THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
“Social Distancing” in Southie’s Open Spaces by Rick Winterson
E
ven when an event becomes an emergency, A merica ns can always come up with a couple of memorable words to describe it quickly. “Social Distancing” is just one good example. At first, Social Distancing sounds like a contradiction in terms, or an outright oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”. After all, “social” is a word that implies getting together, not keeping your “distance”. But Social Distancing is much more than some kind of courtesy. Right now, with the onslaught of Coronavirus, Social Distancing is an important way to hold on to your own health, as well as something that prevents the spread of Coronavirus to others. Keeping a distance between you, your friends, and maybe even the
members of your immediate family is essential. A separation of six (6) feet or more between people is currently recommended, because that puts you beyond the spray that could result from a sudden cough or an uncovered sneeze. In South Boston, we are blessed (yes, blessed!) with an incredible mix of outdoor spaces. You and your family and your friends can get out into this mix of local scenery and enjoy each other’s company while easily staying six feet apart. Walk, jog, swim or play tennis. You may have doubts about the weather after the very chilly temps last Sunday and Monday. Well, Spring arrives tomorrow! Oddly enough, due to no Leap Year in 1900 coupled with a Leap Year in 2000 because it was divisible by 400, this is an unusually early Spring – the earliest since 1896, 126 years ago. And the weather this coming weekend will be quite warm, but (perhaps) punctuated with rain and clouds.
THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOUR HOME LOAN.
Continued on Page 4
Southie Spirit Comes Through by Rick Winterson
I
t was Sunday morning, March 15. Although it was cold, the sun was brilliant – a typical day in mid-March, and reasonably favorable weather for the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade. But the Parade had been cancelled because of the feared depredations
of the Coronavirus plague, which has turned into a pandemic. And make no mistake. This cancellation was justified, because Coronavirus is highly contagious and can be lethal, especially to older people. Even so, South Boston’s spirit came through, and in our own quiet but hearty, heartwarming way, we celebrated our unique double holidays Continued on Page 6
MASS BAY MORTGAGES Purchase or Refinance
Super-Easy Application
Great, Competitive Rates
We Keep Your Loan Servicing
Apply at massbaycu.org or at our South Boston branch. massbaycu.org
Easy!
(617) 269-2700 South Boston – Everett – Quincy – Seaport NMLS ID #615913
Federally insured by NCUA
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
2
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Boston Health Emergency Due to Coronavirus
M
ayor Martin J. Walsh announced the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is declaring a public health emergency in the City of Boston due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This is a progressive step in line with the Boston Public Health Commission’s COVID-19 Response Plan that allows BPHC the authority to increase the availability of staff and resources, and enhance reporting, information and resource sharing among Boston’s health and medical community. “The health and safety of each and every Boston resident is our first priority. At this point, we are undoubtedly experiencing a public health emergency in the City of Boston, and it is clear that we need to activate every tool at our disposal,” said Mayor Walsh. “This declaration will enable us to activate and deploy all the public health
resources and personnel necessary to meet the needs of the moment.” The declaration is an essential step to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of Boston’s residents. This response requires an all hands-on approach and calls for heightened coordination across BPHC’s bureaus and programs, City departments and health care partners. Declared public health emergencies can aid cities in seeking additional resources and support from the state and federal government. Within BPHC, the declaration allows for internal personnel and resources to be redirected towards the response effort. Certain populations, including older adults, anyone with underlying health conditions (such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, anyone with weakened immune systems), and anyone who is pregnant, are at higher
Tutoring Ann F. Walsh
617-877-7140 AnnFWalsh@aol.com Class meets at 15 Fairfax Street, Dor. MA 02124
ISEE Math and English for 5th and 7th Graders who will take the ISEE in November Follow up course in September
ADVANCED WORK PREP Math and English for 2nd, 3rd, 4th Graders who will take the Terra Nova in November
SAT PREP
Math and Test Strategy
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, PreCalc, Calc, Latin, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
While most individuals experience risk for serious illness from COVID19. All residents are urged to practice only minor symptoms associated with COVID-19, older adults and social distancing (approximately 6 feet away from other people) whenever individuals with underlying medical possible and to continue to wash hands, conditions are at increased risk. As of March 15, 2020, there are 29 cases utilize hand sanitizer and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your inner (confirmed and presumptive positive) elbow. Residents should take measures of COVID-19 in Boston residents. Since January, the Boston Public to limit interactions with persons who are at higher risk for COVID-19. Health Commission and Boston EMS have taken extensive steps to “The health and wellbeing of prepare for a potential outbreak of Boston’s residents, particularly the most vulnerable, are our top priority COVID-19. BPHC and Boston as the City’s health department,” EMS have been engaged in daily stated Rita Nieves. “This declaration communications with city, state, federal and community partners, including will allow us to strengthen our response to this outbreak.” hospitals, schools and public safety BPHC has activated its Medical departments to ensure they have the Intelligence Center, which supports latest information on guidance, best coordination across health and practices and recommendations. Anyone who thinks they may medical partners, resource assistance have COVID-19 is encouraged to call and information sharing. BPHC is working actively with the City’s their primary care provider, the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 or Mass Office of Emergency Management, 211. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you to support collaboration across departments and align response efforts. are experiencing a medical emergency.
Mass Bay Credit Union Responds to Financial Impact Facing Local Families
L
ike all companies, Mass Bay Credit Union has been proactively taking necessary steps to ensure the well-being of their Members and employees. Understanding the financial impact to local families, today they allocated one million dollars in interest free loans to help people meet the unexpected expenses or temporary loss of income they are being faced with. They are offering 1,000 one-year personal loans of up to $1,000 at no interest. President & CEO Theresa Dorilas, shared “We understand and support all the efforts local governments, businesses and associations are taking to protect the people in our community. However, we also realize that at an individual family level, figuring out how to handle school closings, and/or being home from work, presents a very real financial challenge.” Like all credit unions, Mass
Bay Credit Union is owned by the Members who choose to do business there. Membership eligibility, such as living in Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk counties or a dozen other towns, is located on massbaycu.org. Opening a savings account establishes Membership and opens availability to other products like this loan offering. Mass Bay Credit Union also added that standard lending criteria will apply. In addition to its South Boston Headquarters, Mass Bay Credit Union has branches in Everett, Quincy and the Seaport. Over 19,000 people choose Mass Bay Credit Union for great rates, low fees and personal service. In addition to offering a full array of deposit and lending products, Mass Bay Credit Union Members have access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs and 6,800 credit union branches. In business since 1936, Mass Bay Credit Union has assets in excess of $265 million.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
Cancellation of Taste of South Boston
D
ue to concerns about the COV ID-19 pandemic and the recommendations of public health officials, South Boston NDC has decided to cancel this year’s Taste of South Boston. While we are disappointed that we will not be able to host the event this year to showcase the neighborhood’s outstanding restaurant scene, public health and safety must come first. South Boston NDC is grateful to the Seaport Hotel and all of the participating restaurants and sponsors for their support over the last seventeen years. The Taste of South Boston is an important opportunity for our local restaurants, many of which are operated by and employ local residents. We encourage the community to continue to patronize these establishments to the extent that is reasonable during this time. Purchasing gift
cards for future use is one suggested way to support these businesses. The Taste of South Boston is South Boston NDC’s primary fundraising event and is critical to our ability to provide affordable housing to over 150 residents, support small businesses, and improve the quality of life for local residents through the Farmers Market, community gardening, and climate action initiatives. We ask the community to consider supporting this work directly, and we look forward to celebrating the Taste of South Boston next year. To make a donation to South Boston NDC, visit: sbndc.org/donate. Event organizers will communicate directly with ticket holders, sponsors, and participating restaurants about next steps in the coming days. For more information, please go to: tasteofsouthboston.com.
Councilor Flynn Files Hearing Order on Impact of COVID-19 on Veterans & Military Families
B
oston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a hearing order to discuss the impact of the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic on our city’s veterans and military families. Councilor Flynn aims to discuss how we can ensure access to services for our veterans and military families during this pandemic, and identify any gaps in services for our veteran community as we prepare for similar events in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide, and governments and institutions have placed restrictions on travel and closed facilities in order to prevent the spread of the virus. With these restrictions and closings, many veterans and military families see the services that they need being disrupted. Moreover, veterans rely on the Veterans Health Administration (VA) hospitals for their care, which might not be the closest hospital to a veteran if they need urgent care. We also need to ensure that as testing expands
and that our veterans are able to access those tests if they visit VA hospitals. For veterans who have challenges with travel due to disabilities or age, we need to think about ways to ensure that our elderly and disabled veterans are able to access food if there are travel restrictions. “Veterans and military families have proudly served our country and earned their benefits and our respect,” said Councilor Flynn. “Many of our veterans are elderly and disabled, and during this pandemic, it is important to ensure that they are able to receive services and benefits that they are entitled to. I look forward to this discussion and hearing from our veterans & military families, along with service providers, about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on our community so that we may address any areas for improvement in the delivery of services.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
3
Sen. Collins, Rep. Biele Support $15 Million to Combat Coronavirus Outbreak
Last week, the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives passed a supplemental budget to create a $15 million fund in response to the outbreak of COVID 19 cases in Massachusetts. The funds, held in reserve, will support the Commonwealth’s monitoring, treatment, containment, public awa rene ss a nd pre vent ion ef for t s a g a inst t he novel coronavirus by the Department of Public Health, regional and local boards of health, and other public ent it ie s. “These funds will allow our public heath facilities to adapt quick ly to this emergency,”
said Senator Collins. “It is imperative we support our public hea lth infrastructure while we plan for more relief like sma ll business loa ns, increased healthcare coverage, and eviction moratoriums.” “I am proud that the House acted decisively with the Senate in response to this recent public health crisis,” said Representative Biele. “This investment of $15 million into our public health system will support crucial efforts at the state and local level to monitor, treat, and contain the coronavirus.” T he bi l l wa s sig ned into law by Governor Baker.
4
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Continued from Page 1
Green Space We took a quick walk (well, actually it was fairly slow) around South Boston ourselves earlier this week. Walking over from Dot Ave. and beginning near Kosciusko Circle at the James Brendan Connolly statue, we ambled around Saunders Stadium and then across the multi-purpose Moakley Park. The springy but tough surface on the Saunders quarter-mile oval is for running of course, but is also an ideal (believe it or not) surface for pushing a baby carriage or kid’s cart. Moakley Park has playing fields of all kinds, along
with asphalt paths and undesignated grassy areas to, well, to just walk around. The beachside walkway around Old Harbor/Dorchester Bay is wide enough for walkers, joggers, bicycles, and whole families. At all times, the views of the Curley Center, Carson Beach, and the nearby Harbor Islands are distractingly beautiful. The walk past the Curley lets onto M Street Beach (if you’re looking) and goes over to the treed area by the yacht clubs. After that comes Marine Park, the anchor, Uhlman Bandstand, and the Causeway that encircles the halfmile square jewel we call Pleasure Bay. There’s really no other walk that compares.
Closing the loop takes your journey along the half-mile of Butler Park – a novel concept in green area layouts. From there, it’s across First Street to Chris Lee Field and up the stairs into M Street/ Medal of Honor Park. Meditate on the 25 names engraved on the locally funded and built Vietnam Memorial, while your children enjoy the nearby playground. Traverse Medicine Wheel’s No Man’s Land in back of Excel High – a most stunning example of what homegrown talent can create – and as a fitting final to your Social Distancing, cross over onto Dorchester Heights, where the monument salutes General Washington’s
and America’s very first victory on the original Evacuation Day, March 17, 1776. Please note that we covered only around half of South Boston’s scenic walkways in our 4 or 5 mile trek. We will, in additional articles about Social Distancing, take you along the channeled waterway and classic red brick buildings of Fort Point, and then on over to the delightful Harbor Walk and the huge new developments within the South Boston Seaport District. Urban Walking – six feet apart, of course – is the next great pastime to be enjoyed within the borders of South Boston. By the way, 82% of our borders are salt water shorelines of all kinds.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
J
ust moments ago, we received an email from the Boston Police Department’s Station C-6 Community Services Office. BPD C-6 Captain Joseph Boyle and Community Services Supervisor Sgt. Steve McNeil recognize that most if not all of our community meetings have been cancelled for an indefinite period of time. They both offered their help if any of us have questions or concerns, and requested that any of us call them for information or for help the Boston Police can offer (617-343-4747; stephen.mcneil@ pd.boston.gov; 101 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127). You are aware that many of South Boston’s non-profit agencies hold their fundraising events in the Spring, after the St. Patrick’s/ Evacuation Day Parade. We don’t have to tell you that the Parade was cancelled. But did you know that all fundraising events have been delayed
5
Helping Others indefinitely or completely cancelled, in order to prevent Coronavirus from spreading? The Playwright and The Broadway had already set up a plan to help the Neighborhood House, but they too have been closed. All these steps were necessary, of course, but now all of us will have to join in to correct the funding shortfalls our agencies and their causes will suffer from during the next few months. A Greater Boston Food Bank (the GBFB) group gathered at Publico for a fundraiser just before Christmas last year. The GBFB sent us an email last weekend to assure us that they have rededicated themselves to being sure that food will be available to the needy during the Coronavirus pandemic, even though they have had to adopt many new safety precautions. Think about their efforts; help the GBFB if you can. Maintaining clean, healthy food supplies to our needy residents is essential.
The following notice was posted before Coronavirus hit us in Boston, on the door at Roza Lyons, 709 East Broadway (now offering deliveries via GrubHub). South Boston Online will simply quote their notice: “On March 3rd, the first case of Coronavirus was declared at Camp Carroll in South Korea. They are under quarantine due to the virus and movements are limited within the camp. No one is allowed off base. We (Roza Lyons) are collecting items for care packages to be sent over on Monday, March 23rd. Items can be left at Roza Lyons, seven days a week. Cash donations can be left behind the bar and we will purchase on your behalf. Suggested nonperishable items for both male and female soldiers: Plain socks, plain t-shirts, toiletries (no aerosols, please), candy, cookies, chips/snacks, puzzle books, books, magazines.
Now you can build your savings and have a chance to WIN!
With WINcentive® Savings*, a prize-linked savings account offered by City of Boston Credit Union you can watch your savings grow and have the chance to win in monthly, quarterly and annual drawings. By saving with a WINcentive Savings account you earn entries into prize drawings based on how much you save! For complete details please visit cityofbostoncu.com
Membership open to those that live, work or attend school in a community of Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk Counties** 617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of WINcentive Savings is .10% APY and is accurate as of 1/1/19. APY is subject to change without notice. Must be a member in good standing of City of Boston Credit Union to open WINcentive Savings. Only one WINcentive Savings account allowed per member. Business and trust accounts or other non-consumer accounts are not eligible. Unlimited deposits allowed, but per calendar year prize pool entries are earned by month-over-month balance increases with each $25 deposit increase equal to one (1) entry with the following maximum entries per drawing period - maximum number of entries per month equals 4, maximum number of entries per quarter equals 12 and maximum number of entries per year equals 48. Account holder is only eligible to win once per drawing pool period. At least one account holder must be 18 years or older. Account must be open and active to win any prize during drawing period. Early withdrawal penalites apply; first withdrawal $10 fee, second withdrawal $25 fee, third withdrawal account closure is required with no penalty. If WINcentive savings account is closed member is ineligible to open another WINcentive savings account with City of Boston Credit Union for a period of 90 days, all earned drawings at the time of account closure are forfeited. Minimum deposit of $5.00. After twelve (12) consecutive months of saving, WINcentive savings account holder may do any of the following penalty-free during the one year anniversary month (month 13) of account opening; keep balance in WSA account, (any roll-over balance that remains at the end of the anniversary month will be treated as a new deposit for eligibility into applicable prize pools for the subsequent first monthly, quarterly and annual savings period); Transfer funds into another savings product offered by City of Boston Credit Union; Withdraw all funds but keep $5 on deposit in WSA to maintain account; Close account. Federally Insured Offer may be withdrawn at any time. by NCUA ** For complete City of Boston Credit Union membership eligibility and guidelines visit cityofbostoncu.com
Obviously, this is to help our American military personnel overseas in Korea. Coronavirus is truly a global plague. We can’t add anything more to that notice, except that South Boston Online encourages you to help others during the Coronavirus pandemic whenever you are able to do so. To whatever extent you can, please do whatever you can to make South Boston residents as secure as possible over the next few months. Maybe this will mean seeing that someone is fed, or a making contribution to one of South Boston’s many nonprofit agencies, or simply slipping a friend or a family member a few dollars to tide them over this crisis. And it really is a serious crisis – perhaps the most serious any of us will ever encounter. Be generous – your help is needed. Thank you
6
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Continued from Page 1
Southie Parade – St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day (America’s first ever military victory). Vendors of Irish goods, which were emblazoned with Southie Irish insignia and even the word “Canceled”, installed temporary pop-up shops all along Broadway and Dorchester Street. Multiple splashes of green glowed in the
sunlight. An impromptu motorcade gathered in the parking lot at Castle Island even though Sully’s was closed. The motorcade proceeded along East and then West Broadway, carefully obeying all of the traffic rules along the way. Even though the honking of the car horns couldn’t come close to matching the music of marching bands, it was a joyful sound. The colorful motorcade, which had gotten longer,
returned back up Broadway to its original assembly point on Castle Island. Southie spirit was really on display. Many South Boston residents went out for a walk, just to enjoy the sunshine without the Parade. A lot of them wore green. Sure, we missed the Parade, but our spirits were emphatically positive and joyful. Well, that was Sunday. On Tuesday, March 17 (the day itself), a
chilly mixture of snow and rain greeted us early in the morning. And later that same morning, we heard that Tom Brady is leaving us: “My football journey will take place elsewhere.” Oh well, be of good cheer. As you read this, Spring is on its way; it will arrive late this evening. And South Boston’s spirit still lives. Now, we’ll turn our attention to handling the Coronavirus plague. Stay tuned!
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
‘Open Your Hearts to the House’…We need you now more than ever! Because of growing concern around COVID-19, and the guidelines issued by Governor Baker's office, we have made the decision to adjust this year’s ‘The House is Where the Heart Is’ Annual Benefit & Auction, originally scheduled for March 27th. It will now be a ‘virtual event’ ‘Open Your Hearts to the House’ will still include: Sponsorship Opportunities • Online Donations • Live Auction Raffle • Online Auction Bidding While disappointed we won’t be able to celebrate together this year, it is clear that we are making the right decision based on the advice of experts and public health officials. Public health and safety must be our top priority. That being said, this event is South Boston Neighborhood House’s largest fundraising event of the year! We count on the money raised at the event to keep our lights on, our doors open and to maintain our programs that serve close to 2,000 individuals each year. If we do not meet our projected goals, we will be faced with program cutbacks and staff reductions. So, we need you now more than ever. We are asking you and everyone who believes in our mission to step up and help us make this Virtual Event a success. The children, youth, seniors and families we work with are depending on us to continue our important work. To do that we depend on your help! The Links below will allow you to - Become an Event Sponsor - Sponsorship Form Link Purchase a LIVE Auction Raffle Ticket – Eventbrite Link Make a Donation – Eventbrite Link Donate an Auction Item - Auction Form Link th On March 27 @ 6PM our ONLINE AUCTION BIDDING will open – and will remain open for one week! Stay tuned for more information on how to participate. •
Sincerely,
Kathy Lafferty Kathy Lafferty Executive Director
South Boston Neighborhood House 136 H Street South Boston, MA 02127
7
8
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News
The students at South Boston Catholic Academy celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in many different ways… Ms. MaryKate Bourdon’s K2C students designed and collaborated with their groups as “little engineers” to create a trap that would catch the sneaky leprechaun using the resources given to them. In Ms. Emily Cimino’s Spanish Class the student decorated a four-leaf clover and on each of the four leaves wrote in Spanish the things they are lucky to have…some wrote my family/mi familia, my friends/mis amigos, my house/mi casa, my school/mi escuela and my dog/mi perro… South Boston Catholic Academy’s website is (www.SBCatholicAcademy.org). For any questions about enrollment at SBCA, please contact: Mrs. Jamie Brown, our Vice Principal, at j.brown@sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617-268-2326 for more information.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
9
:
Twelve South Boston Honor Studentsat Boston College High School We have heard from Eric Donovan at the Castle Group in Boston. He informs us that Boston College High School (founded 1863, 1,500 enrollment) has named twelve (12) of their students from South Boston to the school’s Honor Roll.
High Honors Recipients: John Goodine Arbri Leka Nolan Callow Christopher Lowe Ian James McCarron Brandon Thomas Hayes McCarron Patrick McCarron
Honors Recipients: John Matthews Thomas Lowe Connor Strickland Edmund Tirabassi
10
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
MBTA Announces Schedule Updates Essential service being added for essential travelers, including those working shifts at medical facilities, government offices, and food distribution establishments.
Customers encouraged to visit mbta.com/ coronavirus for full details. Following Tuesday’s implementation of service reductions, the MBTA is announcing additional revisions to service based on today’s ridership that reflect demand at specific times of day, on select rapid transit lines and bus routes. Specifically, the MBTA will be adding Blue Line service in the morning, additional Green Line capacity on the E Branch, and additional service on certain key bus routes. The MBTA urges members of the public to travel only if absolutely necessary in keeping with Governor Baker’s declaration of a State of Emergency and efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 by engaging in social distancing. These additional revisions, which will take effect with the start of service on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, are in response to coordinated efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. “As we continue monitoring the situation, we are making adjustments to ensure we can provide service for essential trips in the safest manner possible,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We recognize that some employees in key industries, including those in the medical community, rely on the MBTA to get to their places of work and we’re committed to providing service to those folks who rely on the T. That said, service continues to operate at reduced levels in an effort to maintain a responsible balance between protecting our workforce and operating safe service.” These changes are being made based on guidance from public health professionals with the principal goal of protecting the health and safety of MBTA employees and customers. The MBTA will continue to monitor and assess ridership needs as this situation evolves, with a particular focus on workforce access for hospitals and food distribution locations operated by the City of Boston. The MBTA will continue to track customer volumes and make service adjustments accordingly while continuing to meet the needs of customer demand and supporting social distancing.
Parking Spaces Available East Fourth Street between O and P
Contact 617-596-6268 For More Details The Law Office of
Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
A comprehensive list of schedule changes can be found at mbta.com/coronavirus.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020
11
The 2020 SH/SB “Splash” – A Many-Splendored Thing by Rick Winterson
S
outh Boston Online confesses to copping a well-known theme from the popular song (and movie) of the 1950s, but this year’s Shamrock “Splash” was in fact a many-splendored visual feast, as well as being a fundraiser for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay (SH/ SB). Sunday morning, March 8, at 11 a.m., approximately 200+ “Splashers” took off for the water at the Curley Center’s beach on the M Street side. The countdown (“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – GO!!!”) was led by Kennedy (yes, that’s her first name), a lady who wore a horned black devil’s swimsuit. This was the tenth Annual “Splash”, with an estimated 250 participants. And talk about “successful” – the 2020 “Splash” raised over $50,000 – an actual confirmed figure will follow soon. All of the participants dove or ducked into the water all the way; every one of them made it back out again. And many of them made it back on shore extremely quickly. While the water and air temperatures weren’t nearly as low as the Curley’s Polar Plunge on
New Year’s Day, it was still quite brisk and a measurable onshore breeze made for much extra added shivering. But despite any discomfort, everyone was cheerful – the 2020 SH/SB “Splash” was a lot of fun. And as mentioned, Sunday’s “Splash” raised a commendable $50,000 for SH/SB, which will go to beach and shore programs ranging from “coast to coast” – Nantasket to Nahant, that is. A large part of the Annual “Splash’s” appeal, both to the spectators and the participants, is the custom of going for your own individual “Splash” decked out in your own individual costume. And the costumes, what little there was to some of them, were
certainly eye-catching. Boiled red lobsters were among the most numerous outfits. Many other costumes also had a nautical theme, like a fully tusked narwhal whale, a whole fish, a shark, and a penguin or two. Given the current St. Patrick “Season” in South Boston, the color green was very much in evidence. Many of the “Splashers” had their own message. For example, four of them carried a banner with “C2A” on it. C2A stands for “Call to Action”, a clothing business in Hingham founded by Jill Palese. Jill told South Boston Online that a percent of their proceeds will be going to Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay - please keep C2A in
mind when you do your shopping. A costume contest at this year’s “Splash” was sponsored by jetBlue, the well-known passenger airline, with free tickets as prizes. The two prizewinning costumes belonged to Jane Kepros, who was decked out as the “Frog Lady”, and to Chris Graefe, who was decked out in a black Stetson and a male bikini as, well, as Chris. Enough said! Harpoon Brewery was the other SH/SB 2020 “Splash” supporter. The “Splash” morning ended with food and refreshments provided by jetBlue and Harpoon. And despite coronavirus, a good time was had by all.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
The State of Real Estate Besides following all the measures that the CDC urges all individuals to follow, Rooney Real Estate will be adding the following practices : • Our staff and agents will work from home as much as possible • Online virtual tours of each of our listings to limit showings • Personal / Private showings, not conducting open houses • We will provide sanitizers at all showings • Sales and rental contracts will be signed electronically
. . . . s N g O n i t O s i S L G s N e I l a M S O ting it! / s li C l y ll a ia fic 9-1000 Rent hout of
y 17-26 y wit t 6 r a : e T p IS o L M r E April &y to get exposure onUyRouPrRpOoPERTY CAN MAKE TH wa W YO O H N A great TAIILS O E D R O CALL F
Take advantage of a low interest rate today! Rooney Real Estate, LLC. 617.269.1000 | www.Rooney-RE.com Jackie Rooney | jackie@rooney-re.com