THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2024
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Condon is Tucker’s Kingdom
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V and movie star Jonathan Tucker can add “kid whisperer” to his impressive resume. The kids at the Condon Community Center Wednesday afternoon loved him! Peggy Rose, his Boston-based publicist who arranged the visit, said he is the consummate professional. “He’s gracious, kind, funny,” she said. “He can talk to anyone.” He even rescheduled his flight back to LA so he could spend more time with the kids. “That says a lot,” Peggy said. Tucker, as he likes to be called, had been in town shooting a cover
feature for InBoston Magazine. Tucker grew up in Charlestown; he believes in giving back by visiting places like Boys and Girls Clubs and the Condon because he sees what the programs mean to the kids and the impact they have. Tucker has starred in “Kingdom,” “Westworld,” and “City on a Hill,” among many other TV shows and movies. Tucker spent time with the kids and staff in the gymnasium before they all headed to the cafeteria for dinner (provided by Route 1 Grill House) and cake.
More Photos on Page 4
Friendship Celebrated for Valentine’s Day By Carol Masshardt
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egardless of gender, age, background or ethnicity, there seems to be a universal pleasure in talking about friendship. It makes sense given that research has shown again and again that having a friend improves mental and physical health. In a culture enamored with a focus on romantic love, friendship is less the focus but a special and steadfast kind of love. Reflecting a popular trend, f lorists and restaurants are pitching to a broader concept of people to honor as having special meaning in our lives. The history of Valentine’s Day is believed to echo back to about 500AD when it became part of the liturgical calendar for the Catholic religion commemorating martyred saints named Valentine. From that point, legends abound with the symbolism of fertility,
and on to Chaucer and romance depicted in poems and songs. It ceased to be a religious day in 1969 but has nonetheless held a place in contemporary culture. It is morphing to behold the best of who people can be to each other. From age 8 ½ to 84, South Boston weighed in easily on thoughts of friendship. Here are some comments shared with seriousness and joy:
Elise, age 8 ½:
“It is important to have a friend, so you won’t be lonely or sad. I have a lot of friends and it is much more fun.”
Elise and Kate included and that’s what friends do.”
Kate, age 9: “It’s important. The way you can be a friend is to include someone, so they aren’t lonely. I have a best friend, and other friends and then new friends, too. It’s sad if people don’t feel
Sky, age 17:
“I have a best friend named Danyla. I think it is mostly important because you need someone you can pour your heart out to, and then just
hang out and have fun. It’s good to have someone by your side, and you can talk to about anything, literally. Boyfriends and girlfriends can come and go, but a friend is lasting. I try to be a good friend and I take it seriously.” Continued on Page 2