THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY JULY 15, 2021
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Breaking Bread, Building Bonds
An Update on the Laboure Center by Rick Winterson
I
t has been far too long since the Laboure Center (at 275 West Broadway, corner of D Street) and South Boston Online got together for an interview. Of course, this regrettable gap was due to the COVID-19 pandemic – gatherings of any kind were strictly limited, and in many cases, not permitted at all. But there is no doubt that the Laboure Center continues its mission of providing essential services to South Boston: masked, remotely, on ZOOM, at a Social Distance, and only after handwashing, but always continuously in whatever way is necessary. Whether their offerings are remote or onsite at 275 West Broadway, all Laboure programs are up and running. Most COVID quarantine
practices were stopped in June, so just this week we had the good fortune to interview the Laboure Center’s Development Coordinators, Maureen Murray and Judy Swanson. Together, Maureen and Judy administer a critical part of the Center’s good works: the ongoing fundraising efforts essential to support Laboure’s many services here in South Boston. Maureen is currently engaged in putting on what she calls the Laboure Center’s “2021 Charity Car Raffle”. Fittingly, this started out as a “not-in-person” fundraiser, because of the precautions in place when the Car Raffle began in May. But more about the Car Raffle later. We can give you only a brief idea of Laboure’s many programs and the Center’s contributions to our community. They have
The true spirit of Southie was on full display at the Peace Picnic Wednesday. The Monica’s Kitchen event at St. Monica’s brought neighbors together to share a meal and build community. The Boston Police Department ice cream truck provided cold treats and officers were on hand to chat with neighbors and hand out games and stickers.
(More Photos on Page 6)
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Councilors Flynn & Flaherty Urge Southie Neighbors: Apply for CPA Funds
L
ast week, C it y Councilor Ed Flynn and City Councilor At-L a rge Michael Fla her t y partnered with the Office of Communit y Preser vation to host an information session for District 2 residents on the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The meeting aimed at providing information and resources for South Boston residents, nonprofits, community and youth sports organizations to apply for CPA funding. Topics included the funding application process, timeline, eligibility and other pertinent information. T he C ou nc i lor s also empha sized t hat w it h 16 applications submitted over 4 rounds, yet seven projects subsequent ly approved, it’s critica l for communit y organizations and neighbors to
apply so that we do not lose out on available funding to help improve and preserve our neighborhood. With nearly half of South Boston applications awarded funding, it’s also crucial for those who may have been denied in the past to re-apply and continue to stay engaged with the CPA team. The CPA provides funding for init iat ive s related to af fordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation facilities. From 2018 to 2021, there were 16 applications from South Boston projects with the following seven approved for CPA funding:
Martin’s Park $500,000 St. Augustine Historic Chapel - $499,075
Camp COASA Join us for a week of learning, healing and fun! COASA (Children of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) at Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps and the Laboure Center are co-hosting a week-long summer program for children living with the stress of alcohol and/or other substance use disorders at home or within the family.
August 2 - August 7, 2021
Julie's Place 133 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA 02127 Children, ages 8-16 Morning sessions include meditation and reflection, workout and educational support groups teaching children about alcohol and/or other substance-use disorders, how to express and deal with their feelings and how to develop coping skills. Afternoons will be spent on fun surprise adventures. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. * There is a required Family Night registration on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 6:00 pm for all those who wish to participate in the program. Pizza will be served.
For more information or to sign up for the program, please contact Maureen McGlame at (617) 272-5039 or mmcglame@rfkchildren.org ASAP. There is no cost to attend this program. RFK Children's Action Corps is an affiliate of the Doctor Franklin Perkins School (Perkins).
Barnard Place Park $150,000 Congress St Fire Museum - $150,000 Harry McDonough Sailing Center $78,783 Castle Island Interpretive Signs $75,000 Kearsarge Anchor $75,000 To be considered for CPA’s 2022 funding round, interested applicants need to please contact the Community Preservation team regarding eligibility at 617635-0545 and thadine.brown@ boston.gov before filling out the CPA’s rolling eligibility form by Friday, September 3, 2021 at 5pm. The form can be accessed through the Off ice of Community Preservation’s website at www.boston.gov/cpa. If CPA staff reviews the project and determines that it can be funded under CPA requirements, the applicant will be invited to complete an application for CPA grants. An outline of the application steps can be found he r e : ht t p s : //w w w.b o s t on . gov/c om mu n it y-pre ser vat ion / how-apply-community-
preservation-funds. For more information, including to request translation or interpretation ser vices, ple a s e c ont a c t t h a d i n e . b r o w n @ b o s t o n . g o v. “With the new round of CPA funding available and the deadline on September 3rd, it’s critical that our neighbors, nonprofits, and youth sports groups have the resources to take full advantage of this opportunity to improve and preserve South Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m calling on my neighbors to contact CPA and apply for this funding so that our community has the chance to receive funding for initiatives on affordable housing, historic preser vation, open space, and outdoor recreation.” “W hen I worked to get the CPA adopted in Boston, it was because I knew the transformative effects the funds from the program would have across the city,” said Councilor Flaherty. “With over $92M authorized for projects across the city already, we are seeing those changes. I want to make sure residents in South Boston have ever y opportunit y to harness the impact of these funds, and I encourage folks to get their applications in.” For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 a nd e d . f l y n n @ b o s t on . g ov.
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Laboure
The welcoming Doric façade of South Boston’s Laboure Center at 275 West Broadway. been here for well over a century, and presently serve 4,200 clients with 11 programs and over 33 services. These figures show a very significant growth rate in recent years. Examples of this growth include 200 students learning spoken English and a new offering in IT Vocational Training. Our eye was caught by Laboure’s NA/HHA Training Program (NA/HHA stands for “Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide”). This program, including a job-related practicum, is offered days or evenings, and requires one or two months to
complete. The cost for the program is very reasonable. Each participant earns two certificates: Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide; some 150 students from 40 countries graduated last year. Graduates very quickly find challenging jobs with hospitals, nursing homes, and longterm care providers. In our opinion, this Program is a marvelous stepping-stone for individuals who want careers as medical professionals. Phone 617-4648544 to find out more for yourself. You may recall that one of Laboure’s most popular events was their Spring Reception – last held at The Exchange in 2019. The Exchange is that elegant venue at South Boston’s Fish Pier complex. For obvious reasons, the Spring Reception wasn’t held in 2020 and 2021, but you’ll be pleased to know it’s back (yes, it’s BACK!). Thursday evening, this coming September 9 – just under two months away – Laboure’s 2021 “Autumn Reception” will take place once again at The Exchange. There’ll be live and silent auctions for you to enjoy. These auction items include tickets to concerts in Fenway Park by Maroon 5 (Sunday, September
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Development Coordinators Maureen Murray and Judy Swanson ask you to take part in the Laboure Car Raffle. Winner announced at Laboure’s “Autumn Reception” on September 9. 12) and the Jonas Brothers (Friday, October 1). Those are just a couple of examples of all the great auction items that will be there – it’ll be “something for everyone”! As a key added attraction, the winner of the Laboure’s 2021 Car Raff le (mentioned above) will be announced on September 9 at the “Autumn Reception”, making it will be quite the gala event. You can now take part in the Car Raffle any time before September 9 by phoning Laboure
Catholic Charities Labouré Center Car Raffle Please support Catholic Charities Labouré Center’s work which focuses on Adult Education, Family Stabilization, Youth, Elders and Health Programs. Buy a $100 raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks – OR– at the winners choosing, a $20,000 cash prize! No more than 1,000 tickets will be sold – making for great odds! (If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, raffle will revert to a traditional 50/50 Cash Prize Raffle with winner and Labouré each receiving 50% of net proceeds from raffle ticket sales). Visit https://www.ccab.org/events/2021-car-raffle to buy your ticket online. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Labouré Center at 617.464.8500 or sending a check to Labouré Center, 275 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127. Labouré Center, and all those we serve, truly appreciate your support!
at 617.464.8500 or by visiting www.ccab.org/events. . But please remember that only 1,000 Car Raffle tickets are available for sale. And it’s with mixed emotions that South Boston Online closes by announcing that Judy Swanson is retiring tomorrow, Friday, July 16, after 23 years at the Laboure Center. We are very, very happy for her of course, but she’ll be sorely missed, both by the Laboure Center and by all of the South Boston community. Ave atque vale dicemus, Judy!
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Virgil Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” Now at the ICA
Virgil Abloh’s installation of a 45 RPM disc in the 3D recreation of a his creations in sound. by Rick Winterson
V
irgil Abloh is versatile, and the word most often used to describe his multiple skills and talents is simply “very!”. He’s also very accomplished, very accessible, and in everything he does, he’s (very) artistic. Please forgive my childish attempt at describing Virgil Abloh using his initials of V. and A. It is only meant to be a pale “figure of speech” that persuades you to see his current exhibition at the ICA (the Institute of Contemporary Art). To use that well-known cliché also, “It’s not to be missed.” The ICA is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive; hours are TU/WE-10 to 5; TH/ FR-10 to 9; SA/SU-10 to 5; closed Mondays; Thursday nights are FREE. Specifically, Online is referring to “Figures of Speech”, which is the very first museum exhibition devoted to the work of Virgil Abloh and his astonishing multi-media capabilities. This was organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and will be at the ICA until September 26. If you want to seek a central theme of this exhibition, focus upon the word “design” – a word that encompasses Virgil Abloh’s thinking, his inspirations, and his pioneering mixtures of works of art. Virgil Abloh is an intensely creative American, who was born in Rockford, Illinois, and obtained a Master’s degree in architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology. If there’s a root source for his striking works, it’s the culture of Chicago as a large city with no particular mainstream,
but possessing many creative threads that can be interwoven. Among the positions of worldwide renown that Abloh holds are Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton and as the Founder of the Off-White brand’s enterprises. He has been awarded several prizes, including the GQ Man of the Year Award in International Design. To begin with, it is best to experience “Figures of Speech” exhibition as a whole. You’ll feel as if you are looking at a lifetime of accomplishment, when you’ll actually be viewing the works of Virgil Abloh in the 21st Century only. His art began with pastimes such as skateboarding and graffiti. Note the very first of the exhibits as you enter “Figures of Speech”. Then experience (and enjoy) his creative journeys into sound, and see how he blends his occupations (fashion, footwear, even flooring) with his art, and connect in your own mind, for yourself, just how he incorporates “design” into his creations. Perhaps the best place to begin that will be at the shelves of NIKE Sneakers he worked on. A young lady named Tori, who was wearing designer sneakers, demonstrated that for us. Read the words of the postings and brief essays about Abloh on your way through the exhibition – “ … he has continued to work across disciplines, collaborating with graphic and furniture designers, musicians, and contemporary artists, as well as other fashion designers.” Abloh was and still is strongly influenced by the German architect Mies van der Rohe (“form follows function”). And you’ll find rack after rack hung with examples of his very prolific work in fashion, which his designs convert into their own “figures of speech”. Once you have traversed Virgil Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” exhibition for the first time, then pursue individual parts of the exhibition to cross-correlate one to another – these links and connectivities are a key part of what makes this exhibition so special. And as an added visual treat for yourself, take careful looks at how Virgil Abloh employs vivid colors in exactly the right ways – not to overwhelm the viewer, but to attract (and hold) the viewer’s eye. To repeat: “It’s not to be missed!”
“Flooring”, an abstract sculpture by Virgil Abloh composed of his efforts at design for IKEA.
Just for variety, note the striking harbor/airport view from the Virgil Abloh exhibit floor in the ICA.
Young Tori demos her designer sneakers in front of Virgil Abloh’s NIKE design shelves.
A neon sign and sculptures created for Virgil Abloh’s Off-White high fashion runway show.
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THURSDAY JULY 15, 2021
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REVIEW: “The Life of My Choice”, by Rob Morris
by Rick Winterson
S
outh Boston’s Robert Emmet Morris recently published an autobiographical book he has entitled “The Life of My Choice”, with a subtitle that reads “Tales of a Traveling Man”. “The Life of My Choice” is a book of 263 pages having approximately 65,000 words broken down into 40 chapters, many of which are quite short. The shortest of these (#8) is just one page; the longest
(#18) is 22 pages. All of them are fastpaced. Rob’s book is autobiographical in nature, but not entirely so. Nor is it chronological. Its sequence is what can be called “event related”, although “The Life …” eventually concludes late in Rob’s own life – as it should – with some of his awards, reflections, conclusions, and even a few remaining questions he poses. This reviewer recommends that you read Rob’s book, “The Life of My Choice”. Its title is a quote from the English explorer Wlifred Thesiger, who was the first foreigner known to have crossed Arabia’s Empty Quarter – the Rub’ al Khali. If you would like a comparable reference, the title can be translated to “I Did It My Way”, that 20th Century anthem of Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, and several European lyricists. And it is even more fitting because Rob and his family spent a great deal of time in the Middle East, just as Thesiger had. Rob is an experienced writing professional. His education and
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experience in dentistry and public health, especially in less developed areas around the world, have led him to publish many articles on these topics. Another credit includes his work on the family publication “811 the Brownstone”. He also co-authored “120 Days in Deep Hiding, Outwitting the Iraqis in Occupied Kuwait” with UPI reporter Jim Ryan (at Xlibris.com). Rob’s adventure in Kuwait is the subject of many of the chapters in “The Life …”. He played an active part in an event that captured the attention of the entire world during his final four months in Kuwait, directly after that small nation was invaded by Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. This is the most gripping part of “The Life …”, in this reviewer’s opinion. In addition, pay close attention to the chapters about a cause Rob and his family espouse. It’s called Mai Tam House of Hope, a home and center for orphaned children and widowed mothers in Saigon, Vietnam.
Among the unique parts of “The Life of My Choice” are the contributions to this work made by others. Rob has included chapters written by his sister, Dorothy Morris, and his two daughters, Anna and Trish. A close friend and local writer, Bill Frew, wrote another one of the chapters in “The Life …”. Anna, Trish, Rob’s wife Jill, and his nephew, James McDevitt, helped with the manuscript. And James designed the cover as well, which features Rob’s photo of a ski lift in Austria. A final intriguing detail about “The Life of My Choice” is Rob’s use of extensive and often well-known literary quotes to benchmark each of his chapters. So quoting poet Andrew Marvell’s “Had we world enough and time,” this reviewer concludes by mentioning that Rob is a USN veteran, a local family man, and a born-andbrought-up South Bostonian. Give his book a read – it’s quite current – and most important of all, enjoy “The Life of My Choice” yourself.
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Breaking Bread, Building Bonds By Ginger DeShaney
T
he true spirit of Southie was on full display at the Peace Picnic Wednesday. The Monica’s Kitchen event at St. Monica’s brought neighbors together to share a meal and build community. It was all about eating together and being together. Monica’s Kitchen provides food support for the neighborhood year-round. In addition, every month the Kitchen holds Peace Breakfasts (winter), Peace and Pasta Spaghetti Dinners, and Peace Picnics (summer) where “individuals and families ... gather with us for community
meals where peace and goodwill are shared and seeds of neighborly friendship and concern are sown,” according to one of the church’s
bulletins. On Wednesday, burgers, hot dogs, salads, chips, cookies, and watermelon were served to attendees. The Boston Police
Department ice cream truck provided cold treats and officers were on hand to chat with neighbors and hand out games and stickers
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THURSDAY JULY 15, 2021
Senator Collins, MA Legislature Pass FY22 State Budget
Recently, State Senator Nick Collins joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts State Legislature in unanimously passing a $48.07 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). This budget was a compromise between the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ and the Massachusetts State Senate’s respective budgets. This budget maintains fiscal responsibility, does not cut services, and makes targeted investments to address emerging needs, safeguard the health and wellness of the most vulnerable populations and ensure residents will benefit equitably as the state recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FY22 budget notably does not make a withdrawal and instead transfers funds into the Stabilization Fund, projecting an estimated balance of approximately $5.8 billion for this crucial ‘rainy day’ fund at the end of the fiscal year. Specifically, within the First Suffolk district Senator Collins championed amendments directly supporting over 35 organizations and securing over $17 million. “My office was focused on delivering for every community in the First Suffolk District, prioritizing economic recovery, local non- profits and small business support, education, healthcare, environmental justice, and public health & safety.” said Senator Collins. “I was proud to work together with my colleagues and successfully compromise the House and the Senate respective budgets, and I look forward to continue to work together to recover and rebuild our neighborhoods, our city, and the Commonwealth.” Having been passed by the House and Senate, the legislation now goes to Governor Baker for his signature.
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Live music offerings return in 2021 with a series of summer evening concerts The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s 2021 ParkARTS Citywide Neighborhood Concert Series offers musical entertainment in local parks from July 21 through August 12, as well as a series of summer evening concerts on the patios at the City of Boston’s two golf course clubhouses from July 21 through September 1. The ParkARTS outdoor neighborhood summer concerts and golf course concerts are made possible by presenting sponsor Bank of America. Concerts at William J. Devine clubhouse are offered with support from the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, reflecting Franklin Park’s location within Boston’s historic Emerald Necklace system of parks. The ParkARTS Citywide Neighborhood Concert Series begins on Wednesday, July 21, with The Woo Factor at Almont Park, 40 Almont Street, Mattapan, and continues Thursday, July 22 with Northeast Groove at Billings Field, 369 LaGrange Street, West Roxbury; Wednesday, July 28 with the Soul City Band at Dorchester Park, 2180 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester; and Thursday, July 29 with Tom Petty tribute band The Rebels at Medal of Honor Park, 775 East First Street, South Boston. The August schedule kicks off with Veronica Robles on Wednesday, August 4, at LoPresti Park, 33 Sumner Street, East Boston; Thursday, August 5, with the Soul City Band at Smith Playground, 235 Western Avenue, Allston; and Wednesday, August 11, with Jah Spirit Reggae at Horatio Harris Park, 58 Beech Glen Street, Roxbury. The series ends on Thursday, August 12, with Joaquin Santos at Blackstone Square, 1530 Washington Street, South End. Shows in neighborhood parks begin at 7 p.m. ParkARTS golf course performances are offered on alternating Wednesdays on the clubhouse patios of the William J. Devine Golf Course (1 Circuit Dr, Dorchester) and George Wright Golf Course (420 West St, Hyde Park) throughout July and August and into September: the Jamaica Plain Saxophone Quartet will perform on July 21 at Franklin Park; It’s a J Thing on Wednesday, July 28 at George Wright; Shane Wood Jazz Trio on August 4 at Franklin Park; Mike Tarara on August 11 at George Wright; Andres Guerra on August 18 at Franklin Park; Woundikin on August 25 at George Wright; and wrapping up with The Pat Gaulin Trio on September 1 at Franklin Park. All golf course performances begin at 6:00 pm. All ParkARTS performances are free of charge. For more information, please call (617) 635-4505 or visit Boston.gov/ ParkARTS. Stay up to date with news, events, and design and construction work in Boston parks by signing up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and follow our social channels @ bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram..
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WEEKEND@ The Lawn On D Powered by Citizens Thursday, July 15 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM Open Lawn 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Food, drinks & lawn games
Friday, July 16 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM CLOSED for a private event 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM Food, drinks & lawn games 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Live music with Tim Parent 6:45 PM - tournament end Citizens Cornhole Tournament Citizens weekly cornhole tournament starts at 6:45 pm and the first eight teams of two to sign up will compete for Lawn Bucks to spend on food and beverages at our concession locations. You can sign up for free at the Citizens kiosk beginning at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, July 17 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Open Lawn 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM Food, drinks & lawn games 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Live music with Soul of Boston 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM DJ Frank White Saturday, July 17 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Stop Hunger Now Join Boston Medical Center, Citizens, and the Greater Boston Food Bank to Stop Hunger Now.
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