a free thursday publication
Thursday, February 4, 2016
“Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes and sits safely on your shoulder.” (Henry David Thoreau)
Next Wednesday, Feb. 10, is Ash Wednesday
Volume XVIII - Issue 5
Local students fundraise for Flint residents
St. Peter Academy pupils march on Broadway on Friday, Jan. 29, in support of Flint, Mich., students. (Photo by Rick Winterson) By SUSAN DOUCET
Flint, Mich., is hundreds of miles from South Boston, but to students and staff at St. Peter Academy, the city does not feel so distant. St. Peter Academy, the small private school in South Boston, is partnering with Freeman Elemen-
tary School in Flint, one of the city’s public schools, to assist children there affected by the ongoing water crisis. “There are bad things happening, and we can make a difference,” said Caitlyn DeCarlo, the first grade teacher at St. Peter Academy. Continued on Page 3
house·work:
when your house helps you pay for things.
Spring into February
Has spring sprung? It’s warmer than any other January or February thaw we here at South Boston Online can remember. But of course we haven’t been around all that long – we’re only as far as our singularly youthful adolescent years. Anyhow, take a look at the placid, sunlit Reserved Channel from the Summer Street Bridge. No, it isn’t spring yet, but it’s just over six weeks away – as is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Season only six days from now, and on Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow – spring, if not yet here, is at hand! -Rick Winterson
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Deadline to register to vote in presidential primary is Wednesday Coverage of the upcoming presidential primary has dominated local and national news for months and months – and what may sometimes feel like years. But the state’s primary is quickly approaching – and so is the deadline to register to vote in the primary. Voters who intend to participate in the Massachusetts presidential primary on Tuesday, March 1, must register to vote by Wednesday, Feb. 10. The deadline to register to vote in a presidential election is 20 days prior to the election. Registration can be done online,
Voters who intend to participate in the Massachusetts presidential primary on Tuesday, March 1, must register to vote by Wednesday, Feb. 10. by mail or in person. (Applications and additional information are available at sec.state.ma.us/ele and cityofboston.gov/elections.) To change party enrollment, voters also must fill out a new voter registration form. Massachusetts has four political parties – Democratic, Republican, Green-Rainbow and the United Independent Party – and currently has 24 political designations, according to the Sec-
Letter to the editor As someone who worked in the mental health field for almost 41 years and as a police officer for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for 27.5 of those years, I see the ongoing overdose crisis as indeed a crisis. The latest in a series of pieces in the South Boston Online: You are right, it is much more than an issue, it is an epidemic or plague and it is killing too many of our folks, especially young people. I have written on this situation several times recently in my weekly commentary in the Charlestown
retary of State’s website. The 2016 Democratic presidential candidates, according to the Secretary of State’s website, are Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley, Hillary Clinton and Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente. The Republican presidential candidates are Jim Gilmore, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, George Pataki, Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Rick Santorum, Chris
Quitting is not an option
Patriot-Bridge. We can’t wish it away or say it is a problem for someone else not us. Sadly, by now this drug issue has impacted so many folks, so many struggling families who do the best they can, but even they can be touched by this out of control overdosing that has become far too common and so often deadly. The Charlestown community, like South Boston’s, is standing up to the challenge so many communities rich or poor have been witnessing. It has become in many ways our urban Ebola. There are far too many
victims and we can’t just wash our hands and close our eyes to what is tearing communities and families too apart. We need far more education. We need to as parents learn more about what is happening. We need to love our children. Listen to them and talk with them. There is no silver bullet. It shouldn’t be about arresting folks. Too often when 911 gets called, it is for an ambulance and sometimes the EMTs arrive too late. It is not difficult to see what happens to those drifting away on drugs.
Christie, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush and John Kasich. The Green-Rainbow party candidates are Sedinam Kinamo Christin Moyowasifza Curry, Jill Stein, William Kreml, Kent Mesplay and Darryl Cherney. (These are the candidates listed as of Tuesday, Feb. 2, but both O’Malley and Huckabee suspended their campaigns following Monday’s Iowa caucuses.) The Boston Election Department can be reached at One City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201, 617-635-3767, ext. 4, or cityofboston.gov/elections.
We see these folks every day all around us, doing their junkie movers, panhandling for more money for more dope. I agree with Rep. Nick Collins, who calls it a “public health crisis.” South Boston Online is correct. This is a new year, let us make a resolution where we live to be part of a solution rather than being a casual bystander. As a good friend of mine, the late Charlie Ross, always said, “Keep on keeping on.” Quitting on this issue is not an option. Sincerely, Sal Giarratani East Boston
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700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 617-269-5550 Jeanne Rooney Owner/Publisher Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com Susan Doucet Editor Sdoucet@SouthBostonOnline.com
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Christine Mazzeo Photographer Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com
South Boston Online print edition is an independent newspaper published weekly by SouthBostonOnline, Inc. We welcome submissions and reserve the right to edit any and all submissions for publication. All photos, stories, artwork and advertisments are the property of SouthBostonOnline, Inc., and may not be reproduced without permission. Although we have a thorough editing process, we assume no liability for reporting or typographical errors that may appear. Editorials are collaborative opinions of the publisher and editors. The print edition of South Boston Online is published every Thursday.
South Boston Online welcomes letters to the editor on topics of public interest. To be considered for publication, letters must be: no more than 500 words, refrain from extreme personal attacks, and include a name, address and contact information for verification purposes. Only the writer’s name will be used. While anonymous letters are appreciated, they will not be printed due to credibility issues. However, a writer may make a direct request to the editor to withhold a name if the writer feels that a published letter would result in direct physical harm. Writers should refrain from making incorrect statements and are expected to
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SouthBostonOnline.com Continued from Page 1 Flint, a city with a population just shy of about 100,000 people, is in the midst of addressing a drinking water contamination crisis. The city, which changed its water source in 2014, recently declared a state of emergency after realizing that lead is contaminating the water people had been using and consuming.
“There are bad things happening, and we can make a difference,” said Caitlyn DeCarlo, the first grade teacher at St. Peter Academy. DeCarlo watched a video about the water crisis a couple of weeks ago, which greatly sparked her concern. She explained to her students how the students in Flint did not have safe water to drink and asked what she thought they should do. The students, she said, wanted to send buckets of water to Michigan. Rather than literally send water across the country, St. Peter Academy decided to spread awareness and raise money for those affected. Last Friday, Jan. 29, St. Peter Academy students walked through South Boston with signs they made, sharing information about Flint’s water crisis. The walk – a school-wide event – had students carrying brightly colored signs with messages such as “We want
clean water for Flint.” In addition to the walk to raise awareness, DeCarlo also wanted to build empathy for the students in Flint. Children at St. Peter Academy spent a few hours one day trying to go without water, to try to understand what their peers in Michigan are going through. “It was very, very difficult,” DeCarlo said. The partnership with the school, which is pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and has about 400 students, runs beyond just this one day last week. The partnership will continue for the foreseeable future and the South Boston students will build relationships with Flint students, something the local students seem to be looking forward to. “‘Wait, we’re not going to Flint?’” DeCarlo said a student asked. Travel to Michigan will not be involved, but the children will exchange letters and will Skype. Freeman Elementary School was chosen as the partner school, DeCarlo said, because it seemed to be one of the most affected schools in the community. A government statement from November about water testing in Flint showed that the school has problems with its fixtures: “At Freeman Elementary, 31 faucets were tested using a series of four samples each. Twenty-two outlets did not show elevated lead exposure, but nine faucets came back with initially high results. … For a permanent
Thursday February 4, 2016
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The first, second and third grade students at St. Peter Academy gather with their signs for the march on Friday, Jan. 29.(Photo by Rick Winterson)
solution, the school should opt to replace the faucets and fountains of concern.” In the statement, Flint Community Schools Superintendent Bilal Tawwab said, “Once those fixes have been made, the (Department of Environmental Quality) has offered to provide additional testing of the water at Freeman Elementary to ensure the water from every sample is safe for our students. Flint Community Schools appreciates the efforts by the DEQ, working with all stake-
holders to make sure our water continues to be tested and that our students have access to safe, clean drinking water.” Several South Boston businesses have agreed to assist St. Peter Academy in its fundraising efforts, DeCarlo said. Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant and Local 149 have gotten involved, she said. A couple hundred dollars have been raised so far, she said. St. Peter Academy has a link on its website, stpeteracademy.com, where donations can be made.
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Paraclete fundraiser promises to be a fun “Southie time” Katie Kramer, the principal of South Boston’s Paraclete at 207 E St., promises that the 2016 annual reception will be an event to remember. Most significantly, Boston Police Department Commissioner and South Bostonian William “Billy” Evans will be honored for advances in effective urban policing. Paraclete offers tuition-free, communitybased education enrichment aimed at middle school youth. Its annual reception is a key fundraiser and a hugely enjoyable Southie “time.” By Rick Winterson
Kaitlin “Katie” Kramer is from Brooklyn – the neighborhood of Gravesend near Coney Island to be exact. She has been with us here in South Boston for the past three years as an educator for the Paraclete at 207 E St. Her parents are Karen and Marylou, and she has a younger brother, Logan. Katie attended the Fiorello LaGuardia (do you remember him?) Arts High School in New York City, and then came to Massachusetts. She received her degree in arts education from Hampshire College. She began working at the Paraclete as a summer intern in 2014, and then spent the next year teaching there as an Americorps volunteer. As principal of Paraclete, Katie is vitally interested in the success of the upcoming Paraclete Annual Reception, the Paraclete’s major fundraiser, on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Boston College High School. The annual reception promises to be
a real Southie “time” – lots of fun and enjoyment, in other words. The high point of the evening will be honoring Boston Police Department Commissioner William “Billy” Evans, who is also a born-and-brought-up South Bostonian. Many of you have likely seen the commissioner as he runs on Castle Island. But more important is his professional track record. As Boston’s chief law enforcement officer, Evans not only holds one of Boston’s toughest jobs, he has also pioneered new police initiatives aimed at preventing crime before it happens. His policing has attracted nationwide attention. If you are new to South Boston, the Paraclete Reception is one good way to become better acquainted. Several of Boston’s City Councilors will be there, including South Boston’s own Bill Linehan and At-Large Councilor Michael Flaherty. Lt. Gov. Karen Polito has accepted an invitation also. Given Congressman Steve Lynch’s Washington duties, he’s a “maybe,” but who knows? You’ll also see Mayor Martin J. Walsh at the reception. Be sure to introduce yourself to him as well. Last year, he auctioned off a brace of “Breakfasts with Marty” - which reminds us to mention the reception’s Silent Auction. The reception’s Co-Chairs, Patrick Bradley, Michael Burke and Timothy Stanton, have assembled a silent auction that lets you bid on golf at Cohasset’s private clubs, a spot in the Boston Marathon, a year at a local boxing gym, tickets to
Paraclete student photos courtesy of Katie Kramer.
Blue Man Group, and much more. Southie “times” all operate on the same principle: “Do well by doing good!” They are not just memorable, fun events. The Paraclete, founded by Sr. Ann Fox and Barry Hynes, supports educational enrichment and maturity in robotics, fine/performing arts, culinary skills, philosophy,
and those all-important reading and math programs for 60 budding middle-schoolers in small, seven-to-nine member classes. For ticket information and purchases, visit paraclete. org/2016reception or call 617-2685552. Your personal check should be made out to Paraclete Inc.
Dorchester Avenue planning continues By Rick Winterson
South Boston Online presented an update in the Jan. 14 issue on the community effort to develop a coherent plan for developing the one-mile stretch of Dorchester Avenue that lies between Andrew Square and West Broadway. This climaxed six months of planning at Boston Redevelopment Authority-sponsored meetings featuring extensive community involvement. Indeed, this involvement was the key to the whole process so far. The first planning meeting of the New Year took place in MassBay Credit Union’s conference room on Wednesday, Jan. 27. It was very well attended by more than 75 partici-
pants from the South Boston community; BRA personnel continued their important roles as facilitators. The title of this meeting was “Draft with Us, Placemaking and Mobility Workshop.” Briefly, this meeting’s discussion topics consisted of looking at roads, ways of getting around, and determining the personal character of the developments along Dorchester Avenue. This stemmed from three key topics jointly determined in 2015: public open space, middle income housing and civic/cultural/art space. Defining neighborhood character led to phrases like “vibrant, safe, accessible;” “people friendly;” “mixed use;” and “area filled with cultural events.”
The Boston Redevelopment Authority meeting on Jan. 27 in the MassBay Credit Union’s community room, regarding development on and around Dorchester Avenue in South Boston, was very well attended. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Make it a point to attend the next PLAN South Boston meeting, “Discuss with Us,” on Tuesday evening,
Feb. 23. Stay tuned, keep in touch, and help draft the final Dorchester Avenue Plan.
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Zydeco-based musical entertains at Fort Point bistro Keep track of Internal Matter, the upscale bistro (and occasional cabaret) at 35 Channel Center in Fort Point. It has some great mid-evening entertainment, as well as varied refreshments a le bistro. Recently, it presented excerpts from “Katrina Roadhouse,” a musical with a Zydeco-based score. By Rick Winterson
Last week, playwright and composer Ralph Tufo and director and producer Marc Miller of the Fort Point Theatre Channel combined their talents for a presentation of “Katrina Roadhouse” at Internal Matter bistro. They were joined by guitarist Larry Plitt, and a cast of actors that included Cristina Dones, Thomas Killgallen, Laura Edwards, Kendrick Terrell Evans and Sharon Squires. “Katrina Roadhouse” is a musical written by Tufo that is based on Hurricane Katrina and its effects on New Orleans. “Katrina
Roadhouse” is in fact a true musical, featuring New Orleans music that includes blues, spirituals, and most importantly, Zydeco itself.
Zydeco is an authentic, homegrown form of folk music with roots in Spanish, African, and Creole sources. Zydeco is an authentic, homegrown form of folk music with roots in Spanish, African, and Creole sources. A “squeezebox” accordion, a guitar, and a washboard are key Zydeco instruments. It is upbeat, highly rhythmic music, well suited for dancing. Zydeco is indigenous to southern Louisiana and the bayou country below Baton Rouge and New Orleans. (The word “zydeco” might be derived from a French Creole phrase that uses the word “haricots,” which means “beans.”) The actors performed staged
“Katrina Roadhouse” is a musical by Ralph Tufo and accompanied by Larry Plitt. The cast includes Cristina Dones, Thomas Killgallen, Laura Edwards, Kendrick Terrell Evans and Sharon Squires.
readings of various scenes from Tufo’s musical, accompanied by him and Plitt. The assembled crowd was very enthusiastic, in no small way because of the tuneful beat of the music. You well may ask, “a Zydeco musical in South Boston’s Fort Point?!” Well, the answer is “yes,” if you are Brian Bresnahan, the
photographer, impresario and owner of Internal Matter. If you visit Internal Matter’s website, and you’ll find that it also presented “A Brother and a Friend” a few evenings back – Nick Thorkelson (keyboard), his friend Larry Plitt (guitar), and Nick’s brother, Peter Tork – yes, that’s Peter Tork of the original Monkees.
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Questions about Grand Prix of Boston races remain By Rick Winterson
Like all other areas of South Boston, Fort Point has its own civic group – the Fort Point Neighborhood Association. And like the seven other civic groups in South Boston, the FPNA has many questions about the proposed Grand Prix of Boston races this coming Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4, and on the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Labor Day weekends. The Grand Prix is also called the IndyCar Series; it has been held in many venues for more than 100 years. It is well-known as a spectacular racing event that attracts huge and enthusiastic crowds. The FPNA met with a four-person panel from Boston Grand Prix on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in The Children’s Museum on Sleeper Street. The Grand Prix/IndyCar panel consisted of Keri Rijke, Traffic & Transport; Brian Hughes, Track Engineer; Kate Norton; and Ken Ryan. Norton and Ryan are from CK Strategies LLC, political consultants located on Broad Street. The FPNA prides itself on conducting its meetings in a manner that’s both productive and civil. Courtesy to anyone who ventures a question, an opinion or a suggestion is mandatory; indeed, “courtesy” is an FPNA watchword. Their Jan. 26 meeting with Grand Prix of Boston
was no exception to this custom. A large number of FPNA’s questions had been submitted to Grand Prix of Boston in advance; many others came up at the meeting. A major share of these questions was devoted to environmental effects (noise, exhaust emissions, and so on) and to public safety. The claims of “no cost to the taxpayer” and the race’s economic benefits were reiterated by the Grand Prix/IndyCar panel.
The meeting left one overall FPNA question unanswered: Is hosting the Grand Prix/IndyCar Series the best use of Boston’s time and energies? Since many of the race’s applications and permits are pending, ultimate approval of the event is still to come. For example, necessary road improvements for the race won’t be finalized and approved at least until March. However, despite controversies and delays (the original Memorandum of Understanding expired at year-end), the Grand Prix of Boston seems to be steadily progressing. The “temperature” of the FPNA meeting, although consistently courteous, was also guarded to the point of being skeptical. One
Above: Grand Prix Track Engineer Brian Hughes (center) presents some technical details to the FPNA of what to expect on Labor Day, while Kate Norton and Ken Ryan of CK Strategies LLC look on. Below: The Fort Point Neighborhood Association listens to a presentation on the proposed Grand Prix of Boston from the four-person panel to the right.
participant used words like “concerned” and “unconvinced” to express her feelings about the event. At no point was there a wholesale endorsement of Grand Prix of Boston, either by the FPNA itself or by any single individual at the FPNA meeting. Remaining questions include indirect added costs (such as overtime incurred after the event), the effect of race crowds on Boston’s jam-packed college move-in during Labor Day weekend, and the extended burden of having signed up for five Labor Day weekends instead of just one “test run.”
The construction and removal time frame – mid-August to mid-September - could also be difficult. The meeting left one overall FPNA question unanswered: Is hosting the Grand Prix/IndyCar Series the best use of Boston’s time and energies? The City of Boston has some serious, unresolved issues to contend with, as well as enormous developments already underway along the South Boston Waterfront. The FPNA wants to be certain that our waterfront would benefit from taking on another major project over the next five Labor Day weekends.
Contact South Boston Online Have a story idea? News tip? Correction? We want to know about it. If you have a story idea or tip, contact writers Rick Winterson (rick@SouthBostonOnline.com) and Kevin Devlin (mail@SouthBostonOnline.com) by email or by phone at 617-269-5550. Send additional feedback to owner Jeanne Rooney (mail@SouthBostonOnline.com) or editor Susan Doucet (sdoucet@SouthBostonOnline.com). We welcome your input.
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Introducing Aiden Young: A youth athlete having fun By KEVIN DEVLIN
He’s a soft-spoken young boy who enjoys having fun with friends while he’s engaged in sports. His name is Aidan Young. Aidan, 12, is the son of Theresa and James Young. He also has a younger brother named Nolan. Aidan is in the sixth grade at the Boston Collegiate Charter School in Dorchester. He’s an Honor Roll student, likes going to science class, and someday hopes to play in the National Hockey League. His favorite color is blue and he enjoys eating pizza while watching ESPN or while reading sports books. His favorite professional athletes are Dylan Larkin of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and the Carolina Panthers sensational quarterback Cam Newton. In his leisure time, Aidan likes to go outside and play with his friends or journey up to the Walsh Center gym and play pick-up hoop games.
“All of my friends in live in Southie,” Aidan Young, 12, said. “It’s a benefit for me to be on teams with my friends, because we stay active and have fun.” In the world of sports, he plays basketball, hockey, baseball and soccer. Aidan has played in the South Boston Youth Soccer League since he was three years old and has been playing hockey since he was old enough to put on skates. He’s cur-
rently on the Pee Wee “A” team. This team, which is coached by Bobby McGarrell, recently won its district championship. “I was happy when we won the championship,” Aidan said. “I like playing hockey and having fun with my friends. Hockey makes
you faster and it’s a nice activity.” Aidan has played baseball in Southie since his t-ball days. He was on the Red Sox last summer and was used as a pitcher, catcher, first baseman, and at shortstop. He’ll never forget hitting 12 inside the park homeruns for his team this past season. In the world of hoop, this is his first year playing in the Gatey program at the Walsh Center gym. Overall, Aidan loves hockey because it’s a fast-paced game. He enjoys soccer and running up and down the field. He likes playing defense in baseball and hitting homeruns. In basketball, he likes scoring and passing the ball to his teammates. All these sports have one common denominator for Aidan. “All of my friends in live in Southie,” Aidan said. “It’s a benefit for me to be on teams with my friends, because we stay active and have fun. I love having fun.”
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“Spirit Grants” at South Boston Catholic Academy fund new learning projects The classrooms at South Boston Catholic Academy are a bit more spirited thanks to a large grant project from the school’s Spirit Committee. The Spirit Committee, pioneered and led by a group of parents, is a group of volunteers that organize community building activities for SBCA students and their families. This year, the committee hosted the Halloween Dances, Pizza with Santa, and Family Bingo nights. Using the profits from recent events, grants were provided to the faculty to purchase out-ofthe-box, innovative and engaging experiences for students that would enhance learning across the school. Grant recipients were able to use the money to fund several projects: • The Early Childhood Program is bringing “Tidepools Alive” to their classroom through the New England Aquarium. Using guided imagery, a childsize costume and live animals, students will explore and interact with local tidepool animals while learning basic biology and anatomy. Prior to the presentation, the students have engaged in deep discussions and instruction regarding tidepools. Afterwards, children will participate in interactive writing and share their knowledge of sea life. • The first grade recently brought in “High Touch High Tech,” which brings handson science materials into the classroom. Through discoverystyle learning and inquirybased dialogue, the children engaged in exciting science projects that encouraged them to explore the many wonders of science. Their teachers conducted a lesson and activities with a STEM focus geared towards engineering. In their lesson and activities, the children learned that there are six simple machines that when put together with other simple machines, make a compound machine. The highlight
of the program was when the students worked in groups to construct a crane using all six simple machines. • Our fourth grade students purchased copies of “They Led the Way,” by Johanna Johnston in order to enrich their social studies text on women’s suffrage, expansion of New England colonies, and the abolition of slavery. Through this reading, students will also be working on research projects around 14 of the women from the text. Students will create projects such as Google Slideshows, Google Sites, iBooks, PowToons, journals and plays. • An additional grant funded the purchase of several “Wiggle Seats” for students. “Wiggle seats” (a cross between a ball chair and seat cushion) have shown to improve focus for students who need to move when learning. These disc-shaped air cushions are smooth on one side and bumpy on the other. It provides opportunities for subtle movement possibilities
(gentle bouncing and/or rocking) without getting up from a chair. Students who use these seats report that they improve their ability to learn and complete assignments. The teachers and students are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Spirit Committee and the work they do for our school. Bringing us joy and education is incredibly meaningful, and we are thankful for your constant support. If you are interested in learning more about the Spirit
Committee, or joining the team of volunteers, visit sbcahso. wordpress.com or contact Tricia Harnan at t.harnan@verizon.net. South Boston Catholic Academy is currently accepting applications for all classes from preschool through sixth grade. Please contact Mrs. Barbara Keohane with any questions or for a tour of the school at b.keohane@sbcatholicacademy. org or call 617-268-2326 or visit sbcatholicacademy.org for more information. -South Boston Catholic Academy
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Thursday February 4, 2016
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Two Gate of Heaven teams are on a roll Love competing in the CYO hoop circuit By KEVIN DEVLIN
Last Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Walsh Center gym, the fifth and sixth and the seventh and eighth grade Gate of Heaven travel teams continued on with their winning ways, as they both cruised to victory against Saint Agatha’s of Milton and Saint Ann’s of Dorchester, respectively. The younger squad has a 9-2 record and is coached by Mark Donovan, while the older boys’ team is 10-2 and is coached by Mike Alessandro and Sean Monahan. In the fifth and sixth grade game against Saint Agatha’s, Kristin Dhamo netted 14 points while slick and quick guard Conor Strickland scored 12 points. Coach Donovan was proud of his team and the way they continue to play. “They’re playing like a team should,” Coach Donovan said. “They all contribute and share the ball. I like their unselfish play and this will be good as we head into the CYO playoffs.” In the seventh and eighth grade game against Saint Ann’s, Jake Harrison led all scorers with 15 points. Marc Iannaco and Bobby Delaney had 8 points each. Jerry Marks had 7 points and 7 rebounds while Zack Mitchell had 6 points and 6 steals. To round out the scoring, Dan Mahoney scored 6 points, Tommy White and Jimmy Dalta had 4 points apiece, and Max Mercer had a deuce. Like Coach Donovan, Coach Monahan is pleased with the team’s effort on both ends of the court. “After starting the season losing two of our first three games, we’ve now won nine in a row,” said
Coach Monahan, “which includes beating the two teams we lost to early in the year. We’ve been playing tough man to man defense. Much of our offense comes from steals from the defensive end. Last game was no exception. We had 10 steals. We’ve been working on calling out the picks and the help defense which has improved tremendously since the beginning of the season. The last four games, we’ve been a plus 37 in steals to turnover ratio which is a huge advantage for us. If they try to go inside against us, they run into Jerry Marks who’s been leading the team in blocked shots, but last game both Jake Harrison (2) and Tommy White (1) have gotten into the act. “On the offensive end, we’ve been much more patient,” he added. “Early in the year, we were settling for quick outside shots. Lately we’ve learned to be more patient and have been working on swinging the ball, using the whole court and working on getting shots from inside the paint by hitting the cutter away from the ball. Since we’ve been concentrating on getting inside shots, our field goal percentage is 47 percent, which is excellent at this level. We have three players shooting at or over 50 percent: Zack Mitchell, Jake Harrison and Tommy White. We scored a lot of points (60) against St Ann’s and almost half of them came from our 13 assists. We’ve been successful in getting more players involved in the offense. Against St. Ann’s every player scored. We’ve also improved on our free throws, really a big improvement from the start of the year.”
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Above: James Dalta (from left), Jake Harrison, and Max Mercer who are on the seventh and eighth grade Gate of Heaven travel team are enjoying hoop this season. They are coached by Mike Alessandro and Sean Monahan. Below: Eddie Tirabassi (from left), Kristin Dhamo, and Erik Dhamo who are on the fifth and sixth grade travel team love winning and being coached by Mark Donovan.
Officials caution residents on consumer scams Mayor Martin J. Walsh reminded Boston residents Monday to be cautious of consumer scams. There have been recent reports of people going door-to-door throughout Boston neighborhoods asking residents to show electric bills, claiming to be with the company Eversource, and sometimes pressuring residents to pay electric bills or face shut-off. • If residents encounter the above, it’s possible that it is a scam. • Call 911 and report any incidents to the Boston Police Department.
• A legitimate utility company typically will not go doorto-door except in the case of an emergency. • Utilities also will not demand that residents pay with a prepaid credit card or be shut-off, or ask to meet at a store that sells such cards, or demand bank information, or use other scare tactics of this type. • Residents are encouraged to never show a utility bill to an unknown party, or reveal private information, as this info can be used maliciously. -City of Boston press release
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SouthBostonOnline.com
Thursday February 4, 2016
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City kicks off celebration of Black History Month In partnership with ArtsBoston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh Jan. 28 announced that the city of Boston will host a series of free events to celebrate Black History Month, which was scheduled to start with the Black History Month KickOff Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at noon in Boston City Hall. “In the City of Boston, we celebrate our diversity and history,” said Mayor Walsh. “This month marks a time to reflect and honor all of those who came before us and sacrificed their lives to uplift the Black community in this City and across the nation. Although, February is Black History Month, heritage should be celebrated yearround. I encourage all residents to attend the events we have planned. It’ll be a great time to come together and celebrate our vibrant community.” In addition to the City of Boston event series, Boston’s arts and cultural community honors Black History Month by elevating nar-
ratives of racial identity and cultural equity. Performances include An Octoroon, 2014 Obie Award winner for Best New American Play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and co-presented by Company One Theatre and ArtsEmerson. Playwright Kirsten Greenidge has two new productions on stage including the world premiere of Baltimore presented by Boston Center for American Performance and New Repertory Theatre, and Milk Like Sugar presented by Huntington Theatre Company. In addition, Black history in Boston is represented on the African American Patriots Tour presented by The Freedom Trail Foundation, which showcases tales of bravery by black Bostonians such as Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem and poet Phillis Wheatley. A full listing of Black History Month events, including descriptions, locations and how to get tickets can be found at Calendar. ArtsBoston.org/BlackBoston.
“Participating in Boston’s arts and cultural experiences - during Black History Month and throughout the year - enables us all to better understand our world from diverse perspectives and shines a spotlight on the historical significance, innovation and creativity happening right here at home,” said Catherine Peterson, executive director of ArtsBoston. Community Conversation: Triumphs and Challenges of Black Boston Thursday, Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. BCYF Tobin Community Center Community Room, lower level 1481 Tremont St., Roxbury
BCYF Swim for Safety will be offered at 13 BCYF pools and includes four free lessons. Visit Boston.Gov/BCYF for more information. Sign up to learn how to swim today! To see what else is happening at BCYF over February school vacation week, visit Boston.Gov/BCYF and click on the February school vacation week schedule.
For more information on all events or to purchase tickets, visit Calendar.ArtsBoston.org/ BlackBoston. To join the celebration on social media, use #BlackHistoryBos.
Commission of Elderly Affairs Black History Month Luncheon
-Press release from Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s office
BOSTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PUBLIC MEETING
OPEN HOUSE/PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL SESSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 OR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
ONE CITY HALL PLAZA BRA Board Room, Room 900 Boston, MA 02201
PROJECT PROPONENT: Boston Redevelopment Authority PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Learn more about recent changes to Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy, which creates income-restricted housing for moderate- to middleincome households in Boston. There will be two open house informational sessions offered which are open to anyone who would like to attend. There will be a brief presentation, a question and answer period, as well as more informal time to ask BRA staff about the policy.
mail to:
Interested in placing an advertisment in South Boston Online? Contact us at 617-269-5550 or mail@southbostononline.com. South Boston Online accepts credit card payments.
Black History Month Social: Celebrating Artwork Friday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m. Grand Circle Travel, 347 Congress St., Downtown Boston This event series is hosted in collaboration by ArtsBoston, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the City of Boston Elections Department, and the Mayor’s Offices of Diversity, Women’s Advancement, Health and Human Services, Fair Housing & Equity and Arts & Culture.
Movie Night: Celebrating Black Film History Wednesday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. BCYF Centers: Tobin, Mildred, Charlestown and Roslindale
Free Swim Lessons Offered at BCYF Pools Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced Tuesday, Feb. 2, that Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will offer free beginner swim lessons for Boston adults and children age 4 and older during February school vacation week. “BCYF’s free swim lessons will help children and adults become safe and confident around water and eager to continue to participate in aquatics programs,” said Mayor Walsh. “We’re pleased to offer this programming and encourage Boston families to take full advantage of these offerings.”
Thursday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. Prince Hall, 24 Washington St., Dorchester
phone: email:
TIM DAVIS
Boston Redevelopment Authority One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4302 Tim.Davis@Boston.gov
BostonRedevelopmentAuthority.org Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
@BostonRedevelop
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Thursday February 4, 2016
SouthBostonOnline.com
Gate of Heaven house basketball league: Always excitement at the Walsh gym BY KEVIN DEVLIN
The Gate of Heaven CYO cadet house league hoop action was once again exciting last Sunday, Jan. 31, as the teams battled each other to the final horn sounded ending the games. In the opening tilt, the Metro
Energy Club (10-1) eked out a hard fought two-point victory, 31-29, against the Collins Club. For the Metro Club, Logan Crowley netted 17 points including three treys from downtown. Eric Pance scored five points while Matiru Mwangi contributed four points. For the Collins Club,
Pictured (from left) are John Maddox, Dan Bulger, and Dana Yesson, who play on the Representative Nick Collins Club coached by Walter Steele and Ralph Mazze.
Walter Steele scored 14 points and pulled down a handful of rebounds. Bobby “Mr. Hustle� Delaney had 10 points, including three three-pointers. In the second game, the McDonough Club survived a tough one in a low-scoring matchup, and edged out the
PS Deli Club, 21-15. For the McDonough Club, Braedon Kennedy scored nine points and Joey Brink had six points and six rebounds. For the PS Deli Club, Joey Mauillari scored five points. This Sunday, Feb. 7, the league will conclude the regular season schedule and begin playoffs on Feb. 14.
Pictured (from left) are Trevor Pyne, Andrew Markarian, Aldo Noury-Elto, and Aidan Young, who play on the Metro Energy Club coached by Billy Crowley.
Want to see your ad on these pages? Pictured (from left) are Jonathan Walsh, Jimmy Dalta and Mike Brooks, who played for the PS Deli Club and are coached by Mike Donovan.
Contact us at 617-269-5550 or mail@southbostononline.com. South Boston Online accepts credit card payments. The deadline for print advertisements is Tuesday at 3 p.m. Pictured (from left) are Max Hogan, Evan Markos, Chris Conroy, and Eddie Murray, who play on the Jack McDonough Club coached by Bobby McGarrell and Kevin Cox.
SouthBostonOnline.com
Thursday February 4, 2016
EDGERLEY FAMILY SOUTH BOSTON CLUB
Come check out the NEW and IMPROVED Club! Membership for ages 6-12 only $25 for the year and just $5 for teens!
· Gym · Art · Teen Lounge · Swimming Pool · Homework Help · Music Studio · Games Room and much more!
Free dinner served nightly
(617) 268-4301 230 West Sixth St. South Boston
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Thursday February 4, 2016
SouthBostonOnline.com
Events at Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and memory support COmmunity 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston Entertainer Richie Bern Feb. 16, 2:30 p.m. Join us for the entertainment of Richie Bern Yoga Class Feb. 17, 1 p.m. Join us for Yoga Class with Karen Magician Peter O’Malley Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Join us for a special magic show by Peter O’Malley
Mayor announces new City Hall to Go initiative Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced a new pilot City Hall to Go initiative, Boston 1ON1, on Tuesday, Feb. 2. This program will allow new Boston residents or a resident moving to a new neighborhood the opportunity to meet one on one in their new neighborhood with a staff member from the Mayor’s City Hall to Go team. “The City of Boston has many great resources available to residents, and through the City Hall to Go truck we are able to bring these services directly to people in the neighborhoods,” said Mayor Walsh. “With the new Boston 1ON1 initiative, our hope is that by having in-person conversations with new residents, we are able to make people feel welcome in their new neighborhood and provide them with the services they need to get acquainted in their new home.”
This meeting will serve as a one stop shop for new residents to take care of their city-related business and learn about their new neighborhood. Examples of the services that can be conducted during the meeting include: • Applying for a resident parking permit • Receiving recycling and trash stickers • Downloading City apps • Learning about BPS school registration • Getting a dog license To sign up for a one on one meeting, please visit cityhalltogo.weebly. com. Meetings will take place at different locations throughout the city including libraries, community centers and local coffee shops. -Press release from Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s office
The City Hall to Go truck will next be in South Boston at BCYF Condon on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Help wanted Small South Boston business looking for PT administrative help. All day Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and up to 12 additional hours negotiable during the remainder of the week. Duties include answering phones, working with small office staff and filing. Candidates must be professional and able to work with clients. Super-organized and self-motivated individual a must. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, starting at $15/hour. Please send resume and salary requirements to: PTjobapp@gmail.com
JOB OPENING Have immediate opening for part time clerical work in South Boston. Hours are 12 - 5, Monday thru Friday. Various clerical responsibilities in our accounting dept. Computer experience necessary, excel spreadsheets used and maneuvering through our accounting software is mandatory. Job position covers: filing, researching credit backup, matching a/p invoices to receiving, scanning/faxing, mailing checks, statements, and a/r invoices. Special projects and assisting on the switchboard if necessary. Must be detail oriented, reliable, organized, flexible, responsible and focused. Parking available at building and t-station within walking distance. Send resume to: ppflyer1@verizon.net
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SouthBostonOnline.com
Thursday February 4, 2016
15
Real Estate transactions BUYER 1 (First)
BUYER 1 (Last)
BUYER 2 (First)
CITY
ADDRESS
BUYER 2 (Last)
ZIP
PRICE
DATE
Richard
Shaheen
Jill
Shaheen
68 I St., #4
South Boston
02127-1450
$485,000
1/11/16
Joshua
White
Allison
Milligan
482 E 7th St., #3
South Boston
02127-4124
$350,000
1/11/16
Timothy
Cinq-Mars
188 W 9th St., #3
South Boston
02127-2997
$466,000
1/11/16
Christian L
Gilardi
337 W 3rd St.
South Boston
02127-1319
$75,000
1/14/16
Sylvia
Chan
26 Ward St., #2
South Boston
02127-3545
$292,500
1/14/16
H Mark
Schatz
208 Bolton St., #8
South Boston
02127-1302
$645,000
1/14/16
Karen
Nilan
523 E 2nd St., #3
South Boston
02127-1431
$425,000
1/15/16
Thaddeus
Lenkiewicz
19 Middle St., #3
South Boston
02127-2718
$422,000
1/15/16
Charles
Lloyd
12 Pacific St., #1
South Boston
02127-2929
$470,500
1/15/16
JM Investment LLC
352 E 8th St.
South Boston
02127-2911
$682,500
1/15/16
Sean
Harrington
1 H Street Pl
South Boston
02127-1421
$550,000
1/15/16
John L
Patterson
176 Gold St.
South Boston
02127-2625
$1,035,000
1/15/16
Eric
Leist
62 Gates St., #1
South Boston
02127-3929
$727,000
1/15/16
Kathryn L
Bell
346-354 Congress St., #309 Boston
02210-1204
$825,000
1/11/16
Caroline L
Hill
96 Neponset Ave #4
Dorchester
02122-3324
$440,000
1/11/16
John
Lawrence
Nuala
Lawrence
81 Houghton St.
Dorchester
02122-3303
$320,000
1/11/16
Derick
Laptiste
Phillomin
Laptiste
30 Longfellow St.
Dorchester
02122-1508
$420,000
1/12/16
Ben Y
Sun
46 Adams St., #C5
Dorchester
02122-1718
$150,000
1/12/16
James
Nee
36 Nahant Ave #1
Dorchester
02122-2310
$175,000
1/12/16
Jeremy R
Twombly
7 Lorenzo St.
Dorchester
02122-3110
$325,000
1/12/16
Jesse
Beer
41 King St., #3
Dorchester
02122-1101
$319,250
1/13/16
Jamaal
Taylor
36 Saxton St., #1
Dorchester
02125-1439
$347,000
1/14/16
Audrey R
Fergason
5 Emrose Ter #1
Dorchester
02125-2739
$220,000
1/15/16
Maxim
Shapiro
480 Ashmont St.
Dorchester
02122-2303
$649,000
1/15/16
Richard
Beatty
48 Ridgewood St.
Dorchester
02122-1417
$545,000
1/15/16
Jpatrick M
Courtney
Rachel
Audra L
Priest
Galante
Sprung
Friend
Local property prices continue to climb Property prices in South Boston - a neighborhood that has seen a boom in development in recent years - have nearly doubled in less than 15 years. The median sales price of a South Boston property in 2015 was $599,000, according to The Warren Group. In 2002, the median price was $300,000. The 2015 year-end information from The Warren Group, a company that “compiles data on real estate sales and ownership throughout New England,” was recently released, demonstrating that the trend of rising value continues. In 2009, the median price for a property in South Boston was $354,500. Since that year, prices have increased by at least 3 percent. The increase in median sales price from 2014 to 2015 – 13.88 percent – is the most significant change The Warren Group has reported since 2000. Last year in South Boston, there
were a total of 1,006 sales, an increase from 997 sales the prior year. Of those properties sold in 2015, 709 were condominiums and 77 were one-family residences. The median price for a condominium was $555,000 and the median price for a one-family was $580,000. If the trend continues as it has in recent years, condominium prices could increase by about 11 percent this year and one-family prices could increase by at least 5 percent. Last month, it was reported that South Boston remains a desirable neighborhood for a variety of reasons, including its proximity to downtown Boston and the financial district, its constantly expanding number of bars and restaurants, its two miles of public waterfront, and its being less congested than other Boston neighborhoods. Information from Rooney Real Estate and The Warren Group. Rooney Real Estate is a partner of South Boston
South Boston median sales price - year to date YEAR
1-FAMILY CONDO
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
$580,000 $545,000 $518,000 $445,000 $400,000 $431,500 $362,000 $397,500 $397,000 $375,000 $409,000 $383,500 $322,500 $335,000 $250,000 $253,500
$555,000 $499,000 $449,500 $410,500 $379,900 $364,625 $340,500 $365,000 $365,000 $345,000 $350,000 $340,000 $310,000 $270,000 $235,750 $240,000
Online. Jackie Rooney of Rooney Real Estate can be reached at 617-269-100
ALL $599,000 $526,000 $479,000 $433,250 $393,750 $379,000 $354,500 $376,250 $385,000 $360,000 $380,000 $365,000 $333,000 $300,000 $265,000 $255,000
ALL % CHANGE FROM PRIOR YEAR 13.88 9.81 10.56 10.03 3.89 6.91 -5.78 -2.27 6.94 -5.26 4.11 9.61 11.00 13.21 3.92 35.64
or jackie@rooney-re.com. For more information, visit rooney-re.com.
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Thursday February 4, 2016
SouthBostonOnline.com
Searching for a South Boston condo? 102 Old Harbor St., #1 - $589,000
Bi-level condominium located just below Dorchester Heights (Thomas Park) 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1,118 square feet Tastefully renovated unit and recently landscaped yard and patio
30 Middle St., #1 - $829,000 New bi-level condominium (first and second floors) with two garage parking spaces and large yard.Located off of Dorchester Avenue and near the Andrew T station. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,625 square feet
30 Middle St., #2 - $769,000
New penthouse unit with private roof deck and two garage parking spaces. The property - located near the Andrew T station - has high end finshes and a great floor plan. 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1,300 square feet
Rooney Real Estate, LLC - Rooney-Re.com - P: -617-269-1000 F: 617-268-1752 - 700 East Broadway - South Boston , MA 02127