SBOL_03_09_2023

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Honoring a Hero Shamrock Showdown Raises Funds for ‘Doc’ Cook Scholarships

By Ginger DeShaney

T

im Cook was a man for others.

“That’s what he was,” said his dad, Joseph, noting so many guys have told him that Tim helped shape them into the men they are today.

The Shamrock Showdown, March 17-18 at the Murphy Rink, is in its ninth year of honoring and remembering Tim and raising money for scholarships for South Boston youth.

Tim was a fun-loving, loyal, amazing guy. “He was always smiling,” Joseph said.

Tim was a Navy Corpsman who brought immediate medical care to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. He was 28 years old in March 2013 when he lost his battle

Happy Birthday Sr. Evelyn

with post-traumatic stress disorder from his combat experiences.

The Timothy “Doc” Cook Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to South Boston youth attending tuition-based schools in grades 7-12. Tim was a BC High graduate and a typical Southie kid, playing hockey, attending the Paraclete after-school program, and helping underprivileged children.

“Tim lived his life in service to his family and our country,” his dad said. “A proud veteran, it is fitting to honor and remember [his] heroic military service. His life was defined by those he helped and cared for.”

And these scholarships are helping local kids. “That’s the whole important thing about paying it forward and helping kids out and making it a positive experience,” said Joseph.

To date, the foundation has awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships. Bobby Ferrara was one of the catalysts behind the scholarships.

Continued on Page 3

O

n Tuesday, March 7, our former First Grade Teacher, Sister Evelyn Hurley, SCN, who taught students for many years celebrated her 108th Birthday. Our Pastor, Father Robert Casey, visited her at the Mother House in Nazareth, Kentucky as she celebrated her

108th Birthday. He also celebrated a Mass in her honor for her birthday and brought her well wishes and greetings from all of our Parishioner and SBCA students, teachers and staff. Father Casey also brought the beautiful cards that the South Boston Catholic Academy students Continued on Page 10

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

SBCA Schedule March 11th - 19th

Spring Forward on Sunday: Daylight Saving Time Returns

Tom & Eddie Butler St. Patrick’s Senior Salute

Saturday, March 11th Saint Peter’s Lower Church Hall 11:00 a.m.

Ice-O-Rama

Sunday, March 12th Events begin approx. 9:00 a.m.

Murphy Rink, Day Boulevard

Boxing Show

Saturday, March 18th

Peter Welch’s Gym - Doors open at 4:00 p.m.

143rd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet Friday, March 17th BCEC 2nd Floor Ballroom Reception 5:30 p.m. - Dinner 7:00 p.m.

FOR TICKETS CALL 857-204-5825

Athletic Competition

Condon School Gym Wednesday, March 15th 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Boys and Girls ages 10 to 14

St. Patrick’s Day Road Race Sunday, March 19th

Race begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club Pre-registration Required (617-516-5441)

Evacuation Day Memorial Mass

Friday, March 17th - St. Augustine’s Chapel - 9:00

Memorial/Historical Exercises

Friday, March 17th - Dorchester Heights Monument - 11:00

St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade Sunday, March 19th at 1:00 p.m.

Broadway Station

D

aylight Saving Time (DST) resumes at 2 a.m. on March 12, early this next Sunday morning.

Move your clocks, watches, and electronic timekeepers, now on Eastern Standard Time (EST), ahead one hour, as in that old saying “Spring forward; fall back”. And sure enough, on last November 06, we moved our clocks back and gained an extra hour of precious winter sleep. Now, we are giving it back. Just make sure you know which of your electronic devices automatically change to DST and which ones don’t!

By far, the simplest, easiest way around this is to keep your clocks on EST when you go to bed Saturday night, March 11. Wake up whenever you want on Sunday morning and enjoy breakfast; then go to church (on DST, of course), buy a Sunday paper, or do whatever you usually do on Sunday mornings.

At noontime set your clocks ahead to 1 p.m. DST – everything else then falls into place. Come the evening next Sunday, you’ll hardly feel the difference. But don’t think about it; above all, don’t forget to do it.

DST is really misnamed. No daylight is ever “saved”. For any particular date in the year, the duration of daylight is essentially fixed, and will be just about as much

as it was on the same date in any previous year. The only thing that happens when we go to “Daylight Saving” is that the sun sets one clock hour later in the evening, and it then rises an hour later the next morning.

Many folks would like to keep DST all year ‘round. There’d be no resetting of clocks in March and November. Some have even recommended that Boston joins the Atlantic Time Zone, which really means the same thing as being on DST all the time. Does “DST” then become “AST”? It would literally take an act of Congress to determine that.

But think carefully about this possibility. In the December/January dead of winter, daylight from sunrise to sunset lasts only nine or ten hours.

If our clocks stay on DST next winter, those of us who are nine-to-fivers will now leave work just as the sun is setting and go home in the twilight.

However, there’s a penalty – when getting up the next morning, it could still be pitch black outside. The sun doesn’t rise until as late as 8 a.m. when winter begins. So is it better to get up in the dark and go to work, or leave work and return home in the dark? You can’t do both around Christmastime or New Year’s Eve. And remember: No matter what, going to DST next Sunday, the 12th, is the first step into Spring.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Continued from Page 1

Tim Cook As part of the scholarship application process, students are asked to submit essays about PTSD “so that we can end the stigma against PTSD and hidden wounds that travel with our vets,” said Joseph, a longtime hockey coach.

“We have them write about … what they know about it and how they can raise more awareness about it. It gets them thinking.

“It’s made a difference,” he added.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘You know, my sister, my brother got that.’ ... It’s a way of healing.”

Tim’s childhood friend, Lt. Chris Flaherty of the Boston Fire Department, created the Showdown tournament to help raise additional scholarship funds, and Joseph is grateful for his generosity.

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

This year’s Showdown features Boston Fire Department Hockey Club, Boston Police Hockey Club, New York Police Hockey Club, and “Friends of Doc Cook.” The tournament is a Beanpot format, with two games Friday, March 17, starting at 4 p.m., and two on Saturday, March 18, starting at 2 p.m.

It’s free to attend the Showdown (but donations are appreciated) and there will be raffle items as well as T-shirts for sale. If anyone wants to sponsor the event or provide raffle items, email Joseph at cookie_Joseph7@hotmail.com.

Scholarship applications will also be available at the Showdown and online after the tournament.

“Thanks to the community, all donors, and supporters as we continue Tim’s legacy through the scholarship,” Joseph said.

The following are sponsors of the event:

BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HOCKEY CLUB - BOSTON POLICE HOCKEY CLUB - NEW YORK POLICE HOCKEY CLUB

Platinum Sponsors

Shamrock Pub Roza Lyons National Grid Family of Ed Bergdoll (BFD Local 718)

Gold Sponsors

Iron Workers District Council NE IBEW Local 103 Pipefitters Local 537 Stapleton Florist CTE Nick Collins

Silver Sponsors

Iron Workers Local 7 Painters & Allied Trades District 35 Plumbers Local 12 Operating Engineers Local 4 Sprinkler Fitters Local 550 Doughboy Corporation CTE David Biele CTE Michael Flaherty Family of William Fitzmaurice

Bronze Sponsors

Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 Roofers Local 33 Boston Firefighters Credit Union Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 Perkins Square Deli Regan’s Motivated Fitness

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THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

PKL Already a Big “Dill” in South Boston

By Ginger DeShaney

P

KL Boston is not just a pickleball facility. It’s a destination. A gathering place. A celebration waiting to happen.

“There’s somebody every day who is celebrating something and you get to be part of those moments,” said Katie Coakley, one of the owners of PKL at 64 C St. “That connection is what drives me; it’s what brings me into work every day.”

PKL opened in June 2022 and already thousands upon thousands of people have gone through its doors, including 20,000 unique pickleball players.

The 22,000-square-foot facility, which features amazing space monkey murals by BlindFoxArt throughout, houses five pickleball courts. For the hardcore pickleballers, there are leagues, tournaments, and open play. For beginners, PKL offers lessons, clinics, and mixers.

“It doesn’t take long to fall in love with pickleball,” Katie said.

“The biggest complaint we’ve had is that people can’t get a court,” Katie said. So PKL is offering walk-in rentals on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Otherwise, bookings open up 2 weeks in advance.

If pickleball isn’t your jam, PKL offers 4 shuffleboard courts, a cornhole room, bars, a restaurant, and a lot of programming. PKL has hosted line dancing, a Mardi Gras party, drag shows, trivia nights, live music, and more.

“We’re always trying to do something fun,” said Katie, who owns the space with Dustin Martin and Brian Weller.

Katie has a background in PR and marketing and loves creating events. Plans are in the works for a murder mystery dinner.

PKL draws from all generations.

On a recent Saturday, for example, PKL had hardcore pickleball players coming in for a tournament, and by the afternoon there were a lot of families enjoying the space.

So there may be families next to a group celebrating a 30th birthday next to a bunch of Northeastern students. “It’s just a melting pot of a bunch of people and it’s really fun,” said Katie. “It’s good that there are so many different generations that can bond over the sport.”

Katie (35), Brian, and Dustin (both 40) came from the fitness industry, running Barry’s Bootcamp in Boston. During the pandemic, they were looking for fun ideas for things to do outside. They decided to test out the pickleball concept with a pop-up in Somerville with plans to open in South Boston.

PKL owners, with their wives, from left, Brian Weller, Shana Weller, Lauren Matysiak, Katie Coakley, Courtney Martin, and Dustin Martin “We love doing something active and the three of us also really share a love for thoughtful food and good beer and craft cocktails, so PKL is where those two passions met.”

The trio wanted a space near downtown and South Boston is the perfect fit. “South Boston is a great neighborhood,” said Katie. “It has a feel, right, it has a vibe, it has an energy. It’s great. I love South Boston.”

Pickleball is a social sport and accessible to people of all ages and athletic abilities. “It was a no-brainer for us,” Katie said. “It was a place we wanted to hang out every day.”

PK L’s executive chef is Christopher Walker, a “Chopped” champion. His menu is elevated bar fare, Katie said, with shareables and entrees.

Items include wagyu pigs in a blanket, zucchini + squash chips, steak frites, and pan-seared chicken.

Craft cocktails have catchy

names such as the Pete Davidson (the ladies can’t get enough), the Fiona Apple Cider, and the Harry Styles (classy like your grandma’s pearls).

The most fun part of this endeavor for Katie is the people.

“I am such a people person.

I love the variety of people that come in and just talking to the people from the community or outside of the community,” she said.

“It’s so fun to hear what brought them in, what they’re celebrating.”

Website: https://playpkl.com/ Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/playpkl/ Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/PKLBoston Hours: Monday through Wed: 7-9 a.m. & 4-11 p.m.

Thursday & Friday: 7 a.m.-1 a.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-1am Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

5

Truly a Gala: SBNH Benefit and Auction

by Rick Winterson

O

nce upon a time in 1773, there was a “Boston Tea Party”.

To say that it was America’s first recorded party celebration as well as being a historically memorable event is no exaggeration. Well, it’s 2023 now – exactly 250 years later – and a major celebration is taking place here on Friday evening, March 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. It’s the party known in full as “The South Boston Neighborhood House Benefit and Auction”. Like the Tea Party, it’s also located on Boston Harbor – in the Seaport Hotel’s Plaza Ballroom. It’ll be a gala get-together.

We mention all this to emphasize that our local Neighborhood House is quite historic itself. It was founded 122 years ago in 1901. As one of the original settlement houses, it welcomed newly minted American citizens from everywhere in the world. The South Boston Neighborhood House is affectionately named “the Ollie” after its founder Olivia James – what a joyful and affectionate epitaph this is to her memory. And nowadays, “the Ollie” still continues to perform a multitude of good works all over our community.

Among the high points during the evening of Friday, the 31st, will be the conferral of two Awards. Jerome Smith, Senior Manager of Public Policy in New England for Amazon, will receive the Joseph “Dodo” Nee “Champion” Award. Yanni Tsipis, WS Development’s Senior Vice PresidentDevelopment, will receive the Amy K. Murray “Angel” Award. Prior to joining Amazon, Jerome Smith served as Chief of Civic Engagement for Marty Walsh, then Mayor of Boston. Before that, he was Chief of Staff to State Senate President Therese Murray. Jerome holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. Yanni Tsipis currently oversees WS’s Boston Seaport Project, a 33-acre, 20-block mega-development in South Boston. He’s a Boston historian; he has written four books about the City’s transportation infrastructure.

Also, Yanni is a faculty member at M.I.T.’s Center for Real Estate.

After a recent telephone interview,

Yanni emailed us. In part, he wrote, “Community is the core of everything we do. We are so humbled to have our work recognized … by an organization (the Neighborhood House) that has served the neighborhood of South Boston for over 100 years … We have always tried to find ways to support the incredible work that the Ollie does … helping out with meals for seniors during the pandemic, coats and toys for kids every winter, a new HVAC system for their community center, or in many other ways …”.

The Neighborhood House is also pleased to extend a warm invitation to take part in the ceremonies to Jeremy Sclar. He is the noted Founder, CEO, and Chair of WS Development – the largest of the Seaport’s developers.

The Ollie would really be honored if you’ll attend, Mr. Sclar; they hope you can join us in the Seaport Hotel on the evening of March 31.

We mentioned the word “AUCTION” above. It’s in the title of Neighborhood House gala – and what an incredible Auction it’ll be!

First of all, Tom Tinlin will be the Auctioneer. There’ll be both Live and Silent Auctions for you to enjoy. Take a ramble through the stunning array of Silent Auction items – it’s better than Holiday window shopping. Then be prepared to enter your own bids. And you can do this in advance, if you’d like – the Silent Auction opens for remote bidding on Friday, March 17. The Ollie’s “Golden Raffle” will indeed be golden, as in pure gold! A $100 Golden Raffle ticket qualifies you to take part in a drawing for a trip for two adults to your choice (yes, your choice!) from three elegant locations – Cabo, Mexico (four nights); Las Vegas, Nevada (three nights); or Tuscany, Italy (six nights).

Not so incidentally, the Golden Raffle winner will also receive $1,000 towards the necessary airfare. The Ollie is working on even more extravagant Live Auction items – right up until March 31. So far, these range from a Greek Cooking Class for four (4), to mid-ice Premium Seats (with food and drinks) at Bruins games, on up to a Bermuda cruise for two! Stay tuned for more!

To place a bid on your own

Jerome Smith

Yanni Tsipis

good feelings and win every time, please consider contributing to the Neighborhood House’s “Dodo Ask”.

It’s named for Joe “Dodo” Nee and his legacy of always giving back to those who need it most. Think of Dodo when you decide to help those who need just a little extra when times are tough (or perhaps inflationary?).

As one example, this year’s “Dodo Ask” will support the Ollie’s Diaper Depot – thousands of diapers to

needy babies and their families. Your own good feelings are guaranteed to follow every contribution you make in Dodo Nee’s memory.

And that’s not all. To round out the South Boston Neighborhood House Benefit and Auction on Friday, the 31st, you will enjoy indulging in a complementary cocktail hour, followed by food, music, and dancing. We aren’t exaggerating when we call it “Truly a Gala!”

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THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Barbie Loftus and Brian Nee to Receive Jimmy Kelly/ Peggy Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service

S

outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath and the Executive Board has announced the Association’s 2023 recipients of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/Margaret “Peggy” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service. The 2023 Shamrock Awards will be presented to Barbara Anne Loftus and Brian Nee for their selfless efforts in aiding those in need, and pitching in at the drop of a hat, for any benefit or worthy cause in and around the town. These awards will be presented at the 143rd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet to be held on March 17, 2023 at the South Boston Convention Center.

Barbara Anne Loftus started

working at the Commissioner of Probation Office in 1979 to 1985 where she held multiple jobs and went to college at night attaining a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts.

She started at South Boston Court House in 1985 and became and Associate PO in 1990. In 2000 Barbie left South Boston Court House to become a PO at Boston Juvenile Court until 2010. She returned back to South Boston as a PO II up until she retired on February 3rd, 2023. Her total

service to the judicial system was an impressive 43 1/2 years in the trial court. That is the longest a female probation officer has served in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This recent piece in a Globe article sort of sums up Barbie’s Community Service” she won’t stop working she’ll be keeping tabs on people she put in jail, kept out of jail, got into recovery, put into housing. She won’t stop her annual partnership with fifth graders at the Tynan Elementary School, delivering warm clothing and cheerful notes to the homeless at Mass and Cass.”

The program mentioned in Globe is a yearly program called “Cold Hands Warm Hearts” that has going on for the past 10 years.

The program is in Memory of her Aunt Mary Loftus, which provides toiletries, snacks, hats, gloves and socks to the elderly and homeless.

The bags are decorated by the school children in the South Boston schools with messages showing someone cares about those in need.

Barbie is most deserving of this award. She never hesitates to get involved in something she believes in, especially if it involves the quality of life in South Boston and beyond.” McGrath stated.

She has served on the Boards of South Boston Collaborative a nd Me d ic i ne W he e l .

Her Family is her dad, Marty,

Mom Barbara, Brother Marty sisterin-law Michele and nephew Sean.

Barbie’s hobbies are crocheting for her business “Homespun Originals of Southie”, crocheted clothing and making personalized gifts and making Turtles chocolates.

She absolutely loves the Bruins and any level of hockey. She loves to attend her nephew Sean’s Junior hockey games with the Norwich Sea Captains. And in her spare time, she was president and trip planner for the Bickering Babes Bowling team for 25 plus years.

Brian Nee was born and raised in South Boston, along with his sisters, Kelly and Kristin. They all lived on Story Street with their parents, Joseph “Dodo” and Susan. Brian attended the Gate of Heaven grammar school, and then Boston College High School.

Brian was involved in a variety of local sports and community events along with his family. From the earliest age, Brian’s parents taught him, and his sisters, the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community.

Brian is currently on the Board of Directors for the Gavin Foundation, the South Boston Neighborhood House and the Joseph Nee Collaborative Center. In 2017, Brian and his family started the Joseph “Dodo” Nee Foundation, a charity formed to continue to give back to the community that his father, Dodo loved. The Foundation has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to various organizations, and those in need.

Brian has worked for the Boston Fire Department since 2001. He started with the department as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In 2006, Brian became a Firefighter and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013. Brian is currently assigned to Engine 18 in the Dorchester section of Boston.

Brian has continued to keep up with his various certifications as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and Certified Employee Assistance Professional.

He also received his BA from UMass Boston. Brian is also a trainer with the IAFF Peer Support Program.

On the National level, Brian has assisted his peers in the aftermath

of the Orlando, Florida Nightclub shootings, and for Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX. Brian has assisted firefighters and family members with behavioral issues for over 20 years, making sure that his members and their families, get the treatment they need. Brian travels around the United States, teaching other firefighters how to recognize behavioral health issues, and how to seek, and find, treatment. Brian just celebrated his 25th year in recovery! During this time, he has worked tirelessly to help those suffering from addiction, to get well, and start a new way of life.

Brian currently resides in Dorchester with his wife of 20 years, Kerry and his two sons, Connor and Aidan. Brian has taught Connor and Aiden the value of giving back to their community, as his parents taught him, all those years ago.

For these reasons accompanied with his stellar performance engaging the community addressing its concerned, I believe he is most deserving for the Shamrock Community service award. He has a continued history of giving back to the South Boston community as his father “Dodo”did so well, and this recognition is well deserved. ” Stated McGrath It gives me great pleasure to announce these awards,” said McGrath. “These are truly dedicated and committed individuals who have contributed so much in their own unique ways. It is fitting for the Citizens’ Association, and the South Boston community, to honor these individuals. Please join us at the banquet as we honor these great community friends” The awards will be presented at the Association’s 143rd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, to be held on Friday evening, March 17th , at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Cocktail Hour begins at 5:30PM with Dinner being served at 7PM.Curragh’s Fancy will provide the entertainment, along with a host of special Dignitaries.

McGrath cautioned that tickets/ tables are being purchased at a good pace, with South Boston’s most valued community leaders receiving awards. I urge those that are planning to attend to act fast. For information on tickets call Tom McGrath at 1-857-204-5825 or email at tmcgrath1963sb@gmail.com.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

7

The 2023 Jimmy Flaherty Kick-Off Breakfast

by Rick Winterson

T

he SBCA (the South Boston Citizens’ A ssociation) held its annual Jimmy Flaherty KickOff Breakfast at Seapoint on East Eighth Street. That day, Mother Nature presented South Boston with a late winter storm containing hours of snow, sleet, and rain. But no matter! A full house of more than a hundred showed up at the Breakfast, and their high spirits couldn’t be denied. City Councilor Ed Flynn, the General Chair of the 2023 Evacuation Day Committee, was delighted. Last Saturday’s late morning hours passed like lightning; the 2023 Jimmy Flaherty K ick-Off Breakfast was an immense success event.

The Breakfast began with laughter, joyful greetings, and in-person, catch-up conversations about who’s doing what. As examples, Michael Donovan spoke about his recent retirement as Civil Clerk of Court after 46 (!) years.

John Allison mentioned he was reporting for basic training in the U.S. Coast Guard the next morning. Peter Welch told us he had 12 bouts arranged for the Boxing Night at his Gym on Saturday, March 18, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tom Tinlin spoke brief ly about the City of Boston Credit Union, which is moving to Perkins Square very soon. As usual at the KickOff Breakfasts, Curragh’s Fancy performed from its extensive

roster of traditional Irish songs.

And then Seapoint served a hearty Kick-Off Breakfast buffet.

The high points of the Breakfast were the formal Awards given to the 2023 Unsung Heroes of South Boston – Joe Arcari, Lua nne O’Connor, Da nny Monahan, and BPD Officer Ayesha Lawton. This part of the Kick-Off Breakfast was emceed

by State Rep. David Biele.

Congressman Stephen Lynch presented the first 2023 Unsung Heroes Award to Joey Arcari, the Founder and President of Broadway Hospitality Group.

In his remarks, Lynch talked about the impact on history South Boston has had, as well as emphasizing Arcari’s contributions to this community.

Arcari brief ly but sincerely spoke about how grateful he is to be part of this community.

State Senator Nick Collins then awarded an Unsung Hero Award to Luanne O’Connor, stating how she’s “always there” reporting on the South Boston community and actively serving as President of the City Point Neig hborhood A ssociat ion.

O’Connor remarked on how strongly she felt obliged to help guide her neighborhood during the many changes it has gone through in recent years.

Cit y Council President Ed Flynn stepped up to award Danny Monahan his well-earned Unsung Hero Award, after his decades of community service in educational and community

The 2023 Unsung Heroes: Joe Arcari, Luanne O’Connor, Ayesha Lawton, and Danny Monahan. ser v ice org a ni z at ions a nd programs.

Monahan quickly and cheerfully stepped up to thank everyone for his award and was heartily applauded when he concluded his remarks.

The f ina l Award was presented by City Councilor-atLarge Michael Flaherty. He first called for a poignant moment of silence for past SBCA leaders, such as the still-remembered Tommy Butler and Michael Bare.

He then presented an Unsung Hero Award to Ayesha Lawton for her role in Community Policing as a female Boston Police Officer in the nation’s original Police Department.

Lawton brief ly expressed her gratitude for the Award; her son Myles was on hand to congratulate her.

SBCA President Tommy McGrath closed the Awards

ceremony by announcing that future awards will be conferred upon Brian Nee and Barbara Anne Loftus during the SBCA’s 143rd Annual Evacuation Day Banquet on Friday evening, March 17, at the Convention Center.

For you history buffs, at 143 years of age the SBCA is America’s “oldest continuously operating neighborhood civic organization”.

And Friday, March 17, marks the 247th Annual Evacuation Day, which commemorates the first colonial victory in our War for Independence in 1776. So please remember that three years from now during the month of March in 2026, South Boston and the SBCA will be enthusiastically celebrating the 250th Birthday of our nation.

“Without Evacuation Day, there’d be no Fourth of July.”

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THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

It Takes a Community

Kait McKenna Radkowski, owner

By Carol Masshardt

K

a it McKenna R ad kow sk i, 36 , opened her East Broadway business “In Good Company,” in 2021, and it is the kind of business that makes a city feel like a small town. A former interior designer, Kait provides a welcoming spirit in the community

and a thoughtful approach to the items she sells. As is so often the case, her inspiration started years before.

Originally from Somerset, MA, it is easy to imagine her as a young child with an appreciative eye.

“When I was little, my mom and I loved to go to shops, arts and crafts and the stencil store. We spent our days exploring. It feels nostalgic to me now to be here” she said. “I find the Main St. wherever I go and look for these kinds of stores.”

“In Good Company” she has created more than a place with interesting gifts and reasonably priced items representing many local craftspeople. She has a place easy to visit with a combination of calm artistry and edgy, fun gifts. It all pulls together with a committed staff of two, Jess and Robin.

“It is nice if people buy something, but what I really like are the conversations,” she said. “I like being that place where people stop in on their walks.” It has become that bright spot with the

Sisters, Ariel, (l) and Lauren (r) of SB doing some Saturday shopping welcoming feeling she envisioned.

On a recent stormy Saturday, sisters, Ariel and Lauren, originally form Vermont and now living in South Boston, shopped, smiling and comparing items. “What’s not to like,” Lauren asked. “There’s always new stuff and you don’t have to travel,” added Ariel.

Kait is a graduate of Wentworth Institute, daughter of a father who she describes as having an “entrepreneurial mind-set,” and her mother, who worked as a civilian for the Navy.

“It’s important to me to do something with my days and life that is something I love. It’s about what can make you happy at a different level, but it is hard for anyone to leave a path that is safe,” she said. Leaving an established career path of over a decade, she has established some guiding values as she continues in this related but quite different venture.

Kait, a businesswoman, provides and derives joy from stories she hears. “I love it when people come in and ask about the craftsperson of something they like. Maybe their stories connect somehow,” she said.

This is not to say that any surviving business happens easily.

Kait reflects about starting the business in South Boston, where she has lived for twelve years.

“Just starting a business is a challenge,” she said. Everything

in the space has to be figured out, and it has to feel like me. But then, it does become personal, and you can feel vulnerable,” she said. “But it can be the most meaningful when it is the hardest.”

Kait McKenna Radkowski thinks about community naturally and has worked with the Spoke Gallery and co-sponsored a Pride event last year with Gray’s and American Provisions and plans are afoot for the same this year.

She also credits her wife, Em, with offering the support she needs to do what she loves. “She always says “go for it,” and that enthusiasm and support is great to have,” she said.

In addition to doing some popups in the Seaport, her focus is on her newly refined space in an old building amidst a thriving community. She is also a Ceramicist, and if lucky, we may see some of her own work.

In the meantime, her reward is simply, but artistically stated.

“The best of this is seeing people responding and the hundreds of conversations. They open up, I open up, we talk about ideas, and maybe someone gets confidence to do something they love,” she said. Not an ordinary goal in a driven world, but one that enhances a South Boston version of Main St. on East Broadway.

(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@comcast.net)

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Rep. Lynch Demands Review of FAA Flight Operations at Logan

A

“The FAA is responsible for flight operations and I have already requested a briefing with their officials to get an update on their investigations into how these events occurred and proposed solutions to ensure they do not continue. We must be vigilant and address these issues now to prevent more accidents from happening with potentially far worse outcomes.”

Rep. Lynch was a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the last Congress when they held a hearing to examine the surge of disruptive behavior on airplanes and its effect on passenger and airline crew safety, airline crew training, and enforcing federal laws.

Since January 2021, the United States has experienced a drastic increase in the number of unruly passenger incidents reported by airline crews, many of which resulted in injuries to flight attendants.

fter several troubling incidents at Logan A irpor t, U. S .

Representative Stephen F. Lynch has requested an urgent review of flight operations with FAA officials and an update on investigations into recent events. Recently, the right wing of a United Airlines plane struck the tail of another United Airlines plane, as both were scheduled for departure. One week prior to that incident, a JetBlue plane narrowly escaped a collision with a Learjet aircraft as it was preparing to land. In addition, on Sunday a man attempted to attack a flight attendant and open an emergency exit door on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston Logan Airport.

“I am relieved that no one was hurt or injured in all three events, however the escalation of incidents and “close calls” at Logan airport is very troublesome,” said Rep. Lynch.

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023

City of Boston In-Person Meetings to Discuss Summer Street Bus Lane Pilot In-Person meeting to be held on Thursday at the South Boston Public Library organized by the City of Boston to discuss the Summer Street Bus Lane Pilot, with additional meetings to follow on Zoom. The upcoming meetings information is below: 3/9 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ South Boston BPL 3/13 1:00 p.m - 2:30 p.m. @ Caffe Nero on 55 Northern Ave 3/15 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Zoom 3/18 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Zoom 3/29 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Zoom 4/1 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Zoom

More information can be found on the City’s website here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/transportation/summerstreet-multimodal-corridor-improvements

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Sr. Evelyn

made for her to wish her Happy Birthday and to let her know she is in our thoughts and prayers.

Ms. Caroline Gannon, who is currently one of our three First Grade Teachers, told her students in 1C a little about Sister Evelyn and how she was her dad’s, Paul Gannon’s, First Grade Teacher.

Here are some of what Ms. Gannon’s students wrote in their

Birthday card to Sister Evelyn…

Dear Sister Evelyn, Happy Birthday! What is your secret? Do you eat your vegetables? Another student wrote… Dear Sister Evelyn, Happy Birthday! Wow 108 that number is really BIG! And another student wrote… Dear Sister Evelyn, Happy Birthday!

My teacher, Ms. Gannon, said you taught her dad in First Grade.

Sister Evelyn was born in South Boston on March 7, 2015, she became a Sister of Charity of Nazareth in 1933 (90 years ago).

She resided at St. Brigid Convent for over 60 years and taught the First Grade at St. Brigid School, South Boston for most of those years. She is an amazing woman and Religious Sister. She prays for everyone daily. Dear Sister Evelyn, All of us at SBCA wish you a Very Happy and Healthy 108th Birthday! God Bless you always. New families are welcome to email our admissions team at: admissions@sbcatholicacademy. org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.

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The Angel Fund

Virtual Public Meeting Virtual Public Meeting:

330 C Street March 29, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3xlcjNk Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 508 0921

Project Description: The proposed project consists of a new six-story 74-room hotel,

Harpoon Brewery recently hosted a reception at the company’s South Boston brewery to kick off the 2023 Harpoon 5-Miler. During the reception, Charles Storey, second from left, Harpoon’s Chief of Customer Engagement, and Nicole Sawyer, right, Event and Sponsorship Manager, presented a $241,960 check to The Angel Fund for ALS Research which was accepted by Eugene Nigro, left, Founding Director, and Rich Kennedy, President. The donation represents the money raised by thousands of runners who participated in the 2022 Harpoon 5-Miler.

ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on March 29, 2023, at 9:45 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Phase 1 within Planned Development Area No. 128, L Street Station Redevelopment (“The Plan”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

The Plan will allow for The Proposed Project proposes the rehabilitation of the Edison Turbine Halls and the construction of two new buildings on Block D and Block F, each of which new buildings are expected to include office, research and development, and retail uses. The Edison Turbine Halls and the new buildings on Block D and Block F are collectively expected to include approximately 754,500 square feet of Gross Floor Area, including approximately 669,800 square feet of office, research, and development space and 84,700 square of retail, civic, cultural, and other such uses, all as more particularly set forth in the Phase 1 Development Plan. The Proposed Project will include up to 650 parking spaces and the delivery of significant public open space along the waterfront, improved pedestrian connectivity to and through the Phase 1 Project Site, and substantial landscape improvements around the Phase 1 Project Site, including the creation of the M Street Plaza.

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1. Copies of the petition, the Plan, and a map of the area involved may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to zoningcommission@boston.gov.

Interpreting services are available to communicate information at this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the following: zoningcommission@ boston.gov or 617-918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for March 29, 2023. Please request interpreting services no later than March 24, 2023.

For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

with a ground-floor restaurant, situated at 330 C Street in South Boston. The lot size is approximately 8,202 square feet and is currently occupied by a vacant single-story concrete block building which formerly housed a repair garage.

mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4418 email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on March 29, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 53 (“PDA No. 53”), Channel Center Project (“First Amendment”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

Said First Amendment would amend the PDA No. 53 solely as to Project Component No. 8 to prohibit any laboratory classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as Biosafety Level 3 (“BSL-3”), Biosafety Level 4 (“BSL-4”), Animal Biosafety Level 3 (“ABSL-3”), or Animal Biosafety Level 4 (“ABSL-4”).

This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1. Copies of the petition, the First Amendment, and a map of the area involved may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to zoningcommission@boston.gov.

Interpreting services are available to communicate information at this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the following: zoningcommission@boston.gov or 617-918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for March 29, 2023. Please request interpreting services no later than March 24, 2023.

For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

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AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA La Autoridad de Reurbanización de Boston, que opera bajo el nombre de Agencia de Planificación y Desarrollo de Boston (“BPDA”), de acuerdo con las Leyes Generales de Massachusetts, Capítulo 121A y Capítulo 652 de las leyes de 1960, y sus enmiendas, por la presente, notifica que se celebrará una audiencia pública virtual el jueves 16 de marzo de 2023 a las 5:50 p. m., que se televisará por Boston City TV (Xfinity Canal 24, RCN Canal 13 y Verizon Fios Canal 962) y se transmitirá en directo por boston.gov, sobre la solicitud realizada por Old Colony 6 Bond Sociedad Limitada a la Autoridad de Reurbanización de Boston para la autorización y aprobación de un proyecto en virtud de las Leyes Generales de Massachusetts, Capítulo 121A y las leyes de 1960, Capítulo 652 y sus respectivas enmiendas, en relación con el Aviso de Cambio de Proyecto de la Fase 6 del Proyecto de Old Colony (el “Proyecto Propuesto”) presentado a la BPDA por Beacon Communities LLC y la Autoridad de Vivienda de Boston (los “Solicitantes”) el 13 de enero de 2023 para el desarrollo de aproximadamente 89 departamentos de entre 1 y 5 dormitorios para individuos, familias y adultos mayores, ubicados en 331 E. 6th Street en el barrio de South Boston. Además, el Proyecto Propuesto incluirá aproximadamente 6,662 pies cuadrados totales de espacio comunitario accesorio que podrá ser rentado por aquellas organizaciones de servicio comunitario que mejoren la calidad de vida de los residentes de la comunidad. Para participar de esta audiencia pública, los miembros del público pueden registrarse en https://bit.ly/MarchBPDABoard. El Proyecto propuesto se puede consultar en el siguiente enlace: http://www. bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/old-colony-phase-6.

Teresa Polhemus, directora ejecutiva/secretaria

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