SBOL_04_11_2024

THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry Raises Over A Million

By John Joseph Fahey

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he Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry held its annual fundraiser – in fact it was the 15th anniversary of the second largest food pantry (after Catholic Charities) in Dorchester.

Relevant because the food pantry, named after the mother of former Dorchester State Representative and now president of The New England Council Jim Brett, is located in the lower level of St. Margaret’s Church on Columbia Road. The imposing Romanesque Revival style edifice was designed by Patrick C. Keely, a prominent church architect with roots in Ireland.

St. Margaret’s was erected at the confluence of Columbia Road and Dorchester Avenue in 1904 – only 50 years after what is referred to as the Great Famine in Ireland

(1845-52) a difficult era where it is estimated that 1 million people died of hunger and 1 million emigrated to other countries; as a result, the United States saw many Irish come and settle in this country and indeed, become part of the ethnic and cultural fabric that make up so much of the population of the country.

But despite the eventual improvement in the standard of living which the Irish and other immigrants of various ethnicities enjoyed, the struggle to meet financial obligations was always present - a struggle that continues to this day.

To ease the hardship of affording groceries - a difficulty experienced by many despite living in areas especially in the urban environment known for its high cost of living - the establishment of food pantries has definitely helped. And this is where Continued on Page 3

Creative Brilliance Shines at Art Show

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rmed with colorful visions and boundless creativity, kids from the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club showcased their artistic talents last week at the Club’s judged art show.

“I like the fact that I can draw things I haven’t experienced

yet,” said 8-year-old Sierra Lites. “And I can make my own styles. I can draw something I want to experience one day.”

Danae Dahabreh, 8, likes art “because there’s not only one way to do it” and it makes her happy.

Continued on Page 4

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Councilor Flynn Holds Impromptu Meeting on SBTAP

by Rick Winterson

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he first meeting about the proposed SBATP (the South Boston Transportation Action Plan) was held on Thursday, April 4. It was virtual meeting via ZOOM. A second public, in-person meeting about SBTAP was originally scheduled for last night – Wednesday evening, April 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – in the Condon Community Center.

The BPDA/BTD City agencies canceled this meeting yesterday morning, but we’ve been assured it’ll take place on a future date.

District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn, after hearing significant criticism of the SBTAP in the virtual meeting last week, decided to hold an informal public meeting for South Boston residents at the Condon last night. Its purpose was to bring up criticisms of SBTAP,

delivered in person by concerned South Bostonians. Flynn opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. City Councilor-at-Large Erin Murphy and State Rep. David Biele were on hand. More than 100 attended.

Flynn requested those present to make their comments one at a time up front into the microphone, and to limit themselves to two minutes.

About 50 took part in making comments – almost all of these were negative. They predicted East and West Broadway, if reduced to two automobile lanes, would become clogged regularly by trucks loading and unloading from and into South Boston’s many small businesses. Even an Uber or a Lyft pick-up could lead to traffic jams. Criticisms of the Summer Street Pilot Project included the fact that the lane restrictions being tested weren’t being enforced.

Bicycle lanes were criticized frequently during the meeting.

Many comments dealt with the fact that most bike lanes aren’t used much at all – Boston’s changeable weather often interferes, of course.

It was pointed out that bike usage is always a low percentage of total travel in any city in the U.S. Biking is popular in Boston, but it amounts to less than 5% of trips taken here. Many of those speaking up said that motor scooters are now using the bike lanes more often than bicyclists use them. A couple of meeting participants reasonably defended their use of bikes, especially to go to and from work, but these were the only positive comments made about SBTAP at all.

Safety concerns were also

brought up at the meeting. Speed bumps and a reduced speed limit were mentioned. Walking as a mode of travel needs to be encouraged; crosswalks and pedestrian signal systems need to be upgraded. Strong criticisms were made about the BPDA/BTD’s total lack of communication with South Boston residents. Most of those at last night’s meeting were surprised, even shocked, by the massive changes to South Boston’s key roads and business areas, which were proposed in the virtual presentation of SBTAP last week.

Simply starting SBTAP project work right away was totally unacceptable to anyone at the meeting.

Gate of Heaven Parish News

All are welcome to come to the monthly Coffee and Conversation Hour on Sunday, April 14, 2024 after the 9:00AM Mass In the Downstairs Hall at Gate of Heaven Church

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM Continued from Page 1

Food Pantry the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry comes in. The food pantry has been successful in trying to lighten the burden for those who need assistance.

In fact, the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry serves over 500 families monthly, and although the area was once predominantly Irish, that is no longer the case. Indeed, the pantry serves those of all backgrounds.

Interestingly, those who are dedicated in helping at the pantry come in all ages – and ethnic backgrounds.

Those that give their time to serve their neighbors in need often come from as diverse conditions as those with whom they are assisting.

However, what does it take to operate a food pantry? It takes volunteers, commitment, and of course resources, with funding naturally being key. The pantry has been successful but is also important to keep it supported. Over the last several years for example, Jim has has made a commitment to raise one million dollars - a commitment that was realized. An impressive figure to be sure; but fundraising must continue.

With the launching of the pantry, its mission was clear, and for the last decade and a half the pantry has carried out that mission - a ministry if you will to help the many needy and grateful families that the pantry assists; as its Mission Statement indicates: “Our mission is to provide nutritious groceries with kindness and compassion to individuals and families facing economic hardship and living in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. The Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry serves any and all residents of Dorchester in need.”

The March 16th Fundraiser had no lack of supporters or dignitaries in attendance. The three-hour program included many from those who contribute their time at the pantry as well as those from the government, business and entertainment sectors.

Radio talk show host Dan Rea of WBZ radio’s NightSide served as Master of Ceremonies. Part of the program also included the 2024 Dorchester Hall of Fame Induction

with the following inductees: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Honorable Frank Baker (former Boston City Councilor) as well as newscaster, and Dorchester native Latoyia Edwards of NBC10 Boston.

Among the many elected officials in attendance were Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll; City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Congressman Stephen Ly nc h; St ate Senator Nick Collins; City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune; City Councilors Ed Flynn, John FitzGerald and Erin Murphy; State Representatives Dan Hunt, John Moran, Kevin Honan and Sean Garballey; Acting Suffolk Superior Court Clerk for Civil Business John E. Powers III, and former Clerk of the City of Boston Maureen Feeney. The festivities also included many of the area’s clergy including Pastor of St. Margaret’s Church (and St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish) Reverend John Ronaghan and the Archdiocese’s newest Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, Cristiano G. Borro Barbosa.

Lt. Governor Driscoll when relating the importance of the pantry reflected on an interesting reality putting the necessity of food pantries in perspective, especially after the pandemic. Driscoll spoke of the demand for such services which has quadrupled just in the last few years.

And it is due to this demand that the pantry remains in operation.

Jim reflects on not only what the pantry means to those in need but he often reflects on a quote from Scripture which expresses how important it is to be there for others: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35) And certainly this message from Matthew is apparent with the work carried out at the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry; but the pantry requires support and funding; and at this annual St. Patrick’s Day weekend event it was evident by those present and by their support that the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry will move forward in its mission.

THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

Latoyia Edward and Jim Brett

Jim Brett; Hon. Frank Baker; Hon. Stephen Lynch

Dr. Michael K. Thomas; Elder Scott N. Taylor, Area Seventy for New England Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints; Jim Brett[1]

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

Continued from Page 1

Art Show

Kay’ary King, 12, likes art because he’s good at it and loves that he can create without boundaries.

“The art gallery was inspired by some of our kids who submitted for the national arts competition,” said the Club’s Stephanie Greene.

“Unfortunately, none were able to place but we still wanted to highlight all the work they did, so this is what tonight is all about.”

Josh Davis, executive director of the Club, said, “This is awesome! It’s a great opportunity to showcase the kids’ work.”

There was no theme for the show, which featured Club kids ages 7 to 12, said Jen Sheehan, the Club’s arts manager. “They could express what they wanted.”

Ann Gordon, the Club’s former arts director, attended the event and was impressed by the kids’ work.

Three judges – Haywood Fennell, Sr., a veteran, author, playwright, and founder of a community-based theater; Justene Spaulding, a former Club kid and a small business owner in South Boston (Deirfiúr Home); and Ginger DeShaney of South

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Boston Online – scored the 12 entries. The winners received prizes and everyone got a goodie bag.

Kay’ary, who created “Dragon Mosaic,” a ceramic art piece, was the first-place winner. Second place went to Diego Scheidel, 9, with his piece “Street Photography.”

His photo emphasized the golden shine of the sticks and pinecone.

Third place went to Sierra,

who created a pillow that “represents me, my family, my life, and what brought me here. This pillow brings me joy because it shows the things I’ve done and the things I hope to do in the future.”

Fourth place went to Maya Amirhosseini, 11, who created a ceramic cat piece.

But, honestly, everyone was a winner!

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

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Art Show Continued

Speeding Cars and Reckless Driving a Public Health Emergency Boston City Councilor Flynn declared speeding cars and reckless driving a Public Health emergency. Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have been a serious issue in the City of Boston, and in the last two years, there had been nineteen pedestrian fatalities. This resolution was co-sponsored by Councilor Pepen and Councilor Murphy and sent to the Committee on Public Health, Homelessness and Recovery.

In recent weeks, there were two pedestrian fatalities and one pedestrian who was critically injured by cars in Boston.

Pedestrian and road safety is a critical component of not only public safety and overall quality of life for our residents, but it is also a public health issue as unsafe traffic conditions can be a leading cause for injuries and deaths. The number of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries caused by car crashes have soared nationally, with pedestrian deaths being up 77% since 2010 in 2022, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the same report registered 7,508 people killed by vehicles in 2022, the highest number since 1981.

“These recent crashes remind us of the work that must be done to realize Vision Zero in terms of the infrastructure improvements to our built environment, slower speeds, and enforcement needed to address pedestrian and traffic safety, and the urgency that we need to act,” said Councilor Flynn. “Together with my hearing order last week to scale up the city’s Safety Surge program with speed humps and raised crosswalk on our main streets and commercial roads, high traffic corridors, and bus routes, we also need to declare speeding cars and reckless driving as a Public Health Emergency and ensure cars abide by the rules of the road.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Community Celebration at South Boston’s Devine Recovery Center

by Rick Winterson

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n Tuesday, the Probation Department at the South Boston Division of the Boston Municipal Court and South Boston’s Devine Recovery Center, a key part of the Gavin Foundation, joined forces. Both of these organizations teamed up to host a Community Celebration of the Boston Red Sox Home Opener at Fenway Park. This Community Celebration took place in the Center’s back yard

at 70 Devine Way. About a hundred (100) people attended. Many of the guests then watched the Home Opener game in the Devine Center’s TV room.

The Devine Recovery Center’s hard-working staff, led by Duran MacArthur, set up the cook-out. Jason, Kevin, and Rose cooked and served a huge number of hot dogs, hamburgers (with or without cheese), sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks. According to Audrey Banks, Chief Probation Officer of the South Boston Court, the food was donated by Stop & Shop. Eighteen

(18) staff members from the Courthouse attended. Banks commented, “This is a Community Celebration – an event for those in recovery. We want to make the public aware of all the resources available in South Boston, such as our Recovery Court.”

Tuesday’s weather certainly cooperated, also. It was perhaps the first true springtime day so far this year. A few white clouds slowly swept through a sunlit sky; the temperature was in the 60s. All in all, it was quite a successful Community Celebration

The Red Sox contributed to this during the first inning, when Brayan Bello pitched three straight put-outs to the Baltimore Orioles – the last one being a clean strike-out. This was followed in the bottom half of the first with a solo home run by Sox right fielder Tyler O’Neill. However, the Sox went downhill and lost later on by 7-1, but hey, the Celts and the Bruins both racked up losses on Tuesday as well.

No matter the Community Celebration will be remembered as a joyful event.

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

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Running the Marathon to Support the Ollie

By Carol Masshardt

Grace Tymann

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eet South Boston’s Grace Tymann.

As a student at Boston College, Grace, now 24, holds fond memories cheering from the sidelines at mile 21 of the Boston Marathon. In addition to the fun and celebration, she developed a sense of spirit and accomplishment that propelled the runners.

Achievement is no stranger to this investment analyst for the John Hancock Company. She is calm and clear even as she describes “running backwards” on her training runs.

“We start at the finish line, and then do the reverse route with increased miles. On the way back we get the feeling of the direction where we will be coming in. It may be superstitious, but I’m not going to touch the finish line until the actual day,” she said.

Little else is left to luck or sentiment as this impressive woman trains.

“I always wanted my inaugural marathon to be Boston, even though it is hilly. I played soccer earlier and some track and field but started serious running in 2023. I

Christine McCabe

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hristine McCabe, 28, is a nurse at the Transplant Unit of Boston’s Children’s Hospital, and it is a job she loves. Somehow, she also finds the physical and mental perseverance to train for the Boston Marathon on behalf of the South Boston Neighborhood House.

“I was never a runner” she said. “I played field hockey and did gymnastics at Fairfield University, and I only watched my first Boston Marathon last year. My friend, Hannah, ran and I shared the moment.”

There is something about the long run that seems to appeal to Christine Mc Cabe. She is unafraid

completed a half marathon, and I applied to run in 2013 after that. I thought Ok, I can do this,” she said.

Grace Tymann made a purposeful choice of the South Boston Neighborhood House (‘Ollie”) as the orga nization to support.

“I wanted to match with a place in the community, and Susan Hurley, (consultant /coach) thought it would be a good fit, and I did, too.

She is also a personal inspiration and provided support. I was particularly touched by the senior program at the Ollie. I know many older people became isolated during COVID, and the Ollie provides a place for seniors to be together.

It’s important and I like knowing I am contributing,” she said.

In addition to the demanding physical training and mental perseverance the runners who represent non-prof its have a hardy fundraising goal.

“I’ve been amazed at how inspirational the fundraising has been. It was awkward at first, and asking for money wasn’t easy, but family, friends, and my employer, John Hancock, matches, so it came together. I learned you sometimes have to ask three times, and I got so much more comfortable about

it. People are generous,” she said.

Grace has found good company, fun, an important mission, the support of family and friends and has become closer to the natural environment of South Boston, the Esplanade, and streets of Boston. Both serious and relaxed, she described an attitude that underlies her thoughts of April 15th.

“I am not the fastest runner by any means, so I can stop for a photo with someone I know along the route. My grandparents,

parents, and siblings will be there, and I may hear their screams of support. It will be so much fun, emotional and amazing.”

So, well-prepared mentally and physically, what does this runner worry about? It is, after all, 26 miles in undetermined conditions.

“What I worry about is it being over. What will I do then?”

It seems likely that more amazing things will come from South Boston’s Garce Tymann.

Congratu lations, Grace!

of the challenge and inspired by the opportunity to contribute.

“I wanted to be part of something bigger,” she said. I love Southie and when I was accepted to run, I talked to a friend who was a teacher and she told me about the South Boston Neighborhood House. I’m hoping to be involved after the race.”

Nothing much is happily accomplished alone, and this runner talks about her mom who posts her progress on Facebook, her many friends and family, and the charity running community. “Last week we did twenty miles, and I don’t know that I could do it alone,” she said.

Similarly, her optimism and energy applied to an ambitious fundraising goal.

“I actually enjoyed the

fundraising for some reason.

I finished it in January. between my hometown of Mansfield and in Southie.”

So, the downside? There is hardly one beyond Christine’s concern about injuries. She hopes for a mild, cloudy day, but knows well that there is no predicting. She does know what she expects to feel at the finish.

“I am imagining seeing my immediate family, roommates, and boyfriend at the finish, and I think I will be feeling thankful, grateful, and appreciative right after. Someone always has it harder, and even on my hardest days I keep that in mind.”

Congratulations, Christine McCabe, on your daily work, and running on April 15th!

Christine McCabe

Grace Tymann

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

A Tribute to Dr./Rev. William Ellery Channing

by Rick Winterson

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ob Allison is the President of the South Boston Historica l Society, a position he has held for several years. He is also well-known as Professor Robert J. Allison, Professor of History at Boston’s Suffolk University. In addition, Bob now serves as the President of Massachusetts Colonial Society.

With these credentia ls,

Bob is very well qualified to speak about Boston’s history to local audiences. And as a highly experienced teacher, he has a knack for presenting this history in extremely interesting ways. His talk about Dr./Rev. William Ellery Channing on Sunday, April 7, at the Colonial Society was no exception. A costumed actor (Matthew Mees) actually played the part of Dr. Channing; the talk was really a historical conversation between Bob and “Channing”. Needless to say, the audience’s attention was riveted during the event.

Su nday, April 7, wa s Willia m Eller y Cha nning’s 244th Birthday. In his time, Cha nning (1780 -1842) wa s considered to be “the most eloquent and effective preacher in Boston”. As a minister, he became one of the founders of the Unitarian Church and strongly advocated the abolition of slavery in America.

He inf luenced

the Transcendental thinking of R a lph Wa ldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Henry David Thoreau. A statue of Rev. William Ellery Channing, along with many chiseled statements about him, sits across from the Arlington Street Church on the corner of Boylston and Arlington.

For you r informat ion, the South Boston Historical Society will hold an important meeting on Saturday, April 27, at 1:00 p.m. in Cushing Hall at St, Brigid Church. New Historic a l Societ y of f icers will be selected; the public is cordially invited to attend.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Compass on the Bay

April 25, 2024, 6:00 pm.

Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Call 617-268-5450 or email Program Director Erin Bollinger at ebollinger@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the virtual meeting.

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

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Hearing Order to Discuss Ways to Slow Down Speeding Cars

Councilor Flynn Files Hearing Order to Discuss Pedestrian Safety, Traffic-Calming, and Expanding the Safety Surge Program in the City of Boston

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oston City Councilor Ed Flynn is calling for a hearing to discuss measures that would improve pedestrian safety, traffic-calming, and the possibility of expanding the Safety Surge program in the City of Boston. The hearing aims to discuss ways to slow down speeding cars, and installing better traffic safety infrastructure around the city, through the use of speed humps and raised

crosswalks on main streets and commercial roads, high traffic corridors, and bus routes due to their high concentration of vehicles and pedestrians.

Last week, a 4-year-old child was fatally struck by a truck at Sleeper Street and Congress Street in the Fort Point Neighborhood, and there have been three pedestrian deaths in Boston so far this year, with seven pedestrian fatalities last year. These tragedies remind us of the work that must be done to realize Vision Zero.

In 2023, t he Cit y of Boston announced the Safety Surge program, where the City installs zones of speed humps on eligible neighborhood streets to make our streets safer for ou r pede st ria ns. Howe ver, speed humps a re currently only being installed on smaller side streets, but not on wider and busier streets where cars are consistently speeding and serious crashes also occur. Main streets and commercial roads, high traffic corridors, and bus routes are often dangerous for pedestrians to cross, and would

also benefit from traffic-calming infrastructure to force speeding vehicles to slow down. Many residents have long advocated for speed humps in these areas, and we should consider whether the Safety Surge program should be updated with infrastructure to be installed on high traffic roads to ensure road safety for all.

Pedestrian safety has long been a top priority for Councilor Flynn. In 2018, he recommended a 12-Point pedestrian safety plan for South Boston that called for the use of speed humps, raised crosswalks, pedestrian islands with rapid f lash beacons, among other traff ic-ca lming infrastructure. He has f iled and held several City Council hearings focusing on pedestrian safet y since he took off ice, including advocating for 20 mph speed limit zones that we now see in many residential neighborhoods. In 2019, he called for and held a Council hearing on concurrent traff ic signals, as he voiced opposition to giving cars a green arrow in conf lict with pedestrian crossing signs. He called for declaring

speeding cars as a Public Health Emergency in 2020, and also for a portion of the Federal Bipa r tisa n Infrastructure Bill funding for the city to be dedicated to address longstanding pedestrian safety needs with improved traffic-calming infrastructure back in 2021. This hearing is the latest in Councilor Fly n n’s ef for t to add re s s pedestrian safety and improve traff ic-calming infrastructure.

“It is critical that we look to scale up the city’s Safety Surge speed hump program and also include raised infrastructure, like speed humps and raised crosswalks, on our main streets and commercial roads, high traffic corridors, and bus routes.

That is where the majority of the vehicles and pedestrians are located, so we naturally need to look to prevent serious and fatal crashes and force speeding cars to drive slower in these areas as well,” said Councilor Flynn.

“Pedestrian safety is one of the most critical issues we face in the City of Boston, and speeding cars have been a public health emergenc y for some time,”

Senate Acts to Protect Firefighters, Increase “hot work” Safety

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he Senate unanimously passed legislation to boost safety for people conducting “hot work ”—welding, plasma cutting, and spark-producing c on st r uc t ion — by requ i ri ng the state to create a public database of violations of the f ire prevention statute, and a public notif ication system to alert workers of violations.

The passage of S.1485— An Act relative to violation of regulation regarding hot work processes—comes in the days following the ten-year anniversary of the tragic nine alarm fire in the Back Bay, started by welders working on a nearby

iron railing, that resulted in the deaths of two Boston firefighters.

The Senate bill would work to prevent such tragedies by promoting tra nspa renc y and prioritizing sa fet y for M a s s a c hu s e t t s f i re f i g hter s.

“This legislation represents historic regulatory reforms that the Walsh-Kennedy Commission helped institute across the hot works and welding industry in Massachusetts. Passing this legislation will ensure that the critical reforms, training, oversight, and accountability needed to prevent tragedies like the Back Bay fire, will be the law of the land.

We do this in honor law of Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and

Firefighter Michael Kennedy so that their sacrifices are not in vain,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-Boston), primary sponsor of the bill.

Hav ing been pa ssed by the Senate, the bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

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The Firelei Baez Exhibition

by Rick Winterson

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or t he next f ive mont hs, until September 2 (Labor Day), forty (40) works by the much-celebrated artist Firelei Baez are on display at the Inst it ute of C ontempora r y Art – the ICA – in the South Boston Seaport. Baez works in several media, which definitely include a number of “mixed media” creations. Many of her more powerful works are based upon legends and actual historic events.

You’ll be intrigued by her creative overlays of maps a nd precisely dra f ted engineering drawings. Taken altogether, this exhibition is really quite an accomplishment, because it accurately captures a thorough cross-section of Baez’s

artistic dimensions.

Much credit is due to Chief Curator Eva Respini. Be sure to read t he notes t hat accompa ny each of Baez’s works of art.

In 2021, Bae z cre ated an insta llation for the IC A’s Water shed c omple x .

Her current ICA exhibition includes sculpture, abstract paintings, por t ra it u re, pa i nt i ng s t h at adorn engineering drawings, crafts, architectural artifacts, and an installation that both invites you in and challenges you to appreciate its depths as you go back and forth. Many of her works are brilliantly and variously colored; others are virtually mono-toned. You’ll be struck by the action depicted i n c er t a i n Bae z cre at ions, whi le ot hers a re st i l l a nd contemplative. You won’t have

to make a conscious choice of your favorite – during your visit, just count the number of times you return to view particular artworks of hers over and over again. A nd ask yourself, as you leave, “W hich ones will I remember most vivid ly?”

In last Sunday’s Boston Globe, Mu rray W hy te de ser ved ly u sed t he word “t riu mpha nt” in de scribing the art of Firelei Baez. He went on to say, “ … she f inds beauty and hope, and almost always the promise of renewal.”

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Celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation

n April 8, 2024, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

Solemnities in the Catholic Church are celebrations that are of the greatest importance.

The Annunciation of the Lord refers to the time when the angel Gabriel visited the Blessed Virgin

Mary to tell her that she would be the mother of the Savior.

The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the most important in the Church calendar. First, it celebrates the actual Incarnation of Our Savior -- the Word made f lesh in the womb of His mother, Mary. Second, it is a principal Marian feast (attributed to the

Blessed Mother Mary). Father Peter Schirripa, the Parochial Vicar, was the celebrant at this Mass. Ms. Lauren Monaghan’s sixth grade students at South Boston Catholic Academy led this school Mass at St. Brigid Church in celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. The sixth graders did a great job as

Greeters, Readers, and Bringing up the Gifts to the Altar. Thank you Mrs. Maureen Bailey for helping the 6th graders at SBCA prepare for this special Mass.

The SBCA Children’s Choir also did a great job with the singing.

Thank you to the Music Teacher, Mr. Carlo Bunyi and Ms. Kathy Clancy, the Parish Music D

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THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

Seaport Sweat, is Back Boston’s largest free outdoor workout series, Seaport Sweat, is back for its ninth season, running from May 1 through September 28, 2024.

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he community driven program will offer over 100 free fitness classes, with weekly instructors like Michael Soares, Britney Willingham, and Nicole Derosiers.

Amongst returning favorites are exciting new weekday classes like Barre and Balance with Justin Quinn, Power Sculpt with Aleigh Jerome and Release Yoga with Marlene Boyette. The weekend instructors include favorites Eliza Shirazi and Bron Volney. Classes will also be offered by various fitness and wellness minded brands in the neighborhood, including the recently opened performance-

driven apparel brand, Rhone, and smart strength-training equipment company, Tonal, as well as from returning favorites such as Equinox and lululemon.

All Seaport Sweat classes will be held on Seaport Common, every Monday through Thursday at 5:30pm and 6:30pm and Saturdays at 10am. For more information on Seaport Sweat and to register for classes, visit www. bostonseaport.xyz/seaport-sweat.

Bringing even more fitness to the neighborhood, Seaport will debut Stretch and the Citypresented by Lifeway Kefir, a new weekly yoga class taking place at the Summer Street Steps, a newly opened public gathering place creating connectivity through Harbor Way made for enjoying community programming and activations. Popular local instructor

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Therlande Louissaint will guide participants through a 45-minute yoga class every Friday at noon throughout the season, beginning May 3 and running through September 27, 2024. Lifeway Kefir will be popping up every Friday at Stretch and the City sampling their probiotic and protein packed Lifeway Kefir. “We’re thrilled to partner with Seaport’s Stretch and the City to bring yoga to the Summer Street Steps this year.

We hope everyone can come out and enjoy an energizing session,

then recharge with some probiotic Lifeway Kefir to support their physical, mental and gut health.

Events like Stretch and the City that combine elements to strengthen the body and microbiome are wonderful for the community,” says Julie Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods.

The Summer Street Steps are located between 350 and 400 Summer Street. Classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited; to register for classes, visit https://w w w.bostonseaport.xyz.

Virtual Public Meeting

Reserved Channel Development APRIL

22

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Zoom Link: bit.ly/4cyFujD Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 913 3690

Project Proponent: Oxford Pappas (OXP) Project Description: The BPDA is hosting a virtual Community Advisory Committee (“CAC”) meeting to discuss the recently filed Reserved Channel Development project in South Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the project, and discuss potential impacts and mitigation with the CAC as well as give an overview of the role of the CAC. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the CAC. This meeting is one in a series of meetings to review the entirety of the proposed project.

Please note that the purpose of this meeting is different from that of a traditional community meeting, and will focus on the conversation between the CAC, the development team and members of review agencies present at the meeting. mail to: Nick Carter Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.5305 email: nick.carter@boston.gov

Close of Public Comment Period: 5/29/2024 website: bit.ly/reserved-channel

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024

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