It might be that South Boston is the single best “walking neighborhood” in our entire home city. Eighty percent of South Boston’s borders are salt water; much of that is beautiful beachfront or scenic harbor. Dorchester Heights is the highest natural point in the City of Boston – it has quite the sunset view. South Boston also has great views of the City of Boston skyline and its architecture, and our rapidly expanding Seaport District has become a showcase for its own architecture as well as for outdoor art of many kinds.

Perhaps best of all, any point in South Boston is three miles (or much less) from any other point in South Boston. That means walking from anywhere in South Boston to anywhere else requires only an hour at the most (or much less). Furthermore, when you get to where you’re going in South Boston, you can likely return on the Red Line or on one of our buses – Nos. 7, 9, 10, or 11. Or perhaps you could phone a friend to come and get you. After all, what are friends for?

We walked over to the Waterfront for the first time since we took the Boston Harbor Ice Sculpture Stroll on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31. Follow our steps by getting off at South Station and walking up Summer and over Dot Avenue along the Fort Point Channel. You’ll pass by some remarkable sculptures by the Federal Reserve building and get a good look at the three-masted Beaver, a full-size Tea Party ship reproduction.

Look back when you cross Fort Point Channel and take the first of several good glances at Boston’s skyline.

Pop-up shops all along Seaport Boulevard, courtesy of WS. There are two churches in the Seaport District. The Hub Church of South Boston (the HSB), founded by South Boston’s Charlie Dunn, is located in the Aloft Hotel on D Street, across from the Convention Center. Most of its services are now held on ZOOM. Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine sits at the intersection of Sleeper Street and Seaport Boulevard. The Shrine’s Rector is Fr. Peter DeFazio, the Pastor of St. Monica Parish at Preble Circle.

Masses are at mid-day on weekdays; 9, 11, and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Enjoy the intimate architecture both outside and in. Many fine works of art from other Catholic Churches, including the Seaport’s original Catholic Chapel on Northern Avenue, are on display.

Of course, the 2021 New Year Ice Sculptures are long gone, but in addition to the abstract sculpture in Courthouse Square (“I’m for You”, by Supernormal) and the light installation on the Seaport Common (“WALLESSNESS”, by Teltta), both of which South Boston Online had reviewed, there’s an evocative new installation by Esrawe + Cadena on the Common. Its entitled “Mi Casa, Your Casa”. It reminds the viewer of the row houses, which are often markets and workplaces as well, that are found in LatinX nations. Each casa has a swing inside for you to use, if you’d like.

During these walks, a stop to eat is essential. We dropped in at GreCo on Pier 4 Boulevard. As its name suggests,

it serves Greek cuisine, so lamb rolls were a must. They were delicious. Eat inside at carefully separated tables or get your lunch to go. And be sure to enjoy the magnificent Harbor view from GreCo, with the Institute of Contemporary Art building framing that view.

After lunch, we walked back to South Station down Seaport Boulevard, where the seven sculptures

by Okuda San Miguel stand. These are brightly colored works of art that

range from the virtually realistic (“DIVERSITY Wild”, a reindeer) to the totally abstract (“CREATION Light”, a sunburst of rays). We stopped in at the new Stonewall Kitchen at the Children’s Museum to pick up some red pepper jam, and then took a last, long look at the Boston skyline across Fort Point Channel.

Then, it was on to South Station to ride the Red Line home.

Our Lady of Good Voyage Church

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ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on February 10, 2021, at 9:00 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of Map Amendment Application No. 730 and the Master Plan for Planned Development Area No. 128, 776 Summer Street, South Boston, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

GreCo, an authentic Greek restaurant, in the Pier 4 office building.

Said map amendment would amend “Map 4A/4B, Harborpark District: Fort Point Waterfront and Dorchester Bay/Neponset River Waterfront,” and “Map 4B/4C, Harborpark District: Fort Point Waterfront and Dorchester Bay/Neponset River Waterfront,” by adding the designation “D,” indicating a Planned Development Area overlay district to the existing zoning of approximately 15.2 acres of developed and formerly industrial land along the Reserved Channel in South Boston located at 776 Summer Street and bounded on the west by Summer Street, on the south by East 1st Street, on the east by a land parcel owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”), and on the north by the Reserved Channel and the Thomas J. Butler Dedicated Freight Corridor. The Master Plan proposes the

A great view from GreCo – the ICA overlooks Boston Harbor.

construction of multiple new buildings and the rehabilitation of certain existing buildings that comprise the Proposed Project. Such buildings are collectively expected to include: approximately 860,000 square feet of office/research and development space; approximately 115,000 square feet of hotel space with up to 240 keyed hotel rooms; approximately 80,000 square feet of retail space; approximately 610,000 square feet of residential space in up to 636 dwelling units; approximately 15,000 square feet of civic/cultural space; and a total of approximately 1,214 parking spaces in a combination of below-grade, at-grade, above-grade, and surface spaces. In addition, the Proposed Project will create new public open spaces, new roadways, and new access driveways. The Master Plan will be divided into (i) six (6) new blocks lettered A through F, (ii) a block comprised of the existing 1898

Stonewall Kitchen, a new shop on Children’s Museum plaza.

Turbine Hall, (iii) a block comprised of Turbine Hall1, Turbine Hall 2, and Turbine Hall 3 (collectively, the “Edison Turbine Halls”), and (iv) a block on which the Admin Building, an existing 5 ,000 square foot, one story brick structure, is currently located.

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to http://bit.ly/3aAUXlK. A copy of the petition may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to jeffrey.hampton@boston.gov.

For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

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South Boston Catholic Academy News Grade 3 Enjoying Outdoor Science Class From our 3rd Grade Teacher, Mr. Cole Stautbergâ&#x20AC;¦ The 3rd Graders had a chance to utilize our outdoor space in the school yard (even in January). The students had a chance to engage in such a fun, educational science lesson.

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 28, 2021

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Councilor Flynn, Boston’s Veterans Services & Boston VA to Hold Webinar on Feb. 4th, “Boston Veterans and the COVID Response: Where Do We Go From Here?”

B

oston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Boston’s Veterans Services, and the Boston VA will be hosting a webinar to update veterans and their families on the current state of our COVID-19 response as it relates to veterans. The webinar will be on Thursday, February 4th, at 6pm via Zoom, ”Boston Veterans and the COVID Response: Where Do We Go From Here?”

The webinar will include Boston Vetera ns Ser v ice s Commissioner Robert Santiago, Dr. Kalpana Gupta,

Chief of Infectious Diseases at the Boston V.A., Dr. Marcie Salow, Chief of Pharmacy at the Boston V.A., and Councilor Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy veteran.

The webinar will provide an update on Boston’s response to the COV ID-19 pandemic for vetera ns a nd milita r y families, including the vaccine rollout, and other programs available for veterans. The webinar will be next Thursday, Febr u a r y 4t h, at 6pm.

“Thank you to

Commissioner Santiago, Dr. Gupta, and Dr. Salow for partnering on this important webina r,” sa id C ou nci lor Flynn. “The response and resources for our veterans during t he C OV I D -19 pandemic is ever evolving, a nd it’s critica l t hat we provide the latest updates so that our veterans can be informed about the services available to them that keep t hem hea lt hy a nd sa fe.”

For

more

informationon how to register, please contact Ed.Flynn@Boston. gov or 617- 635-3203.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society will hold its Annual Convention and Patriot Award Dinner in Boston

Many of the Nation’s 69 living Medal of Honor Recipients will be in Boston from September 7-11.

“Our great city is honored to host our nation’s most brave and valiant heroes and the recipients of our country’s highest honor for an unprecedented fourth time,’’ said Mayor Walsh. “Like the hundreds of thousands of Bostonians who have served our country, from the Revolutionary War to the present, these Medal of Honor Recipients are shining examples of courage, braver y a nd sacrif ice. T heir self less dedication and service are the foundation of the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today.’’

T he Me d a l of Honor Convention is expected to be a

modest gathering of 50 to 60 living Medal of Honor Recipients and their guests, for about 100 to 150 people total. Organizers are prepared to adapt their plans for the fall depending on the severity of the COV ID-19 pandemic as the event nears. The convention could be pushed to a later date or sca led back if gat hering restrictions rema in in place.

The Medal of Honor Recipients held their first Boston convention in October 2001 a month after postponing the event because of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Medal of Honor Society was the first organization to reschedule their Boston convention following 9/11.

The Medal of Honor Recipients returned to Boston in 2006 and were again welcomed warmly by the city. Their 2015 convention marked the first time the Medal of Honor Recipients held their convention three times in the same city. The Boston 2021 visit will be an unprecedented fourth visit by the Medal of Honor Society.

“These Meda l of Honor Recipients have formed a strong bond with the city and people of Boston and to be able to honor

them here for the fourth time in 20 years is unprecedented in the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society,’’ said Thomas J. Lyons, Chairman of the Boston Congressional Medal of Honor Society Host Committee.

“The duties and sacrifices they have made on behalf of the nation, and their unwavering support for our men and women in uniform, is awe inspiring and we intend to host their convention in a manner that will truly honor and celebrate these incredible heroes.’’

W h i le i n B o s ton, t he Recipients will be involved in several public events and will a lso be visiting area schools. “ T he Med a l of Honor recipients are thrilled to be coming back to Boston,’’ said Thomas G. Kelley of Massachusetts, a retired Navy Captain who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant and courageous actions in Vietnam on June 15, 1969. “The outpouring of warmth we experienced in our previous conventions in Boston left an indelible impression on all of us.”

“We are excited that my fellow Recipients will return to Boston this September and once again

enjoy all that the city has to offer and the warm reception we are likely to receive again by the greater Boston community,’’ said Medal of Honor Recipient Ryan M. Pitts, a Lowell native who now resides in New Hampshire, and who received the Medal of Honor for his gallant and courageous actions as an Army Sergeant in Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. “We don’t consider ourselves to be heroes. The heroes are the ones who did not come home. We wear the medal to honor them, as well as all the men and women who have served and continue to serve.’’

The 2021 convention will culminate with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Patriot Award Dinner on Sept. 11 at the Seaport Hotel Boston where t he Recipient s w i l l pre sent several awards to honorees who have shown exceptional ser vice to the countr y and for their commitment to our vetera ns and men and women currently ser ving in the A rmed Forces.

Fo r more i n f o r m a t i on plea se v isit w w w.mohboston. com, @mohboston on Twitter and Boston Medal of Honor C onvent ion o n Fac eb o o k.

10

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

Virtual Public Meeting

69 A Street Tuesday, February 16 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CIEE, a/k/a the Council on International Education Exchange

Project Description: The NPC II Project will re-purpose the approved building envelope, and so remains entirely consistent with exterior appearance of the Approved Project. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant impacts on CIEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations, substantially reducing its workforce. To address these implications and fulfill its commitment to economic development, job creation and community benefits, CIEE is partnering with the established life-science venture of Genesis and Phase 3 Real Estate Partners. The NPC II Project would enable CIEE to repurpose the Approved Project with a similar commercial use and resulting employment opportunities. The NPC II Project is also consistent with the public review and input for the Approved Project, which reduced the size and scale of the Original Approved Project. To emphasize, the NPC II Project will not result in any expansion to the building envelope, or reduction in set-back dimensions, open space, on-site parking/loading or overall site improvements.

phone: email:

Michael Sinatra Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4280 michael.a.sinatra@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 2.26.2021

BostonPlans.org

Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes Update - 6:00 p.m., Sunday Mass Suspended SAFETY CHANGES

Zoom Link: bit.ly/2Nu9DcC Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 670 1122

Project Proponent:

mail to:

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

Capacity for all Masses at 25% Due to the extremely low attendance at the 6:00 p.m., Sunday Mass at St. Brigid Church the past few months, we are suspending that specific Mass for January and February. Those attending Mass have steadily dropped as the pandemic continues getting worse and is expected to increase over the next two months. We understand that many are not attending in person at this time due to COVID concerns and many are choosing to stay safe by watching online:

https://www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org

We understand and support your choice. When it is safe again and people begin to return to Mass in person we will resume the 6:00 p.m., Mass on Sunday evenings. As we move into January and February - we will continue to evaluate the concerns of Medical Professionals for in-person worship. The restrictions on numbers are constantly changing -and are now at 25% capacity. Please watch our website, Facebook and emails for any updates and schedule changes as we face the next two months of increased infection.

Your safety and health is our priority!

Holy Communion Distribution: - CHANGE We will continue distributing Holy Communion at the end of Mass., as was done in the Spring. The priest will conclude the Mass with a final blessing and then Holy Communion will be distributed following the final blessing. We would ask that after you receive Holy Communion that you exit the Church and not return to your seat. Hopefully we can get back to some normalcy after the Pandemic surge is over.

Thank you for your cooperation!

11

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

Sports Watching

by Rick Winterson

I

t’s winter, and we will still be in the shadow of the pandemic for some time to come. Watching sports on the tube has become a constant pastime that seemingly outpaces all others. But there has been some disappointing local sports news to digest, we’re afraid. After a 9-7 regular season in 2020, the Pats failed to make the playoffs this year. The Red Sox had an absolutely miserable season, apparently iced by sending Mookie Betts to the Dodgers (gasp!).

However, that’s enough about the past. All sports and sports fans are in a transition year from 2020 into 2021. We really don’t know how the sports scene here in Boston will work out yet. So let’s just say that the Pats and the Sox are “rebuilding” (which they definitely are), and then let us all find a renewed interest in sports as the Year of 2021 unfolds.

This really isn’t news, but the Sox now have assembled a five-man, starting-pitcher rotation. We mention that because it’s not just good news, it’s essential news. The Sox have always been known for their hitting of course – from Ted Williams to Yaz to DH Big Papi Ortiz to Mookie, as well as many, many other good men with a

bat through the years. But the really consistent clue to winning in MLB season in and season out – is starting pitching. And remember how Dennis Eckersley, over his 23-year career, lifted relief pitching from a rescue mission up to a fine art, now often called “closing”.

So come April, watch the Sox’ pitching!

Last weekend saw the two NFL conferences play their respective championship games. You know by now that the Brady-led Buccaneers will meet the Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl a week from this Sunday. Both games were interesting to watch. Taking the AFC game first, Buffalo started aggressively, which included going for a fourth-down-and-one against the K.C. Chiefs early in the first quarter. And the Bills made it. The final score of 38-24 clearly demonstrated the superiority of the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes.

Nevertheless, the Bills still managed to score a TD and a field goal in the fourth quarter. Buffalo came to play.

The sports news loves to say how well Tom Brady is doing as QB of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, especially after Sunday’s 31-26 win over the Green Bay Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers (definitely a Hall of Fame caliber athlete).

The Pack were higher in some important

numbers, such as first downs, passing yards, and time of possession, but to no avail. And Brady’s passing in the second half was inconsistent (to say the least about three picks). However, the Bucs’ fourth-quarter defense was stellar – perhaps the best news Tampa Bay had all game long. Brady himself, during the NFC trophy presentation after the game, praised the Bucs’ defense late in the game more than anything. Yes, football is a team sport, with two squads of 11 players, each ready to take the field at any time. So look forward to watching the Super Bowl – it should be, well, Super!

Sunday night, the Celtics put on

their own show. They had suffered three straight losses, in part due to the absence of Jayson Tatum – Boston’s “pure shooter”, who’s also got the physique and reflexes of a power forward. And in part, the Celts have played very inconsistently. But against the Cleveland Cavaliers (a .500 team), they triumphed by 141-103, a 38-point gap. Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 33 points in just 19 (!!!) minutes. The team shot 50% on three-pointers, made 14 steals, and blocked eight shots. It really was something to watch.

So watch sports – a great way to pass at-home quarantine time.

Virtual Public Meeting

Hook Wharf Hotel/ Harborwalk Expansion Thursday, February 4

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3qmR1tq

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 946 7082

Project Description: The Hook Wharf Project includes construction of a single building totaling approximately 275,000 square feet, comprised of a 357 key hotel, retail/ restaurant space dedicated to James Hook & Co., new public open space, Harborwalk, and other public realm amenities.

mail to: Ebony DaRosa Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4419 email: ebony.darosa@boston.gov

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

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