THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Welcome Back to School
St. Monica Parish Update by Rick Winterson
P
erhaps there’s a certain subliminal “message” in the timing of this update. This is the 2020 summer week that’s nestled between the last day of August and an unusually late Labor Day next Monday, four days from now. Coronavirus/COVID19 continues, as does the pandemic’s huge burden on local churches. And just last week – Thursday, August 27 – the Catholic Church observed the Feast Day of St. Monica, one of the Church’s greatest saints. We interviewed Fr. Peter DeFazio last weekend. He has overseen a major reorganization of the parish and the churches that serve the western half of South Boston – the Lower End, Cityside, Andrew Square, and the Seaport District, including Fort Point. Fr. Peter is now the Pastor of this reorganized parish, which centers on the St. Monica Parish
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Church at Preble and Old Colony, across from the traffic circle. The Seaport’s Lady of Good Voyage Shrine is a part of this reorganization as well. Recently, Fr. Peter was appointed Rector of the Shrine in addition to his Pastoral duties. To summarize, Fr. Peter is now responsible for the religious well-being of the parishioners of St. Monica Parish Church itself and St. Peter Church (Lithuanian). He’s also responsible for the operation of Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine, which has proven to be very well attended by Catholic worshippers from all over South Boston. For you r informat ion, this total organization of two churches and a shrine is formally named “The South BostonSeaport Catholic Collaborative”, or more simply “The SBSCC”. You might have heard that the Archdiocese once planned Continued on Page 2
Welcome back to all our old and new, students, families, faculty and staff, as we begin another wonderful year here at South Boston Catholic Academy! Meet the new teachers on Page 6
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Some Thoughts: The 2020 Primary by Rick Winterson
Y
ou could say, with some accuracy, that the just completed 2020 Primary Election went “about as expected”. Which it certainly did! But even a primary election with ordinary results can contain a message, especially in highly unusual times – times that include global warming (for sure), the rise of the liberal-progressive ideology, and huge gaps among America’s citizens. These include gaps between the races in the U.S., America’s two political parties, our youth and the elderly (the “other” generations), rural versus metropolitan areas, and smaller, (very) loud groups a ga inst t he midd le-of-t heroad mainstream population. Stephen Lynch was elected the Democratic candidate to the House of Representatives as our District 8 Congressman
by a huge margin of 34%, after votes of 67% for him versus 33% for political newcomer Robbie Goldstein. The Eighth Congressional District is highly varied; it contains 24 townships. Steve captured every single one of them by a dominating 2:1 majority. And Nick Collins is now the Democratic candidate for the State Senate’s First Suffolk District, after garnering an even larger margin of 48% over Samuel Pierce – 74% to 26%. In the case of both Lynch and Collins, it’s tempting to “overanalyze” their massive Primary victories. Were these victories because they are Democrats, or from South Boston, or “just progressive enough”? South Boston Online thinks differently. Both Steve and Nick have always done excellent jobs as our elected officials in their respective districts, and they have truly earned the large Primary Election margins both of them
received. It’s as simple as that! Sout h Boston’s Dav id Biele, who has also done a great job has advanced to the November 3 ballot for election to represent the Fourth Suffolk District in the Massachusetts Hou se of Repre sent at ive s. The Fourth Congressional District Primary (to replace Joseph Kennedy III) appears to have been won by Jake Auchincloss at 23% of the votes. The field had seven candidates, with Jesse Mermell coming in a (ver y) close second at 22% of the votes. In the race for the U.S. Senate, Edward Markey beat Joseph Kennedy III, 56% to 44%. That’s a solid margin of 12%, in particular when it’s in a Primary Election between two candidates of the same party. And that did not vary much over the last month. A few weeks ago, polls showed that Markey, who had decisively tapped into the
progressive ideology, was already ahead of Kennedy by 12%, at 52% to 40% (8% undecided). Kennedy, perhaps mistakenly, used his family ties as a campaign tool, but the heyday of the remarkable Kennedy clan actually ended 40 years ago. And it simply is not true that the Kennedys have never lost an election. Apparently, Massachusetts voters in 2020 felt that Kennedy, despite his youth and years of experience in the House of Representatives, hadn’t made a good enough case to send Markey back home to Malden, after he had served four decades in Washington. Which brings us to our final thoughts: Please have an enjoyable Labor Day Holiday weekend, whi le fol low ing all the necessary precautions to avoid the Coronavirus/ COV ID-19 pandemic. Get yourself tested, too. And make your resolution now to vote on Tuesday, November 3.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
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Continued from Page 1
Saint Monica’s to close St. Monica Church. That was before Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine was built, and before St. Monica Church’s missions expanded so much. Nowadays, a food pantry for the hungry, meetings for addicts, Spanish Masses, and a spiritual home for elderly born-andbrought-up South Boston folks are just a few parts of the greatly increased mission of St. Monica Parish Church. And in addition to the two churches and the shrine, the parishioners originally from St. Vincent de Paul Church, St. Augustine Church, and even those who remained from Sts. Peter & Paul Church have now become members of The SBSCC and St. Monica Parish Church. Fr. Peter informed us that St. Monica Parish Church’s unused St. Vincent de Paul property at E and Third is an important item to resolve profitably. Officially it is no longer a church, but even so, it still belongs to The SBSCC. Just insurance and minimum upkeep cost an unaffordable $6,000 per month. As you
know, the Catholic Church and many other established churches have been shrinking for years. The pandemic, with its strict (and necessary) limits on gatherings of any kind, has decimated personal lives and has caused further very severe reductions in church collections. The money realized from this sale will be used both to
support existing critical needs at St. Monica Parish Church (some of them listed above), and to face urgent new challenges – many of them caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. It is
unfortunate that a historic church like St. Vincent de Paul can’t endure, but the future of The SBSCC and St. Monica Parish Church seems to be at stake here.
Honoring America’s Work Force
Happy Labor Day
Senator Nick Collins
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market by Rick Winterson
I
t was a joint venture between Black Owned Bos., founded and headed up by Jae’da Turner, and WS Development, who have been a key South Boston Seaport developer for many years now. After being delayed one day by the leftovers from Hurricane Laura, this marketing-oriented exhibit took place last Sunday afternoon on Seaport Common. The exhibit was named “Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market”. All of the 25 vendors featured at last Sunday’s marketing exhibit are members of Black Owned Bos. – a marketing platform that lifts and highlights black-owned businesses, places, spaces, and the people in them. Black Owned Bos. is an extremely creative group of black-owned small enterprises, that was organized in March, 2019, and is managed by local entrepreneur Jae’da Turner. She commented, “With the City phasing
The eye-catching Black Owned Bos. exhibition tents arranged along the Seaport Common walkways. into reopening, many vendors and local makers are eager to participate in local markets that are often great networking and customer-building opportunities.” Debra Brodsky is WS Development’s Director of Marketing, Seaport. She and her team collaborated with Black Owned Bos. on the Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market. She said, “It was a joy to have shoppers from across the City visit the neighborhood on Sunday to safely enjoy the first ‘Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market’. We heard that a few participants even
sold out of their products – which makes the Market a true success. We hope this is the first of many neighborhood events hosted in partnership with the Black Owned Bos. team, and their incredible network of talented and innovative small businesses.” Including Jae-da Turner’s Black Owned Bos.
information booth, 25 small businesses exhibited on Seaport Common last Sunday. The offerings were highly varied: several kinds of apparel, jewelry and accessories, candles, unique head wraps, household novelties, stationery, works of art, photography, bath and beauty preparations, pet care, numerous gift items, spiritual/holistic botanicals, and provisions. One of these provision enterprises, a vegan bakery called Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies, was recently complimented by MarthaStewart.com. From the viewpoint of a guest and spectator, the Market walkthrough was an enjoyable and memorable experience. The presentations and interest values of each exhibit were excellent. Coupled with a mild day filled with sunshine, the Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market was bright, joyful, and colorful. Let’s hope they will return soon.
Happy Labor Day to all the Working Families who Helped Build our City and Country Jae’da Turner, the Founder and Managing Director of Black Owned Bos., welcomes their guests to Seaport Common last Sunday.
City Councilor
Ed Flynn and Family
A few of the colorful items displayed at the exihibition.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 The Office of Mayor Martin J. Walsh invites you to:
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. |159 Old Colony Ave, South Boston MA Proposal: Recreational marijuana retail. Demo of existing interior partitions and finishes. Webex Meeting Link: https://cityofboston.webex.com/cityofboston/onstage/g.php?MTID=e5e49d1384b681014 e35983b8ebc6e81e (This link is to be used to copy and paste on a digital platform, not for you type in manually. Go to
“Thank you to the great men and women that make our nation the best. Have a happy, healthy, and safe Labor Day.”
Webex.com click ‘join’ then type in the meeting access code, which is provided below. If you want to call into the meeting by using your phone, dial 1-408-418-9388 and then enter the access code, which is below.)
Or you can call into the meeting by dialing +1-408-418-9388 Meeting number (access code): 173 262 6570 Meeting password: 159old Share or view this flyer on Facebook: Facebook.com/SouthieONS
For more information please contact: Haley Dillon Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services Haley.Dillon@boston.gov 617-635-2680
State Representative Please note, the City does not represent the owner(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s),. The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident’s positions on this proposal. This flyer has been dropped off by the proponents per the city’s request.
David Biele
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston Catholic Academy News is prepared and very excited about welcoming your child. Please know of our gratitude for all you do for our school - it is greatly appreciated.” We Welcome our new teachers to the South Boston Catholic Academy Team!
These are some of our news teachers…
Ms. Brogan
Welcome back to all our old and new, students, families, faculty and staff, as we begin another wonderful year here at South Boston Catholic Academy!
F
rom our Principal, Dr. Civian, “We are honored to be able to welcome your child back to school. We are excited to work closely with you to ensure the success and well-being of all of our students. The Administration, Faculty, and Staff of South Boston Catholic Academy have prepared well to welcome your children back to school for a quality catholic education, while taking every precaution to protect the health and well- being of every student, their family and their teacher. We are grateful to our reentry team for their continued feedback and counsel as we move forward. Please know that we have planned long and hard for this re-opening and are confident that our school building is ready, and our faculty and staff
Mr. Stautberg
Our new Physical Education Teacher is Ms. Brogan. We are so excited to welcome Ms. Brogan to the SBCA family. Ms. Brogan is a graduate of Bridgewater State University where she graduated with a BS in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Coaching. She is heavily involved in Lacrosse throughout Massachusetts including Director of Boston Youth Lacrosse, Head Coach at Malden Catholic High School and coach with Laxachusetts. She also works with US Lacrosse as a Trainer within their Coach Development Program and spends time volunteering for Kenya Lacrosse. Our new 6th Grade Teacher is Ms. Hoisl. Ms. Hoisl is from West Hartford, CT. She studied at Emmanuel College where she played softball. She is currently getting her masters at Boston College. Her favorite quote is “Be unconditionally yourself, because there isn’t another you in the world.” Our new 4th Grade Teacher, Ms. Gibbs. Ms. Gibbs is a graduate of St. Mary’s College and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Spanish. She is originally from New Buffalo, Michigan. Her favorite food is pepperoni pizza and she loves her family dog, named Harry! Our new 3rd Grade Teacher is Mr. Stautberg. He is a recent graduate
Ms. Reh
of Xavier University who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. He studied Special Education in school with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. Mr. Stautberg is now a student at Boston College in the Urban Catholic Teaching Corps. He is working on his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. This is his first-year teaching and he is so excited to get to know each of his students and learn as much as he can! Our new 2nd grade teacher is Ms. Reh. Ms. Reh is currently working towards her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. She is a part of the Urban Catholic Teacher Corps at Boston College as well. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Anselm College. Ms. Reh grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts. Our new 1st Grade Teacher is Ms. Gannon. Ms. Gannon is originally from South Boston and a former student of South Boston Catholic Academy. She is a graduate of Providence College
Ms. Gannon
where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education. Currently, she is attending Bridgewater State University to attain her Masters of Education in Reading and Literacy. In her free time, Ms. Gannon enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Ali! We Welcome you all to this year’s South Boston Catholic Team! We are so happy to have you here! We wish everyone a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
Ms. Gibbs
Ms. Hoisl
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
General (RET.) Stanley A. McChrystal Keynot Speaker
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39th Anniversary of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial to be Celebrated Sunday, September 13, at Medal of Honor Park Army General Stanley McChrystal, Ret., will be the keynote speaker
A
tra nsformationa l leader w it h a remarkable record of achievement, General Stanley A. McChrystal was called “one of America’s greatest warriors” by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He is widely praised for launching a revolution in warfare by leading a comprehensive counter-terrorism organization that fused intelligence and operations, redefining the way military and government agencies interact. The son and grandson of A rmy of f icers, McChr ysta l graduated from West Point in 1976 as an infantry officer, completed Ranger Training, and later Special Forces Training. Over the course of his career, he held leadership and staff positions in the Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, 82nd Airborne Division, the X V III A rmy A irborne Corp, and the Joint Staff. He is a graduate of the US Naval War College, and he completed fellowships at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1997 and at the Council on Foreign Relations in 2000. From 2003 to 2008, McChr ysta l comma nded JSOC - responsible for leading the nation’s deployed military counterterrorism efforts around the globe. His leadership of JSOC is credited with the 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein and the 2006 location and killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the
A Memorial Mass will be held in St. Brigid Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, at 10:30 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. rededication ceremony at the South Boston Vietnam Memorial in Medal of Honor Park on M Street.
leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. In June 2009, McChrystal received his fourth star and assumed command of all international f or c e s in A fghanistan. Since retiring from the military, McChrystal has served on several corporate boards of directors, that include Deutsche Bank America, JetBlue Airways, Navistar, Siemens Government Technologies, Fisca l Note, and Accent Technologies. A passionate advocate for national ser vice, McChr ystal is the Chair of the Board of Service Year Alliance, which envisions a future in which a service year is a cultural expectation and common opportunity for every young American. He is a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, where he teaches a course on leadership. Additionally, he is the author of the bestselling leadership books, My Share of the Task: A Memoir, Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World, and Leaders: Myth and Reality. General McChrystal founded the McChr ysta l Group in January 2011. Recognizing that companies today are experiencing parallels to what he faced in the war theater, McChrystal established this advisory services firm to help businesses challenge the hierarchical, “command and control ” approach to orga nizationa l ma nagement.
Mayor Marty Walsh, Governor Charlie Baker, and Congressman Stephen Lynch are expected to attend, as well as Medal of Honor Recipient Thomas G. Kelley (Vietnam). Also attending the rededication ceremony will be the families of the 25 men from South Boston who were killed in action during the Vietnam War, along with many South Boston Vietnam Veterans. ALL attendees are asked to please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. The South Boston Vietnam Memorial was among America’s first formal memorials for Vietnam Veterans – predating the dedication of the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. by 13 months. It honors 25 men from South Boston who gave their lives during the war. South Boston suffered one of the highest losses of men killed in action in the country for a community of its size. The South Boston Vietnam Memorial was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1981, and a rededication ceremony is held every September.
The 25 men honored on the South Boston Vietnam Memorial are: Joseph J. Agri, LCpl USMC; Charles A. Bazzinotti, 1stLt USA; Richard J. Borovick, SP4 USA; John C. Calhoun, LCpl USMC; John H. Cole, PFC USMC; Paul M. Daley, SP6 USA; Ronald L. Delverde, PFC USMC; Joseph F. Desmond, PFC USMC; Joseph W. Dunn, PFC USMC; Devon M. Enman, Sgt USA; Gene D. Grover, SSgt USMC; Frank C. Hubicsak, PFC USA; Douglas J. Itri, SP5 USA; John P. Jacobs, Cpl USMC; John G. Joyce, Cpl USA; Edward W. Milan, Sgt USAF; James O’Toole, PFC USA; Burton Peterson, LCpl USMC; Paul H. Sheehan, 1stSgt USMC; James J. Stewart, PFC USMC; Edward Stone, PFC USMC; Edward M. Sullivan, PFC USMC; Joseph Thomas, E. PFC USMC; Donald J. Turner, LCpl USMC; James K. Wheeler, SP6 USA.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Virtual Public Meeting
244 - 284 A Street Wednesday, September 16 6:00 PM
Zoom Registration Link bit.ly/3hraHZ2
Project Description: Transportation focused Virtual Public Meeting in connection with the Proposed Project at 244 - 284 A Street in the Fort Point district of the South Boston Waterfront. Please note pre-registration is required for this Virtual Public Meeting.
Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parish with St. Augustine Chapel News “Functioning as a Parish Community amidst the Corona Virus – A Slow Transition Back to Normal” Important Message Cardinal Sean continues to dispense all Catholics from the Sunday Mass obligation. This will be in place for the foreseeable future. Catholics are not obliged to go to Sunday Mass due to current pandemic and the continued risks. The Cardinal strongly encourages people in vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with complicating physical conditions to continue to watch via Live stream on our website or on Catholic TV. LIVE STREAMING is on our Parish Website.
mail to: Aisling Kerr Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4212 email: aisling.kerr@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
For weekend of August 30th, and September 6th Temporary Mass Schedule Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Church – Also Live-Stream @BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
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 No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
Sunday Morning Mass 8:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Church 9:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church - Also Live-Stream 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Church Daily Mass --Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. Mass at Gate of Heaven Upper Church Also Live-Stream Mass Schedule - Starting After Labor Day Weekend There will be 3 weekend Masses at St. Brigid Church and 3 weekend Masses at Gate of Heaven Church Saturday Afternoon Vigil Mass 4:00 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Church – Also Live-Stream
Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Church- Also Live-Stream 9:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church - Also Live-Stream 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Church - Also Live-Stream 12 Noon Mass at Gate of Heaven Church - Also Live-Stream 6:00 p.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church Also Live-Stream Daily Mass Monday - Friday Also Live Stream 7:00 a.m. Mass at St. Brigid Upper Church (begins Tuesday, September 8th 9:00 a.m. Mass at Gate of Heaven Upper Church Unfortunately, due to the requirements of social distancing we will not be able to hold Masses or services at St. Augustine Chapel at this time.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
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A Spectacle Island Hike By Rick Winterson
T
here has been a significant reaction to the isolation, quarantining, and general malaise that has resulted from the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Getting outdoors for exercise and entertainment – with face coverings and Social Distancing, of course – have been recommended by many experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s guru of Coronavirus knowledge. And you know something, it works! You really don’t need to be told that mild exercise in the out-of-doors is always (yes, always) beneficial – both physically and mentally. So, try a trip to Spectacle Island by taking the Fort Independence Ferry from Long Wharf. Then walk all the way around Spectacle Island, taking detours to climb both the South Drumlin, and then the North Drumlin – “drumlins” are low hills left behind as the glaciers last retreated, which have been smoothed out by the Commonwealth and the nation. Most of Boston’s Harbor Islands are now part of the National Park system. The cruises out and back take only 30-40 minutes each way. Right now, they leave Boston at 10, 11, and 12 from Long Wharf; returns are at 12, 1, and 2 in the afternoon. Leaving at 10 and coming back on the 1 p.m.
return will leave you more than two hours to explore Spectacle and all its major areas and constructs. But please note: be sure to check the schedules on the day you wish to go. They may vary, especially if bad weather is coming. The fare (round trip) is less than $25 each, depending upon the discounts you might be eligible for. Bring your own water, along with a light lunch, if you wish. The Visitors Center is closed right now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the rest rooms are open. Check them out before you start your hiking. Park Rangers are on duty to answer any questions or resolve any difficulties you may encounter. We took the south road, stopping first to spend some time on the Shell Beach, with its thousands of washed up shells and artifacts, including some magically translucent sea glass. Then we intentionally took the walkway along Spectacle’s eastern seawall – a real feat of marine engineering, as well as a beautiful construct. From that walkway, there’s a cutoff leading to the top of the South Drumlin, which gives some great views in all directions, including a view of the North Drumlin where we were headed. At the end of the east seawall is a roofed viewing seat that’s also a work of art. The ascent to the top of the North Drumlin is a spiral, with imported trees and much natural vegetation. At the top, there are
A seashell beach (with “touch me” display pier).
Arrive at Spectacle Island wharf; North Drumlin at rear. gazebo-like, roofed constructs with superb views of Boston’s skyline and South Boston’s beaches, from the L Street bathhouse to Castle Island. Sit, rest a bit, and take in the sights from about 200 feet over sea level. After the walk down, take the central road back to the Visitor’s Center over the “Saddle”, the name of the lower meadows between Spectacle’s North and South Drumlins. Watch the struggle between the planted vegetation on Spectacle Island and the wild things brought there by Mother Nature. Many trees are being flattened by strangler fig vines. Goldenrod (ah-choo!) and purple
loosestrife, along with wild raspberries, infest many areas, as do thousands of sumac trees. Loosestrife is considered to be an “invasive species” that was brought here by sailing ships 200 years ago, when they dumped their ballast into the New World’s ocean near land. And do a little bird-watching while you are on Spectacle Island as well. Spectacle Island is 105 acres – less than a quarter of a square mile. Take the time to read all of the signs and postings – it has an interesting history. Our total walk was about four miles and took two hours even (by the way, the Spectacle Island hike is rated as “Easy”).
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
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