SBOL_05_11_2023

Dogs in Public Areas Must be Leashed

by Rick Winterson

An early arrival at the Medal of Honor Park (a.k.a. M Street Park) was revealing. There were around a dozen dogs there; many were on a leash. But in order to give them all a chance to run, the leashes frequently were taken off, balls were thrown for the dogs to retrieve, and a few ran and played down in the adjacent Lee Ballpark below. In general, the law requiring that dogs in public areas must be leashed was ignored, at least part of the time, by almost everyone with a dog.

A few minutes after 6 p.m., Council President Ed Flynn opened a community meeting that he had called for. The issue to be discussed was “Off-Leash Dogs”; this was precipitated by a four-year-old girl who had been bitten by a dog in April. Also present were City Councilors-at-

large Erin Murphy and Michael Flaherty, Parks Commissioner Ryan Wood, Animal Control Director Alexis Trzcinski, and BPD Station C-6 Captain Joseph Boyle. More than a hundred were at the meeting; perhaps onethird of them were dog owners.

Councilor Flynn opened the proceedings by commenting on the number of calls his office had received after the dogbite incident. He emphatically confirmed that the leash law still applies and that dogs out in any public area or space must be leashed. He said he was aware that many dog owners would disagree with him, but that public safety was his first priority. (Some muttered objections from the assembled dog owners ensued.) He also pointed out that there are three dog parks in South Boston – on A Street, on MWRA land

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Julie’s Annual “Angel Award” Recipent

Julie’s annual “Angel Award”, which was conferred upon Patricia Finn posthumously. A born-and-raised South Boston resident, as well as a dedicated friend and supporter of Julie’s, Pat passed from us just over a month ago

by Rick Winterson

Julie’s Family Learning Program held its 2023 Spring Luncheon. An upbeat crowd of approximately 200 staff, students, and supporting guests convened at the Venezia Restaurant.

Right from the beginning of this event, it was clear that everyone was there to enjoy themselves, while being brought up to date about Julie’s. Honored guests in attendance were Bob

Monahan, Julie’s past Executive Director, and Sr. Louise Kearns, SND, a Julie’s co-founder (along with Sr. Jean Sullivan, SND). Julie’s was founded in 1974 in the D Street Project; next year, Julie’s celebrates its

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“Patricia Finn, posthumous recipient of the 2023 ‘Angel Award’ from Julie’s Family Learning Program.”

Continued from Page 1 Leashed Dogs

by Day Boulevard, and across First Street nearby. Several other Boston neighborhoods have no dog parks at all.

Councilor Flaherty followed with his own comments. He said he’s a dog owner himself, and then followed up by saying that owners must show a “spirit of cooperation” by keeping their dogs on a leash. Councilor Murphy spoke about how the pandemic and the empty parks that resulted could have led to dogs running free more frequently these days. Animal Control Director Trzcinski stated her agreement with the leash law. Parks Commissioner Wood mentioned in his remarks that an experiment with unleashed dogs on Boston Common failed and was terminated. Questions from the meeting attendees followed. More dog

parks were asked for, including making one by fencing off an area in M Street Park. Parks Commissioner Ryan, who had mentioned a problem with dog park odors, said fencing off would not be acceptable. His reply and later remarks spoke of gravel surfaces and special drainage being required, along with a price tag of $350,000 and at least an 18-month

horizon for a true dog park to be installed anywhere in Boston. Other suggestions involved putting aside hours when dogs could run free in park areas and open spaces. The fact that the dog park on First Street had become outright offensive from dog wastes was mentioned more than once. One dog owner tried to stress that the owners were part of the community, but he

perhaps misunderstood that the meeting’s issue was dog leashing, not owning a dog. Non-owners spoke loudly about how freely roaming dogs bothered them. Councilor Flynn closed the meeting by saying he’d work with dog owners on another dog park, but reaffirmed that the leash law must be obeyed from here on. This won’t be the end of the off-leash controversy.

Dog owners, gather together at M Street Park.

Councilors Murphy, Flynn, and Flaherty followed by Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods address the crowd.

The Park’s neighbors, who want the leash law strictly enforced.

Unleashed dogs – one chasing a ball and two down on Lee Field below Medal of Honor Park

Continued from Page 1 Angel Award

Three of the students who had been in Julie’s educational and workplace skills program also spoke. They were Tez Lennard, an Adult Basic Education (ABE) graduate, Mahammed Sajjad, and Kikilanualawa Benson. Both Mahammad and Kiki have completed Boston College’s renowned B.C. PULSE Program for Service Learning. All three presentations were wellspoken, enthusiastic, and filled with gratitude toward Julie’s.

50th Anniversary of continuous service to South Boston.

Sharon Asiaf, Julie’s Board Chair, and Michelle Persson Reilly, Julie’s current Executive Director, opened the program. Sharon thanked everyone for coming and welcomed the guests of Julie’s. She then handled the Awards. Michelle followed her and spoke about the obstacles that Julie’s has overcome recently – not least the pandemic. Just a few years ago, in 2019, Julie’s took on training and educating young adults who felt the need for additional qualifications, an added mission now going quite well. Currently, Julie’s is engaged in educating about 150 students, as well as 20 mother-child couples.

We’ll close with what was perhaps the high point of the Luncheon. That was Julie’s annual “Angel Award”, which was conferred upon Patricia Finn posthumously. A born-andraised South Boston resident, as well as a dedicated friend and supporter of Julie’s, Pat passed from us just over a month ago. Her daughter, Theresa Finn Dever, attended Julie’s Spring Luncheon. Afterward, she sent a note of thanks that we’ll quote:

“My Mom, Patricia Finn, received a surprise posthumous Angel Award at the Julie’s Family Learning Program Luncheon today. Pat was a life-long resident of South Boston (who had only recently moved to the North Shore to be near some of her children and grandchildren). She was the mother of six children and a strong supporter of Julie’s. She, along with my Dad John Finn, who pre-deceased her,

instilled in their children the importance of supporting and helping others in the community. My Dad has been President of the Gate of Heaven St. Vincent de Paul Society. My Mom, Pat, was like an unofficial social worker always connecting those in need with services and

assistance. She had City Hall and all the local politicians on speed dial. She loved Julie’s and until she passed away on March 22, 2023, she had planned to attend this luncheon. The Finn family was touched and honored by this Award in her memory. Thank you, Theresa Finn Dever.”

Future, past, and present at Julie’s – Executive Director Michelle Persson Reilly, former E.D. Bob Monahan, Board Chair Sharon Asiaf.

Two of the guests at Julie’s Spring Luncheon – Sr. Margaret and Jim McKay.

Theresa Finn Dever holds Julie’s 2023 “Angel Award”, conferred posthumously upon Patricia Finn.

New Jewelry with Familiar Name on East Broadway

By Carol Masshardt

The Calnan name is synonymous with jewelry in South Boston, and in recent months Joe Calnan’s nephew, Carson, has opened at 705 E. Broadway. His emphasis on expert repair and using the newest technology for custom design reflects the changes in the possibilities of jewelry and his own impressive talents. He also holds the imagine of an uncle connected to the community and the people he served.

Carson Calnan Pitts grew up near Albany, NY, but he seems double rooted in South Boston, where his extended family lives. In fact, his middle name was intended as legacy for his mother’s family.

“I used to see my Uncle Joe work at the North Bennett St. School, where jewelry making was taught, and it started there. I moved here in 2007 to be closer to my grandmother, and then worked with Joe and at a midsized store in Chestnut Hill,” he said.

Recently he had his own shop in East Boston, but long had his eye on 705 East Broadway. In a stroke of good timing and help from his mentor, Joe, he was able to seize the opportunity and rent from a familiar property owner when the storefront began available.

This may make it sound seamless and unchangeable except for a generation, but in fact the jewelry business has changed. Carson is immersed in the 3D design and printing that has changed the world in jewelry as in many things. And he does it on site.

“It used to be all metal made by hand,” explained Carson, a craftsman in thought and skill. “Now, it is really techy, and it allows for higher detail at a lower cost.” He can demonstrate the design and production done at his shop, and it is advanced and intricate. Combining expert skill with computer technology and proficiency in machinery that is available now that wasn’t previously products can be precisely rendered.

“This business is both repair and

custom work. I like repair because it’s not always straightforward. There are different issues that you see, and that makes it interesting to me,” he said. Of course, he also creates striking rings, pendants, and bracelets to accommodate just the right look and fit.

A customer, Danielle, had two parts of a gold heart on gold chains repaired for herself and her best friend and came from East Boston to South Boston for Carson’s talent. She was unconflicted about traffic, etc. “It is absolutely worth it,” she said, carefully placing two perfect parts of one heart in her bag.

So, beyond the technology and absorbing manufacturing of fine jewelry, it is a small business and that isn’t easy in an online leaning environment, but Carson Calnan Pitts, isn’t deterred. “I had a broken leg this winter, and then ran into tax season, but I think it is getting there now. I work six days a week and have a goal to try to see how I can simplify things, but I am pleased with the response,” he said.

It’s not only the cabinets and impressive workbench that

followed him from his uncle Joe, but a feeling about a place. “Where’s home? It is here.” he said.

“Joe knew everyone, and I loved this place as a kid, and I do now. I’m thankful for Joe, my Aunt Kirstin, and though I could have done any trade, this is the one I’m connected to,” he said.

Not a simple trade, jewelry making, and repair takes skill, patience with products and people, attention, and flexibility. Carson is not one to boast, and his love of his craft is seen more as he talks about the process than himself.

“The most satisfying is figuring out stuff I don’t know how to do,” he said. He didn’t know how to do computer design and now he can give expert demonstrations. “There is welding equipment that wasn’t made to this scale before and using that changes things once you learn how to do it,” he said.

Calnan Pitts can show you what it looks like to develop a piece of beauty or repair an old favorite in a place and craft he started loving a long time ago.

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

Michael Flaherty

Boston City Councilor At-Large

Customer Danielle and Carson

Carson Calnan Pitts

Mayor Michelle Wu’s South Boston Visit

By Carol Masshardt

The day of May 10th was about as beautiful as a day can be, and added to it was an engaged crowd of hundreds gathered in A. St. Park to greet and discuss issues with Mayor Michelle Wu at a community “coffee hour.” One of many held throughout the city, it was clear that Mayor Wu was informed about the issues facing the large and diverse community of South Boston. Those attending, representing every corner of 02127, were there with interest in a place called “home” from several months to several generations. In addition to Mayor Wu, the Boston Public Library, Parks and Recreation, Housing, BFD and BPD, Transportation, and an array of city services were available and interested in conversation.

The mayor, calling South Boston, “one of the most committed communities not only in Boston, but in the country,” was inspirational in

her regard for South Boston, and didn’t shy away from tough questions. In issues submitted prior to the gathering, unsurprisingly, concerns about traffic, traffic, and parking, with opinions of too much allotted to bike lanes and too little, as well as public transportation access for all, long bus lines, and stalled traffic were priority quality of life concerns. In addition, development and affordable housing was clearly on the minds of residents and shared by the mayor and her staff. Each subject could have taken at least an hour, but the purpose of this reception was to add a more personal contact to policy issues mired in complexity, and it succeeded. Barbara Kiperman, resident at Fort Point, for thirteen years, said she was there in concern for the amount and type of development she sees daily. Tom Nolan, just moved from New York to the Broadway area in September and was eager to get a sense of what was going on in his new city. His friend, Dan Kavanaugh said he “just wanted to chat with Ed Flynn and see the mayor.”

Attuned to bus lines and the delayed opening of the Curley Center (“we are working so hard on the Piping Plover issue,”) Mayor Wu, from the macro to micro, spoke about issues related to schools, arts and culture and also seemed to know where sidewalks were unpassable. She spoke to the needs of all generations in families from schools to senior housing and safety. Several elected officials also recognized the work of the Gavin

Foundation, and the treatment of addiction familiar in every community. Calling this time, “an incredible moment for Boston,” an energized group of residents, non-profits, and city government, elected officials and the mayor met on a green space with shared concerns, but also a sense of pride and involvement. Maybe this is part of every incredible moment.

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

Happy Mother’s Day

“Happy Mother’s Day to my mom & all mothers on this special day!”

Council President

Ed Flynn

by Rick Winterson

Asignificant Award for outstanding care called “The Purple Flag” was conferred upon South Boston’s Compass on the Bay, the noted Memory Support and Assisted Living Facility on Columbia Road.

This Award, an actual, 3x6-foot, deep purple flag, was granted to Compass on the Bay in person by Christopher Carter, the President of CALA – the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. Since this was the first ever (!) Purple Flag Award to a care facility outside of Connecticut, Tadd Clelland was present to witness the event. Clelland is President/CEO of SLR, which stands for Senior Living Residences that include Compass on the Bay.

Compass on the Bay kindly granted South Boston Online an interview last Friday with Sarah Georges, the SLR Marketing Manager, and Lindsay Nelson, the facility’s Assistant Executive Director.

For many years, CALA and its President Chris Carter have made Purple Flag Awards, all within the State of Connecticut. Compass on the Bay is very well known all over New England for its focus on high quality care, especially improving and strengthening the memories of

its residents. Carter came to two conclusions: first, that he should expand these highly desirable Awards into other states; second, after conferring with its staff, officials, and SLR CEO Tadd Clelland, that Compass on the Bay should be the very first organization to receive The Purple Flag outside of Connecticut.

But this wasn’t simply some kind of quick “executive decision” from the parties interested in the Award. We aren’t experts so we can only give a rough idea of the real challenge involved in qualifying for The Purple Flag – some 60 best practices were measured at Compass on the Bay by CALA. These 60 practices fell into 10 different content areas. Some of the specifically measurable categories included their “person-centered care approach” and “associate training” at Compass on the Bay, as well as their “communications” and “support for families”. And re-accreditation of the Purple Flag Award is ongoing –it takes place every two years. The Award really requires a continuous, top-to-bottom assessment.

Compass on the Bay is best known for its Memory Support efforts. Believe it or not, one example of this is teaching the residents how to cook. Stimulating so many of the

senses while cooking – taste, smell, feel, and vision – can help sharpen an individual’s memory. It “improves cognitive health”, as do music and cultural pursuits. And what’s most important, Compass on the Bay also keeps up with new memory technology. They are partners with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Boston University and thus have access to any discoveries related to memory improvements – an extremely important pathway to new and better treatments.

At the end of our interview, Assistant E.D. Lindsay Nelson spoke of her career briefly – she has been at Compass on the Bay for 18 years. She attended Katherine Gibbs School in East Providence, which is known for the excellent clerical skills it teaches. After graduating, Nelson answered an ad for a position in an assisted living community for the elderly, and she now states, “From that day on, I’ve been sold on this kind of an effort!” Her professional work record shows that; she’s a good example of what true care for elderly residents means. To conclude, Compass on the Bay opened in May, 1994, so exactly one year from now they’ll be celebrating their 30th Anniversary serving seniors. Watch for it.

Holding the Purple Flag Award: City Councilor-at-large Michael Flaherty; Tadd Clelland, President/CEO of SLR; Chris Carter, President of CALA; Caity Burke, Executive Director of Compass on the Bay; State Senator Nick Collins.

State Representative David Biele

Arrowwood Viburnum?

Risers Entertain at the Spring Stroll

The Spring Stroll presented by the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston NDC last week kicked off the spring shopping season along Broadway and beyond. The Late Risers entertained along East and West Broadway, free Pedicab rides whisked people around, and local establishments offered discounts, specials, and refreshments.

One of several gorgeous white-flowering shrubs spotted looking westward along Carson Beach. Not being horticulturists, we looked up shrubs that thrive along sandy beaches. Arrowwood viburnum seemed the most likely candidate. Do you agree?

PUBLIC NOTICE: OPEN DISCUSSION ON THE FUTURE OF MCCA PARCELS ON D & E STREET

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority will host community discussions regarding the future of MCCA owned parcels on D & E Street by the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) on the following dates:

May 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Condon School

May 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at District Hall Boston

MCCA officials will be presenting and available to answer questions.

Cinco de Mayo was the Official Opening Day of The Lawn On D Powered by Citizens

To help kick off the season, Mariachi Estrellas de Boston strolled the grounds with their infectious music. There was a Chipping Challenge with pro golfer Megan Khang, VR headset golf &

MMA, a photo booth, and multiple lawn games, including bucket-size Pong, cornhole, chess, JENGA, and Kan Jam. Lawn on D also debuted its two pickleball courts. The Cinco de Mayo event was sponsored by Corona, Pacifico, and Viva Seltzer. The Lawn

is open Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. and Thursday & Sunday from 7 a.m.10:30 p.m., except when closed for private events. The swings are open whenever the Lawn is open. Pickleball is currently available whenever

concessions are open. Pickleball closes at sunset. To reserve a court, visit lawnond.pickleplanner.com For more information and to see when the food, drink & lawn games are open, visit https://www.signatureboston. com/lawn-on-d/community-activities

A Visit to the Curley Community Center

Congressman Lynch and City Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy took a walkthrough of the Curley Community Center. They thanked the contractors, Public Facilities and the BCYF staff for getting it to this point of almost having the doors open. The renovations were amazing including: the senior center, weight rooms, teen center, saunas and community rooms.

Congratulations to this Year’s First Holy Communion Class!

This past Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, was a picture perfect day for the Second Grade students at South Boston Catholic Academy and in the Parish Religious Education Program who received their First Holy Communion at Gate of Heaven Church. Congratulations and God Bless all these wonderful children and their families in this year’s First Holy Communion Class! The Celebrants at this Mass

were, our Pastor, Father Robert Casey and Monsignor Liam Bergin. Thank you to Father Casey, Monsignor Bergin, our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian; Vice Principal, Mrs. Denise Moriarty; and our Second Grade Teachers, Ms. Kayla Keough, Ms. Meghan Leslie, Ms. Caitlin Jackson, to all the Second Grade families and the staff at South Boston Catholic Academy, to our Parish Religious Education Second Grade Teacher, Mrs. Joan Dixon, and to the

Second Grade families in the Parish Religious Education Program and to all who helped to make this year’s First Holy Communion extra special.

Congratulations to Mrs. Dixon who is retiring this year after many years (over 15 years) with the Parish Rel. Ed. Program. We are grateful for her dedication, time, talents and love she has shown to all the children and families in the Parish Rel. Ed. Program. Especially those in the Second Grade. God Bless you Mrs. Dixon. We

all wish you a Happy Retirement!

May is also the Month of Jesus’ and our Blessed Mother, Mary. It is a centuries-old custom of Catholics to dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month of May is always part of the Easter season, the fifty days we celebrate in the liturgy the Resurrection of Our Lord, a time also of awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In honor of our Blessed Mother, Mary, and all Mother’s, A Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day!

South Boston NDC Celebrates 40th anniversary with return of Taste of South Boston

The South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (South Boston NDC) is bringing back the Taste of South Boston after a COVID19 hiatus. This year’s event, at Artists for Humanity on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 5-8 p.m., celebrates the 40th anniversary of South Boston NDC.

Taste of South Boston has become one of the city’s premier food events. For just $75 in advance ($85 at the door), attendees can sample culinary specialties from South Boston’s top restaurants, taste beer, wine, and spirits, and enjoy live music and outstanding silent auction items and raffles.

This year’s event boasts the following restaurants to date:

Barking Crab

Capo

Cafe Porto Bello

Fat Baby

Hunter’s Kitchen

Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant

Loco

Lucky’s Lounge

Para Maria Publico

Rosa Mexicano

Roza Lyons

Shy Bird

The Broadway

Tony C’s

Al’s Liquors will provide the wine; Castle Island Brewing Company will provide the beer; and Diageo Brands will provide special cocktails!

South Boston NDC, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, currently manages 171 units of affordable housing in the community. Proceeds from the Taste support South Boston NDC’s mission to create and preserve affordable housing for working people, families, seniors, and veterans in the community. The organization’s current project is McDevitt Senior Homes, which will transform the former St. Augustine’s convent into affordable senior housing.

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://2023TOSB.eventbrite.com.

For more information, visit www.sbndc.org/tosb, email tasteofsouthboston@sbndc.org, or call 617-268-9610.