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)

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)

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.

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?