Partying and Fundraising at the Harry McDonough Sailing Center

by Rick Winterson

The Harry McDonough Sailing Center fundraiser last Thursday was actually quite the event. Held at the Center itself on the Pleasure Bay shoreline, it was a perfect evening for a cookout –warm, with a mild breeze and a more than eye-catching sunset. The lagoon seemed especially calm and friendly; the walk out to the edge of the new dock was a real pleasure. The unusual components of the new Sailing Center dock are corrosion-proof plastic floats that flex a bit as they are walked upon. Unusual, yes! But also effective. The fundraiser was another one of those good old Southie “times”. More than a hundred came and went. Most stayed for a long while. Memories were recalled with joy. Among those taking part in the many conversations and the non-stop gales of laughter were

Edso Foley – up from Falmouth –Jimmy Callanan, Rep. David Biele, Billy Higgins, Denise Higgins Cohen, and Rob Pacitti – just to name a few. And George at the grille skillfully turned out oceans of hot dogs and burgers non-stop. Music by the Thomas Park Band added to the festivities.

Thomas Park is perhaps the most prominent of South Boston’s bands. The Band’s lead singer is Paul Eastman, and you know something, a new bass guitarist played with them at the Sailing Center’s fundraiser. His name is “Michelangelo” – just that, only one name. Not only is Michelangelo a talented bass player, he hails from Sandwich, was once a monk, and practices “reiki” – a therapy that involves energy healing. And to repeat, when the Harry McDonough Sailing Center’s fundraising party was over, the sunset along Day Boulevard was stunning – a great way to end a Southie “time”.

By Carol Masshardt

Eighteen-year-old Excel High School graduate Quantae

Blakey loved English and Science, but beyond academics learned how to persist with dignity in less-thanideal circumstances. He moved to South Boston from Lynn to live with his father three years ago and has had more adjustments than many adults know in a lifetime. He quickly named at least seven places he lived, including family shelters and with relatives.

“Graduation is something I wanted to do for my dad, Derick Blakey,” he said. He also knows it may help his future. “I love to cook, so I hope something like that can work out. Not so much customer service, but the culinary arts part is one of my goals.”

“I’ve been isolated most of my life,” said Quantae. “I did have friends in Lynn so initially I didn’t want to come to Boston, and here it was just me and my dad, but I got used to it. The school wasn’t the best or worst. There