030316

a free thursday publication

Thursday, March 3, 2016

March 20 is not only the date of this year’s parade – it’s also the first day of spring!

“March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life’s path.”

(Kahlil Gibran)

Volume XVIII - Issue 9

Parade route shortened by city officials

Kevin Conroy, chief marshal in 2015, marches in last year’s parade. (File photo)

By RICK WINTERSON

The City of Boston has denied a permit for the full route of the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade this year. The city severely shortened the route that had been used for more 70 years, according to

an update from the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, the organization which has been responsible for the parade since 1947.

“At our February 22nd Meeting at City Hall, The City of Boston, Continued on Page 3

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Editorial

Let South Boston keep its tradition

T

he following statement is not news to anyone: Much has changed in South Boston in recent years.

Property values have skyrocketed and rents have increased. The neighborhood’s population looks much different now than it did just a few years ago. Small, local businesses are closing and being replaced. Parishes are closing and consolidating.

But amidst these changes in South Boston, one thing each year remained fairly constant: The St. Patrick’s Day parade.

For the entirety of most South Boston residents’ lifetimes, the parade has maintained its route, a route filled with history and tradition. The St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day parade route passed by Dorchester Heights, an integral location on Evacuation Day, March 17, 1776. It looped through South Boston, ending at Andrew Square, a location close to tradition – and public transportation.

But in a last minute decision – less than a month before the holiday – the parade route was shortened. The city of Boston did not approve the full parade route,

eliminating more than half of the route distance. The parade is now scheduled to end at Farragut Road, cutting out about two miles of parade, passing along Thomas Park and Dorchester Heights, and convenient access to the T. The intention of reducing the parade route, according to public officials, is to improve safety.

this change.

“The Veterans and the Parade organizers running the event are shocked and dissatisfied with this change. No straight answer from City officials as to why the route was changed, or why they are not letting Veterans march past the Dorchester Heights National Historical Site during their 115th

The parade is a beloved South Boston tradition that highlights community, veterans, and Irish and American history.

“After consulting with Commissioner Evans, I have decided that it is in the best interest of public safety, while balancing the historic tradition of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, to use the same route that we did last year for this year’s parade,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said in a statement through is press office this week.

Last year’s route was shortened as a result of the extraordinary snow that hit Boston last year – a nonissue this year.

The parade organizers – the Allied War Veteran’s Council – are understandably unhappy with

annual parade, which is organized and paid for every year by the South Boston Veterans and their supporters,” reads a statement posted by the parade organizers on social media.

The reasons the city gave for shortening the parade were improved public safety and an estimated cost saving of $100,000. At a meeting of the Allied War Veterans Council on Tuesday, both of these reasons were shown to be invalid.

If the objective is to create a safer environment on Sunday, March 20 – the day of the parade – this does not seem to be the

way to facilitate it. Does the city hope less people will arrive in South Boston for the parade as a result of this change? Perhaps.

But let’s assume that a shortened route does not deter anyone from attending. Unlike last year, weather is not a concern. Now, South Boston would have a large number of people – perhaps near a million attendees – crowded into a much smaller area of the city on what is likely to be a warm spring afternoon.

This route may not only be more crowded, but the shortened route also takes away from the longtime residents who for years have and who again planned to watch the parade from their residences and businesses along the intended route. And transportation is likely to be a complication for the many out of area attendees who plan to spend the afternoon in South Boston.

The parade is a beloved South Boston tradition that highlights community, veterans, and Irish and American history. Change in South Boston, at this point, is inevitable (though not something we are advocating). But this one tradition, let South Boston keep.

Letters policy

700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 617-269-5550 Jeanne Rooney Owner/Publisher Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com Susan Doucet Editor Sdoucet@SouthBostonOnline.com

Kevin Devlin Sports writer Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com

Rick Winterson Senior editor Rick@sSouthBostonOnline.com

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

double check facts. False statements in letters may subject the writer to be barred from future letter publication.

South Boston Online also reserves the right to edit letters for space, content, grammar, spelling and libel considerations.

Deadline for letters is Monday at 5 p.m.

Send your letters to: Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com or South Boston Online 700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127

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Sully’s opens for the season

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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Map of the South Boston St. PatricksDay Parade:

START

Starts 1:00 PM EST

1:00 PM EST

WEST FOURTH STREET All oats will be lined up on Dorchester Avenue by 11:00 AM

END OF PARADE All busses will pick up on the Southhampton St. side of the bridge NOT in Andrew Square.

FINISH

Maps provided by Google Designed by SKYTOUCH Solutions www.skytouch.org

This map shows the full, intended route of the parade. As of Wednesday, a map of the reduced route had not been made available on the parade’s website. (Map published courtesy of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade officials)

It goes without saying that South Boston treasures its traditions. One of these traditions is affectionately called “Sully’s.” For more than half a century, Sullivan’s on Castle Island has welcomed residents and visitors alike, serving beachside food to the multitudes that go there – to sun, swim, visit the fort, and of course to dine at Sully’s. Sully’s signature offering is a grilled hot dog – the scent is bewitching, but no one has successfully bottled it yet. In this writer’s (humble) opinion, the double cheeseburger is the apex of Sully’s menu.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, Sullivan’s opened for the year. The line exceeded 200, the counter was jam-packed, and the wait approached a half hour.

But no one minded – it’s Sully’s, after all.

-Rick Winterson

Continued from Page 1 without prior notice, Shortened our Parade by More than Half,” read a notice distributed to community members Monday evening.

“After consulting with Commissioner Evans, I have decided that it is in the best interest of public safety, while balancing the historic tradition of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, to use the same route that we did last year for this year’s parade,” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said in a statement released from his press office on Tuesday.

The parade, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 20, will only be permitted to march on Broadway, dispersing at Farragut Road. This is just half the distance that had been previously permitted. (According to the parade website and a map of the route posted online, the parade was scheduled to start on West Broadway, proceed to East Broadway, turn right onto East 4th Street, turn left onto K Street, turn right onto East Fifth Street, turn left on G Street, turn right on Thomas Park, left onto Telegraph Street, and finally turn left onto Dorchester Street, where the parade would end.)

The above-mentioned half-route

was in fact used last year for the 2015 parade. This, of course, was made necessary by last year’s record snowstorms – over nine feet – resulting in many impassable streets in South Boston. Clearly, this reason does not apply this year, yet no appeal hearing on the city’s decision was allowed.

“The Veterans and the Parade organizers running the event are shocked and dissatisfied with this change,” reads a statement on the parade’s official Facebook page.

The Allied War Veterans Council states that parade traditions will be violated by this decision. After all, actions on Dorchester Heights, which would no longer be on the parade route, brought about the original Evacuation Day in 1776.

And the shortened parade route will prevent passing various veterans posts and ending in Andrew Square.

The police have done an excellent job of crowd control in the past. The Allied War Veterans Council questions whether the 2016 spectators, perhaps numbering as many as a million, can be as easily controlled if they are all compressed onto half the usual route along Broadway.

We want your opinions Based off of the feedback South Boston Online has seen on social media, we know you’re not happy about the shortened parade route. Send us your letters to the editor to publish in next week’s issue, elaborating on the sentiments already shared.

Email letters to Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com or sdoucet@SouthBostonOnline.com, or mail letters to 700 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127.

SouthBostonOnline.com

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

A breezy day on Pleasure Bay

South Boston Online could rhapsodize on South Boston’s Pleasure Bay. Better we simply quote a poem (note the internal rhyme): “Why spend a week in Martinique, Instead of a day on Pleasure Bay?” Jack Hart, Massachusetts state senator (2002-2013) Photos by Rick Winterson on Feb. 29, 2016

saVe

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The L Street Running Club would like to extend a very sincere thank you to Jay Herson and the staff of the Boston Athletic Club (BAC).

We had an impressive turn out for our Jan. 31 training run. The BAC provided ample parking, use of their facilities and a warm and inviting gathering area.

This annual tradition is very much appreciated.

Sincerely, L Street Running Club

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SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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“New Color Messages” at 555 Gallery awakens the senses

Color is one of Mother Nature’s most useful messengers. Even blackand-white works of art somehow appear more vibrant because our visual sense “imagines” their contrast with full color. The “New Color Messages” exhibition exemplifies and caters to this human faculty. It opened Saturday at the 555 Gallery on Second Street, and is jointly curated by John Rizzo, most recently in Portland, Ore., and 555 Gallery owner Susan Nalband. Be sure not to miss this joy-filled show, especially now that spring seems to be at hand.

The gallery at 555 East Second St. is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

Works shown in photos: “Domestic Bliss” by Patty Carrol, “Tree Lines” by Mary Ellen Strom, “Storm Clouds over Boston Harbor”

by Jeffrey Heyne.

-Rick Winterson

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Bill Thomas, parade chief marshal, exemplifies position

By RICK WINTERSON

Each year, South Boston’s Allied War Veterans Council, as an integral part of the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade, selects a worthy person to become its parade chief marshal.

You might well ask what goes into the selection of the chief marshal each year. South Boston Online would like to answer that question by describing the 2016 Parade Chief Marshal – William J. “Bill” Thomas, who was born in South Boston and now lives on the edge of the Savin Hill neighborhood in Dorchester.

One significant characteristic of the parade chief marshal is his or her concern for veterans. Well, Bill is an excellent example of such concern.

In 1975, he joined the American Legion’s Kane Post No. 60 on Meetinghouse Hill after completing his military duties as a Communications Technician in Flight 1351, U.S. Air Force. Over the next 26 years (1975 to 2001), he worked his way up through the Kane Post’s ranks, beginning as its historian and steadily rising to post commander, a position he held for

two years.

Bill then moved back to Southie and joined the McDonough Post.

This post had to make way for one of South Boston’s development efforts, so Bill transferred his membership to the Old Dorchester Post No. 65. When the new McDonough Post reopened on West Broadway, he rejoined it.

Along the way, his service included Junior and Senior Vice Commanderships at both the McDonough and Old Dorchester Posts.

In case you’re not counting, that’s a total of 41 years of active membership in veterans’ organizations. Bill’s

appointment as the 2016 parade chief marshal is a well-deserved recognition of his record in these organizations.

Bill Thomas is one of those quiet, patriotic veterans whom we call “citizen soldiers.” He’s a family man, married to Paula Marie (Lawless). They have three grown children: Joey (34), Jennifer (43) and Bobby (44). His mother, Anne Clare LaMontaigne, came from South Boston. His father, Delbert Thomas from Pennsylvania, retired as a Sergeant Major (USMC) from Weymouth Naval Air Base, after 32 years in the Corps. The Thomas family included three sisters – Clare,

Anne and Rose. Bill himself attended Dorchester’s Cushing School and South Boston High School.

Bill worked in the U.S. Post Office, first as a letter carrier, and then retiring as a mail handler after 20 years total USPS Service. He subsequently fought and won a battle with cancer.

He now has worked for the Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Bus Company since 2000 as its customer service representative, responsible for both Logan Airport and South Station. Business is good, Bill says, in part because commuting to Boston by bus with free parking available is less expensive.

This year’s St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade will be spectacular. More on this in future articles, but 2016 may set a record for the number of participants in the parade. Don’t miss it. South Boston’s Allied War Veterans Council, enthusiastically supported by the City of Boston, is doing a superb job of organizing the 2016 parade.

And once again, congratulations to Bill Thomas, the 2016 Parade Chief Marshal. We are glad to have you aboard.

Reopening of a city landmark

Two good friends and political opponents, former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn and State Representative Mel King, cut the ribbon to reopen the historic landmark sandwich shoppe, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe in the South End. Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh, were joined by State Representatives Byron Rushing and Aaron Michlewitz, Boston City Council President Michele Wu, and Councilors Bill Linehan and Michael Flaherty. A lot of Boston history was discussed at Charlie’s on Wednesday.

The new owner is Evan Deluty of Boston. Martin Luther King, Jr., Joe Louis, President Obama, Sammy Davis Jr., Lionel Hampton, plus most of African-America’s famous musicians, athletes and scholars hung out at Charlie’s at one time or another. -Ray Flynn

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Junior staffer at the Tierney Center loves her job

By KEVIN DEVLIN

Zujeiri Ruiz is a polite, young lady who enjoys working as a junior staff member with younger children at the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center.

Zujeiri, 15, is the daughter of Zujeiri Ortega. She has four brothers, Carlos Arias, Oscar Ruiz, Yandiel Ruiz and Rubin Miranda.

She also has a gray and black cat named Missy.

“I’m a hard worker,” Zujeiri Ruiz, 15, said.

“I have my problems just like everyone else but always love to work with a smile on my face and ready to help the kids at the center.

Zujeiri is a freshman at Excel High School which is located up at the Heights, a school dedicated to “foster academic achievement and creative expression.” Her favorite subject is math and someday she hopes to be a pediatrician.

At the center, Zujeiri works with the cadets, all six-year-olds. She helps the kids with their homework, and plays games with them.

When the sun is shining, she takes the kids across the street to Moakley Park where they can run around and have fun at the playground.

She enjoys working with the kids; to her it is fun.

“I’m a hard worker,” she said. “I have my problems just like everyone else but always love to work with a smile on my face and ready

to help the kids at the center. I’m also a caring person. I watched my mom raise my brothers and I want to be just like her helping others.”

And she certainly loves challenging her kids to work hard every day.

“I want them to develop skills,” Zujeiri said. “I want them to strive and finish their own homework without copying other kid’s work.

I challenge them to do it on their own all the time. I encourage them to ask questions so I know what’s on their mind… so I can help them with any issues they may have… any problems that are bothering them.

“I also encourage them to improve on their manners,” she said. “A lot of the kids need to realize that they need to be polite when dealing with other people outside of their family and that they must work to get better at doing this on a daily basis.”

Zujeiri is well-liked by Tierney Center staff and seemingly has a found a second home.

“She’s such a great role model and a great helper for the cadet’s age group,” said Victoria Siddel, a Tierney Center youth case worker.

“They look up to her and love having her around.”

Lauretta Brennan, the center’s membership coordinator and usually the first person you see when you enter the building, is also enthusiastic about her junior staffer.

“Zujeiri’s doing really well at work,” Brennan said. “She’s a great addition to the program and we are proud of her for being such a good person and being an extremely hard worker who the kids love so much.”

Thursday, March 3, 2016

South Boston student will perform at St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast

Tim Smyth of South Boston, a sophomore member of the Boston College High School’s Concert Choir, will perform with the choir at the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, March 20 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Dr. Marina Rozenberg, the choir director, is very pleased to have been invited back again this year. The world traveled choir recently gave a Christmas performance at the White House.

“Singing Christmas music,” said Dr. Rozenberg, “is common during the holidays, but for the 25 Boston College High School Concert Choir members who sang in the White House on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, the experience was anything but ordinary!“ Each year, the White House invites select choirs from across the country to perform during the holiday season. This will mark the second time the BC High Concert Choir has performed at the White House. The first was in December 2006.

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Kickoff breakfast starts season of St. Patrick’s Day celebration

By Rick Winterson

This year’s Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast was a great celebration. It kicked off our St. Patrick’s/ Evacuation Day season in fine style – the season which ends with the three-mile long parade, the largest in New England. Since the Cornerstone closed last year, Tom Connolly’s Seapoint hosted this event, and did a great job.

Each year, the South Boston Citizens’ Association, led by Tom McGrath, selects awardees to receive the Henry Knox Unsung Hero Award. Henry Knox was a key hero in George Washington’s command: He brought the Evacuation Day cannons here from Fort Ticonderoga and rose to become Washington’s Major General of Artillery and America’s first Secretary of Defense.

The 2016 awardees are Kenny Ryan, Jr., for his community leadership and activities; Kevin Kelly, for the free project work performed by his company, Northern Contracting Corp.; and John Hogan, for his support of so many local non-profits and fundraisers. South Boston Online congratulates all

of you; South Boston is much the better for your presence here.

Elected officials on hand included City Councilor Bill Linehan, who served as the breakfast’s chairman, Congressman Steven Lynch, City Councilor-at-Large Michael Flaherty, and State Rep. Nick Collins.

We heard that Nick is planning to get married – congratulations and much joy, Rep. Collins. The music was, as always, distinctly Irish, and as always, provided by the talented Curragh’s Fancy trio: Bob Fowkes, Michael Kelley and Dave Leahy.

The kickoff breakfast is wellnamed. It has become a muchanticipated celebration of the two or three weeks that lead up to the gala St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade on March 20 – South Boston’s largest and oldest major event, and one of the largest in the country.

The next party of the season will be the 21+ Bowl-a-Rama at South Boston Bowl on East Broadway, Sunday, March 6, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Free bowling, refreshments and fun.

This is sponsored by South Boston Bowl, and you must be 21 to attend.

Find information about additional events on Page 13.

City Councilor (and breakfast chairman) Bill Linehan, South Boston Citizens’ Association President Tommy McGrath, his wife Kathleen, and State Rep. Nick Collins at the breakfast.

Mayor Marty Walsh congratulates three Unsung Heroes – Kevin Kelly, Ken Ryan, Jr., and John Hogan – standing with Steve Lynch, Tom McGrath, Bill Linehan, Rep. Nick Collins, and Michael Flaherty.

The two commanders – Bill Desmond of the Allied War Veterans Council and Ed Flynn of the Fitzgerald Post at the 2016 Kickoff Breakfast.

The singing of our elected officials blends well with Curragh’s Fancy at the kickoff breakfast. Rep. Nick Collins wins the award for “Most Improved.”

St. Patrick’s Day is two weeks away Want to advertise with South Boston Online ahead of the holiday or in the March 17 issue?

Contact us at Mail@SouthBostonOnline.com or 617-269-5550

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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Congressman Steve Lynch salutes Kathleen McGrath at the kickoff breakfast for all her efforts on behalf of the South Boston Citizens’ Association.

Seapoint puts on its usual elegant spread for celebrations like the Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast.

It’s Scally City at Seapoint for the Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast.

The breakfast’s host, Seapoint owner Tom Connolly relaxes at the Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast.

Peter O’Malley, Joe Curran, Congressman Steve Lynch, and Rob Pacitti wouldn’t miss the Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast.

Kevin Kelly’s family members are extremely proud of him and his Unsung Hero Award.

Old favorites – Bob Fowkes (center) with Dave Leahy and Michael Kelley make up Curragh’s Fancy, playing for the Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast.

John Healey sings “A Mother’s Blessing” with Curragh’s Fancy at the close of the 2016 Jimmy Flaherty Kickoff Breakfast.

See more photos at SouthBostonOnline.com

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Szwanke sisters study and play at the Tierney Learning Center

By KEVIN DEVLIN

They both attend the William E. Russell School on Columbia Road in Dorchester. The school is named after William Eustis Russell. Russell was born in Cambridge in 1857 and attended Harvard College and the Boston University School of Law. He served four terms as the mayor of Cambridge before he was elected as the 37th governor of Massachusetts in 1891, the youngest governor to be elected at the age of 34.

The school was built in his honor in 1903. I attended this school back in the early sixties but at the time it was a middle school. But I digress.

The two young girls featured are two young, adorable sisters named Angelina and Gloria Szwanke.

Their mom is Veronica and they have an Uncle Mikey, as well as three other sisters.

After a tough day at the Russell School, these two energetic girls spend time with their friends and staff members at the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center. At the center, these two girls do their homework, work and play on the computer, attend arts and crafts classes, or go outside and play across the street in Moakley Park, when weather permits.

Angelina, 6, is in the first grade. Her favorite subject is math, and someday she plans on being the Tooth Fairy or a billionaire. If that doesn’t work out, she intends to be an artist so she can be famous, and of course, make money. Her favorite colors are black and white and her favorite foods are grapes and blueberries.

Gloria, 10, is in the fourth grade.

Her favorite subject is writing and someday she plans on being a world famous singer. Her favorite color is purple, her favorite foods are rice

Gloria (left) and Angelina Szwanke smile for a photograph at the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center.

and beans, and her favorite singer is Becky G. In the world of sports, Gloria enjoys playing soccer and tennis with her friends at Moakley Park. She enjoys the outdoor activities.

“I like sports,” she said. “I get to play outdoors and learn how to play

better. It’s fun when I’m with my friends too.”

If Gloria were the president of the United States, she said that she would, “make speeches around the country and tell everyone to keep the environment clean…and not litter.”

Ollie student spotlight winner: Madison Kronmiller

By KEVIN DEVLIN

She was one of two youngsters in February recognized as a “Student Spotlight” winner at the Neighborhood House - aka the Ollie. Young members are recognized for their good behavior, being kind, caring and considerate, as well as just being good kids overall. In addition, she was the recipient of a brand new bike donated by the law firm of Goodwin and Procter LLP for her exemplary behavior. Her name is Madison Kronmiller.

Madison, 6, is the daughter of Pamela Moriarty and Keith Kronmiller. She also has a “Nana” Joanne, “Grandma” Gayle, and a loving great-grandmother, Ethel.

Madison is in the first grade at the Tynan Elementary School. Her favorite subject is science and someday she wants to be a teacher. Her favorite color is hot pink and she loves eating pizza with grandma.

In the world of sports, Madison is learning how to skate at the Neponset Rink in Dorchester. She also plays soccer. If Madison’s not home helping her grandma clean the house or recycling, she’s at the Ollie having fun, doing her homework, playing with other kids, and receiving help from the dedicated staff members.

“I like coming here after school,” she said. “They (the staff) help me with my homework and are fun to be with. I like it here so much.”

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.

Feelings are mutual as far as Kristen DeVoy is concerned, the school age program director at the Ollie.

“She’s very well-behaved and awesome,” DeVoy said, “She’s such a good girl…polite…kind…and

loving. She’s never a problem and plays well with other kids. Madison’s respectful to kids and staff and overall during the past three years as a member she has been just great.”

The Fitzgerald Post will host a fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 5, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Thomas J. Fitzgerald Post, No. 561

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

715 East Fourth St., South Boston 617-269-0086

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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Ollie student spotlight winner: Wence Otieno

By KEVIN DEVLIN

Recently, the South Boston Neighborhood House - aka the Ollie started recognizing its youngsters by announcing “Student Spotlight” winners. Young members are recognized for their good behavior, being kind, caring and considerate, sharing, as well as just being good kids overall. Two youngsters are picked during the month and their pictures are hung up in one of the classrooms. Wence Otieno was one of the youngsters recognized for this achievement in February.

Wence, 6, is the son of Selesa Obudho. He has an older sister, Aunnie, and a younger brother, Nicholas. He is in the first grade at the Tynan Elementary School in South Boston. His favorite subject is reading (he loves the Diary of a

“When he joined last summer he was shy and reserved. But he opened up this school year,” said School Age Program Director Kristen Devoy.

Wimpy Kid series) and someday he hopes to play for the New England Patriots. He loves football.

Wence’s favorite color is blue, and

like most people, he enjoys eating pizza. And, his two favorite TV programs are SpongeBob SquarePants and Super Why, an animated series

and interactive website.

“Wence is a relatively new member at the Ollie,” said, Kristen DeVoy, school age program director. “When he joined last summer he was shy and reserved. But he opened up this school year. He’s a sweet, polite kid who gets along with all the other kids.”

At the Ollie, Wence enjoys coloring and playing games like Octopus with his friends.

“I like hanging out with Jack and Matthew (other members) and playing games with them,” he said. “I also like having fun with Pat Lavey (who is a junior staff person).

At home, Wence enjoys watching TV and spending time with his mother whom he dearly loves.

“I like hanging out with my mom,” he said. “I help her and make sure my brother and sister are okay.

Perry School Shark shout out!

To fifth grade teacher Ms. Doyle for working for over a year on winning a grant to pilot a history program where the children learn from actual historical figures relaying information in the first person - and to the fifth grade students who remain riveted during these lessons!

To fifth grade student Darius Spriggs in Mr. Durney’s classroom who has been working with Mrs. Wyse on math assessments for his portfolio. Each session Darius gives his best effort to make sure his work is done neatly and correctly. He is a good role model for the other students in the group!

To K2 student Riley Coughlin in Ms. Flores room for trying her best to slow down while practicing her handwriting!

To first grade student Jacob Talavera in Ms. Clark’s room for meeting the goal he set with Ms. Sirois of being able to read 100 sight words!

Congressional art contest is open to local high school students Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) announced the opening of “An Artistic Discovery,” the 2016 annual congressional art competition. This competition is open to all high school students who reside in the 8th Congressional District. The winner will have his or her work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a

full year. Additionally, there will be a reception in Washington, D.C., for all art competition winners and their families to celebrate the opening of the exhibit.

The annual congressional art competition is now open for submissions and all entries must be received by Thursday, April 28. Entries can be

sent to Congressman Lynch’s Boston, Quincy, or Brockton district offices and addressed to the attention of Araba Adjei-Koranteng. Please contact Congressman Lynch’s office at (617) 428-2000 or refer to his website, lynch.house. gov/serving-you/art-competition, for more information on the competition.

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Paraclete honors Commissioner Evans Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans was honored by the Paraclete at the annual reception on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The nearly life-long South Boston resident spoke to South Boston Online ahead of the event, where he was honored as “a man for Boston.�

Photos courtesy of Paraclete and photographer Harry Brett

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Thomas E. McGrath, President

“The Nation's Oldest Neighborhood Civic Organization” th

240 Annual Evacuation Day Events 2016 Evacuation Day Committee

State Representative Nick Collins General Chairman Governor Charlie Baker, Honorary Chairman Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Honorary Chairman Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Honorary Chairman State Senator Linda Dorcena-Forry, Honorary Chairwoman Clerk of Courts Michael Donovan, Honorary Chairman City Councilor Bill Linehan, Honorary Chairman City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty, Honorary Chairman State Auditor Suzanne Bump, Honorary Chairwoman

t

February 27th through March 17 th 22 Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast

Saturday, February 27th

City Councilor Bill Linehan Honorary Chairman Seapoint Restaurant 10:00 AM Suggested Donation $ 10.00

21+Bowl-A-Rama Sunday, March 6th

Cheryl Joyce, Andrea Flaherty Rich Devoe and Joyce Higgins Honorary Chairpersons South Boston Bowl 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Must be 21+ to attend-no children, please

Basketball Free-Throw Competition Monday, March 7th

Bernie O’Donnell, Kathy Davis & Honorable Ray Flynn Honorary Chairpersons Tynan Community School Gym - 6:00 PM

The Swimming Competition Tuesday, March 8th

State Auditor, Suzanne Bump

City Council President Bill Linehan Honorary Chairman Boys and Girls Club Pool Registration 6:00 PM, Meet 6:30PM

Tom & Eddie Butler St. Patrick’s Senior Salute Saturday, March 12th 1th

Dodge Ball & Bumper Pool Competition Wednesday, March 9th

Fred Ahern & Elizabeth Watts Honorary Chairpersons Curley Community Center - 4:00-7:00 PM

Ice-O-Rama

John Cunniff Shamrock Shootout Sunday, March13th State Rep. Nick Collins State Senator Linda Dorcena-Forry City Councilor Frank Baker Honorary Chairmen Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard Events begin approx. 10:30 AM

Saturday, March 5th

Presentation of Mary “Sissy” Devine Award Ellie Flaherty-Kasper, Cathleen McGrath, Claire Linehan-Miller, Robert Pacitti Honorary Co-Chairpersons

Carson Place (BTU) 7:00 PM

Evacuation Day Memorial Mass Thursday, March 17th

Margaret Lynch Honorary Chairwoman St. Augustine's Chapel - 9:00 AM

Memorial/Historical Exercises Thursday, March 17th Including

Essay & Poster Competition Winners

136th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet Friday, March 18th

BCEC 2nd Floor Ballroom New England Boiled Dinner Entertainment by Curragh’s Fancy Reception 5:30 PM-----Dinner 7:00 PM FOR TICKETS CALL 857-204-5825

Mayor Martin J. Walsh Councilor Michael Flaherty, Thomas Butler Jr. Chairmen

Mary Walsh, Ann Lynch, Ellie Hart, Peggy Flaherty, Edie Linehan, Mary Collins Honorary Chairwomen Saint Monica’s Lower Church Hall - 11:00 AM

South Boston Special Shamrocks Fundraiser

State Representative Nick Collins Bernie O’Donnell, Past President SBCA Robert Allison, S.B. Historical Society Edward Flynn, US Navy-retired Hon. Linda Dorcina-Forry Hon. Maura Sweeney Doyle Bill Foley, Retired NPS Honorary Chairpersons Dorchester Heights Monument - 10:00 AM

St. Patrick's Day Road Race Sunday, March 20th

Proceeds benefit South Boston Boys & Girls Club Pre-registration Required 617-516-5441 or hduvall@bgcb.org Race begins at 11:00 AM at the Club

Our Sponsors

St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Paradee Sunday, March 20th at 1 pm Allied War Veterans Council

13

14

Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Rep. Collins chairs hearing on state budget Last week, State Representative Nick Collins (D-Boston) chaired a public hearing of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on the FY17 state budget.

Rep. Collins, who serves on the House Committee for Ways and Means, took testimony from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Department of Public Health, Mass Health and

the Department of Veteran Service regarding each agency’s needs for the FY17 budget.

As part of the broader work on the budget, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means has been conducting budget hearings across the state on topics of public safety, education, housing, energy, environmental affairs and economic development, listening to testimony from impacted agencies, programs, residents and stake-

holders.

After these hearings conclude, the House Committee on Ways and Means will draft a budget proposal for FY17 which will be debated by the full House of Representatives.

“As a Legislature, it is important that we prioritize budgetary support for services for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Rep. Collins.

“However, it is also incumbent on us to accomplish this task while

closing an existing $635 million budget gap and strengthening our stabilization fund which has seen about $400 million withdrawn.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on balancing these important fiscal responsibilities.”

Additional Ways and Means hearings on the FY17 budget are scheduled for March before the House takes up the budget in April.

-Press release from Rep. Nick Collins

Academy hosts Catholic Trivia On Thursday, Feb. 11, some of South Boston Catholic Academy’s best and brightest engaged in a tenacious edition of Catholic Trivia before a live studio audience of teachers, peers and parents. Knowing that “As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another,” these 20 students took this small competition to grow in faith, knowledge, and mutual respect of one another (Proverbs 27:17). Four teams, each with a representative from Grades 2-6, faced a flurry of questions about the Scriptures, the Mass, the Saints, and everyone’s favorite topic, Popes Francis and Benedict XVI. Declaring a victor proved to be difficult; each team was filled with poised and intelligent

competitors. What was easy to see, however, was the sure joy brought to each participant and spectator, brought together by our common faith and desire to be life-long learners and disciples. -Javier Soegaard All of us at South Boston Catholic Academy want to the say a special Thank you to Mr. Soegard for the wonderful job he did in organizing and hosting a fun afternoon of Catholic Trivia for the students.

Boston Catholic Academy is currently accepting applications for all classes preschool through sixth grade. We have Before School and After School Programs available and have small class size; high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private and

Boston Exam Schools. 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 for more information.

SouthBostonOnline.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

15

Real Estate transactions BUYER 1 (First)

BUYER 1 (Last)

CITY

ADDRESS

BUYER 2 (Last)

BUYER 2 (First)

DATE

PRICE

ZIP

312-320 W 3rd St., #202

South Boston

02127-1441

$252,518

02/05/16

Tejada

511 E 8th St., #2

South Boston

02127-4140

$625,000

02/09/16

Elizabeth A

Carr

790 E 6th St., #3

South Boston

02127-4319

$435,000

02/11/16

Michael J

Boyce

210 K St., #1

South Boston

02127-1509

$1

02/11/16

Ha N

Truong

Henry W

Newman

Maria A

Bradford R

Stanton 210 RT

Daniel

Landers

631 E 3rd St., #2

South Boston

02127-2318

$490,000

02/12/16

Ryan C

Ball

789 E 6th St., #1

South Boston

02127-4317

$372,500

02/12/16

David S

Cunningham

156 O St., #1

South Boston

02127-4313

$549,000

02/12/16

02210-1204

$690,000

02/12/16

Jennifer A

Shemo

PAS 517 LLC

346-354 Congress St., #517 Boston

Joel

Leiby

15 Gibson St., #3

Dorchester

02122-1222

$325,000

02/04/16

Brian A

Allen

36 Supple Road

Dorchester

02121-3304

$540,000

02/04/16

Ahn T

Ha

182 Bowdoin St.

Dorchester

02122-1819

$390,000

02/05/16

Brian

Nickerson

30 Taft St., #3

Dorchester

02125-1819

$320,000

02/05/16

Marie

Kashmanian

1415 Dorchester Ave

Dorchester

02122-2915

$480,000

02/09/16

Rony

Soto-Abreu

121 Devon St.

Dorchester

02121-2735

$447,000

02/09/16

Dorchester

02122-2504

$232,609

02/10/16

33 Washburn St., #2

Dorchester

02125-1152

$400,000

02/10/16

541 Adams St., #6

Dorchester

02122-1918

$125,000

02/11/16

10 Linda Lane, #1-1

Dorchester

02125-3144

$208,000

02/11/16

2 Fernald Terrace

Dorchester

02125-2570

$376,000

02/12/16

Elizabeth

MCM Capital Ptnrs LLC 9 Thelma Road #3

Ventures T Daniel J

Obrien

Steven M

Ciccolo

Diep H

Tran

Deborah L

Palmer

Francois

Dina

Ngoc N

Dvinov

Nguyen

Looking to sell your home? Call Rooney Real estate for a free market analysis: 617-269-1000 Citation on petition for formal adjuDication SU16P0410EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court, Probate and Family Court Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114 617-788-8300 Estate of: Robert Joseph Gifford Date of Death: 10/19/2001 A Petition for Formal Determination of Heirs has been filed by Billy Dean Gifford of Centerville, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

Important notice

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 04/07/2016.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken with further notice to you.

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Unsupervised administration under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC)

A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assests and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Joan P Armstrong, First Justice of this Court.

Date: February 25, 2016. Signed by: Felix D Arroyo, Register of Probate

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470 West Broadway - South Boston, MA 02127 Located above the Eastern Bank

16

Thursday, March 3, 2016

SouthBostonOnline.com

Time To lisT your home?

Call Rooney Real estate today foR a fRee maRket analysis on youR home

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Rooney Real estate, LLc 700 east Broadway South Boston, Ma 02127

Jackie@rooney-re.com

Over 29 years of professional service • Over 2,000 real estate transactions #1 sales agent in South Boston for 25 of 29 years rooney-re.com • office: 617-269-1000 • cell: 617-645-5370