SBOL_06_16_2022

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Concerns Raised at Recent Public Safety Meeting

by Rick Winterson

S

outh Boston’s elected of f icia ls, supported by a law enforcement panel (from BPD Station C6, Transit Police, State Police), held a Public Safety Meeting on Monday evening, June 13. The meeting took place at the Local 7 Ironworkers Hall on Old Colony Avenue from 6 until nearly 8 p.m. About a hundred attended – mostly local residents – and then took part in the question-andanswer session that followed the brief public safety presentations.

In summary, brief public safety presentations assured the attendees that police and elected officials were aware of the safety problems, and they were doing all they could to reduce these issues.

Efforts continue at Mass/Cass to eliminate it entirely. Elected

officials emphatically affirmed their support for law enforcement and the police. When the topic of understaffing came up, the Transit Police speaker mentioned that he had only four transit police officers when he began his job as the “T” Captain.

The high point of the meeting was the Q&A session, where direct, critical issues were addressed to both of the combined groups - five police off icers and six of Boston’s elected officials. The meeting was chaired by Boston City Council President Ed Flynn from South Boston. It soon became a blunt, hot-tempered event about ongoing public hazards, to say the very least. Audience members spoke over each other, and much yelling went on – the Public Safety Meeting got out Continued on Page 3

USS Kearsarge Memorial Rededicated

by Rick Winterson

O

n Tuesday, the Memorial in South Boston’s Marine Park consisting of an anchor from the USS Kearsarge was rededicated, in what was both a meaningful and

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a (very) beautiful ceremony. It’s worth quoting the exact words on the Memorial’s front plaque that faces the ocean southeastwards: “In memory of the men who served in the Navy during the Civil War, 1861-1865. In honor of its Continued on Page 5

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

PAY ATTENTION! Walkers, Drivers, Bikers … We All Need to do Better • Drivers distracted by their phones, the radio, their kids, the dog.

W

ith more construction, m or e p e ople moving into the neighborhood, and thus more vehicles and bikes, navigating South Boston’s streets has never been more dangerous.

Just recently South Boston Online has witnessed the following: • A woman crossing K Street at East Broadway while looking at her phone and not once looking at the street.

• A r unner wearing headphones charging right through an intersection without stopping for the light or looking both ways.

• A trio of kids riding Blue Bikes on D Street through traffic with no regard for cars or walkers.

• Jaywalkers (OK, I’m guilty

of

galore this).

• Cars speeding down side streets like they’re Indy straightaways.

• Pedestrians pushing the walk button, getting frustrated with the (admittedly, unusually long ) wait, and walking into traffic to cross the street.

• Parents not holding the hands of young children while walking.

• Drivers texting.

• D r iv e r s goin g 47 mph, 45 mph, 43 mph on Old Colony in a 25-mph zone.

A couple years ago, we watched as a man and child darted out against the light at Dorchester Street and Broadway, causing a truck pulling a trailer with heavy machinery to stop suddenly, losing his load and having to call for help to get the machinery back on the trailer. The man and child never even looked back.

We know many people abide by the rules of the road, but we need to do better!

The bottom line: We all have the right to feel safe.

WalkBoston, a Massachusetts pedestrian advocacy organization, released the report, “Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in MA (2021).”

“The data sadly confirm that crashes are happening throughout the Commonwealth, with the same municipalities emerging again and again as higher risk,” said Stacey Beuttell, executive director of WalkBoston.

Among the 47 Massachusetts cities and towns that had a fatal pedestrian crash in 2021, Boston (9) and Springfield (9) had the most, according to the report. It’s a miracle Boston doesn’t have a higher number.

Other report findings: • Older adults were hit and killed at a higher rate than those in other age groups: 36% of fatal crash victims were over the age of 65. In Massachusetts, only 17% of the population is over 65, according to WalkBoston.

• Over half of Massachusetts’ fatal pedestrian crashes (50.67%) occurred on streets with speed limits of 30 to 35 miles per hour.

There are simple things we can all do. And, yes, we would hope everyone already knows these things, but it’s worth a reminder as South Boston’s streets are busy with pedestrians, drivers, bikers, and outdoor diners.

As walkers …

• Be

patient!

• Look both ways (or all ways, depending on the intersection).

• Be mindful of sun glare and how that affects what you can see.

• Don’t

use

your

phone.

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks.

• Resolve to NOT drive aggressively, but do drive defensively.

• Avoid looking at your cellphone when walking/crossing the street.

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Don’t assume drivers will stop just because you are in the crosswalk.

• Don’t blast your music.

• D on’ t run red lights or speed , esp ecially in the neighborhood.

• Keep the volume down if listening to music so you can be more aware of your surroundings and any horns or sirens.

• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, bikers, and motorcyclists.

• Keep your dogs on short leashes while crossing the street.

• Hold hands with your young children while near streets.

• Make visible, especially

As drivers …

• Be patient!

yourself at night.

• Don’t drink and drive.

We could go on and on, but we know that you get the picture. Southie is an amazing neighborhood and we want it to be as safe as it can be for everyone.

“Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in M A (2021): ht t ps://walkboston .org/fatalpedestrian-crashes-in-ma-2021/

16, 2022 THURSDAY JUNE SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM ai165401659221_Drone_Massport_SouthBoston Online_5x13 copy.pdf Continued from Page 1

Public Meeting

of control at several points.

T he ke y topic s t hat generated the angriest questions seemed to be: 1.- Continuing drug scenes at Mass/Cass, 2.Genera l lawlessness on the streets in and around Andrew Square, and 3.- The unsafe pit that Andrew Station has become.

These are aggravated even more by the homeless, the fighting that occurred on Carson Beach, and the recent shooting incidents on Dorchester Street and in South Bay. (Editorial Note: The writer lives in Andrew Square and agrees these are valid public safety issues that must be quickly resolved.)

A key background issue underlying the anger that arose during the Q& A period at Monday night’s Public Safety Meeting was the City’s proposed budget, which cuts the overtime allocation to the Boston Police Department in the next fiscal year. This was partially answered

by statements that the City Council voted 13 to 4 to approve that cut, and that the four Councilors who voted against this approval were among those at Public Safety Meeting. City Council President Ed Flynn pointed out that he personally endorses adding 300 new police officers every year, to replace those who quit or retire. One well-informed questioner asked why programs to assist drug users aren’t made mandatory, instead of jailing addicts or letting them go completely free.

The general opinion of the people who attended the Safety Meeting was that staffing up the Boston Police Department was the most important first step needed to improve Public Safety around here. The Andrew Square Civic Association (ASCA) will hold another safety meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at 120 Old Colony Avenue.

The topic: Safety concerns specifically at and around Andrew Station – please plan to attend.

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Voices in Healthcare: Matthew LeMaitre

By Carol Masshardt

T

ypically, surgeons are well-educated, skilled, and focused on patients, and with the support of a team, most often have successful outcomes. This is all true but would be a vast underappreciation of South Boston’s surgeon, Matthew LeMaitre, MD, 54, and the level care he brings to patients before and after surgery, the value he places on community, and his extraordinary thoughtfulness.

“During COVID, if ever there was a time, the change was in the awareness that we are more than individuals, we are part of a society, he said.” “Even in daily practice, surgeons can feel like the top of the order in medicine, but in COVID that was corrected. We were not.

Nurses were most needed and essential and that changes how we think, and it should,” he said. These should not be radical statements, but in a world and profession often tethered to hierarchy and inequitable values, it is a refreshing insight.

An education at Phillips Andover, Georgetown and Tufts Medical School were surely

underpinnings of his intellectual development, but his attitudes may come as much from international travel and a background in linguistics. His goal is to understand and be understood by those who entrust their care to him.

“I got a Bachelor of Science Degree in Linguistics, long before I knew medicine would be my course,” he said. “I think all the time about language in medicine. How would I want to hear this? Medicine is a language, and it is not something that you can assume everyone knows.”

Matt LeMaitre’s professional life both developed over time and seemed wonderfully inevitable. “I found my way to medicine at age 29, probably because my father was a vascular surgeon, my mother works in medical instruments, and my older sister, and her husband are both OB/GYN doctors. I ended up as a Bariatric Surgeon (weight loss focus) and said to my sister that I had found an area where a patient can potentially be happier and reinvent themselves,” he said.

For the past 4 years, he has worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and St. Anne’s in Fall River. In addition to a commitment to be present for patients before, during and following surgery, he also recently had a group event at St. Anne’s Hospital for

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Matthew LeMaitre post -surgical patients “to celebrate and create a sense of a supportive community,” he explained. This investment is but one example of how he transcends the usual surgeon’s scope, and in return seems to feel connected and joyful with the process.

Rather than staying in familiar and comfortable settings, as a final year medical student he went to Gabon in Central Africa, which became a pivotal experience. “I wanted to bring something of value to the lives there, and medicine is something that I could offer,” he said, and recounts a level of learning that can only occur when resources are limited, and the unpredictable is a norm. He also lived in France, and Russia immersed in the love of cultures.

Matt LeMaitre’s experience of COVID had personal, practical, and philosophical implications.

“I got COVID early on and most of us working in the OR on that day, did. We didn’t know then if we would live or die, and I was sick for ten days. Then, suddenly, the hospitals cleared out as the elective surgeries were put on hold. I thought I would be recruited for the ICU as the COVID cases went to Carney during that period, but they needed anesthesiologists and infectious disease people and my skill set wasn’t right, and I was sidelined,” he said.

He continued doing consultations by Telehealth and was both satisfied with the greater access his patients, often uncomfortable with the stress of in person medical appointments, had, but personally struggled. “So much of my life has been communications and being on a camera isn’t the same, but the patients showed up almost one

hundred percent of the time through Telehealth, and now I can offer either and that is a real positive,” he said.

Not surprisingly, this physician continues to work on all cylinders with dedication and flexibility. He thinks about the impact of poverty in the aftermath of the pandemic, of the isolation that leads to mental health and physical problems. He also imagines an APP that could have helped with communications and tracking during COVID conditions (“Couldn’t there be an app for tracking communication that worked better and quicker than a virus?”), he envisions a society with greater Obesity Awareness and how this could save and improve lives. He does all this in a return to a full tilt surgical practice with a kind and calm demeanor and a mind that seems never to stop.

In South Boston, he finally found a home after a four-year search for what he needed for his own wellbeing. He treasures a view of the Kennedy Library, the everyday people and pets, and an ocean he loves.

With a tone of deep appreciation, he comments on a beach that can seem carefree, but looks beyond at the water. “It is stormy and calm and changes every single day, and I know I’m not that important when I look at that,” he said. This refreshing gift of humility and perspective may explain why he is pleased that others get credit, and the outstanding ratings he receives from patients. And now he has a ready perch from which to continue to imagine a more just world.

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

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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Continued on Page 1

DEDICATION

members who served in the Navy during the Spanish-American War and the World War.” There’s also a plaque on its opposite side that updates the Memorial’s history: “U.S.S. Kearsarge Memorial. Anchor from battleship USS Kearsarge – forged circa 1900; dedicated 1930.

Restored and rededicated in 2022 to Naval veterans of all wars.”

Over many years, the name “USS Kearsarge” has been used on five United States Navy ships – a sloop-of-war, a battleship, two aircraft carriers, and an amphibious assault craft. The original sloop-of-war combined steam with sails.

She was built in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (1861, Kittery, Maine) and fought during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The first USS Kearsarge’s most famous battle was her sinking of the Confederate raider, CSS Alabama, on June 19, 1864. Look up USS Kearsarge – you’ll find some fascinating U. S. Navy history.

The first Anchor Memorial wa s de d ic ate d i n 1930.

Since then, it had become a playground feature in Marine Park – basically, an object to climb on.

In fact, veteran John Walsh came to Tuesday’s Rededication with a photo of his pretty mother, Jane Marie Sullivan, posing on the anchor when she was 16-goin’-on-17.

Veteran John Walsh, with a 1930s photo of his mother, Jane Marie Sullivan.

State and City officials attend the USS Kearsarge Memorial Rededication.

Her photo was published in the Record-American (Does anyone remember that newspaper?). But over time, the original Anchor Memorial had really begun to show severe symptoms of age.

Specif ic credits for the USS K e a r s a rge Memor ia l Rededication must go to the SBAW VC (the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council), commanded by Dave Falvey; Kevin Allen, the DRC’s Project Manager; and Robert Shure, the sculptor who refurbished the Memorial. The SBAW VC is the organization that also runs the Parade in March each year; Shure has designed and executed other local memorials in the past. The City of Boston Community Preservation Fund provided significant financing; generous South Boston residents came up with more money when the Rededication project

overran its original estimates.

The Rededication Ceremony started promptly at 11:30 Tuesday morning, under a huge American f lag f lown by Ladder 19 from South Boston’s Fourth Street Stationhouse. The sun and the sea were brilliant. Spirits were very high, from the youngsters running back and forth, to the smile by long-time veteran Richard Cook. The ceremony wa s emceed by Stepha nie Cooper, Acting Commissioner of the DCR. She called on many speakers, and to her credit, the entire Rededication took less t ha n a n hour.

Gov. Baker called the USS Kearsarge Anchor “a very special landmark.” Congressman Lynch thanked the Governor, and told him, “We’ll miss you.” (Baker is retiring at the end of this term).

Mayor Wu complimented those who took part in the Memorial’s

The three who really “did it!”: AWVC Cmdr. Dave Falvey, Sculptor Robert Shure, DCR Project Mgr. Kevin Allen.

Rededication – “Look what happens when we all work together.” Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell, the first ever female Commander of the USS Constitution, expressed her joy at attending such a historic ceremony, especially because it is a memorial to the U.S. Navy. She then called for the Naval Honor Guard to present the colors and for all present to observe a moment of silence. Other speakers followed, giving equally inspiring remarks.

The Rededication was truly meaningful – a really joyful event.

For several various reasons, ending a celebration by serving ice cream has now become a longstanding tradition of the U.S. Navy. Sure enough, an ice cream wagon from Monstah Cookie showed up in Marine Park at 12:30 – it was enjoyed by all. And what a powerful memory the Rededication Ceremony has left behind for us all to recall!

Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell USN, USS Constitution with Dave Falvey.

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Senator Collins Supports Infrastructure Bill

Legislation would Send Approximately $15 million Investment to the City of Boston

S

enator Nick Collins joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate in passing An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges under Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 90 is a program established by the Commonwealth allowing cities and towns to apply for needed infrastructure

improvement funding, and the City of Boston is set to receive nearly $15 million in new infrastructure investment with this bill.

In addition, the Senate authorized a further $150 million towards additional grant programs, aimed at further municipal tra nsportation development projects. These investments include a further $30 million for the Commonwealth’s small bridge repair program, $30 million for the Complete Streets program, which allows municipalities to redesign intersections and pedestrian crossings, $25 million for grants increasing access to mass transit, and $25 million for local bus programs.

“W hile I know these funds can be put to good use immediately in Boston, I am confident that the legislation will equip our municipalities with the resources to improve access to high quality transportation,” sa id S e n a t or Collins.

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Congrats to Excel High School Graduates

Exel High School in South Boston held graduation on Thursday evening, June 9 at White Stadium. Shown with head of school Jerleen John are salutatorian Thy Nguyen and valedictorian Ergina Agastra. Diplomas were presented to 76 graduates.

U.S. Army’s 247th Birthday

Tuesday, June 14, was the 247th Birthday of the United States Army. For many years before our War for Independence, individual colonies (later to become the 13 original states) set up their own militias. Sometimes, these militias were swapped with other colonies, but in general, there was no central military force. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the U.S. Army.

Some 247 years later, Gov. Charlie Baker, members of local government, and many military men and women celebrated the Army’s Birthday on Dorchester Heights. And yes, of course, a 247th Birthday cake was cut and served.

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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NDEC Graduates 14

by Rick Winterson

L

ast Wednesday evening, the Notre Dame Education Center (the NDEC) climaxed their ’21’22 school year with meaningful Graduation ceremony. From Sir Edward Elgar’s classic First “Pomp and Circumstance” March to the Graduates’ turning their tassels to the left, the ceremony flowed by – lively, smoothly, joyfully. Sunfilled evening weather was ideal. The ceremony took place at The View, on the edge of Quincy’s Presidents Golf Course – reminding us of the two Presidents from Quincy and two others born in Norfolk County.

Nearly a hundred faculty members, families, and friends of the fourteen fortunate Graduates gathered to celebrate their achievements. Years of successful study and learning oblige us to list the fourteen 2022 Graduates’ names immediately and right up front: High School Diploma Program – Tayvian M. DePina, John Earley-Bilodeau, Cormac Lafferty, Lydon Ryan McGarrell, Jonathan John Santana, Jaeden T. Wallace, Aidan James Young.

Youth HiSET Completion – Kristian Navarro, Esmeralda Pinales, Davonn Suarez, Nikko Vitoratos.

Adult HiSET Completion – Amina Jama, Margarete Gomes da Silva, Melissa Wean.

After the Graduates walked their Processional, Sr. Geraldine Burns SNDdeN, who is an NDEC Director

Sr. Geraldine Burns, SNDdeN, prays for a Graduation blessing.

NDEC Graduateswith Diplomas and Certificates serving on the Program Committee, offered the Invocation. She asked for a blessing on the Graduates and called all of them by name, saying, “You are among God’s chosen.” Charles Shediac, the Chair of the NDEC Board, opened the Diploma Program.

This was followed by a few brief remarks from Christine Durante, NDEC’s Executive Director, about this being the NDEC’s 30th year.

The speaking portion of the festivities closed with a short speech from the Student Speaker, Cormac Lafferty.

He emphatically stated how grateful he was to NDEC for helping him get his Diploma, after years of frustration at other schools (Cormac was accepted at nine colleges – he’ll be attending Plymouth State to study Coaching and Sports Management).

The ceremonial program then began, as Program Specialist Adam Berndt presented Diplomas and Certificates to the 14 Graduates, assisted by Board Chair Shediac, ED Durante, and Manny Reynoso, NDEC’s Program Director. Each Graduate came forward with a big

smile, to enthusiastic applause. J.T. Wallace received NDEC’s 2022 Academic Award. NDEC Instructor Nathan Hoffman received a Service Award from Manny Reynoso for his teaching efforts this year.

Hoffman spoke about how this was a pleasant surprise and how NDEC is such a “great place to be!” Elaine Fallon read some comments by the Graduates about receiving their Certificates and Diplomas. (Please note: Leslie Feeney, another key member of the NDEC faculty, had a family obligation, so she could not be present at the Graduation.)

Sr. Geraldine then conducted the first traditional observance – giving a sunflower to each Graduate, because these blooms always turn their faces to the sun, thus symbolizing learning.

After that, led by Program Director Manny Reynoso, the Graduates carefully switched the tassels on their caps from right to the left – another observance that symbolizes the successful completion of that first, BIG step in becoming well educated. ED Christine Durante

The NDEC faculty: Nathan Hoffman, Adam Berndt, Elaine Fallon, Manny Reynoso (NOTE: Leslie Feeney was unable to attend).

closed the Graduation ceremony by commenting on NDEC’s 30 years of service, and the Education Center’s ongoing commitment to continuing education.

NDEC had asked the Graduates about their future plans; these plans are truly impressive.

Some Graduates are going into skilled pursuits – carpentry, esthetics, and professions such as real estate. National service appeals to some others; two of them will join the U.S. Coast Guard.

Several Graduates plan to enroll in continuing education, including studying for degrees in Business, IT/ Cyber Security, and Human Services such as substance abuse counseling.

Mark our words.

You’ll certainly be hearing about these 14 energetic, ambitious Graduates.

After the ceremony (and after a lot of photography), everyone adjourned to “The View” for a hearty supper, including a huge, one-of-a-kind cake dedicated to the Class of 2022. The sun then set on a really memorable event.

NDEC’s Board Chair Charles Shediac and ED Christine Durante.

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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Running a Business MyStryde Puts a New Spin on Treadmill Workouts

Rebecca Skudder

By Ginger DeShaney

A miserable workout led Rebecca Skudder to find her stride … and found MyStryde.

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hile training for a half-marathon back in 2014, Rebecca was supposed to do a running workout on the treadmill because it was cold out. “And I was like, this is miserable,” she recalled.

So she took a spin class to change things up and get in her workout.

“While I was in that cycling class, I was like, why don’t they just do this for running and make running on the treadmill so much more fun?”

Assuming spin-like classes existed for running, she went home and started looking for studios. There were none.

She decided she needed to change that.

Unique studio In 2016, the self-trained entrepreneur opened her first MyStryde location in the North End. In December 2020, she opened her second running studio, at 850 Summer Street in South Boston. The neighborhood has embraced the studio with open arms.

“It’s been really great for us,” she said.

Rebecca, who was a standout soccer and track athlete at Union College, makes sure her clients are not miserable like she was on that life-changing day.

“We hate getting bored,” Rebecca’s website, mystryde.com, states. “We also hate doing just one type of workout.

A well-rounded week includes cardio, strength, and a combination of the two. That’s why we offer a number of different class types -- no boredom, no overtired legs or underused muscles.”

While some of the classes are running focused (very much like a spin class but on a treadmill), you don’t have to be a runner.

“People think that it’s a scary workout because we have treadmills,” therefore thinking it’s just for runners, Rebecca said.

“Oh my gosh, no! We get people who just want to work out,” she said.

The workouts are interval based and on an effort scale of 1 to 5 that the athletes determine for themselves. So if you’re on the treadmill for part of the interval, you can run or you can walk.

“It’s a great workout,” Rebecca said. “All levels are truly welcome and honestly all levels are in our classes.”

The studio, which sells sneakers and other merchandise, offers the following classes: Power Stryde (strength and treadmill combination), Power (strength training), Stryde (treadmill workout), and Stryde + Strength (strength and treadmill combo).

There’s also a free running club that meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. “It helps build the community,” Rebecca said, noting the club is for every level of runner. Between 15-30 people usually show up to run Castle Island. “It’s just a nice way for people to get to know each other,” she said. “We’ve had some people who just moved to the neighborhood.”

The studio has showers for men and women, so after the run (or your workout), you can shower up and wait for the bus to work. “It’s a great way to start your day,” Rebecca said.

In addition, the studio organizes socials, networking events, challenges, and more.

MyStryde also has a coaching component (visit MyStrydeTrain. com), with between 80-100 clients, said Rebecca, who holds the record for the 1,500 meters at Union.

Real-world business school Rebecca was in her mid-20s, living and working in Boston, and trying to figure out how to start a business.

During this two-year journey, the economics major read an article in the New York Times about a new running studio that opened up in New York. “This is what I was thinking,” she said. “This is what I meant. So it solidified it; I’ll try to be the first one to open in Boston.

So that kind of pushed me a little bit.”

She learned as she went along.

While her major didn’t help her with starting a business, it did give her the tools to think outside the box.

“This is going to be like my business school,” she told her dad.

Looking back on it, the real-world test and trial of building a business, finding locations, managing employees, securing loans, managing the books, marketing the business, “it’s almost better than business school,” she said.

Her job at the time was downtown

and she would walk around and look at all the little sandwich shops, restaurants, and businesses. She recalled a Steve Jobs quote: “Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that are no smarter than you.”

“I would think of that as I passed all these businesses … if this person could do it, I can do it. If that person can do it, I can do it.”

And do it, she did, despite a lot of people telling her no. “It wasn’t handed to me,” she said. “So it means a little bit more.”

While managing two locations, Rebecca also teaches 10 to 12 classes a week. “I should probably teach less,” she laughed. “But I love teaching so much!”

When she’s not working, you can find Rebecca running, hiking, skiing with her husband, and hanging out with their dog.

“It’s been honestly so amazing,” she said about her Southie location. “It’s been great.”

Web s it e : ht t p s : / / w w w. my st r y d e . com / Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/mystryde/

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Flag Retirement Ceremony On Flag Day, the Scottish American Military Society conducted a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Fort Independence at Castle Island in accordance with the U.S. Flag code. (Photos by Ginger DeShaney)

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Congratulations 6th Grade Graduation Class of 2022!

C

ongratulations to SBCA’s class of 2022!

On Thursday, June 9, 2022 students, families and teachers celebrated the end of the year school Mass followed by the 6th Grade Graduation Ceremony.

The celebrants at this Mass were, Our Pastor, Father Robert Casey and our Parochial Vicar, Father Christopher Boyle.

The 6th graders did a fantastic job with the readings and bringing up the gifts. Following the Mass, we had the Graduation Ceremony for our wonderful 6th graders at which Father Casey, our Principal, Dr. Helenann Civian, and our Vice

Principal, Mrs. Denise Moriarty presented the students with their diplomas and other recognitions for their hard work including several scholarships. The Mass and Graduation Ceremony was also Live Streamed from St. Brigid Church so all their families and friends could be a part of this very special school celebration for our 6th graders.

A reception was held for the 6th grade students, their families and teachers Ms. Sarah Hoisel and Ms. Faith Smith following their Graduation Ceremony. Thank you to Father Casey, Dr. Civian, Mrs. Moriarty, Ms. Hoisel, and

Ms. Smith, all of our wonderful 6th graders, their families and all the teachers and staff at SBCA for making this special event possible.

We are very proud of our 6th grade class of 2022 who will be moving on to attend the following schools in September: Boston College High School, Archbishop Williams High School, Catholic Memorial High School, Saint Sebastian High School, Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, The Rivers School, The Elliot School, Fontbonne Academy, Buckingham Browne and Nichols School, Thayer Academy, The Newman School,

Ursuline Academy, Xaverian Brothers, Mount A lvernia, Notre Dame Academy, Belmont Hill and the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science.

Our School Prayer…Dear God, Thank you for creating us and giving us this day, help us grow in faith and show respect in every way. We welcome all people into our school family with care, work hard in all subjects, have patience, and share. Guide us as we do our best to lead and learn today, and celebrate as proud students of SBCA. From all of us at SBCA, we wish everyone a safe and happy summer!

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THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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Frog Pond Summer Spray Pool Opens June 28

oston Pa rk s Commissioner Ryan Woods, and The Skating Club of Boston are pleased to welcome children and their caregivers to kick off the 2022 summer wading season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Tuesday, June 28. The day will include a fun and exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool. For more information visit www.boston.gov/frog-pond-opening.

In addition to activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents can enjoy a special visit from official mascot Frog Pond Freddie and tasty treats from sponsors including Hood Ice Cream Sandwiches from HP Hood LLC and Polar Beverages. Event partners include the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Boston Police, Mass Horticulture, the Mayor’s Mural Crew, Mass Audubon, and the Boston Public Library.

Additional sponsors include REI, whose bike techs will be on-site

offering free quick fixes and safety checks; youth orchestra musicians from Boston Music Project, performing and hosting a string instrument petting zoo for all ages; Boston Moms will provide fun activities and giveaways; IMPACT Melanoma will offer sun safety tips and giveaways; and shade will be provided by shade-on-the-go sun screens provided by Zinnia Sun Shades.

New England Dairy, a non-profit education organization that serves as the voice of local dairy farmers, will be on site to celebrate all things dairy – farming, food, nutrition, and wellness. Stop by their Mobile Dairy Bar to enjoy specialty milk flavors while learning about healthy eating, physical activity, and all things dairy.

Families will also be able to enjoy a ride on the Boston Common Carousel. The Carousel is handicapped accessible and has height requirements: anyone 42” or taller can ride alone; anyone under 42” requires the presence of an adult. Admission for the ride is $4 with 10-ride cards

available for $30. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

A year-round recreational facility, the Frog Pond offers ice skating in the winter, a spray pool and supervised wading for youth in the summer, and the Carousel from spring through fall.

Information on additional activities offered at the Frog Pond can be found by visiting www.bostonfrogpond.com.

The Frog Pond spray pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor

Day. The facility is managed by The Skating Club of Boston and staffed by youth workers from the Boston Youth Fund. For further information, please call the Frog Pond at (617) 635-2120.

To stay up to date with news, events, and design and construction work in Boston Parks, sign up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-ParksEmails and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

13

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

Donna Summer Disco Party Tonight at Copley Square

M

ayor Michelle Wu and the Office of To u r i s m , Sports, and Entertainment will host the 8th annual Celebration of Summer: Donna Summer Disco Party on Thursday, June 16 on Copley Square. This familyfriendly event is free and open to the public and will take place between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Guests will be able to dance the night away to Donna Summer’s greatest hits in a groovy atmosphere complete with glow sticks, bubbles, colorful lights, and a disco ball.

Boston-born disco legend Donna Summer is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a five-time Grammy winner, and sold over 140 million records worldwide.

She was born in Dorchester and was raised in Mission Hill before

rising to stardom in the 1970s. She passed away at the age of 62 years old on May 17, 2012. This annual event honors her life and celebrates her music and legacy in Boston.

Donna Summer Disco Party will feature: Music provided by DJ Vince 1 Special tribute performance

by Mary Gaines Bernard, sister of Donna Summer and longtime backing vocalist

BPDA Income-restricted Rental Opportunity Zero Athens

For more summer events hosted by the Cit y, follow the Mayor’s Of f ice of Tou rism, Spor t s, a nd Entertainment on social media @VisitBostonCit y a nd visit boston.gov/v isit ing-boston.

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21-33 West Second Street South Boston, MA, 02127 7 Income -restricted Apartmen ts # of Units

# of bedrooms

Estimated Square Footage

Rent

Maximum Income Limit (% AMI)

# built out for mobility impairments

3

Studio

450-465

$1,203

70%

1

1

Compact 1Bedroom

623

$1,269

70%

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3

1-Bedroom

700-740

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Minimum Incomes (set by owner + based on # of bedrooms + Area Median Income (AMI))

# of bedrooms

Minimum Income 70% AMI

Studio

$36,090

Compact 1-Bedroom

$38,070

1-Bedroom

$42,300

Maximum Incomes (set by BPDA + based on household size + Area Median Income (AMI))

Household size

Maximum Income 70% AMI

1

$59,200

2

$67,650

3

$76,100

4

$84,550

5

$91,350

6

$98,100

Minimum incomes do not apply to households receiving housing assistance such as Section 8, MRVP, or VASH.

For more on BPDA program eligibility, please visit http://www.bostonplans.org/housing/faqs

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To request an online application visit www.ZeroAthensLottery.com To have a hard copy of the application mailed to your address, call (617) 639-3064 Ext 717.

After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, the City of Boston has decided to cancel the in-person application distribution period. If you cannot complete the application online, please call us at (617) 639-3064 Ext 717, to request that we mail you one and to ask us for any support or guidance you might need to complete the application.

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Preference for Households with people who have mobility impairments Preference for Boston Residents.

Preference for Households with at least one person per bedroom.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2022

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