SBOL_08_11_2022

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

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Statement from Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty Re: Power Outages

he power outages that we experienced during this heatwave have illustrated the need for all power companies to work with state and local officials on addressing the aging energy infrastructure that we have in our neighborhoods, as well as the need for long term planning as we experience more extreme weather, and more developments being added to the power grid.

This week, South Boston residents experienced power outages during a heatwave, when they have already experienced over a day of power outages less than two weeks ago.

T he se power out a ge s occurred during record long heatwaves with some of the hottest temperatures that we have seen this season. Many residents have endured unbearable heat without air conditioning or

fans, and there have been many seniors, persons with disabilities, and children also impacted.

We represent many residents living in public housing, and many of them do not have access to air conditioning. Our city and its neighborhoods have seen unprecedented growth.

With hotter summers and colder winters, there will be more demand on the electric grid.

We therefore need to ensure that we are receiving critical upgrades to our electric grid and infrastructure.

We also need long term planning, and resources for residents when they experience an outage in the summer or winter.

We also need to work together on a consistent communication plan from our electric companies about the work they are doing

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andtimeline for getting power back, as well as an outreach plan focusing on residents who speak a language other than English.

We look for wa rd to working with residents, power companies, local and state officials, and other stakeholders on addressing upgrades for electrical infrastructure to prepare for record temperatures and longer durations for heatwaves.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

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McCormack Unity Day

by Rick Winterson

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he First Unity Day in two years took place despite rain and wind.

And it was sponsored by Winn Corporation, the development and construction firm who were awarded the contract to renovate the entire Mary Ellen McCormack Project. Winn’s Marian Sullivan organized the whole event.

Unity Day quickly turned into a really festive occasion. The sounds of laughter, children, and many languages echoed off the project’s

existing brick buildings, and all across Sterling Square at the center of the McCormack Development, where Unity Day was held. A DJ kept the music pumping; service organizations explained their services. Much food and many gifts were given away to the crowds from the booths and tents set up by the participants in Unity Day. A high point of the Unity Day occurred when City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stopped by. She circulated through the crowd for a while, and then, after visiting many of the booths and

tables, she delivered some cheerful, upbeat remarks of her own.

There were many booths and display tents. Among them were the Round Table founded by George Benner. They presented their fresh vegetables to the Unity Day guests (this writer is still eating the strawberries he received).

SPOKE’s Michael Dowling and Raymond Rodriguez were on hand to visibly show the power of the arts for all South Boston residents. Dave DeCourcey from the Gavin Foundation on Devine Way, assisted by Jack, Michael,

and Davidson, discussed the many services offered by the Gavin.

Ruthie Liberman, MPA, from the Boston-based non-profit Economic Mobility Pathways, explained how their services disrupt poverty with the intelligent use of economic principles. All this was accompanied by popcorn, ice cream, and cotton candy, courtesy of the Boston Police Department.

And then, after an hour of enthusiastic Unity, the rains came – as much as an inch fell in less than an hour. But as you know, the rain was much needed.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

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Massport Awards Annual Butler Memorial Scholarship South Boston Graduate Receive Award for College

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he Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) yesterday announced the recipient of the annual scholarship honoring the memory of Tommy Butler, the long-time Massport Director of Government and Community Affairs and son of South Boston. The 2022 Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship was awarded to South Boston resident Jane Matthews.

“Jane has made a tremendous impact in her community through her service,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “She has maintained a high GPA and excelled in her extracurricular activities, and I know she will go on to achieve great things at Fairfield University.”

The Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who resides in South Boston, is graduating from high school and has been accepted to an accredited college or university. Butler was the former mayor of the South Boston Boys Club, Youth Counselor and then Director of Little City Hall in Charlestown, former president of the South Boston Citizens Association and member of the South Boston Irish American Society. When he arrived at Massport in 1987 as a manager of intergovernmental relations, he

Pictured L-R: Alaina Coppola, Massport’s Director of Community Relations & Government Affairs; Lisa Wieland, Massport CEO; Jane Matthews, 2022 Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship recipient; Amy Matthews; Tommy Butler, son of Thomas J. Butler was a licensed social worker who had worked in the Boston Juvenile Court, and for the City of Boston.

Matthews is a graduate of Newton Country Day School and will soon attend Fairfield University. She has volunteered her time at Julie’s Family Learning Program, Boston Youth Lacrosse, Casserly House and Sophie’s Place.

To be considered for the Thomas J. Butler Scholarship, students are required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and submit an essay of 1,000 words describing their career interests or how their community service has affected their outlook on life. In her essay, Jane wrote, “I aspire to one day live a life where the things I do and the lives I touch will have an effect close to how

Tommy Butler made people feel.”

Applications are judged by a committee made up of Massport employees and a representative of the Butler family. Students interested in applying for the 2023 scholarship should visit www.massport.com/scholarships

for

eligibility requirements.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport. For more information, please visit Massport.com.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

Pinewood Derby Race Day at Grand Ten

by Rick Winterson

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Pinewood Derby Race Day took place at Grand Ten Distilling, which is located at 383 Dorchester Avenue and comprises both a distillery and a bar area located next to each other.

This was the second Pinewood Derby Race Day at Grand Ten. Sunday’s Derby was a hotly contested race, to say the least. And there’s some history that goes with this event as well.

The “original” Pinewood Derby was an invention of the Boy Scouts of America almost 70 years ago in 1953. A Cub Scout Pack in Manhattan Beach, California, led by Cubmaster Don Murphy, put on the first Pinewood Derby. The concept was an immediate, nationwide success; Pinewood Derby has won great recognition as a simple but exciting game for all ages.

Basically, small wooden racecars, powered only by the force of gravity, are let loose down a sloping track that has a “Finish” gate at the end.

Matt Nuernberger is the Founder, Owner, and President of Grand Ten Distilling in South Boston. He possesses a Pinewood Derby trophy

himself; he was the individual who brought the Derby to Grand Ten Distilling back in pre-pandemic 2019. He was the organizer and leader of last Sunday’s Derby return also, and he provided the sloping 35-foot aluminum track. Pinewood Derby racecars are simple blocks of wood with two axles, four wheels, and carefully positioned weights, which Matt helped the contestants adjust and then lubricate with graphite. The writer was impressed with the accurate timing that the track recorded. From start to finish, each race took less than three seconds, so many contests could be run in a very short time.

Sunday’s Derby at Grand Ten attracted a dozen or so competing entries; many family members and spectators both took part and cheered on their entries. Part of the contest seemed to be who could come up with the most unusual and/or sophisticated names for their entries – French Fries Express, Spare Jesus, and Scorpion Bowl were among these. There was a lot of cheering and yelling, even though this had no effect upon the racecars themselves – these cars are sent down the track totally by gravity, without

The Pinewood Derby trophy goes to Leah and her winning racecar, “Hairy Canary”. any human intervention whatsoever.

Racecars in a low position on the roster were permitted to challenge other racecars one or two slots above them on the ranking board. Many of the racecar entries managed to work their ways up the roster, only to be set back by a faster race from the competition. Contestants showed up all afternoon into the final hour. The ranking board experienced many ups and downs over those three hours.

Leah was the final winner and

trophy recipient; her racecar was called “Hairy Canary”. Hairy Canary also set the afternoon’s record for the shortest, fastest race time - 2.697 seconds to traverse the 35-foot aluminum track, which is approximately equal to ten (10) miles an hour. Spare Jesus had the second-place race time at 2.698 seconds – just one millisecond slower.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in Sunday’s Pinewood Derby Race Day at Grand Ten Distilling. It was a treat!

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

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Community Preservation Act Info Session on Aug. 23rd

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oston City Council President Ed Flynn and City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty are partnering with the Office of Community Preservation to host an information session for District 2 residents on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) on Tuesday, August 23, 6pm via Zoom. This meeting aims to provide information and resources for residents, civic groups and organizations in District 2 who may want to apply for funding from the CPA. Topics will include the funding application process, the timeline, eligible projects, and other related information.

The CPA provides funding for i n it i at ive s re l ate d to a f fordable housing, historic preser vation, open space, and outdoor recreation facilities.

The application round for the

fall will open in October 2022, close on November 9, 2022 at 5pm, and interested applicants mu s t c omple t e e l i g ibi l it y forms by August 31, 2022.

Recognizing the opportunities t h a t C PA p r e s e n t s fo r residents and organizations who want to preser ve and improve our neighborhoods, Councilor Fly n n is hosting this meeting to a l l ow residents and organizations to learn more about how they can utilize CPA f unding to e n h a n c e ou r c om mu n it y.

“With the new round of application for CPA funding available now, we want to make sure that our neighbors have the information and resources to take full advantage of this opportunit y to fund relevant projects,” said Councilor Flynn.

“I’m del ig hted to pa r t ner

wit h t he cit y to host t his meeting so that residents can learn more about what CPA can do for our communit y.”

“W hen I worked to get the CPA adopted in Boston, it wa s because I k new the t r a n s for m at ive e f fe c t s t he funds from the program would have across t he cit y,” sa id Councilor Flahert y. “ I want

to make sure residents in our cit y have ever y opportunit y to harness the impact of these funds, and I encourage folks to come and learn more about the CPA application process, and get their applications in.”

To r e g i s t e r f o r t h e information session, please visit: https://us06web. z o om .u s /m e e t i n g /r e g i s t e r/

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

The Summer Market in South Boston Seaport

by Rick Winterson

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his article describes an event last weekend in the South Boston Seaport. More than 60 craft persons, designers, and merchants gathered in tents and booths. They staged a large pop-up venture called “Summer Market”, which covered an entire acre along 85 Seaport Boulevard. The Seaport has already held previous Markets this summer, in mid-May and early July. The fourth and final Seaport Summer Market will take

place on the final official summer weekend of 2022 – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 16, 17, 18, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day. There’s no admission fee to these Summer Markets; they are one-of-a-kind shopping experiences for you to enjoy.

An early stop was at The Happy Cactus, a delightful name. We were impressed with their statement about the butterflies they install in frames for hanging: “All our butterflies come from nature conservatories in Peru, where they are free to live out their natural lives.” They are not harmed or killed.

Nice to know! Another early stop was with Alexandra at GAF Home – “luxe modern furnishings”. Alexandra told us that they make their wooden artifacts using lasers. With lasers’ high energy and low- density beams, fine wood blanks can be formed into any number of utensils and furnishings that have precise measurements and no charring or discoloration.

At African Authentics, we were impressed with their sculptures, which really are true works of art, not simply

Virtual Public Meeting

244-284 A Street Monday, September 12

Zoom Link: bit.ly/3JJLMPv

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 755 0512

Project Proponent: Channelside Acquisition, LLC, an affiliate of Related Beal Project Description: The BPDA is hosting a Virtual Public Meeting for the proposed Sixth Amendment to PDA No. 69 and Development Plan for No. 69 for the 244-284 A Street project, located in the South Boston Waterfront neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the overall Sixth Amendment to PDA No. 69 and Development Plan for PDA No. 69 and the potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public. mail to: Michael Sinatra Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4224 email: michael.a.sinatra@boston.gov BostonPlans.org

Close of Comment Period: 9/19/2022

@BostonPlans

Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary

decorations. The sculptures that combined materials, like shaped rock and cast metal forms, were beautiful.

The Rainbows Pottery Studio from Beacon Hill featured numerous mugs, steins, and bowls. All of these artifacts from the Studio were hand-painted immediately after they were formed and then fired – nothing artificial here.

We should also mention Make a Splash. Their offerings at the Summer Market included safe equipment and toys that allow very young children to play safely in and with water.

When you complete a visit to the next (and last) Summer Market in September, consider walking across Seaport Boulevard and spending a while in Rock Park. We found

this to be a refreshing break, in part due to a take-out lunch from nearby Miznon. If you’ve gotten tired of your usual cheeseburger, try Miznon’s ethnic Israeli cheeseburger, wrapped in pita with dill pickles.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

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“Summer in the City” Don’t Miss It!

by Rick Winterson

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he Boston Harbor Hotel is famous for those magnificent double arches that front on Atlantic Avenue. These arches let passers-by on the Avenue walk into a highly picturesque part of Boston Harbor – Harborwalk Terrace on Rowes Wharf, where evening cruise boardings and fabulous sunset views of South Boston’s Fan Pier regularly occur. It’s an area open to the general public; it invites you to just sit and look for a while.

And if it’s lunch- or suppertime, the Boston Harbor Hotel is known for its outdoor cuisine and custom-mixed drinks as well.

But that’s not all. Since early in June and continuing until Friday, August 26, the Boston Harbor Hotel is and will be presenting a combination of evening entertainments. These are called “Summer in the City”; they are all entirely free and open to the public. Specifically, live musical performances will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. during August on Tuesdays (Pop Soul), Wednesdays (the R at Pack, a.k.a. Frank Sinatra night), and Thursdays (Blues, on the Blues Barge). On Fridays, beginning at twilight, Summer in the City is showing popular movies. The

remaining movies this summer include “Guardians of the Galaxy” (8/12) and “Encanto” (8/19). Summer in the City will conclude its 2022 season on Friday evening, August 26, with “Dune”, the epic sci-fi film based on the story by Frank Herbert.

As ment ioned, t he entertainments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during August will a ll be l ive profe s sion a l mu sic a l per forma nc e s.

We were extremely impressed by the Racky Thomas Blues Band, who performed a wide-ranging selection of blues music from the Blues Barge on Thursday, July 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. The Band played both ensemble numbers

as well as passionate solos on sax, guitar, and keyboard. The vocals were sung by Racky Thomas (along with his wailing blues harmonica); the drums and rhythm bass set up an unassailable, non-stop beat.

The Racky Thomas Band sextet – bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, baritone sa x, and vocals by Racky – provides nonstop enjoyment. They have won many awards; they’ve performed on radio, at festivals, and in various clubs all around New England. We are mentioning this because the Racky Thomas Blues Band returns to the Boston Harbor Hotel and Rowes Wharf on Thursday evening, August 18, from 6 p.m. until 10. Your attendance is recommended from Ragtime to early Rock, R ack y’s Rent Music lives!

There are two more Tuesday evening Sou l performa nces, wh ic h fe at u re t he World Premier Band (AUG 16) and the Virtue Band (AUG 23).

Wednesdays are Frank Sinatra/ R at Pack nights – VinceSinatra (AUG 17) and R ick DiMare (AUG 24). The final Thursday blues night (AUG 25) features the Jeff Pitchell Band.

Getting to Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City location is actually quite easy.

Don’t bother to bring your car.

Just go to South Station, cross Dewey Square from there, and then walk along Atlantic Avenue for about five minutes. Or you can walk down South Boston’s Seaport Boulevard, go across the Evelyn Moakley Bridge, and then turn right onto Atlantic Avenue. You can’t miss the Hotel’s double arches, especially with that large, blue Summer in the City banner f lying inside them. Rowes Wharf is on the harbor side of these arches.

If you want dinner or a drink, you’ll be seated at a Boston Harbor Hotel table on the Harbor wa lk Terrace (advance table reservations are suggested). If you just want to enjoy the entertainment, pick up a cushion provided by the Boston Harbor Hotel (at no charge) and use it to sit comfortably on the Harbor stairs (also at no charge). Wherever you sit, you’ll have great views of the performers, of Rowes Wharf, and of the Harborwalk.

B e fore h a nd , log onto Summer in the Cit y to see what’s up for each evening during the rest of August.

A nd to repeat ourselves: the movies and the performances charge no admission – they’re a l l f re e , ble s s e d ly f re e !

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

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CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION

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THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2022

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