SBOL_08_05_2021

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Affordable Housing and Homelessness in Boston

by Rick Winterson

F

ive candidates running for Mayor of Boston took part in a virtual forum on homelessness and housing affordability – both of which are severe, ongoing, connected issues in the City of Boston. The mayoral candidates were (alphabetically): John Barros, Andrea Campbell, Annissa Essaibi George, Kim Janey, and Michelle Wu. The Boston Globe’s op-ed columnist Ma rcela Ga rcia, who has been with them for seven years, moderated the event.

Garcia carefully (and quite rightly) avoided the “debate atmosphere” by asking questions specif ically pertinent to affordability and homelessness. She then asked the candidates to respond to them on their own, in various

fixed orders and within fixed time limits. No interruptions or direct challenges between the candidates were permitted.

The forum opened with short talks from eight homeless individuals: Nathan, Denise, Mary, Sherri, Dennis, Montrell, and Todd. These individuals ranged from young to senior in age. They spoke the truth – the homelessness they suffer from had caused them many added problems, such as hunger, violence, and mental anguish.

A ll f ive candidates for Mayor admitted they recognized how serious Boston’s housing/ home le s s pr oble m s h a ve become, ranking in urgency with substance abuse here, and even with the COVID-19 pandemic itself. “Think crisis.”, “Decentralize services.”, and “Too Continued on Page 2

Playdate at the Beach

By Ginger DeShaney

T

he smiles were ear to ear. The laughter was i n f e c t i ou s .

There was pure joy at seeing a new tattoo or touching a lobster.

It was t he perfect event at just the right time.

Last week’s Playdate at the Beach, sponsored by the South Boston Neighborhood House and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, featured games, crafts, music, food, and so much fun for all ages.

“I think it’s great,” said mom Melissa Hankowski. “It’s perfectly planned ... It’s low-key.

Continued on Page 6

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Continued from Page 1

Affordable Housing

much talk – let’s act!” were among their comments. And there were many areas of agreement among the candidates. For example, t hey a greed t hat vetera ns encountered different issues than other categories of homeless people. In answer to another question, all of them thought that the Shattuck grounds should (at least partly) be developed into affordable housing. Using “ housing counselors” f u lly

trained in community outreach was another sensible suggestion.

Specific numbers that came up included the need for “15,000 units” and “30% affordability”.

Fi r s t a nd f or e m o s t , we believe the City and all candidates for political offices – especia lly candidates for Mayor – must move quickly on housing issues. Speed is essential. Focus on immediate ways to increase housing and make it affordable. We definitely aren’t experts, but we feel that the City of Boston should begin converting some of its unused proper t ie s into a f ford able quarters for the homeless right away. The City owns hundreds of unoccupied units of all kinds in every major neighborhood – some of these could surely be made into inexpensive housing.

Boston cou ld more rapidly issue permits for both basement and small “in-law” apartments, as these pass the necessary inspections. Maybe unions would be willing to offer

Rep. Biele Named for Civilian Bravery

S

tate Representative David Biele has been appointed by the Speaker of House of Representatives Ronald Mariano to serve on the selection committee for the 2021 Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery.

The award is named after Madeline Amy Sweeney, a Massachusetts resident who served as a flight attendant for American Airlines for 14 years.

On September 11, 2001, Sweeney was working on American Airlines Flight 11, the first airplane to be hijacked and flown into the Twin Towers of World Trade Center.

Before the plane hit the North Tower, Sweeney had the courage and bravery to relay critical information about the situation in the air and about the five hijackers to the ground service crew.

The Madeline Amy Sweeny Award for Civilian Bravery was

created to honor her heroism, and the heroism and brave spirit of so many of the victims on September 11, 2001.

Presented annually since 2002, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, bravery and heroism, without regard for their own personal safety, while attempting to save the life of another.

“Madeline Amy Sweeney was a hero whose selflessness helped save countless others from harm on the morning of September 11th,” said Rep. Biele. “I am humbled to have been chosen by Speaker Mariano to serve on this special committee to recognize a Massachusetts civilian whose actions saved the life of another without regard to personal safety, as did Madeline Amy Sweeney.”

This year’s award will be presented at the annual September 11th Commemoration being held at the JFK Presidential Library.

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favorable labor rates, specifically for building affordable housing.

On the ma nagement side, perhaps cont rac tors cou ld transfer building materials into affordable projects at or below their cost. Citywide residential plans take a long time to develop, as do tax-supported affordable housing programs. But there are other ways to quickly “get moving” on more affordable housing. These need to begin

right now. Let’s get started.

Garcia ended the virtual forum on an upbeat, cheerful note. She asked each candidate to state his/her favorite Boston tradition.

Here’s what each said: Barros – “Multi-cultural folk festiva ls”; Campbell – “ T he Nutcracker”; E ssa ibi George – “The Mayor’s Cup, tree lighting”; Janey – “Lots of sports”; Wu – “Festivals, the Roslindale Farmer’s Market”.

Mayor’s Neighborhood Coffee Hour August 18

Mayor Kim Janey and the Boston Parks Department will be hosting the 2021 Neighborhood Coffee Hours at various park locations around the City from July 30 until August 30. The South Boston Coffee Hour will take place on Wednesday morning, August 18, from 10:30 till 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). It’ll be held at the Christopher Lee Playground, 775 East First Street - just beyond M Street, directly across from the East First Street Dog Park.

Those who attend will be treated to Dunkin’ iced coffee (yes, iced!), assorted Munchkin doughnut holes, fresh fruit from Star Markets, and free flowering plants from the Parks Department.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

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HarborOne Bank is All About Community, Giving Back

Alba Shaba, Assistant Vice President

By Ginger DeShaney

A

lba Shaba knows the neighborhood.

A re sident of South Boston since 2007, she’s proud to call Southie her home and raise her children here.

“I love Sout h Boston,” she said. “It’s my community.”

Because of that, she knew that Southie would be a great fit for HarborOne Bank, where she is the Assistant Vice President of the new branch on 14 West Broadway, which opened in May. “South Boston is all about community,” she said. And so is HarborOne. “Giving back is important to HarborOne,” said Alba, who personally volunteers at the Pine Street Inn and with Cradles to Crayons. For more than a century, HarborOne has been committed to its customers, its communities, and its colleagues. As an organization, HarborOne typically contributes more than $1.5 million a year in local community support and scholarships.

“It’s all about the community,”

A lba said. “It’s about helping a nd being a true partner.”

To that end, the newest branch of HarborOne made a $10,000 “Community Promise” to South Boston. For the first 100 new deposit accounts opened at the Southie branch, HarborOne donated $100 (up to $10,000) to “About Fresh,” an organization that operates retrofitted school buses as mobile markets to bring fresh food to neighborhoods across Boston.

“It’s a great feeling to give back and help those in need,” Alba said.

HarborOne recently signed on as a $5,000 sponsor of the South Boston Street Festival.

“We want to let people know that we’re here to help them,” Alba said. “We want to help them grow and meet their financial goals.”

HarborOne is holding its “6th Annual Small Business Pitch Contest,” where small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to launch a new product or service, or expand an existing product or service, can pitch their idea for a chance to win $10,000. The first-place winners of the 2020 Pitch Contest were the owners of LuLu Green on West Broadway.

The bank also runs “HarborOne U,” a division of the bank devoted to financial education that provides a variety of programs, including classes for first-time business owners with topics such as credit, lending, how to start a business, how to build your business. After completing the recorded classes, business owners can apply for a $5,000 line of credit.

“Most big banks can’t do

what we do, unless you’re an established business,” said Alba, noting this mid-sized bank offers all the services as large banks. “I’ve worked in many different banks and the programs and classes we offer truly make us unique. It’s one of the top reasons new customers choose to bank and stay with us.”

The HarborOne Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations that create positive and lasting change in local communities.

The HarborOne Caring Crew donates thousands of volunteer hours each year in every market where the bank serves customers.

The bank also offers individual $5,000 college scholarships to graduating high school seniors t h rou g h it s One C om mu nit y Scholarship program.

The South Boston location is the 27th branch of the bank that

serves Massachusetts and R hode Island. The HarborOne team lives and works by its corporate values: accountability, integrity, respect, trust, and teamwork. HarborOne has been recognized by Forbes for three years as best bank in Massachusetts.

“I encourage our local residents to check us out,” Alba said. “Give us a chance to serve you and assist you with anything you need.”

The new Sout h Boston Branch features state-of-the-art ITM machines, which are like an ATM with additional benefits such as the ability to connect via video screen with a live banker.

“I’ve been in banking for 16 years,” said Alba, who graduated from Northeastern Universit y wit h a degree in business management and has worked at other banks on Broadway. “It’s amazing to be part of this unique ba nk a nd t his communit y.”

HarborOne Bank President & COO Joe Casey and Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn join community leaders and HarborOne Bank employees to celebrate the opening of HarborOne Bank’s newest Branch located at 14 West Broadway Street, South Boston. This is HarborOne Bank’s second location to open in the City of Boston.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Compass on the Bay Thursday, August 19, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group will be held in conjunction with our sister community, Standish Village. Call 617-268-5450 or email Program Director Dean Tricarico at dtricarico@compassonthebay.com for more information and to register for the virtual meeting.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

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FPAC Reopens – Its First Post-Pandemic Exhibit?

E.B. Altman’s “Small World 1” and “Small World 2”, scenes in a short radius around 300 Summer.

by Rick Winterson

L

ast Thursday, the Fort Point Arts Community opened their first in-person exhibit in 300 Summer Street’s Gallery since the pandemic lockdown protocols began 17 months ago. The exhibit’s dramatic, metaphorical title (and its theme) is “Evidence of Survival/Again”.

The Fort Point Arts Community, which we’ll refer to herein as “FPAC”, is an organization of original, highly creative artists formed just over 40 years ago.

Twenty-eight years back, in the mid-1990s, the members of FPAC took up their residences, as well as their studios and headquarters,

Jeffrey Heyne’s archival pigment prints: “Covid Color No. 1”, “Covid Color No. 8”, and “Covid Color No. 0”.

at 300 Summer Street, which they had bought on the proverbial “shoestring”.

This required sacrifice, much hard, hard work, and an indomitable will to survive.

Indeed, the FPAC artists celebrated their first full year at 300 Summer with an anniversary exhibit they called “Evidence of Survival” South Boston Online thinks the current exhibit’s theme of “survival once again” is not only timely, but also lends a powerful, unifying character to the entire exhibit. Why do we feel this way? Because in the 1990s, the theme was survival of artists and a permanent place to create FPAC’s works of art. Nowadays, survival means living through a pandemic, global warming, and perhaps major changes in our nation as we know it.

Both of these times spawned real-life dramas and works of art that involved survival!

South Boston Online can only suggest that you visit this exhibit yourself. The exhibit’s closing date is Thursday, September 9; public viewing hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon until 5 p.m. Appointments to view the exhibit can be made by contacting Michael Bourque, at 617-335-1951 or michaelbourque@mac.com.. We suggest you take the time to read the artists’ notes carefully as you view the show. They make important statements; they help you “resolve” the visual messages in each artwork.

The centerpiece of this exhibit

“Over the Horizon”, Dirk Ahlgrim’s large formatted photograph of an ocean in transition. is “Tanguedia” by Rob Reeps. It is from the estate of Reeps, who was a charter member of the Artist Building at 300 Summer until he passed in 2013. Many of his works, including “Tanguedia”, dealt with the repercussions of climate change, much of which is traceable to global warming from our civilization’s emissions. You’ll see “Tanguedia” on the FPAC Gallery’s central pillar, emblazoned with “300 Summer Street Evidence of Survival/Again”.

Much of the “Survival/Again” exhibit is abstract in nature; many of the paintings are grouped in pairs or trios. When viewed with their notes and matched with the central theme of survival, their meanings become clear. It resolves into visual riddles by the individual artist. As you view each work of art, you’ll be repeatedly saying to yourself, “Hey, I get it!”

Michael Bourque explores

“Orange Series 3” and “Orange Series 4”, acrylics on birch-mounted paper by William Long.

structured abstraction in “Purple, Blue & Red” and “Blue, Red & Green”. Repetition and the brilliant colors in his acrylics start you experiencing and thinking. “Small World 1” and “Small World 2” by E. B. Altman are actually tiny landscape views that he saw when he was sharply limiting his pandemic walks.

The “Orange Series” duo by William Long and the “Covid Color” trio

by Jeffrey Heyne were triggered by inspirations that came during indoor lockdowns. Other “Survival/ Again” abstractions are clearly derived from protests, environmental transitions, and various currentday sur viva l cha llenges.

But see this for yourself (and read all the notes).

We’ll close with a thank you to Ashley Marchetti, the FPAC Marketing Coordinator, for her courtesy and assistance.

Michael Bourque by two of his uniquely explored, designed, and pigmented works in “Survival”.

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“The Tempest” is Excellent After more than a year of pandemic-caused absence, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is BACK! And 2021 is its 25th Anniversary. No better offering could have been selected than “The Tempest”, directed

by Steven Maler, that always stalwart Founding Artistic Director of the Company.

Last night’s performance opened on the Boston Common at 8 p.m. (right at sunset). You can still enjoy “The Tempest” tonight (Thursday), tomorrow (Friday), Saturday, or Sunday the 8th. These performances also begin at 8 p.m. and will conclude at 10 p.m. They are all outdoors on the Common. Log onto commshakes.org for more info.

“The Tempest” is hilarious in many spots, its staging is really eye-catching, the accompanying music is a nice surprise, and it ends happily. Focus on the notable performance of Prospero by John Douglas Thompson, who rates a standing “O” along with his supporting cast members. And please remember: “The Tempest” is free. Blessedly free!

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Continued from Page 1

Playdate It’s exactly what the kids need.”

Sout h Boston Online stopped by Pleasure Bay for last week’s beach event, the second in a series of four Playdates. The next Playdates are Aug. 19 at the McCormack Bathhouse at Carson Beach and Aug. 26 at Pleasure Bay, across from the Murphy Rink. The Playdates run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“It’s nice to see people out and about,” Melissa continued, noting she’ll try to bring her son to the next Playdates.

Brittany Sheehan heard from a friend about the Playdates and decided to check out last week’s event. “It’s awesome,” she said. “[The kids] are having a blast. “ I t ’s nice to be a round people a g a i n .”

Kathy Lafferty, executive director of the South Boston

Neighborhood House, said prior to COVID-19, the Ollie held Family Fun Nights. This summer, organizers switched it up and created these daytime events.

About 2 25 people attended the f irst Playdate at Carson Beach earlier in July. There were likely similar numbers at last week ’s event.

“It’s nice to have an event and see groups of people,” Kathy

said. “The kids are able to play.”

And play they did. Kids gathered around the games that were set up on the beach. They colored crowns, got tattoos, and participated in a scavenger hunt. Save the Harbor had a touch tank with a lobster and a crab. Water tables, toys, and baskets of balls were all at the disposal of curious kids.

Echo Kids provided musical

entertainment and got the kids and adults involved, including some “Baby Shark” action. Sully’s hot dogs and water were available.

It truly was the perfect event. And the good news is, there are two more Playdates!

You can register when you a rrive or pre-register at: h t t p s : // f o r m s . g l e / f SvoJW V8p2T2bcCCA

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South Boston Sr. Babe Enters the Playoffs on a High Note

By Billy O’Connor Phots By Ginger DeShaney

T

he Sr Babe squad welcomed Braintree to Moakley Park for a home matchup on Tuesday, July 20th.

Southie jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning after speedster Bobby Delaney walked and proceeded to steal his way over to third base. Delaney would eventually score on a wild pitch and Nolan Callow would do the same in the last half of the second inning to give Southie a 2-0 advantage.

The home team would take advantage of some sloppy Braintree defense to plate 2 additional runs to make it a 4-0 lead through 4 innings. Despite their 0-7 record on the year, the Braintree bats would not go down without a fight as they were able to break through with runs in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings to eventually tie the contest a 4-4 heading into the bottom of the 7th inning. Bobby Delaney led off the inning with a line drive single to left field before a James Buzzell infield single moved Delaney over to second base. After a fielder’s choice put two runners in scoring position for Southie, catcher Nolan Callow came to the plate and singled in the winning run for a 5-4 walk off victory!

Starting pitcher James Buzzell had his best game of the season on the mound striking out 10 batters over 6 innings of work. Evan Markos struck out the side in his one inning of relief.

Riding on a high, South Boston then traveled down to Norwood for a game under the lights at Balch Field. This

one was a classic pitchers duel through the first 6 innings as Southie’s Logan Crowley matched the Norwood starter pitch for pitch after a second inning where both teams would score a pair of runs. The game remained tied 2-2 until Southie came to bat in the top of the 7th inning for some more late game heroics. After all was said and done, the good guys took advantage of an unraveling Norwood defense as Kevin Watts, Evan Markos, Chris Fitzgerald, Bobby Delaney, Logan Crowley, and Kevin Culley all drove in runners in the inning. Crowley (3 K’s) picked up the complete game victory on the mound. Final score 9-3 South Boston.

Next up was another game on the road at Coletta Field in Quincy to take on Wollaston. After a close one run victory and a come from behind tie for Southie earlier in the season, this game shaped up to be a revenge game for Wollaston. Things started off well enough for the locals as they were able to touch Wollaston ace Drew Borretti for three runs in the top of the first inning.

James Buzzell singled home Chris Fitzgerald and Bobby Delaney and a Nolan Callow double scored Buzzy to give the good guys the 3-0 advantage.

This lead was short lived however as Wollaston plated 2 runs in first and one in the second to tie the game at 3 after two innings. Wollaston would then have big innings in both the 3rd and 4th innings plating 4 and 3 runs respectively to blow the game open 10-3. Borretti cruised the rest of the way for Wollaston shutting down the South Boston bats to secure the victory for Wollaston.

In the regular season finale, Southie welcomed back Braintree for another wild contest. With a light rain falling, Braintree hopped out to a quick 3-2 after one inning. South Boston would then add 2 runs in the 2nd inning as Joe Hamilton came around to score on an error by the Braintree third basemen and Evan Markos scored on a Bobby Delaney sacrifice fly to center field to make it a 4-3 advantage. The back and forth action continued as Braintree scored two runs in the top of the 3rd inning and one in the 4th to take a 6-4 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, Evan Markos scored his second run of the game after Chris Fitzgerald reached base on another error by Braintree to cut the lead to 6-5. The error bug would then hit Southie as Braintree was able to plate 3 runs on an outfield error that could have

ended the inning. Heading into the final inning down 9-5 and daylight waning, the “comeback kids” had their work cut out for them. After a leadoff single and walk, Logan Crowley came to the plate and reached on an error by the Braintree second baseman to score Chris Fitzgerald to make it a 9-6 lead for Braintree. Next up was Kevin Culley who smashed a line drive to left field that would score Bobby Delaney and Crowley to put Southie within 1 run. A James Buzzell singled then scored Kevin Culley to make it a 9-9 tie. With the game in the balance, Joe Hamilton stepped up to the plate and hit a pop up just deep enough for Nolan Callow to come charging across the plate with the game winning run.

Next up for South Boston is a first-round playoff series with last year’s league champion Norwood. If the series makes it to a final 3rd game, it would be held at King Field at Moakley Park on August 5th at 5:45pm.

The team would also like to thank City Councilor Ed Flynn and the Boston Parks Department for the recent field improvement work that was done after nonstop July rains wreaked havoc on the babe ruth fields at Moakley Park.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

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THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

A Mural Worth Viewing

The Big Dig ventilator mural, “Summer Still Life with Lobster and Fern”, faces South Station.

T

he mu ra ls t hat adorn the Big Dig’s massive ventilation building facing South Station, Dewey Square, and Summer Street have become increasingly attractive in recent yea rs.

The current work, which was completed in the spring, is called “Summer Still Life with

Lobster and Fern”. Created by Daniel Gordon, who was born in Boston, it was painted on the Big Dig’s ventilator by Outdoor Murals, commercial painters from New York City. The mural will have a two-year life, casting its brilliance across Dewey Square until the spring of 2022.

Three unmistakably New England lobsters in the left center of the mural are arrayed under seven lush, green fern leaves on the top arch. Two of the lobsters are colored in the typical greenish black of a lobster on the ocean f loor and the vivid red of the caught-and-cooked critter. Designer/artist Daniel Gordon and Outdoor Murals also pictured a genetically rare (!) sky blue lobster – only one in every 2 million, although a blue one was caught here in Gloucester a few weeks ago in mid-July.

Virtual Public Meeting

Resheduled: 34 B Street Tuesday, August 24

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3rdyxgG

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 828 6786

Project Description: Please Note: This meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 10. It will now be held on Tuesday, August 24th.

The proposed project consists of the construction of an approximately 41,861 square foot, six-story building with 54 residential rental units.

mail to: Makena Parker Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 339.832.7766 email: makena.c.parker@boston.gov BostonPlans.org

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

Virtual Public Meeting

On the Dot (475-511 Dorchester Ave.) Tuesday, August 10

Zoom Link: bit.ly/OnTheDot-08-10

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 064 4737

Project Proponent: Core Investments Project Description: Impact Advisory Group (IAG) and public meeting for the proposed On the Dot project at 475-511 Dorchester Ave. in South Boston. The proposed project consists of the redevelopment of 9.1 acres of land along Dorchester Avenue into a multi-building, mixed-use development with a variety of uses including lab/research, residential, office, and other commercial uses, new public open space, new roadways, and public realm improvements.

The meeting will begin with a 30-minute presentation of the project by the development team, followed by a 45-minute discussion of the IAG, followed by 45-minutes of public Q&A. La información de esta reunión es crucial para usted como residente y parte interesada de la ciudad de Boston. Se encuentra disponible el servicio gratuito de interpretación de la información brindada en estas reuniones.Si necesita servicios de traducción, contáctese con: (Nupoor.Monani@boston.gov) (617.918.4425)

No Charge for Initial Consultation

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

Close of Comment Period: 9/10/2021

Ready to register?

Scan this QR code to register for the meeting now mail to:

phone: email:

Nupoor Monani Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4425 nupoor.monani@boston.gov

Close of Comment Period: 8/20/2021

BostonPlans.org

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

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THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

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Artists for Humanity Reopens

Ryo Matsuki’s graceful, lasercut floral lamp on its tripod of leaves in the EpiCenter.

by Rick Winterson

A

rtists for Humanity (A for H), in their iconic EpiCenter building at 200 West Second Street, has reopened. They held an in-person Open Studio last Wednesday that featured refreshments, studio tours, and an auction preview

by Boston’s Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers. Full advantage

was taken of the A for H’s much expanded EpiCenter facility that emphatically occupies the northeast corner of A and West Second.

As you may have expected, the most striking sight was seeing all of the young artists, who returned to the extensive A for H studios on the upper two floors of the EpiCenter for the first time since early last year (2020). Susan Rodgerson, the Founder and Executive Director of Artists for Humanity, enthusiastically spoke about her plans for bringing back even more of them – almost 200 young artists were on hand last Wednesday, 350 are planned for by January in 2022, and in total, the EpiCenter could hold as many as 500 artists-in-training.

You may also be interested to know that the EpiCenter has hosted many important events in the past, before the pandemic struck. It’s now available again for weddings, birthday, anniversaries, and business meetings of all kinds. If you’re interested, give A for H a call.

It’s not that the A for H EpiCenter

A beautiful quintet of landscapes from Boston’s Skinner Auctioneers hangs in the EpiCenter.

The Artists for Humanity exhibition/event area on the EpiCenter’s lower floor.

stood totally empty while the COVID pandemic progressed. Last winter, it was used as film-making location. “Don’t Look Up”, a star-studded comedy from Netflix, began shooting in Boston during November of 2020 and wound up in the EpiCenter at the end of January, 2021.

And we said “star-studded” just now.

The “Don’t Look Up” leads are Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Directed by Adam McKay, the “Don’t Look Up” cast includes Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Rob Morgan, Jonah Hill, Ron Perlman, and even rapper Kid Cudi.

Local boy Michael Chiklis from Lowell also has a part. The film opens with two astronomers discovering a comet that will soon hit and destroy planet Earth.

South Boston Online won’t reveal the plot, but if you are a student looking for a topic to write about, go see “Don’t Look Up”, take careful notes as you watch it, and then write a theme paper comparing “Don’t Look Up” with the Ancient Greek myth of Cassandra and her fate.

At the opening last week, there

A traditionally woven and colored Navajo saddle blanket, donated and mounted for hanging. were 80 stunning works of art hanging in the A for H Gallery. These works were from Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers, located at Park Plaza in Downtown Boston, and were generously organized to benefit A for H. The five landscapes pictured are entitled: (Center) “Evening, August”,

by Vincent Brandi; (Top Left) “Nova Scotia Treeline”, by Heather Pilchard;

A carefully crafted map of Nantucket by Joseph Des Barres actually becomes a work of art.

The third-floor Artists for Humanity’s studio is filled with young artists.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

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