SBOL_05_20_2021

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Life Sciences in South Boston

by Rick Winterson

G

in k go BioWork s is a hight e c h nolo g y l i f e scienc e s enter prise a lready located in South Boston. The company currently has a major presence in the Innovation and Design Building on Drydock Avenue, where it leases nearly 140,000 square feet of research, development, and laborator y space.

Most of Gink go’s 500 employees work there.

The company a lso occupies around 50,000 square feet in Cambridge’s Kendall Square; 75 of Gin k go’s personnel work there.

But basica lly, Ginkgo is a South Boston firm.

Ginkgo will soon become even more f irmly rooted in South Boston.

A long with

taking on increased research challenges and now planning for huge funding initiatives, Ginkgo recently announced a major expansion into a proposed new high-technolog y facilit y in the Flynn Marine Industrial Park.

This expansion will double Ginkgo’s current South Boston space, by committing to an additional 140,000 square feet in the new facility, to be sited on Fid Kennedy Avenue.

Gi n k go BioWork s wa s co-founded twelve years ago by a group of scientists from M.I.T. It conducts highly technical R&D (resea rch a nd development) into what the company calls “engineered biolog y”.

This R&D allows a scientist to make use of, and to resolve technical problems with, the “technology Continued on Page 3

Norman Crump at work in his studio at 76 Tremont Street in Downtown Boston (he’s painting a Public Garden cityscape; note his completed seascape at upper right).

Story and Photos on Page 4

“ONE OF THE BEST RATES AROUND!” Home Equity Line of Credit

1.75%

APR* 1st 6 months then prime minus .75% for life

2.50%

Got Plans?

APR*

current fully-indexed rate

Apply Online, By Phone or By Appointment.

massbaycu.org

(617) 269-2700

SOUTH BOSTON – EVERETT – QUINCY – SEAPORT *APR= Annual Percentage Rate. 1.75% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an introductory rate for the first six months. After the introductory period, rate on the outstanding balances will revert to Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the calendar month minus (-) 0.75%. Prime rate as of 4/1/2021 is 3.25%. The APR may vary monthly. Minimum rate 2.50% and maximum rate 18.00%. 10 year draw period. 15 year repayment period. Minimum $10,000 draw at closing and $1,000 advances thereafter. 80% combined LTV to $200,000 (</=70% LTV $300,000). Proof of adequate property insurance required and Flood Insurance may also be required. Subject to credit approval. Other terms and restrictions apply including 620 minimum credit score. Offer subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #615913

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

2

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Councilors Flynn & Flaherty to Hold Hearing to Discuss Fines for Large House Parties on Friday, May 28th

B

oston City Councilor Ed Flynn & Councilor At-L a rge Michael Flaherty will be holding a hearing next Friday, May 28th, at 11am to discuss increasing fines for large house parties. The hearing aims to discuss ways to provide stricter enforcement rules regarding large house parties and the city’s noise ordinance. To watch the hearing, you can go to boston.gov/citycouncil-tv. To submit written testimony or request to testify at the hearing, please reach out to Juan Lopez at Juan.Lopez@Boston.gov.

Neighbors have reported an overwhelming number of large house parties, oftentimes between 30-40 people and hosted by renters with absentee landlords - with 600 911 calls in one weekend alone in South Boston. These partiers often disturb neighbors with loud noises at all hours, and leave behind trash and litter on the street which attracts rodents and pests. Last fall, Councilor Flynn and Councilor Flaherty held a hearing with the administration and city officials on this issue.

Residents are to report large

house parties to the Boston Police Department at 911, which can trigger potential placement on the city’s Problem Properties List.

Councilor Flynn and Councilor Flaherty are urging the City of Boston to look at issuing increased fines for this out-ofcontrol behavior, perhaps starting at $1,000 for a first offense, and exploring $2,000 for a second offense, and $3,000 for a third offense for those that repeatedly violate the city’s noise ordinance.

“I’ve heard from literally hundreds of neighbors that are outraged over these huge house parties in South Boston. Time and again we’re seeing renters, from absentee landlords, who want to extend their college frat days every Thursday to Sunday at all hours while showing blatant disrespect for their neighbors next door; young families, our seniors and persons with disabilities.

The neighbors that helped to build this city, that live here and contribute to their community, that are paying increased property taxes while dealing with more quality of life issues - they’ve

Inspectional Services Department (ISD) investigating properties in Southie due to large house parties, trash removal and quality of life issues. Many Absentee landlords have been send notices. had enough,” said Councilor Flynn. “This was a significant issue prior to COVID-19, and though restrictions will be lifted due to the success of vaccination efforts, large house parties will undoubtedly continue to present these quality of life issues beyond the pandemic. It’s critical that we look to increase fines for those who violate city regulations, so that we help keep our neighborhoods peaceful, healthy and clean.”

“Enough is enough. These out of control parties have been a burden

on South Boston and communities across the city for too long,” said Councilor Flaherty. “We have tried to control them with the tools currently available to us, but these landlords and their tenants are not getting the message. It is time to hit absentee landlords and their tenants in the pocketbooks with increased penalties. We have no other choice if we stand any chance of improving the quality of life for our residents.”

C ontact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d .Fly n n@B o s ton.g ov.

Sen. Collins Partners with Municipalities to Extend Small Business Opportunities Proposal Extends Outdoor Dining Options State Senator Nick Collins has offered an amendment to the State’s annual budget that would keep in place critical economic development tools for restaurants across the city and state. Under his proposal, municipalities would be empowered to continue expanded outdoor-dining authorizations for restaurants for a full year after the state of emergency is lifted.

The original authorization of expanded outdoor dining was one of the Commonwealth’s responses to COVID-19 and its impacts on restaurants, small businesses, and main streets. Since the Governor announced the state of emergency will be lifted on June 15th, the authorization granted to municipalities to allow outdoor dining is set to expire August 15th. Many restaurants and businesses say they still need support and time to recover.

“This vital sector of our economy employs many residents across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Collins, Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business. “As we continue our economic recovery, this is a critical tool for municipalities to be able to support their local restaurants. That’s what this measure aims to do”

The amendment will be debated next week during the State Senate’s annual budget debate.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

3

Continued from Page 1

Life Science

platform” already present in all living organisms. For this reason, Ginkgo refers to itself as “The Organism Company”.

The lead page on their website is entitled “Biology by Design”.

It states immediately below t hat “Biolog y is t he most adva nced ma nu fac t u ring technology on the planet. We (Gink go) progra m cells to ma ke ever y thing from food to materials to therapeutics.”

Since Ginkgo’s founding, that seemingly simple statement has resulted in several major achievements.

“Engineered biolog y” ha s been applied (successfully) to the first two COVID-19 vaccines, to natural tranquillizers like the so-called CBDs (c a n nabinoid s), a nd (believe it or not) to saving the banana from becoming extinct – a pandemic, a medicine, and a key food are hot technical topics at Ginkgo BioWorks.

R ig ht n o w, Ginkgo BioWorks is making news by going public. They are using what’s referred to as a “SPAC” – a “Special Purpose Acquisition Compa ny”.

A SPAC is a company already organized and positioned on a stock exchange – a company that actually merges with a client company like

The proposed Ginkgo site on Fid Kennedy Ave. in Flynn Marine Industrial Park.

Ginkgo. After the merger, the SPAC then sells its own shares on the stock exchange where it is a member, in order to raise funds for its client. This saves money, paperwork, and lots of time. But in order to work successfully within a SPAC, the client must be unique – one-of-a-kind in some important way. Ginkgo certainly meets that requirement.

It is valued at $15 billion; it intends to raise approximately $2 billion via t he SPAC .

The new life sciences facility proposed for Fid Kennedy Avenues at Au Bon Pain Way in Flynn Marine Park had already been described once before by South Boston Online (in our April 8 issue, page three). This facility will consist of an eight-

A rendering of the proposed eight-story life science building on Fid Kennedy Avenue.

stor y structure designed for high-tech life sciences, while retaining an existing structure for “amenities”. It is be built

by Marcus Partners, who plan to break ground in 2022 with completion aimed at two years later in 2024. Specifically, this to-be-constructed Marcus site is where the Au Bon Pain Company

once had their bakery operation (now long since closed) at One Au Bon Pain Way, where it meets Fid Kennedy. For comparison, the total areas in South Boston to eventually be occupied by Gink go, bot h current a nd new, will soon total 280,000 square feet, which is equivalent to seven (7) acres under roof.

4

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Norman Crump, South Boston Artist

by Rick Winterson

N

orm Crump is a pa i nter; Sout h Boston is his hometown. He was born and brought up here on Emerson Street, across from the Post Office.

His life story is highly varied and interesting, but its main (and intense) focus has been on the art he creates. Last week, on Friday, May 14, Norm turned 71. He has been painting for nearly five full decades. His Golden Anniversary – his 50th year as a painter – will take place in just three years.

One of Norm’s loc a l memories is his commission to paint a mural in Triple O’s.

Although the O’s is long gone, we don’t have tell why Norm’s memory of how he created this work of art is still fresh. He has also traveled, amassing a sketchbook along the cway that was the source of many paintings later on. Back in the 1970’s, Norm, along with other local artists, set up studios in buildings in that would eventually become the South Boston Community Health Center. For ten years, Norm and his family lived and worked on Thompson Island.

He became the Captain of the Thompson Island Ferry, but still found enough time and energy to paint varied Boston Harbor scenes. The desire to paint full time led Norm to leave Thompson Island and establish a studio in his South Boston home. After a while to become established, he opened a gallery and studio in a store on Broadway, followed by opening a gallery with Dan McCole at the World Trade Center in the Seaport. Then, Norm decided to go back to plein-air painting full time from his home studio.

Five yea rs ago, Norm opened his current street-front studio in an alcove within the historic Tremont Temple Baptist Church, founded in 1896 and

“Port to Port”, a sailboat-filled seascape by Norm. Note his use of light, similar to the “luminism” in marine paintings by Fitz Henry Lane. located at 88 Tremont Street on the Freedom Trail across from the Old Granary Burial Ground.

Both Norm and his wife Jane are active members of that Church – Jane has an excellent choral voice and is in the Church’s choir; Norm is a Church Deacon.

They are both family people – five grandchildren to date – and they still reside in South Boston.

Norm has just now returned to his studio in the Church, after a severe bout of COVID-19 that kept him working from home for a year. He smiles as he says, “I love it here.” And indeed, the indirect light from Tremont

Street is perfect for painting.

Norm’s devotion to painting is intense.

To quote him, Norm says, “I just try to get an emotional impact from my paintings with color and design.”

It is fascinating to see how Norm’s work has changed and evolved over time. When asked what his plans are for the future, Norm emphatically replies, “Just keep painting!” He then adds with a grin, “Time goes by so fast!”

It is tempting to classify Norm in a particular “school” of artwork, but that does not work.

He’s a very prolif ic painter, willing to take different

approaches to whatever he does.

When asked what he most likes to paint, he mentions coastal marshlands as a favorite. This writer is a particular fan of Norm’s paintings that include mists and fogs. He takes an Impressionistic approach to much of what he does – Impressionism that highlights the artistic elements of both design and color, especially color. In his seascapes, the light Norm uses compares to Fitz Henry Lane, a painter of Boston seascapes in the 1800s, who used a technique called “luminism”

A woodland scene in brilliant colors – an earlier work by Norm.

Current paintings that Norm has recently completed (note the light in the ocean scene).

Marshlands, which are among Norm’s favorite scenes to paint. Note the use of mist to lend an air of mystery to the painting.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

5

Sisters Garden to Be Dedicated Saturday

by Rick Winterson

T

his is a reminder, as well as a cordial invitation for you to attend a dedication on Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m. The Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace is now nearly finished; it will be dedicated at St. Monica Parish Church, 331 Old Colony Avenue (corner of Preble Street).

In a communication from Fr. Peter DeFazio, the Pastor of St. Monica Parish, he called this garden, which is a true creation of landscape architecture, “An extension of the Good Samaritan Ministry at Monica’s Kitchen, where we are privileged to serve and accompany individuals and families living at the margins.”

You are certainly familiar with the extraordinary efforts by Monica’s K itchen to supply marginal families with food and other essentials over the last 15 months, while in the outside world, the COVID-19 pandemic was raging a ll around us.

As its name implies, the Garden will be a place of prayer and peace for everyone. Even more important, the Sisters Ga rden will be dedicated in thanksgiving for a ll of the religious sisters, who for generations have served as Good Samaritans in South Boston.

Over six generations ago, a

The Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace Dedication is Saturday, May 22, at 10:00 at St. Monica Parish Church, 331 Old Colony Avenue (corner of Preble Street)

contingent of dedicated nuns first came to South Boston to begin a school for educating women. The many, many sisters who have come here since then devoted their entire lives to South Boston, and have performed their good and merciful works in every area of human needs – physical, mental, and spiritual. And they have accomplished all of this with great good humor. Have you ever seen a sister in South Boston without a smile on her face?

T he si ster s’ e x a mple s of humility, hospitality, and devotion are an inspiration and model for our ministry of hope and healing.

You are welcome to join us at St. Monica’s Parish Church at 10 a.m. this Saturday for a brief service, immediately followed by the dedication of the Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace.

Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace Dedicated in thanksgiving to all the religious sisters who have served the South Boston community

Please Join Us for the Dedication and Blessing of the Garden Saturday, May 22 10:00 a.m.

St. Monica’s Church 331 Old Colony Ave. On Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. we will expand Monica's Kitchen by dedicating an outdoor garden of prayer and peace. It will be a place of serenity and beauty for all.

Sisters Garden of Prayer and Peace will be dedicated in thanksgiving for all of the religious sisters who, for generations, have served as true Good Samaritans in South Boston.

Their example of humility, hospitality, and devotion are an inspiration and model for our ministry of hope and healing.

Please join us for this celebration!

6

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

A “Most-of-the-Day” Spring Walk in May

by Rick Winterson

W

e don’t know about how you viewed it, but spring seemed late this year of 2021 A.D. February was warm and it appeared that Punxsutawney Phil had been wrong.

But March and April were chilly and wetly cloudy, to say the least. Despite a few memorable days to walk here and there, it was obvious that spring this year was taking its own, sweet time to arrive.

Anyhow, the first real walking days came to pass in May, and not right away, either. Now, what is required from real walking weather? First of all, it can’t rain (at least not very much). Partly cloudy is acceptable, but full sunshine is obviously better. Breezes are welcome; high winds aren’t! A temperature that hovers between the mid-60s and the mid-70s is mandatory. When it’s colder than that, a light jacket isn’t enough; when warmer – up into the 80s – it’s going to feel like summer came early.

Lunch, brunch, or whatever is on its way outdoors at The Playwright (are those food trucks?).

The Seaport Harbor Walk under cumulus clouds (and the Seaport is still South Boston).

As you likely know, Boston is considered the best major walking city in the U.S. And that’s correct, except (possibly) for San Francisco. However, San Francisco is on its way downhill (all seven of its hills) – wait ‘til it hits bottom before you go for a walk there. And we will confine our comments here to South Boston. It’s not that we have anything against highly notable Boston walkways, such as Freedom Trail. No, it has more to do with the fact that South Boston is exactly the right size for a long, leisurely, “most-of-the-day” walk. And 80% of our boundaries border upon salt water – great for leisurely viewing, no matter what your angle happens to be.

Here are a few facts and figures: It’s an even two miles from either Andrew Square or Broadway Station to the Farragut Statue and Pleasure Bay. That’ll take you 40-45 minutes each way (we said “leisurely”, didn’t we?). If you continue walking out to Castle Island, around Fort Independence, and

“The road goes ever on …” in No Man’s Land.

then back to Admiral Farragut, add another mile and a half (30 minutes of steady, slow walking). It’s two and a half miles to walk the Causeway all the way around both Pleasure Bay and the water side of the Fort (allow an hour).

And don’t neglect South Boston’s Seaport District. Take the Red Line to South Station , and then use the Silver line to get to either the Courthouse stop or the World Trade Center stop (save your energy for actually walking in the Seaport). First off, cross over Seaport Boulevard and hop onto the Harborwalk all the way downtown to the magnificent double arches at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Then go back to D Street to walk its green area and the World Trade Center/Fish Pier. Visit the Children’s Museum, the Tea Party Ship, the Aquarium, and the ICA, if you want.

Our poor photos can only give you a few brief glimpses of South Boston’s many, many sights. Walking is a great way to see these, to think, to meditate,

and to take that so-called “gentle, whole body exercise”, which really works! Bring your own lightweight, pocket-sized, paper-backed book. Pause frequently to eat (al fresco, if possible), drink, have a coffee, or simply sit on benches. And by all means, plan your walk around having several nearby “rest stops”. Only South Boston’s dogs are permitted to use our streets and sidewalks the way they do.

Daffodils, magnolias, and a flowering fruit tree in the distance by St. Peter Church.

A serene Carson Beach at low tide, in mid-morning.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

T

Are You Against 555 East Broadway?

he photo shows an aba ndoned convenience store at 555 East Broadway. A proposal to develop this location into 14 rental units, along with a fully licensed restaurant on the ground level, was resoundingly rejected last week by those who took part in a virtual BPDA meeting.

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

7

MCCA Prepared Return to Full Venue Operations on May 29

The oddest thing is that the rejection was caused by South Boston’s existing rental tenants, and their drunken, out-of-control, behavioral patterns. This proposal was not rejected because of people who might live (or eat) here in the future; the “NO” vote was entirely based upon the silly antics of certain people already living here!

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Kim Janey yesterday announced the lifting of pandemic restrictions in the Commonwealth and City of Boston effective May 29. As a result, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (“MCCA”) Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, The Lawn On D, Powered by Citizens Bank, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, and the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA will again host events and meetings, concerts, sporting events and family events at full capacity. The Authority will continue to work collaboratively with customers to ensure the appropriate safety and cleaning protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety of exhibitors, guests, attendees, employees and our contract workforce.

“I want to thank Governor Baker and Mayor Janey for their continued leadership throughout the pandemic,” said David Gibbons, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “Massachusetts has been a national leader in public health and the strategies implemented based on data have successfully led to this moment when we can safely say that it is time to get back to business and we, and our customers, are ready to go.”

The MCCA has played a key role to assist in the public health response to the pandemic. The BCEC hosted the Boston Hope Field Hospital in the Spring of 2020 during the height of the crisis. More recently, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center has been serving as a mass vaccination site administering more than 250,000 doses to the public.

AVAILABLE FOR NEW & USED PURCHASES LIMITED TIME - APPLY TODAY! CityofBostonCU.com

As low as Up to

72 Months

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR is based on member’s current credit rating. All loans are subject to credit approval. Monthly cost of $14.70 per $1,000 borrowed for 1.88% APR is based upon a credit score of 725+ and maximum term of 72 months. Maximum loan amount is $100,000. New vehicles have 5,000 miles or less. Not available to refinance existing City of Boston Credit Union vehicle loans. Available to refinance existing vehicle loans from other lenders.

Other guidelines may apply. APRs are accurate as of the date of printing and subject to change or be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Must be eligible for City of Boston Credit Union membership to apply.

8

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

SBCA Celebrated Poetry Month “In Poetry there is beauty, truth and goodness.” by Jane Greer, Poet and Author

F

rom Mrs. Eva ns, t he I nt e r m e d i a t e L iter a c y C oa c h…

From Haikus to Poetry Cafes SBCA celebrated Poetry Month.

In a cross-curricula effort, many students incorporated number sense and math into their writing.

SBCA writers across grade levels K2 – 6 wrote a variety of poetry -- Haikus, Number Shape poems, odes to their favorite numbers,

narrative poems, and rhyming word problems.

Classes 1A and 4B shared their writing in classroom Poetry Cafes -celebrating student poets and giving them an opportunity to read their poems with classmates a nd f a m i ly (v ia v ide o).

Poetr y not only adds creativity and voice to student writing but also strengthens reading, listening, and writing skills, builds vocabulary, and through expression and sharing, helps build community. Thank you to Mrs. Evans for organizing this creative poetry project for the students at South Boston Cat holic Ac ademy! T ha n k you to the students at South Boston C at holic Ac ademy for sharing their inspiring poems with their classmates, teachers, families and friends.

From Ms. McCarthy, the Grade 1A teacher… With April being National Poetry month, the

first graders spent a lot of time reading poems by different poets and then writing our own. They are amazing! We have everything from shape poems, alliteration poems, Ode to a ... poems, and general poems. We then had a Poetry Cafe on May 5, 2021 and recited our poems for Dr. Civian, our Principal, and a few members of our faculty. Fr. Casey was able to pop in, too. What a wonderful time we had! Fantastic job with your poems grade 1A! From Mrs. Dawson, the Grade 4B teacher… The Poetry Cafe on May 6, 2021, was a celebration of all of the poetry that was read, responded to, written, and enjoyed by 4B throughout the month of April.

Students chose their favorite poems to perform and recite.

Some poems were modeled after famous poetry, such as “This is Just to Say”, by William Carlos Williams, while many poems

were original works written by the students. The performance was viewed by Dr. Civian, our Principal, and a few of our faculty members and was videotaped and sent home to the parents, who had also helped their children with the poetry unit. Fantastic job with your poems grade 4B! New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brow n@sbcat holicacademy. org to lea rn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

9

Mayor Visits ASCA Spring Clean-up

by Rick Winterson

F

or many years now, ASCA (the Andrew Square Civic Association) has conducted annual spring clean-ups of the entire neighborhood around the Square.

This commendable custom was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, of course, but under the leadership of Pattie McCormick, the President of ASCA, a group of more than 25 volunteers gathered to take part in the clean-up project this year.

City and state officials were on hand to help. State Senator Nick Collins was there; District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn brought his daughter Caroline along – she has just completed her first year in college. Boston Mayor Kim

ASCA, led by Pattie McCormick, gathers for the 2021 spring clean-up – City Councilor Ed, his daughter Caroline, and Haley Dillon are to the right.

Janey dropped by to deliver a few motivational words. She stressed the importance to Boston’s neighborhoods of volunteer

work, echoing that famous saying of Congressman Tip O’Neill years ago, “All politics is local.”

A SC A President Pattie Mc C or m ic k thanked t he volunteers from L oca l 7’s Ironworkers Ha l l, A bacu s Builders, and the Andrew Square

neighborhood’s residents. It was a high-spirited, eclectic group: labor, business, and members of the private sector. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and working.

The weather was absolutely beautiful (a lmost sensuous); a good time was had by all!

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Our public officials at Saturday’s ASCA clean-up – Sen. Nick Collins, Mayor Kim Janey, and City Councilor Ed Flynn.

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation

Some twenty-five (25)civic-minded volunteers get set to clean up all around the Andrew Square neighborhood.

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

10

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

Flynn Supported Raising COLA Base for City Retirees

T

he Boston R e t i r e m e n t Board r e c e nt l y recommended a raise in cost of living adjustments (COLA) for Boston city retirees, a move that Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has supported and strongly advocated for.

Councilor Flynn submitted a letter in support of raising the COLA base this year as well as the last several years, and has been outspoken about the need for city employees to retire in dignity.

Prior to this 2021, the city has only raised the COLA base twice since the passage of Chapter 188 of the Acts of 2010, which means that retirees only received a $60/year COL A. The COLA base increase would affect all city departments and agencies, including the School Department, the Boston Housing Authority, the Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and others. At last month’s meeting, the Retirement Board Administration and Finance recommended a raise in the COL A base to $15,000 and

the 3% applied to that base, and a formal vote will take place this week. Although this increase was not to the level that retirees hoped for, it still represented a big step forward for many retirees, who are dependent on retirement income.

“Our city retirees dedicated their professional lives to making Boston a better place to live and serving their neighbors, and they deserve a retirement package that treats them fairly with dignity, respect, and a decent standard of living,” said Councilor Flynn.

“A s a Cit y Councilor that represents a large population of city retirees, I believe that they deserve a raise in their COLA base, given the work that they did for the people of Boston. I was glad to learn that the Retirement Board is planning to increase the COLA, but there is still work to be done. I will continue to work closely with our retirees and advocates to ensure that all city retirees can live in dignity.”

For more in format ion cont act C ou nci lor Fly nn’s of f ice at 617- 635 -32 03 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Lawn On D Powered by Citizens is Back in 2021 Boston’s Premier Outdoor Event Venue’s Ready to Launch for Season 8 The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) today announced that The Lawn On D Powered by Citizens will open its doors for an eighth season on Thursday, May 20, 2021.

As of Opening Day, The Lawn On D will still be operating under COVID-19 regulations as set by the State of Massachusetts and the City of Boston, but there will be several big changes compared to last year.

The Lawn’s famous swings and lawn games will be back, along with live music on weekends. Table reservations are no longer required, and visitors will be able to order food and/or drinks directly from the bar. Starting May 29, capacity limits will be lifted based on state and city guidance. Opening Weekend will kick-off on Thursday, May 20 with food, drinks, and lawn games available starting at 3 pm, and will continue with live bands on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

Friday, May 21: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Band: Search Party Fronted by two dynamic female vocalists and engaging male vocalists, each with their own distinct sound and ability to harmonize beautifully, they play a full range of all your favorite Top 40 hits from the Motown era to today. They’re fun, energetic, and will keep you dancing all day/night long.

Saturday, May 22: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Band: Closing Time Boston One of Boston’s most acclaimed bands plays legendary sets of high energy rock, top 40, and pop and country.

Sunday, May 23: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Band: The Wolfpack Pop, rock and country covers filled with plenty of flair and swagger make The Wolfpack one of New England’s premier party bands! Combining the very best of yesterday with a healthy mix of the chart-topping hits of today, The Wolfpack has the right stuff for any celebration.

“The excitement is palpable with the opening of The Lawn On D as people can’t wait to get out, have fun and reconnect with friends and family at Boston’s iconic outdoor space,” said David Gibbons. “The Lawn On D has always been an oasis to escape from the daily grind, and after grinding for the last fourteen months visitors from across the city and beyond are telling us they can’t wait to cut loose.”

To stay up to date on the latest announcements, full program, and entertainment schedule go to LawnOnD.com/calendar, “like” The Lawn Powered by Citizens on Facebook, follow The Lawn On D on Twitter and Instagram at @LawnOnD, and sign up for The Lawn On D’s weekly newsletter at LawnOnD.com.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

11

Mayor Janey Announces Mayor’s Garden Contest

M

ayor Kim Janey and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced that the 25th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest is now open, following COVID-19 public health guidelines. The competition provides the opportunity to recognize the gardening skills of Boston residents who contribute to the beauty of the city’s landscape.

Participants have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8 to register.

The contest recognizes gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, shrubs, and, in the process, helped beautify Boston’s neighborhoods. The grand prize of two round trip tickets on JetBlue for non-stop travel from Boston is provided by JetBlue.

Additional support will be provided

by Mahoney›s Garden Centers.

“Boston’s gardens and green spaces bring so much joy to our residents,” said Mayor Janey. “I am incredibly grateful to the Mayor’s Garden Contest participants for your role in enhancing the natural beauty of our city. This annual event is a perfect example of our recovery, reopening and renewal as the weather gets

warmer and as our public health metrics continue to improve.”

G a r d e ne r s or t ho s e nominat ing t heir favorite gardeners may find printable and online nomination forms.

A lternatively, gardeners may request an application by ema iling their na me a nd address to ga rdencontest@ boston.gov. W h i le on line applications are preferred, paper submission forms are available upon request; all paper entries must be postmarked by July 8.

First place winners will receive the “Golden Trowel”

award, while second and third place winners will be awarded certif icates. The traditional awards ceremony is anticipated to occur in late August, depending on the COVID-19 public health guidelines. Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be automatically entered into the Hall of Fame.

These disting uished Ha llof-Famers are not eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges.

The safety of gardeners and contest judges is the top priority of the Boston Parks

and Recreation Department.

Gardeners should follow all current advisories from the Boston Public Health Commission and the City of Boston. Visit boston. gov/coronavirus for the latest publ ic he a lt h g u id a nc e .

Please call (617) 635-4505 or email gardencontest@boston. gov for more information. To stay up to date with news, events, and construction projects in City of Boston Parks, sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-ParksEmails and follow our social channels: @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021

Are you considering selling your ho1ne or condo?

Real Estate is Thriving in South Boston Knovv the True Value of Your Home Today With a Free Market Analysis Q

(j Facebook.corn/RooneyRealEstat e

Rooney Real Estate, LLC 700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 Jackie@rooney-re.com

Over 30 years of professional service • Over 2,000 real estate transactions #I sales agent in South Boston for 25 of 30 years rooney-re.com • office: 617-269-1000 • cell: 617-645-5370