THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
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To Those Who Labor
t’s early September, most prominently marked off by Labor Day But whom do we really thank for Labor? For hard work? For skilled crafts? For continuing effort? For a job well done? Good answers might not be clear when questions about Labor are asked this way, but there’s one answer that COVID-19 has certainly made obvious – we must be grateful, very grateful, for all the Labor that has kept us going during the pandemic. It hasn’t been easy. In fact, it has been very difficult. We don’t have to remind you of the efforts by American medical workers – from doctors and nurses, to hospital personnel, to EMTs, and so on. Not only have these folks been fighting the Coronavirus and its many “variants”, they have been frequently exposed to the pandemic’s contagious effects themselves. And it seems the so-called “Delta variant” is the most contagious of
all. Many medical people have gotten sick; some have even died. But they keep on performing their Labor, fighting the pandemic to the point of exhaustion. And it has worked – we got vaccines in record time, and are on our way to booster shots. Thank you. Furthermore, The Coronavirus plague – there’s no other word for it – has been going on for a year and a half. It has been 18 months since we first began taking major precautions against COVID-19 back in March of 2020. And it appears to be back on the increase, like the autumn peak of 2020. Do you want to express your gratitude for Labor that fights the pandemic? Simply stated, follow the rules. Above all, get vaccinated. Second, get tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19. Third, and still very important, use masks wherever and whenever they are required. No questions; just do it out of gratitude for the Labor going on all Continued on Page 10
Moving Day Clogs Southie Streets … and Sidewalks
By Ginger DeShaney
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t was practically U-Hauls and overstuffed cars as far as the eye could see Wednesday as Sept. 1 Moving Day clogged South Boston’s streets. Alex Luka, who drove from Chicago for his new job, wasn’t one of the street cloggers. “So far it’s been OK,” he said. “But you realize the craziness as soon as
you pull into the neighborhood.” Alex’s new place on West Fourth Street has a parking lot. “I was fortunate to have a parking lot so I don’t have to deal with the streets,” he said. But most ever yone else had to deal with the streets, especially residents just trying to get around. Vehicles were double-
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Councilors Flynn, Breadon, and Flaherty to Hold Hearing on Safety at Construction Sites
B
oston City Councilors Ed Flynn, Liz Breadon, and Michael Fla hert y will hold a hearing to discuss the existing safety procedures and precautions at construction sites due to tragedies, accidents and fires in recent years that have impacted workers, neighbors and pedestrians. This hearing aims to discuss how the city can ensure that construction workers and construction sites are safe, that the vetting process for construction companies are thorough, and ways that the City can ensure the protection and well-being of our workers and residents as we continue to be in the midst of a pandemic. The hearing will be chaired by Councilor Julia Mejia in the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development, and will be held virtually on
Monday, September 20, at 2pm. In March, there was a tragic accident on High Street in Downtown where two workers were unfortunately killed on a construction site. In recent years, the City of Boston has been experiencing an unprecedented building boom, with large scale construction sites in various neighborhoods. These sites have heavy machinery, tall cranes, and the equipment that is in close proximity to their workers, as well as our residents, our workforce, pedestria ns, motorists, a nd cyclists. Construction workers are often at high risk of suffering oc c upat iona l i nju rie s a nd fatalities, and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 20.7% of worker fatalities were in the construction industry in 2017. A side from the tragic incident on High Street, we
have unfortunately witnessed severa l accidents in recent years of injured or even killed construction workers. It is critical that we ensure the safety of our construction workers, as well as our residents and workforce. We need to make sure that safety procedures and precautions are adhered to at these worksites, and that there is a thorough vetting process for construction companies. As we are also still dealing with the pandemic, we also need to ensure that our construction workers are provided with the adequate personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while on the job. “Construction workers are a critical part of our workforce in the city, and we need to ensure their safety and wellbeing at their worksites,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is also important
that our construction sites and equipment are secured, and that there are strict measures in place to prevent any accidents that can harm workers, pedestrians, neig hbor s a nd motor i st s. We need to make sure that u n s c r upu lou s c on s t r uc t ion companies are held accountable, and that they are properly vetted. I look forward to having this discussion at the hearing, and to work with city officials and safety advocates on this issue.” To watch the hearing, you can go to boston.gov/citycouncil-tv. To submit written testimony or request to testify at the hearing, please reach out to Cora Montrod at cora. montrond@boston.gov. For more information on the hearing, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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Bobby McGarrell to Receive Shamrock Award
outh Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath has announced the presentation of the Association’s 2020 recipient of the James M. “Jimmy” Kelly/ Margaret “Peg” Flaherty Shamrock Award for Community Service will finally be presented to Bobby McGarrell for his diligent volunteerism in the community. “I have known Bobby my whole life and he is most deserving of this award. He never hesitates to get involved in something he believes in, especially if it involves the youth in South Boston. It is an honor to finally be able to present Bobby with this Community service award”. McGrath stated. Bobby is a graduate BC High where he was a member of the National Honor Society and received the National Latin Award. After BC High he attended Bentley college earning a BS in Management, earned the President Scholarship Award , Being the top of his class , Betta Gamma Sigma.upon Graduation from Bentley Bobby graduated from Suffolk Law School where he received the Moot Court Award,for practical and in-depth analyses of current legal issues related to trial and appellate practice. Bobby, is a lifelong resident of South Boston and a Private Attorney practicing family law in Boston, primary area of focus, Care and Protection cases in Boston Juvenile court, representing children and parents, and working towards reunifying families in the commonwealth that have been displaced by DCF. He has volunteered much of his time to community youth sports organizations and events that make a difference to the families and youth of South Boston. He has devoted much of his time coaching and fundraising in order to maintain robust and sustainable programs in the community. With the help of other coaches, parents and a focus on player development, the athletes are acquiring the level of skill needed to play at the next level , whether it be travel teams or even High School teams. Bobby has coached in the
community going back to 1988. He has coached in Little League, Babe Ruth, CYO Basketball and South Boston Youth Hockey. McGrath said “Bobby is not shy to tell you how many Championships he has won in his coaching career, but what is important to him is working with the children of the community to enjoy the programs that he had as a young studentathlete growing up in South Boston” Bobby is married to Suzanne Ryan,and they have 4 boys Bobby, Lydon, Ryan and Mason. Follow us on Facebook, and the local social media pages as we will re-announce the 2020 recipients to be honored on September, 17th. “It gives me great pleasure to announce these awards,” said McGrath. Tommy also stated“These are truly dedicated and committed individuals who have contributed so much in their own unique ways. It is
fitting for the Citizens’ Association, and the South Boston community, to honor these individuals Friday night.” The awards will be presented at the Association’s 140th and 141st Annual Evacuation Day Banquets, to be held Friday evening, September 17th, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, with a 5:30 p.m., cocktail hour and a corned beef dinner served at 7:00 p.m.
A host of special invited Dignitaries are expected to attend this year’s banquet. Curragh’s Fancy will provide the entertainment. McGrath cautioned that tables were purchased in 2020 but limited tickets are still available, with so many of South Boston’s most valued community leaders receiving awards. I urge those that are planning to attend to act fast. For information on tickets call Tom McGrath at 857-204-5825.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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No Man’s Land Turns 25
Two long scrolls list those in South Boston who have perished from substance abuse. by Rick Winterson
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wenty-five years ago in 1996, Michael Dowling, the Founder and Artistic Director of SPOKE/Medicine Wheel, essentially “rediscovered” a crescent-
shaped patch of ground in South Boston. This steeply sloped crescent of open space had become densely overgrown - a place to dispose of trash of many kinds. It was called “No Man’s Land”. Squeezed between the High School and Dorchester Heights, No Man’s Land was once the eastern wall of a reservoir serving the City of Boston. Remnants of a 1776 Evacuation Day fortification are buried in its soil. The No Man’s Land area is approximately 40,000 square feet – around an acre. Everyone knows that an open space of that size in South Boston can become magical. Under Michael’s guidance, along with hard work by members of SPOKE/ Medicine Wheel (which Michael had founded), No Man’s Land magically morphed into a unique park that has striking roads, paths, and walkways along its crescent – “The Road Goes Ever On … ” No Man’s Land celebrated its 25th Birthday last Wednesday, August 25. Michael Creasy, the Superintendent of the National Parks in Boston, announced they have agreed to maintain and improve it from here on. Happy Birthday, No Man’s Land!
Happy Labor Day to all the working families that help build our City and Country”
Boston City Councilor, District Two, Ed Flynn and Family
Mercy Robinson receives the 2021 Queen of the Hill Award with Michael Dowling (l.) and ED Greg Liakos. It was a celebratory evening throughout. The festivities began with Nancy Armstrong singing “America the Beautiful”, and then leading the crowd of a hundred or more in singing “This Land Is Your Land”. The rendition was spirited, to say the least. The Tenoch food truck then served Mexican food – tortas, burritos, tacos, and so on. Founder Michael Dowling reminisced about the many people who labored to create No Man’s Land. Greg Liakos, SPOKE’s new Executive Director, thanked Rep. David Biele and City Councilor Ed Flynn for their support, and for the Citation presented to No Man’s Land by Biele. Annissa Essaibi George, candidate for Mayor, stopped in for the ceremonies. Local artists Oliver Burns and Charles Murrell III entertained the evening’s guests with skilled performances. Murrell’s original sax solo featured an antiphon sung by the crowd in response to his solo’s musical lines (Remarkable!). The 2021 King of the Hill and Queen of the Hill are, respectively, Justin Downey and Mercy Robinson. Both received their Awards during the evening. Downey is a South Boston native and a Medicine Wheel alumnus, who is now devoted to helping those
suffering from addiction and alcoholism. Specifically, he is in the “Mass. Ave. Project”, working to resolve the massive Mass/Cass problem. Robinson serves as the Executive Director of South Boston en Accion. She is a leader who was raised in South Boston; she now devotes herself to issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing racial justice heterolog in South Boston. Among the key concerns of SPOKE/Medicine Wheel are the severe problems caused by substance abuse, which seem to have gotten worse since the onset of the pandemic. In a sad (but necessary) note, Michael Dowling unrolled two lengthy scrolls hanging from a linden tree branch in No Man’s Land. Hundreds of names of those who have lost their lives to substance abuse were written upon these scrolls. By way of contrast, in a joyful concluding event, stairs that beautifully symbolize the Twelve Steps of AA were opened up. Created by the Cushing House men and women and the Ostiguy High School, viewing these twelve stairs in person yourself will make your own walk through No Man’s Land truly worthwhile. “The road goes ever on … “
SPOKE ED Greg Liakos receives a No Man’s Land Citation from Rep. David Biele; Councilor Ed Flynn looks on.
Vocalist Nancy Armstrong leads No Man’s Land guests in “This Land Is Your Land”.
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Colin’s Joy
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
Erin Murphy for Boston City Council At-Large
The Colin ‘s Joy Project held a pizza-and-ice-cream party last Saturday, to celebrate Colin’s sixth birthday date. The Flynn family turned out for this truly enjoyable event. Also on hand to help Erin Murphy, Candidate for Boston City Council At-Large
Happy Labor Day! Please VOTE for #14 on September 14th!
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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Moving
parked; parking spots were limited because of moving permits; and couches, tables, desks, chairs, and anything else you could think of were left on the sidewalks, making walking around the neighborhood dif f icult, if not dangerous. People were moving out; others were moving in. And in at least one case, the move-out of previous tenants and the move-in of new tenants were happening in the same dwelling on the same day. One dad had to tarp his truck
against the rain while he waited for the previous tenants to move out before he could move his son in. He worried when the cleaning would take place before his son’s move-in. Sean Ramsure of Ramsure Movers was moving a tenant out of an apartment on E Street. He said the tenant secured the parking permit for the moving truck. “But a lot of people ignore those signs,” he said. “Especially this time of year.” When residents ignore the signs, Ramsure said, the cars can be towed, but he noted that police often try to find the owners
f irst
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to move their vehicles. There were several people who didn’t get parking permits for their trucks but ended up finding spots, with one tenant using an open spot marked off with a permit he didn’t secure. College students and young professionals were all on the move Wednesday. And Southie was their choice because of its reputation for being a fun atmosphere for young people. Ben and Jack, who were moving in on E Street, said they chose South Boston because
they have a lot of friends here. Ryan Shea, a Northeastern graduate student, moved to West Fourth Street because his cousin lives down the street and sold him on Southie. He noted it’s a nice area and is close to the beach. Maia Guelfi was moving to West Broadway from Brookline for a job. “This is where my friends and I want to be,” she said, noting she’s looking forward to going out with everybody. Well, Southie, we have a year to recover from this unofficial holiday. Just be careful on those sidewalks!
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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SB Vietnam Memorial’s 40th Dedication on September 12 by Rick Winterson
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ince the turn of the 21st Century – and indeed, since the beginning of the Third Millennium – the nation’s Medal of Honor Society has convened in the City of Boston three times (2001, 2006, 2015). Next week, the Medal of Honor Society will hold its 2021 Annual Convention in Boston for an unprecedented fourth time. In addition, for the first time ever, the Society will host its Citizen Honors Awards for Valor outside of Washington, D.C. – at Boston’s Seaport Hotel on Friday evening, September 10. Of very special interest to South Boston, the visiting Medal of Honor Recipients will gather in Medal of Honor Park on Sunday morning, September 12, for the 40th Anniversary of South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial, originally dedicated in 1981. A formal Rededication will take place in the Park at 11:30 on the 12th, immediately after a 10:30 Memorial Mass in St. Brigid Church. Thomas J. Lyons, Chairman of the Convention’s Host Committee, recently stated, “Medal of Honor Recipients have formed a strong bond with Boston and the people of Massachusetts. To be able to have then here for the fourth time in 20 years – and to also host their Citizen Honors Awards for Valor – is an honor felt across the Commonwealth. The service and sacrifices they have made on behalf of the nation, and their unwavering support for our men and women in uniform, is awe-inspiring … “
“The Medal of Honor Recipients are thrilled to be coming back to Boston this week,” said Recipient and Massachusetts resident Thomas G. Kelley. “The outpouring of warmth we experienced in our three previous Conventions left an indelible impression on all of us. I am especially excited that our most recent Recipients from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam … will be able to experience the sense of patriotism and honor, which is the hallmark of Boston.” Medal of Honor Society President Drew D. Dix added his comments, referring to Boston as “The birthplace of our struggle for independence by ordinary citizen-Patriots from Massachusetts.” Since the Medal of Honor was first struck early in the Civil War (1861), some 3,500 have been awarded, 638 of them posthumously. It is the oldest combat decoration still being issued. The Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress 63 years ago in 1958. At present, there are 67 living Medal of Honor Recipients, all members of the Society. About half of these Recipients are expected to attend the Convention in Boston next week. Make it a point to welcome them – they are all legitimate, bona fide national heroes, who consistently view their bravery with great humility. The Recipients plan to take part in a number of public activities, including several school visits (via helicopter on Wednesday) and a special Boston Harbor cruise on the USS Constitution, which will render a 21-gun salute (with flyover) to Castle Island around 12:30 on Saturday, the 11th. They will lay a wreath at the 54th Regiment Memorial on Boston Common across from the
State House, and then recognize William Carney, America’s first black Medal of Honor Recipient. The Citizen Honors Awards next Friday include Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, philanthropists Rick and Nancy Kelleher, journalist Mark Shields, and actor/comedian Rob Riggle, who is to receive the Bob Hope Award. And we’ll close by strongly
encouraging you to attend the 40th Anniversary Rededication of South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial, since 1981 the first in the nation – a 10:30 Memorial Mass in St. Brigid Church will be followed by the Rededication itself at 11:30, on Sunday, September 12, in Medal of Honor Park at M and East Broadway.
South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial To Be Rededicated After 40 Years (flags are at half-mast for the 13 U.S. casualties in Kabul).
Every Labor Day, we recognize the achievements and contributions of the hardworking men and women who have built our country, our state, and our city.
Thank you and Happy Labor Day A “Welcome Home” to South Boston’s Vietnam veterans, 40 years ago in 1981 – to those who came back after serving over there.
State Representative David Biele
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
Splashing & Dashing on Kids Day Photos by Ginger DeShaney Kids ages 7 to 15 got a taste of what it’s like to do a triathlon.
Kids Day at the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon at DCR’s Mother’s Rest Saturday featured the USA Triathlon-sanctioned Splash & Dash event, which is designed to introduce young athletes to the sport of triathlon. The youngsters participated in a swim and run based on their age group. The weather was cloudy and cool, but that didn’t deter the kids as they tackled a 100-yard swim (age groups 7-8 and 9-10) or a 200-yard swim along Carson Beach in shallow water. Once out of the water, the kids raced to put on their shoes to run a 1K on the Harborwalk and the DCR Mother’s Rest Field.
At the end of the event, the award winners were named: Age group 7-8
1st: Rachael Caggiano 2nd: Michael Burke 3rd: Willy Melonas
Age group 9-10 1st: Alexander Giaquinto 2nd: Roberto Marrocchelli-Mendez 3rd: Maddie York
Age group 11-12 1st: Ryan Hendrick 2nd: Hannah Healy 3rd: Benjamin Weiss
Age group 13-15 1st: Rory O’Neil 2nd: Sammy Flood 3rd: Addison Thornburg
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 Continued on Page 1
Prayer Service of Remembrance
The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage 51 Sleeper St.
Candlelight Procession to the Fallen Heroes Memorial Friday, September 10
6:00 p.m.
This year our country will commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Since 2017, we have gathered to support our Massachusetts Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in military service since that terrible
day. We gather in prayer, hold candles, and walk in procession to the
Fallen Heroes Memorial as an expression of our solidarity with them and
our gratitude for their sacrifice. The unfolding violence and chaos in the aftermath of the withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan reawakens, for many veterans and Gold Star families, the emotional and spiritual
pain of war and loss. This year, more than ever, let us stand with them and keep our promise to never forget.
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Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
Labor Day around you! No exceptions, please! There’s another kind of Labor we should recognize and be very thankful for. That’s the Labor that has kept us supplied with “the essentials”, all through the pandemic. One of the first kinds of “essential” Labor that comes to mind is the Labor that keeps us supplied with food. From corner stores, to super markets, to places to eat, people Labor to serve us, our families, and our friends with the food we need three times a day – food that is clean, fresh, and good to eat. And of course, food must be grown, harvested, shipped, packaged, and handled. Be grateful for all the Labor that requires, too. The same reasoning applies to anything and everything else
we need –mail, repairs, clothing, schooling, services, security, transportation, household supplies, package deliveries, and (of course) face masks. Somewhere along the line, major human efforts are required to provide us with all of these – more reasons to be grateful for the Labor that goes into them. Pope Leo XIII was a noted theologian and philosopher, who wrote about the “Dignity of Labor”. One of his key reasons for stating that Labor has “Dignity” is that most human Labor either helps others or contributes to a better society (like COVID-19 vaccines?). So, during this time of pandemic, please gratefully follow the COVID-19 prevention protocols, and remember to be thankful for the Dignity of Labor that is truly sustaining all of us right now.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
Boston Triathlon Returns
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After a year off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 1,000 athletes gathered Sunday to swim, bike, and run at the 12th Annual Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event featured an Olympic distance competition (1.5-kilometer swim, 35K bike, and 10K run) and a Sprint distance race (750-meter swim, 17.5K bike, and 3K run). The swim took place at Carson Beach, the bike ride on William Day Boulevard, and the run in Moakley Park under cloudy skies. Boston Medical Center was the official Race Charity Partner.
Results can be found on: https://bostontri.com/results/#/race/g2onZs/SprintIND/ (PHOTOS BY GINGER DeSHANEY)
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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