THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
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Marijuana on K?
outh Boston Online ha s become awa re of situations arising in Sout h Boston bec ause recreational marijuana has been legalized by the voters. One of these is the proposal by Holland Brands to place a large marijuana retail outlet at 115 K Street, where it intersects with First. We don’t believe this should be approved. Let us state that our position certainly does not mean we are opposed to medical marijuana. We wouldn’t deny anybody leg a l, properly pre scribed medicine. And the vote to legalize recreational marijuana was clear. It was approved by a margin of several percentage points, so we must accept that it is now legal. And we do! However, we believe that South Boston’s residents are entitled to have a major say about where marijuana outlets can be
placed and what kind of shops should be approved. And as South Boston Online will point out later, that’s really nothing new. We think that most of us had the wrong picture of what recreational marijuana would involve, back when it went up for a vote. It’s likely (and quite reasonably so back then) that we imagined pot shops would be similar to our existing package stores: small, service-oriented, and patronized mostly by folks on foot. Nowadays, we hear about a 6,000 square foot shop (including edible marijuana) planned for the Quincy Market, and a monster shop of well over 10,000 square feet opening in the West End. “Having a major say” is nothing new, as we’ve pointed out. Recently, residents in Andrew Square voiced their strong objections to a proposed Continued on Page 2
Congratulations Sixth Grade Graduates
Congratulations South Boston Catholic Academy Class of 2021! Thank you and God Bless you, Ms. Hoisl, for a most wonderful school year Making Grade 6 Memoires, in Masks! God Bless and Best Wishes from all of us at SBCA to all our wonderful Sixth Graders and their families as they start a new chapter in their lives. (More photos on page 8 & 9)
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Continued from Page 1
Pot Shop
ma riju a na out let in T he Connection, which is currently a Dorchester Avenue pub on the verge of closing for good. The Square’s residents accept that recreational MJ is legal. They simply insist that the MJ shop be sited only where large retail establishments already exist (South Bay, perhaps?). The voters’ approval of recreationa l ma rijua na ha s created other challenges as well. In order to control legalized recreational marijuana, the City of Boston formed a Cannabis Board. This Board determined that 260 package stores exist in the City of Boston. Then, for whatever reason, they decided marijuana shops should amount to 20% (one-f ifth) of that number, or a total of 52. Since we have 6% of the City’s population (approximately 40,000), that means South Boston is permitted to have three marijuana outlets. We question the wisdom of this arithmetic. Locally speaking, just where in South Boston could three publicly acceptable marijuana outlets be placed? Can you answer that question yourself ? We can’t! And the Cannabis Board has, as part of its mission, the “equity and diversity” aspects of retailing
The proposed retail marijuana shop location at the intersection of K and East First Street. recreationa l ma riju a na. Our four loca l elected officials – City Councilor Ed Flynn, State Representative David Biele, and City Councilors-atLarge Michael Flaherty and Annissa Essaibi George – have f irmly spoken out aga inst allowing the proposed marijuana shop to be sited at 115 K Street and First. Their individual reasoning might vary from one to the other. After all, both Flaherty and Essaibi George have citywide responsibilities; those of Flynn and Biele are more locally oriented. But it’s worth repeating for emphasis that whatever their reasons might be, all four of
A view to the west on First Street, where it meets K Street. Clearly, this side of First is predominantly a densely populated residential neighborhood.
them are opposed to a marijuana retail dispensary at 115 K Street. This leads to a concluding a rg u ment a ga inst Hol la nd Brands’ proposal. More than ten years ago, the neighborhood of East First Street engaged in a strenuous rezoning exercise resulting in Article 68, which considerably impacted t he prior Article 6. The aim was to preserve the residential nature of the neighborhood. While some smaller enterprises remained “as of right”, many others (including cannabis and large retail) were designated as “conditional”. And this rezoning has been in effect ever since then. With its large
footprint, 37-car parking area, and numerous checkout points, the Holland Brands proposal clearly should not be allowed. Its large market size would attract customers from the Summer Street commute, from the Marine Park area, and potentia lly, from as far away as Logan Airport - seven days every week. Traffic at K and First is already both a problem and a hazard. And although it’s just a minor point, how can this proposal’s address be listed as 115 K Street, when there are no doors or mailboxes on that side? The property really fronts on First Street.
The open area to the west of the site, which will become a 35-car parking lot for the proposed marijuana shop’s patrons.
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Rep. Biele Helps Secure $14.9 Million for Roadways
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his week, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation to fund local street and road infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth under the state’s Chapter 90 program. The bill distributes $200 million in state funds to cities and towns for roadway infrastructure projects such as resurfacing, sidewalks, traffic control, lighting and drainage. Funding is
allocated based on road mileage within the municipality, population, and employment. Local municipalities decide how to utilize this funding. This year, the City of Boston is set to receive over $14.9 million in funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Chapter 90 legislation—an increase from last year. In addition to the $200 million allocation, the bill includes a municipal grant program to support public transit systems and small bridges. “These funds will support infrastructure projects in the City of Boston and act as resource to improve the safety and reliability of our streets and sidewalks,” said Rep. Biele. “It is crucial that we continue to invest in transportation, and I was proud to join my colleagues in securing funds for local roadway improvements.” The bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives and now heads to the Massachusetts State Senate for consideration.
Letter to the Editor Green House Gas Emissions
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he Boston City Council is currently evaluating methods of decreasing Boston greenhouse gas emissions to reach the citywide goal of net zero emissions by 2050. As a community member of South Boston, I realize that passing amendments to the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) is not only the best possible way to help Boston’s citywide goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, but a very necessary step for South Boston. Presently under BERDO, the energy use of buildings over 35,000 square feet in size must be annually reported to the city of Boston, the actual corrective action required by the owners of high-Greenhouse Gas buildings are incredibly limited. We must advocate and push for amendments to the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BER DO) that will set higher
THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
Boston Park Advocates Hosts Mayoral Candidates Forum
The Boston Park Advocates, a network of parks-connected groups and individuals seeking to elevate the status of parks in the public dialogue (especially among public officials), will host a virtual Mayoral Candidates Forum on Parks and Open Space with five Mayoral candidates. Each candidate will discuss the value of parks for all of Boston’s residents, regardless of age, race, culture, or neighborhood. Over 100 stakeholder groups – from community and youth to arts and civic engagement organizations – have signed on as Community Partners to highlight the critical importance of parks and open space in our City. Boston Park Advocates developed a questionnaire and the responses have been posted online, offering an introductory view to the greenspace goals of the five participating candidates.
Tuesday, June 29th 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
building emission performance standards, increase enforcement, and allocate enough resources to keep builders accountable. We demand that more corrective action be required by owners of high-greenhouse gas buildings and more resources are allocated to pursue violators. Did you know that over half of total greenhouse gas emissions from Boston are produced by just 3% of its buildings?
Online (Zoom) – parkforum.net
If we push for these amendments and retrofit our most wasteful buildings, it would make incredible amounts of progress to meet citywide goals while making South Boston a more equitable and safe place for me and future generations.
Kim Janey - invited, not yet confirmed
Candidates for Mayor of Boston: Andrea Campbell Anissa Essaibi-George John Barros Jon Santiago Michelle Wu
Moderated by Anaridis Rodriguez, WBZ News Anchor For media interested in covering and/or submitting questions for the event, and/or interested in speaking with the Boston Parks Advocates for more background information or initial questions contact Liz Vizza, President, Friends of the Public Garden,
Sincerely, Michael Kozuch West 3rd Street
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liz@friendsofthepublicgarden.org / Cell: 617-653-6653
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
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“Turning the Wheel” by Rick Winterson
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ast We d n e s d a y e vening , SPOK E’s annual “Turning the Wheel” event convened virtually at 6 p.m., after a preshow introduction themed “The legend continues …” Songs, jazz solos, and many inspiring awards and speakers were emceed by Sandra Music of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. And to ease any confusion, remember that the word “SPOKE” has been adopted by Medicine W heel because SPOKE symbolizes that each one of us are spokes in the same wheel of existence, as it keeps turning. Fittingly, the first “Turning the Wheel” speaker was Dr. Rohit Chandra, the Chair of Medicine Wheel/SPOKE’s Board of Directors. He mentioned his first contact with SPOKE at the Cyclorama on SPOKE’s annual “Day without Art”, and how impressed he was going to become over the next four years. He told how he came to admire SPOKE’s many activities, such as its gallery, 12-step programs, and youth orientation to the arts. Mayor of Boston K im Janey then spoke from a video, mentioning that she herself comes from a family of artists. She thanked SPOK E for its artistic efforts. South Boston’s State Representative David Biele followed the Mayor, also commenting on the importance of the arts to SPOKE’s work with youth in recovery. City C ou nci lor-at-L a rge A n n is sa Essabai George stepped up and wished Medicine Wheel/SPOKE “Happy 20th Birthday” in 2021. The 2021 “Turning the Wheel’ was an event with many remembra nces a nd awa rds. Tribute was paid to Jack Casey, Martha Oldham, and Tara Mooney, who have left us but will always be remembered for their significant support of SPOKE, right from its very beginning as Medicine Wheel. Artist Linda
An example of SPOKE art – “Hand in Hand” and mosaics by artist Richard Dinsmore. Zug said she was honored to introduce Awardee L’Merchie Frazier, who then responded that she believes “My life is one work – just one ongoing work.” Frazier also spoke about the power of art to advance racial justice. The second Awardee was Angel Danilo Esturban, who emphasized the increased freedom of expression that results from creative actions. His award was conferred by Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass. Cultural Council. A third award, conferred by Klare Shaw of the Liberty Mutual Foundation, went to Cuong Hoang. Hoang’s remarks were about art’s capacity to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our world. The “Turning the Wheel” keynote speech was delivered by an eloquent Prof. Gar y Bailey, the Assistant Dean at Simmons. SPOK E’s Artistic Director Michael Dowling said humbly but emphatically, “I just want to continue this work.” Newly appointed Executive Director Greg Liakos stated that he was continually inspired by SPOK E’s work, and wished “a great night” to everyone for attending virtually. Plea se understa nd t hat last Wednesday’s “Turning the Wheel”, even though enjoyable, as well as a free and virtual event by itself, is the prelude
to a summer of fundraising to support the numerous SPOKE activities in and around the community of South Boston: Activities that lead to hope, healing, and recovery. For a few facts and figures, recall that SPOKE has introduced 6,000 young people to art, and has aided 2,500 youths in recovery. SPOKE also created the “Hand in Hand” program that joined police with adolescents, and drew much praise from then BPD Commissioner William Gross. To contribute, you can log onto https://mwponline. org/wordpress/donate/ . Or you can mail your donation to
SPOK E; 840 Summer Street, Suite 103; South Boston, MA 02127 Thanks very much. And let this also be a fond invitation for you to attend an outdoor, in-person (!) celebration of No Man’s Land, SPOKE’s magical, one-acre, green space behind South Boston High School. It was created by hardworking SPOKE members over the years; it has now become part of the National Park System. Please set aside Wednesday evening, August 25, to celebrate No Man’s Land with us. Once again, this will definitely be an in-person event. DETAILS TO F O L L OW SOON!
The colorful and welcoming façade of the SPOKE Gallery at 840 Summer Street, Suite 103.
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
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Mayor Janey And South Boston Residents Celebrate New Park Long-vacant City of Boston parcel transformed into a beautiful community gathering space.
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ayor Kim Janey today j oi n e d Chief of Housing and Director of Neighborhood Development Sheila Dillon, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space Reverend Mariama WhiteHammond, Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ryan Woods, the Boston Planning & Development Agency, the Friends of West 2nd Street Park, the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, local residents, and urban gardeners to celebrate the grand opening of West 2nd Street Park and Community Garden, located at 175 West 2nd Street in South Boston. Formerly a vacant lot, the 16,000 square feet of new park and community garden space includes both active and passive areas along with design features such as a patio area, trees, benches, flower containers, and 21 community garden plots providing shared amenities like compost bins and a tool shed. Three of the plots are raised beds, reserved for gardeners with accessibility needs. A total of 31 new trees have been added to Boston’s urban canopy as a result of the project. “Creating community green spaces provides great physical activity, increases access to affordable healthy fresh produce, and brings the residents of our neighborhoods closer together,” said Mayor Janey. “I want to thank our partners here today for helping us create this beautiful new community space in the heart of South Boston.” The celebration marked the completion of the new park and community garden funded by a community benefits contribution from Breakthrough Properties as part of Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) project approval for the 105 West 1st Street development, as well as a joint contract between the Parks and Recreation Department and Department of Neighborhood Development for
the design phase of the project. The community engagement process began in 2015, when the Public Works Department transferred the property to the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) to discuss development options for the parcel. South Boston residents voiced a strong preference for the site to be a public green space. The South Boston community, the Department of Neighborhood Development, and the Parks Department partnered to hold community design workshops, eventually producing a project plan and scope of work for the site. With neighborhood support, the Parks Commission voted on June 7 to add the property to its inventory for long-term ownership, with the provision that the Friends of West 2nd Street Park and the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation would be responsible for site maintenance. “It’s been a long journey to get here that required the effort of many people, elected officials, City of Boston staff, and South Boston residents,” said South Boston Activist Gary Murad. “We are so excited to be reaching the finish line and adding a piece to what we consider our own little emerald necklace connecting this new park with Flaherty Park and A Street Park. Hopefully, we will get additional open space as community benefits connected with future development projects in the area that add to our South Boston Necklace.” “All of us at the South Boston
Neig hborhood Development Corporation are thrilled to see the community’s enthusiasm for gardening these new plots in this beautiful park,” said Donna Brown, Executive Director. “We look forward to working with new and experienced gardeners to grow food and enjoy this beautiful park. Our team is grateful to the City of Boston and Breakthrough Properties for making this incredible green space possible for our neighbors in South Boston.” Today’s ribbon cutting at the West 2nd Street Park and Community Garden aligns with DND’s Grassroots Open Space
Program, which helps communities start community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces on public and private land. The project is also part of the Parks Department’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, focusing on access, equity, and excellence—so that every neighborhood is home to beautiful spaces that serve both people and the environment.Additionally, the City’s Food Access Agenda supports the creation of community gardens to advance equitable access to nutritious food with respect to affordability, physical accessibility, and cultural connectedness.
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
Notre Dame Education Center Graduates 12
Christine M. Durante, Esq., Executive Director, Notre Dame Education Center (NDEC).
by Rick Winterson
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he recent graduation at the Notre Dame Education Center (NDEC) was a virtual but solemn event that capped the successful efforts of 12 students from NDEC’s Class of 2021. At 5 p.m. on Thursday evening, June 17, Christine Durante, Esq., the Executive Director of the NDEC, welcomed the graduates and their guests to the NDEC graduation ceremony via ZOOM. In her Opening Remarks, Durante stressed that these 12 graduates had succeeded despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to virtual learning throughout their final year. She said, “Your commitment and flexibility are why you are here. You are exceptional. You had to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” “Never before” was her final comment about how they had ultimately measured up to the challenge. Sr. Geraldine Burns than spoke the Invocation. She asked that the Lord accept their gratitude for the efforts shared by the students and teachers, and closed with the words, “May the Spirit guide us.” Sr. Geraldine’s prayer was as much a Valedictory as it was an Invocation. In his Welcome Address, the NDEC Board Chair, Charles Shediac, expressed his fondness for all the successes of the last year, congratulated the graduates, and then asked them to “Stay in touch”. Student James Cole delivered a salutatory speech as his Candidate Address, during which he stated,
“Graduation is the symbol of a dream!” NDEC Instructor and Case Manager Adam Berndt then presented each of the candidates with her/his diploma. The recipients commented briefly about their plans – community college, engineering, cosmetology, the U.S. Air Force, a medical field, and so on. They thanked their families for all their support and expressed their gratitude to NDEC. The most touching part of the NDEC graduation was the concluding ceremony, the Turning of Tassels on the students’ graduation caps – the so-called “mortarboards”. Cued by Program Manager Leslie Feeney, each graduate moved his or her tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side (forever!). This is a visible signal to the World that each student’s graduation was now complete and official.
A list of the twelve 2021 NDEC Graduates follows:
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Jay and Betsy Riley Visit South Boston Jay and Betsy have recently retired – from Gould Academy located in Bethel, Maine, where Jay taught English and Betsy, Academic Skills. They were on their way to Connecticut; they came here first to bicycle around our scenic spots. We are honored that they chose South Boston as a stopping point, especially since they visited here just after their brand new retirement had begun.
“… And Now There Are Eight.”
James P. Cole* Kiana Garcia Fritznel Jean* Angelina Goncalves MirandaAnaliz Vasquez* Javier A. Villefane Djayden Daniel Brito* Frank Villanueva Ricardo Oscar Dominguez Jiminez*Suhey Martinez Gil Zaria L. Edouard* Anaya G. Mercado* * High School Diploma Candidate
Through much of the recent spring season, there were six Mayoral candidates campaigning to replace Boston’s former Mayor Marty Walsh, who was appointed the U.S. Secretary of Labor by President Biden and then went to Washington in March. Many references in the Boston media still imply that the Mayoral slate is only six candidates long. However, the seventh and eighth candidates are also claiming to have made it onto the ballot. One of the candidates is Richard Spagnuolo; the other is named Robert “Bob” Cappucci. According to them, they both garnered enough signatures on their nomination forms, thus qualifying them to run for Mayor.
NDEC new quarters are located on the same site as before – 200 Old Colony Avenue – but on the second floor of a completely renovated new building. It is a space that is both practical and very attractively designed. The total area amounts to over 10,000 square feet, and it contains many amenities. Occupancy is expected at the end of the summer, in time for (but not before) the fall semester at NDEC. The NDEC summer programs will remain virtual until they are finished.
Cappucci, Robert
The eight candidates for Mayor of Boston are: Barros, John Campbell, Andrea Essaibi George, Annissa Janey, Kim Santiago, Jon Spagnuolo, Richard Wu, Michelle It’s important you VOTE in both of these Elections – September 14 and November 02.
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
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Southie Senior Babe Ruth Takes Two To Start the Season
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f ter a ha nd f u l of c a nc el l at ion s and rainouts, the South Boston Sr Babe Ruth team was finally able to open up the 2021 season on the road at Monroe Park in Quincy. Wollaston jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom first inning on Southie starter Bobby Delaney. Delaney would settle in after that and went on to strike out 8 while scattering 4 hits over 6 innings of work. The Wollaston lead stood until the top of the 4th inning when Logan Crowley ripped a single to left field scoring Brian Miller who reached base after drawing a walk. Kevin Culley was next up and hit into a fielders choice that would score Crowley to tie the game up 2-2. In the top of the fifth inning, Michael Brooks’ sacrifice fly made It a 3-2 ballgame and Jack Feeney later came around to score what would
prove to be the game winning run on an error by the Wollaston pitcher. Wollaston brought the pressure on in the final inning as Delaney, now well over 100 pitches, walked the first 3 batters with one scoring on a wild pitch to cut the Southie lead to 4-3. With the game winning run on second base, Delaney proceeded to strike out the side giving Southie an opening night win in a nail-biter. The boys were back on the road at Watson Park for a Father’s Day afternoon match against Braintree that gave the Southie dads plenty to cheer about. Lefty James Buzzell took the mound for his first start of the season and kept the Braintree hitters at bay scattering 4 hits and adding 5 K’s over 5 innings of work. Buzzy got all the run support he needed as the Southie bats wore down the Braintree starter to the tune of 13 hits and 13 runs in 5 innings. A 13-4
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final score was the result in this one. Kevin Culley (3 Hits/3 RBIs) and Logan Crowley (3 Hits/2 RBIs) again paced the offense for South Boston. Michael Brooks, Buzzell, Bobby Delaney, Jack Feeney (3RBIs) and rookies Declan Callahan and Owen Lahey all added hits in the big win. The team has several
upcoming home games including Sunday June 27th vs South End Astro’s 5pm, Monday June 28th vs Wollaston #2 6pm, and Thursday July 1st for a rematch of last season’s championship round against Norwood at 6pm. Grab you favorite beach chair and come on down to King Field at Moakley Park to catch some great baseball.
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
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South Boston Catholic Academy News Congratulations SBCA Sixth Grade Class of 2021! By: Ms. Sarah Hoisl
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he Sixth Grade Teacher…It was my pleasure to be able to speak on behalf of the Sixth Grade this year. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the kids during the academic year of 2020-2021. As I said at graduation, this class has been through many unprecedented times and encountered many unpredictable moments. Throughout all of it they have never ever let anything get in the way of their success. Congratulations to my favorite class of 2021. To my first ever class. To a class I will never forget. I truly cannot believe that I am standing here today on the last day of school. The first thing that I want to do is thank your parents and support systems at home. None of this would have been possible without their constant love and support. They helped you through the hardest days throughout the
past 7 years. Please take the time today to give them a hug and truly think about the amazing things they have provided you with… These students are going to some amazing schools around the Boston area, some of them including BLS, BLA, Newman School, Brimmer and May, BC High, Cathedral High, St. John’s, Collegiate and many more. They are all going to do amazing things because they have created such
a strong foundation of Catholic faith, love for others and a work ethic like no other at South Boston Catholic Academy. It was my honor to work with this class and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead of them. They are special and will never be forgotten by SBCA. Love the love in the world for that class. SBCA strong. C on g r at u l at ion s S out h Boston Catholic Academy Class of 2021! Thank you and God
Bless you, Ms. Hoisl, for a most wonderful school year Making Grade 6 Memoires, in Masks! God Bless and Best Wishes from all of us at SBCA to all our wonderful Sixth Graders and their families as they start a new chapter in their lives. New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.br ow n @ s b c a t hol ic a c a d e my. org to learn more about South Boston Cat holic Ac ademy.
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
CITATION
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JULY FOURTH EVENTS HELLO, HARBOR: Summer Kickoff, at Long Wharf North Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Admission: FREE (Event made possible with support from Mass Cultural Council) 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. – Origami instruction with ESpressions Design 10 – 11 a.m. - TRILLFIT Restore at Christopher Columbus Park 11 – 11:30 a.m. – Mariachi concert with Veronica Robles 11 – 12 noon – Acrylic painting class with ZNT Arts 12:15 – 1 p.m. – Sista Dee’s Steel Band 1 – 2 p.m. – Latin Dance class with Veronica Robles
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BOSTON HARBORFEST 2021 (The 40th Anniversary of the Harborfest) Thursday, July 1: The Harborfest Kickoff 11:30 a.m. – At “The Steps” in Downtown Crossing : Mayor Janey’s welcome speech 11 – 6 p.m. – DTX Arts Market at Summer Street Plaza 12 noon – 2 and 4:30 – 6:30 – Local musicians perform at “The Steps” downtown Friday, July 2: Art, Music, Entertainers, Reenactors, Fashions 11 – 6 p.m. – DTX Arts Market at Summer Street Plaza 12 noon – 8 p.m. – At “The Steps”: Musical performances, entertainers, reenactors, and a Macy’s Fashion Show Saturday, July 3: Cars, Boats, Entertainment, Music 11 – 2 p.m. – Classic Car Showcase on Summer Street 12 noon – 8 p.m. – At “The Steps”: Music, reenactors, entertainers 2 – 4 p.m. – “Float Your Boat”, on the Waterfront – a colorful harbor boat parade Sunday, July 4: Parade and Declaration Reading 9 a.m. – Flag Raising at City Hall Plaza, followed by the Parade to the Granary Burial Ground and Downtown to the Old State House 10/10:30 (approx.) – Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House (RECOMMENDED: The full reading, start to finish, takes only ten minutes) NOTE: Other events on JULY 4 include a Turn-Around Cruise by the USS Constitution (10:45 to 2 p.m., approx.) and the evening Boston Pops Concert from Tanglewood and the Fireworks on the Common. We suggest you update yourself during the coming week to be sure of the exact times and/or locations for these events. GOOD NEWS – The McDonough Sailing Center Will Reopen This Summer THE HARRY McDONOUGH SAILING CENTER 2021 GUIDELINES The Sailing Center is pleased to announce that they will be offering two sailing sessions per day, Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. till 12 noon, and from 1 till 4 p.m. These sessions will begin on Tuesday, July 6, and end on Thursday, August 26. Lunches will not be offered this summer. Only RETURNING sailors and their families will be able to sign up for the 2021 season. You must sign up on or before Saturday, June 26. Please contact the Center with any questions.
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THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2021
Seaport Photo Banner Exhibit
by Rick Winterson
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outh Boston Online wou ld like to recommend a stunning outdoor photographic exhibition to you. It is entitled “The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views”; it is the creation of the Boston Camera Club. And its 88 large photographs stretch for 250 feet along the fence line bordering the eastern edge of the Public Green at Fan Pier in South Boston’s Seaport District. You’ll find Fan Pier’s Public Green at the intersection of Northern Avenue and Marina Park Drive, next to the Harborwalk. This exhibition opened on Monday, May 31. It will stay open to the public until November, so there’s no hurry to go and see it. But it is worth a summer visit right now, during the afternoon when the sun is at the best angle. And you may want to plan on going back to see it again. And again. Its colors, the topics of the photos, and the banner that is almost as long as a football field will call out to you. There’s even a shade tree for a rest stop halfway along the 250-foot banner (at the exhibition’s “50-yard line”). “The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views” originally began when the Boston Camera Club – now in its 140th year – called for submissions from its 150 members. During the judging of these submissions, the Club decided to limit each artist to a
single entry, so 88 photographs from 88 different photographers were finally selected for the banner. The entire exhibition was expertly arranged and cu rated by Em i ly Bel z . In our opinion, the single most impressive feature of the exhibition is the way in which each of the photographs leads into the photograph next to it. These sequences are logical, memorable, and artistically valid; in certain cases, the sequencing actually seems to tell a story. In other words, the banner’s arrangement is really eye-catching. Ms. Belz, the exhibition’s curator, deserves much credit for that. Here are some sequencing examples: at the Harborwalk end of the banner, the bright red of the shopping carts in Paul Baron’s “R ED RED #2” immediately leads your eye to the scarlet of Elded Cohen’s “Cranberry Harvesting” next to it. At the other end, the banner concludes with Richard Avis’s “Boneyard Sunrise” and Cliff Berger’s “The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka, NZ”. How can these two works of art so strongly transmit the same feeling, and yet be so obviously different? Recollect, when you see Meryl Brown’s “Curious Owl” and Albert Zabin’s “Gentle Landing”, that both of these birds are descendants handed down to us, of and from their dinosaur ancestors. Let your mind’s eye unconsciously try
to match the curves of Gordon Saperia’s “Desert River” and Eric Schwartz’s “Martini Glass”. And South Boston Online’s prize for the photograph best viewed by itself goes to Fern Fisher’s “What’s Old Is New”. Spend a few, long moments gazing at that particular entry. Be sure to visit the Photo
Banner that constitutes “The Focused Eye: Our Unique Views”. And visit it again. It’s free and always open. Walk up and down the Photo Banner in both directions – it’ll look different to you each way. Bring a friend; walk by the banner as you go to get a drink or something to eat in the Seaport. But please don’t miss it.
Virtual Public Meeting
601 Congress Street Wednesday, June 30 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/2SSHNcY Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 507 5360
Project Proponent: Biomed Realty LLC. Project Description: This is a reschedule of the original Virtual Public Meeting for the 601 Congress St. project from 6/21 due to a conflict with an observed City Holiday. This will be a virtual meeting to discuss the Project Notification Form (PNF) proposed at 601 Congress Street. The Proponent has proposed a change from office to lab space, additional mechanicals to support the change and minor changes to the public realm. No other changes are proposed. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) has postponed all in-person BPDA-held public meetings regarding Article 80 development projects and planning initiatives. View more information on the BPDA’s COVID-19 response. mail to:
phone: email:
Nick Carter Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.5303 nick.carter@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
Close of Comment Period: 7/7/2021
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
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