SBOL_06_06_2024

Learning Center Opens for Boys and Girls Club

AT&T Opens Connected Learning Center for Boys & Girls Clubs in South Boston to Help Bridge the Digital Divide

AT&T opened a new Connected Learning Center inside the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s (BGCB) Edgerley Family South Boston Club to provide internet access and provide high-quality educational tools to residents who encounter barriers to online participation. AT&T’s $100,000 contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston will also provide for programming support.

It’s estimated that 8% of households in Massachusetts do not have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the

digital divide. This Connected Learning Center is the first in New England and will help bridge that gap, specifically by serving participants of BGCB’s Ready to Work program, which supports academic and workforce readiness for students pursuing career and college goals. The new Connected Learning Center at Edgerley Family South Boston Club will serve as the Ready to Work headquarters for the more than 100 teens participating in the program.

“Our youth members are the future of Boston, Chelsea, and the Commonwealth, and this investment in our young people’s futures is a tremendous example of how Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston continues to partner with organizations to be change agents in our communities,”

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Celebrating Grandparents

The students at South Boston Catholic Academy and at the Early Childhood Center recently celebrated a special day with their wonderful Grandparents and Special Friends who had a chance to come and visit with

their grandchildren, family and friends and to see the great colorful artwork that our talented artists at South Boston Catholic Academy did at the Annual Art Show. Quoting our Principal, Dr.

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Continued from Page 1 Boys Club said Robert Lewis Jr., Nicholas President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. “Thank you, AT&T, for providing equal access and closing opportunity gaps so that the youth of today are equipped with the skills necessary to be leaders in Massachusetts tomorrow.”

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll attended the event and visited with the Ready to Work teens at the Connected Learning Center.

“The incredible teens in the Ready to Work program are the future of our Massachusetts economy and workforce. The Connected Learning Center will make sure that young people have access to the digital tools they need to succeed and will help us close the digital divide,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

“I’m grateful to AT&T and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston for their leadership that will make a positive impact on the lives of so many young people and our state as a whole.”

The Connected Learning Center at BGCB offers free access to digital resources, including computer stations, Wi-Fi, a smart screen for lessons and teleconferencing, a podcast and music production studio, and other equipment and technology

for the teens to utilize. It also provides educational resources such as The Achievery, a free digital learning platform by AT&T, and free digital literacy courses in partnership with the Public Library Association. Tutoring and mentoring will also be offered by AT&T employees and community leaders.

This new center is the latest in AT&T’s longstanding collaboration with the BGCB. In 2023, AT&T hosted a career fair for teens who participated in the Ready to Work program, during which the participants were surprised with 250 free laptops, courtesy of AT&T.

“At AT&T, we believe every student deserves an opportunity to make their dreams a reality. And we have been working to help bring the

right resources and the right technology to the right places, so that students can achieve their goals. Our investment in the AT&T Connected Learning Center at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston directly reflects our commitment to get more Americans connected and make an impact in the communities we serve,” said John Emra, President – AT&T Atlantic Region. “The center will give Boston teens access to technology, internet connectivity, educational and mentoring resources to help them succeed in digital school and job environments. We thank Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Governor Healey for their support. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with these remarkable kids, and for the life-changing work done by

Robert Lewis and everyone at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.” AT&T launched this Connected Learning Center part of the AT&T Connected Learning® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to internet by 2030. AT&T opens these centers within local nonprofit organizations that are already adept at supporting underserved populations within their community, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students and families. The company plans to offer more than 50 locations by mid-2024. Learn more at att. com/connectedlearning.

The Connected Learning Center at Edgerley Family South Boston Club where teen members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston will be equipped to pursue career and college goals.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll speaks to teens at the Edgerley Family South Boston Club as Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s Robert Lewis Jr. (left) and AT&T’s John Emra (right).

The Connected Learning Center at Edgerley Family South Boston Club where teen members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston will be equipped to pursue career and college goals.

by Rick Winterson

TABACUS Craftsmen at the Sailing Center

he Harry McDonough Memorial Sailing Center tells its own stories. It has been the place where countless young people have learned essential (and safe) sailing skills, and it’s a fitting memorial to Harry himself. The Center is located on the eastern corner of Pleasure Bay – a.k.a. the Castle Island “Lagoon”. But like any human structure, especially those on the seashore, it needs repairs and replacements every few years.

This week, four skilled craftsmen from ABACUS – Jared, Manuel, Marino, and Alan – are completing the carpentry work involved in building a new deck at the overhead doors into the Center’s boathouse. They are doing some repair work on the dock ramp as well, and will be coating all the new wood in a week or so. ABACUS is a general contractor and builder managed by its founder, Mark Little.

This work will be ready to use in plenty of time for the McDonough Center’s summer season, which begins on Monday morning, July 1, gives sailing lessons every summer

week from Monday through Thursday, and closes on September 30. We toured the Center’s site with Rob Pacitti and Bob Ferrara, who expressed their gratitude to ABACUS and to Mark Little for the skilled work they contributed at no cost to the Harry McDonough Memorial Sailing Center.

We would also like to remind you that the Center’s annual fundraiser will be a cookout at the Center next Thursday, June

13, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Board of Director’s guests will include State Sen. Nick Collins and State Rep. David Biele. Music will be

provided by that South Boston favorite, the Thomas Park Band. The 2024 Sailing Season Sign-up will also take place that evening

Rob Pacitti and Bob Ferrara (blue T’s) view the deck by ABACUS craftsmen – Jared, Manuel, Marino, and Alan.

The ramp to the dock is being repaired by ABACUS as well.

The nearly completed new deck by ABACUS.

South Boston Graduate 2024: Liana Flood

By Carol Masshardt

(The series will feature 2024 high school graduates from South Boston)

South Boston’s Liana Flood can make it look easy. A 2024 graduate of the Dexter-Southfield School in Brookline, she excelled in track and is an editor of the school newspaper and has been a peer tutor. She with graduate with the academic honor of cum laude on June 1.

“I went to the Condon K-3 and SB Catholic 3-5 and

knew when I made a choice that I wanted a small, closely knit school community where I could connect on a personal level,” she said. “The athletics and academics are collaborative at Dexter Southfield, and the teachers are willing to work with you,” she said. If high school success could be based alone on how one manages challenges, Liana would excel by that measure alone. In her junior year, she realized something was making learning harder.

“I was having trouble in math and physics in particular. If you had told me that I had a learning disability then, I would have said you were insane, but I had to address it. I was diagnosed and then went about getting the right kind of help. My mother (Shannon Flood) and teachers Ms. Nunes and Ms. Kent were really helpful. I spent a lot of time in academic support, but then noticed that there were a lot of students there. It was hard enough and then to navigate SAT s and Advanced Placements” she said. “But, I know strategies now, and am more confident.”

In fact, with a softspoken resilience, she gave her senior speech on this subject and said, “I was surprised how well it went.”

Liana seems to appreciate every experience that mattersthe years she attended the Girl’s Group at the Ollie, and in-depth experience at Y.E.S in the South End and the mentorship of Aliyah Yarde. She also is interning at the State House this semester and is confident in her choice in political science going forward.

So, what is next? Liana will be attending the University of Georgia as an honors student. “I need to get out of my comfort zone, and it will be bigger and different. I love South Boston. It’s where my

mother grew up and I like the beach and walking, and new people and those who have been here, but it is time. I want to be a lawyer, where I can use reading, writing, debating and advocacy, and need more experience on my own.”

Liana’s many strengths will serve her well, especially the ability to look at a complex issue, and using her determination and resources to move forward in a positive way. A cross country running mentality with an appreciation for team has served her well.

Asked to submit a photo she liked, it was not surprising that she chose one with her younger brother, Caleb. We join the Flood family, Shannon and Paul, brothers, Caleb, 8 and Samuel, 16, to celebrate an emerging leader and graduate, Liana Flood!

(Please contact Carol Masshardt at carolhardt@ comcast.net if you are or know of a 2024 graduate)

Liana Flood

The

Boston Sports Hall

The Scholarship Fund was founded as a non-profit organization in 1995 and has awarded $411,000 to 249 deserving South Boston students planning to attend college. The nine $2,500 scholarship grants are funded by a variety of organizations and individuals.

New this year will be our 8th Grade scholarship for 8th-graders graduating on to high school. We will be offering at least one $2,500 scholarship.

As in 2023, in addition to the current nine $2,500 scholarships will be one $5,000 Scholar/Athlete scholarship named in honor of Ed Buccigross, the longtime trust fund founder who recently passed away. Ed was raised in South Boston and graduated from Boston Latin School and Boston College. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He was a fine athlete, playing quarterback for the South Boston Chippewas, as well as baseball, softball, and hockey. He was very generous to his community and was instrumental in founding local scholarship programs to help others.

Complete details of each program are described on the scholarship application, which may be picked up at schools, the South Boston Library, the Boys & Girls Club, the Tynan, the Condon, or the Curley Community Centers. You can also download a copy from our Facebook page, South Boston Sports Hall Of Fame Scholarship Trust Fund.

Applications must be received by June 30, 2024, and must be mailed to:

Fred Ahern, Chairman

South Boston Sports HOF Scholarship Trust Fund P.O. Box 236 South Boston, MA 02127

or emailed to:

SouthBostonHallofFame@gmail.com

Sponsors include: Amazon, Massport, the “L” Street Brownies, Folan Waterproofing and Construction of Easton in memory of deceased members of the Folan family, South Boston Youth Hockey Association in memory of John Cunniff, Sona Nichols in memory of Bob Nichols, “Bucci-Challenge” LLC Charity Fund, Ed Sheehy in memory of Patricia and Edward Sheehy, Michael Sheehy for the Heightsmen Scholarship in memory of Kevin Dwyer, and the Hall of Fame Trust Fund in memory of Ed Buccigross.

Congrats to Broadway Lock

Boston Lyric Opera Opens 2024 “Street Stage”

by Rick Winterson

The Boston Lyric Opera (the BLO) is headquartered in South Boston at Fort Point’s Channel Center. Last Saturday, on the wheeled performing platform they call “Street Stage”, the BLO performed their first musical program of the 2024 summer months. This included nine operatic arias by Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti, the popular Italian song “O Sole Mio”, and two selections of American music from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Street Stage was set up on the Rose Kennedy Greenway across from the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Soprano Angela Yam and tenor Neal Ferriera performed melodically and memorably in their solos. Their golden voices blended perfectly in the arias that were duets. Yam and Ferriera were very capably accompanied by pianist Brendan Shapiro. His vigorous keyboard work reminded listeners of a full orchestra.

One could only applaud and yell “Viva!” at the end of the program.

So far this summer, the BLO has definitely scheduled three more musical programs. Of particular interest will be their upcoming Evening Concert in South Boston on Wednesday evening, August 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This takes place here in historic Moakley Park; it’ll be a kid friendly evening featuring a varied musical program. In addition, Boston Harbor NOW will provide food, games, and child-centered activities – it’s for your whole family.

You are encouraged to register for the Moakley Park Concert in advance at blo. org/events; we suggest you bring your own seating.

The BLO’s other two scheduled musical programs take place on Thursday, June 13, at 4:30 p.m. in Plaza Balances, IBA’s Villa Victoria (100 West Dedham Street in the South End), and on Saturday, August 3, at both 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Please know that all 2024 Street Stage events (including the August 7 Concert in Moakley Park) are completely free and open to the public.

and sister Robert and Patty Maestranzi, the co-owners of Broadway Lock received a Legacy Business Award from OEO officials and Mayor Wu yesterday evening.

Celtics NBA Finals Watch Party Tonight

TD Garden & City of Boston to host first ever watch party at TD Garden

Mayor Michelle Wu joined Governor Maura Healey, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Celtics & TD Garden leadership, and Celtics legend Cedric Maxwell to announce watch party plans and public safety preparations for the upcoming NBA Finals. The Celtics will face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals starting in Boston on June 6. Mayor Wu and TD Garden President Glen Thornborough announced TD Garden will host its first ever watch party for two Boston Celtics away games: Game 3 on Wednesday, June 12, and Game 4 on Friday, June 14. The full game broadcast will be played in the TD Garden arena. Tickets for the family-friendly events will be $18 (to mark the Celtics’ fight for their 18th banner) and discounted food and parking will be available. Pre-sale tickets will go on sale tomorrow, with general sale happening on Thursday.

“This is an exciting time in our city to gather together and cheer on the Celtics. The Celtics watch parties at the Garden will be a memorable and unique way for families and fans to catch the away games and show our community spirit,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to our partners at TD Garden and the Celtics, public safety officials, and all working to ensure a fun fan experience.”

“We’re thrilled to have the Celtics back in the finals where they belong! We’re excited to be having home games starting this Thursday night, as well as watch parties at TD Garden for away games,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is working with our partners at the City and Celtics to make sure this is a wonderful, safe experience for all. Let’s add another banner to the rafters, and another generation of great memories for our state. Let’s Go Celtics!”

“Celtics fans are unrivaled when it comes to their passion and dedication, so we are excited for them to have a space to cheer from Boston while the team is on the road during the NBA Finals,” said Boston Celtics Team President Rich Gotham. “We extend our thanks to TD Garden and the City of Boston for providing this opportunity

to bring the community together while supporting worthy organizations.”

“We are excited to bring fans together to celebrate and support the Boston Celtics during the NBA Finals,” said Glen Thornborough, President of TD Garden and COO of the Boston Bruins. “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together at watch parties for Games 3 & 4 and experience the thrill of NBA Finals at TD Garden.”

The arena setup for the two watch parties will mirror a live NBA game experience, with Celtics entertainment, merchandise, and concessions. TD Garden’s food concession stands will be open with value items available for purchase. Bar service will also be open. There is no watch party planned for a potential Game 6. More details on the watch parties and ticket sales can be found here.

In addition to the watch parties, Mayor Wu announced Canal Street will be a Finals Hub for the first four games. The Mayor previously announced Canal Street as an outdoor gathering place for fans for the playoffs. It will now be closed again to vehicular traffic for the first two home and first two away games (on June 6, 9, 12, and June 14). This expansion for the NBA Finals games is free and open to the public and allows bars and restaurants to extend their capacity on to the street.

As part of the Finals Hub, the Celtics in partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods will bring the Hoopbus to Canal Street.

“As the City Councilor for historic TD Garden and an eccentric Celtics fan, I’m proud that the City of Boston is working in partnership with TD Garden to deliver an incredible experience for residents, where their passion and fandom can come to life while our team is on the road for games 3 & 4,” said District 8 City Councilor Sharon Durkan.

“Many people don’t get the opportunity to experience going to a

game at TD Garden, especially during the NBA Finals,” said John Borders IV, Boston’s Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. “For Mayor Wu and TD Garden to make this opportunity affordable and accessible, the watch parties mark an exciting moment to bring fans together in a unique way.”

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox shared BPD’s preparations ahead of the NBA Finals to ensure a safe and fun environment.

“As our Celtics lead us into the NBA Finals again, we remind our residents and visitors that Boston celebrates responsibly. We will have additional officers onhand to assist with public safety and traffic congestion.

For the first two home games, street closures and times will be similar to other TD Garden events. For the first four games of the series, Canal Street will be closed from 4:00 p.m. to midnight,” said Commissioner Michael A. Cox, Boston Police Department. “As far as tickets, we know everyone is excited and would love to watch the game firsthand, but we suggest fans buy from authorized vendors. Secondary sources can be risky and tickets could potentially be invalid or counterfeit.” Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation utilizing the Commuter Rail, the Green Line, and Orange Line diversion shuttle buses to get to TD Garden when possible.

Mayor Michelle Wu in South Boston

By Carol Masshardt

Mayor Michelle Wu, with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department joined by elected officials, cabinet members, and representatives from most city departments, spoke to a large gathering at Metal of Honor Park . She briefly addressed priorities and concerns regarding safety, schools, and affordable housing, green space, and concerns regarding construction. There is a plan for each area as well as inherent complications. Each of these hour long regularly scheduled sessions is not only an opportunity to meet neighbors, but to have immediate access for questions regarding city services. The mayor accepts questions in advance and provides a time after for another conversation.

South Boston Proposed Development and Transportation Updates

SUMMER STREET PILOT PROGRAM

Summer Street Pilot will continue community engagement in the following ways:

The City of Boston is hosting three open house events for the Summer Street Pilot Program. This is your opportunity to engage directly with the City and share your feedback on the pilot. Your input is vital to shaping the future of Summer Street. Join the City to ask questions, hear updates on the pilot, and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments. Please spread the word and encourage your neighbors, friends, and family members to attend.

Open House Dates, Times, and Locations:

Tuesday, June 11th from 5PM - 8PM @ The 105 by Breakthrough (CRISPR)

Address: 105 W 1st St, Boston, MA 02127

Friday, June 14th from 12:30PM - 1:30PM @ VIRTUAL via Zoom

Zoom Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZAtdOurrzwoE9xOVnaJS82YBea9dFSnqftb

Stay tuned for Open House details in City Point/South Boston (Date and Location TBA)

SOUTH BOSTON TRANSPORTATION ACTION PLAN

South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP) Draft Recommendations Report

The draft recommendations include proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate severe and fatal traffic crashes and create a safer and more efficient network for all modes of transportation— walking, biking, transit, and vehicles.

The SBTAP project team invites public comments and questions regarding the Draft Recommendations Report. Please feel free to email comments to SouthBostonTAP@Boston.gov.

ABUTTER’S MEETINGS

311 Summer St Abutters Meeting / Five Iron Golf (NEW)

Proposal: All alcoholic beverage license transfer Time: June 10, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88013564450

Meeting ID: 880 1356 4450

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88013564450# US (New York)

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ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL HEARINGS

To participate in hearings, please monitor this page for instructions on joining the public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum.

111 to 113 H ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1548439

Hearing Date 6/12/2024

Project Description: Remove Proviso granted that petitioner only under BOA966578 Application to modify Boston Board Appeals Decision No remove proviso “ beer wine limited one 1 cooler with two doors” so as permit retail sale all alcoholic products 111 113 H Street Ward 7 MA 02127 construction be required Legal use structure Five Family amp Store Liquor

314 to 330 W Second ST South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1584046

Hearing Date 6/12/2024

Project Description: CHANGE OCCUPANCY FROM 51 APTS GARAGE amp 4 OFFICES RETAIL TO 3 BODY ART INSTALLATION FURNITURE EQUIPMENT

118 F ST South Boston 02127

BOA App# BOA1576558

Appeal Type Zoning

Hearing Date 2024-06-13

Project Description: Proponent requests to add additional living space in basement as per attached plans

164 Old Colony Ave. South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1576978

Hearing Date 6/24/2024

Project Description: ERECT NEW 4 STORY UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH BALCONIES ELEVATOR INCLUDED DEMOLISH EXISTING STRUCTURE ON SEPARATE PERMIT ePlan 5 w GARAGE PARKING SPACES

767 E Broadway South Boston 02127

Appeal Type Zoning

BOA App# BOA1599266

Hearing Date 7/24/2024

Project Description: Seeking relief 2 proposed shed dormers removal flat roof to be replaced gable in rear section structure that alter existing roofline Add fire rated windows on facade west side dormer

Continued from Page 1 SBCA

Helenann Civian...”Celebrating our Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one of my favorite days.” Here are some famous quotes regarding Grandparents and Special Friends/People in our lives... “Grandparents are a treasure in the family. Please, take care of your grandparents: love them and let them talk to your children!” — Pope Francis.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” —Audrey Hepburn. “I love you right up to the moon—and back.” —Sam McBratney. All the students loved seeing their grandparents, family and special friends who came and had a chance to visit the students in their classrooms. The students made special cards and colorful drawings telling their grandparents, family and special friends how much they love them.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope

Alzheimer’s Support Group at Compass on the Bay

June 12, 2024, 6:00 pm at Compass on the Bay

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. This group is held both in person and virtually. Call 617-268-5450 or email Program Director Erin Bollinger at ebollinger@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register by June 7.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864

Meeting ID: 160 683 8780

Project Proponent: Sing Ming Chan

Project Description: The information at this meeting is crucial to you as a City of Boston resident, and stakeholder. Interpreting services are available to communicate the content of these documents at no additional cost to you. If you require translation services, please contact the following: Tyler.C.Ross@boston.gov. The meeting is scheduled for 6/20/2024. Please request interpreting services no later than 5 days before the meeting date. Meeting of the general public to review the proposed 49-51 D st, South Boston project. This meeting will be focused on the proposed 49-51 D st, project. Please note that this is a Public Meeting. The meeting will begin with a 45-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by 45-minutes of public Q&A.

Craig Cataldo, Esq. Nutter, McClennen and Fish LLP