THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
The 40th Vietnam Memorial Dedication by Rick Winterson
T
he 40th Anniversary of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial took place on Sunday. It was actually an observance in two parts – the first, a Memorial Mass at St. Brigid Church; the second at the Memorial itself in Medal of Honor Park, between M and N Streets on East Broadway. Father Robert Casey, the Pastor of Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes, offered the Memorial Mass at 10:30 Sunday morning. The Readings for that particular Mass, the 25th Sunday in ordinary time, were pertinent. In particular, the Epistle Reading was the letter of James – the section where James spoke of “works” as necessary to show Faith. Fr. Casey drew a parallel between James’ writings about “Works” and military duties. It’s interesting to compare “Works” with “Bravery
Sending Off Summer in Style
above and beyond the call of duty …” The congregants at the Mass then walked up to Medal of Honor Park under a huge flag hung from Boston Fire Department ladder trucks, and proceeded to gather at the Memorial. At age 40 (originally dedicated in September, 1981), the South Boston Vietnam Memorial is by far the first such Memorial in America. The national Vietnam Memorial (a.k.a. “the Wall”) was dedicated over a year later, on Saturday, November 13, 1982. At 11:30, the Color Guard from the four combat services bore the flags to the Memorial – a colorful entrance, to say the least, with campaign ribbons waving from every flagpole. Fr. Casey delivered the Invocation, basing his words on a theme of Peace. Tom Lyons, who has performed on countless veterans’ projects (including the Vietnam Memorial itself), then opened the dedication ceremony. Continued on Page 2
By Ginger DeShaney
S
ummer went out with a bang Saturday, thanks to the Carson Beach Summer Send-Of f. People of all ages gathered at the McCormack Bath House for a beautiful afternoon of fun and exploration. Several organizations came together to help South Boston say farewell to the season: Boston Harbor Now, National Park Service, National Park Foundation, Massachusetts
Department of Conservation and Recreation, City of Boston, Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Piers Park Sailing Center, and Volo Sports. Boston Harbor Now works in collaboration with many organizations, said Jenn Meakem, community engagement specialist. So when they decided they had to do something at Carson Beach at the end of the summer, they reached out to groups and created this collaborative event. Continued on page 8
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Continued from Page 1
Dedication
His chosen theme was contained on the Memorial’s inscription, “If you forget my death, I died in vain”. He mentioned the 13 we just lost in Afghanistan at Kabul Airport by stating, “They died in an attempt to save others, others they never knew.” And he said how fitting it was that Medal of Honor Park now has a children’s playground on its border. Then, the “Commandant’s Own” Marine Drum & Bugle Corps played John Philip Souza’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”. The panel of speakers consisted mostly of Medal of Honor recipients, whose fourth convention held in Boston was just ending. Local Recipient Tom Kelley spoke of how surprised South Boston was to be told that 25 of their young citizens had perished in Vietnam, and how the whole South Boston community grieved together. Recipients Barney Barnum, Ryan Pitts, and Mike Thornton followed him, and they pulled no punches about our
South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial, the first in the nation. political situation: “We have got to come together!” Congressman Stephen Lynch gave the final remarks, especially thanking the Vietnam veterans on hand at the railing around the Memorial. One of those attending the 40th Dedication said, “The 40th Anniversary was almost festive; there were lots of smiling faces. War is
horrifying, not glorifying. The drum and bugle corps was excellent. The words of peace and the playground give life to the Park.” Indeed, the 40th Dedication was quite the event. Family members and the Medal of Honor recipients then emplaced floral wreaths at the Vietnam Memorial.
The Vietnam veterans proceeded to place individual red flowers along the base of the Memorial. “Taps” was sounded, followed by a pipes and drums rendition of “Amazing Grace”. A piper broke ranks and walked to the rear, symbolizing those we have lost in combat.
The “Commandant’s Own” Marine Drum & Bugle Corps play Souza on the 40th.
South Boston’s Pipes & Drums renders the classic “Amazing Grace”.
The Stars and Stripes hover over East Broadway and Medal of Honor Park.
Fr. Casey delivers the 40th Dedication invocation as Tom Lyons looks on.
The Color Guard at the 40th Vietnam Memorial Dedication.
Living Vietnam veterans place a red flower on the Memorial.
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The Boston Primary, 2021 On Tuesday, the Boston voters spoke once again. The results, although somewhat questionable early on Wednesday morning, were
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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SOUTH BOSTON FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING PROPOSALS
clarified before mid-day. Michelle Wu at 35,888 (33.4% of votes cast) had garnered a full one-third of Mayoral votes, . Wu’ll be running against Annissa Essaibi George, who came in second and received just under one-quarter of the Mayoral votes – 24,186 (22.5%). Andrea Campbell came in third; Mayor Kim Janey was fourth, just a whisker behind Campbell. Between them, the votes they both received totaled 42,000 (39.3% of all votes cast). Overall, the total votes cast for the Mayor’s office amounted to 107,562, which is comparable to the number of votes cast in the 1913 Mayoral race. However, Boston’s population has grown since then, so having the same number of eligible City residents voting means the turnout was actually lower by a couple of percentage points. The Primary campaign for the four City Councilor-at-Large offices attracted a lot of attention because 17 candidates had tossed their hats into that race. The two incumbent Councilors-at-Large received more votes than any other candidate – Michael Flaherty came in first with 41,299 votes (15.0% of those cast); Julia Mejia was second at 38,765 votes (14.1% of those cast). The third and fourth candidates were Ruthzee Louijeune and Erin Murphy with 33,425 votes (12.1%) and 22,835 votes (8.3%), respectively. Carla Montiero was #5; David Halbert was #6; Althea Garrison was #7; and Bridget Nee-Walsh was #8. All eight will run for four City Councilor-at-Large positions. Please be sure to vote in the General Election on Tuesday, November 2.
The South Boston Foundation is a not-for-profit Trust formed in 2019 to administer a generous $1.5 million commitment from Massachusetts Port Authority, over 10 years, to the South Boston Community youth educational, fitness, wellness and athletic programs in South Boston. Grants will be awarded to organizations that comply with all submission procedures and granted on the basis of available funds. To be eligible to apply, one must be an agency or organization located in South Boston with a focus on youth educational, fitness, wellness or athletic programs in South Boston. Applications are available beginning Monday, September 27, 2021 on the website, SouthBostonFoundation.com. Applications must be complete and submitted on or before Monday, October 25, 2021 and decisions will be made Friday, November 19, 2021.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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Saturday, September 18
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11 - 4 am
Pm
• East Broadway, South Boston
live entertainment on 2 stages over 80 local merchants, artists and organizations great food • children’s activities • shopping
Details at: SouthBostonStreetFest.com /SouthBostonStreetFestival
@sbstreetfest
EVENT SPONSORS:
SOUTH BOSTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
URK
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B EST.
1935
RI DIST
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P R E S E N T E D B Y:
sbstreetfest
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Twentieth Anniversary of 9/11 Faithfully Remembered in SB
An immense field of flags at the Fallen Heroes obelisk, symbolizing each American killed on 9/11.
by Rick Winterson
I
t wasn’t a celebration, by any stretch. But it was a needful, necessary remembrance. Last Saturday morning, September 11, America completed twenty (20) years since the immensely tragic 9/11 disaster in 2001. South Boston remembered. And we solemnly observed the occasion of that awful anniversary. This remembrance took place in spite of severe problems in the United States. The 9/11 losses in 2001 were more than we ever experienced during an enemy attack on U.S. soil – more than in Pearl Harbor, 80 years ago. We are still afflicted with a pandemic that has lasted a year and a half already, and by now, is the worst in U.S. history. American politics and the economy are in disarray. We have suddenly withdrawn from Afghanistan, which was the place where the al-Qaeda terrorists first fled, 20 years ago. And late in August, during the evacuation, we unexpectedly lost 13 more American military heroes
from a terrorist explosion in Kabul. Friday evening, after a 6 p.m. Memorial Mass in South Boston’s Our Lady of Good Voyage Shrine, congregants proceeded up Seaport Boulevard to the Fallen Heroes Memorial, the obelisk on Seaport Public Green. Dan Magoon, the Director of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes (the MFH), began a Memorial Service with two Gold Star speakers telling of their own losses – and the need for never forgetting. Magoon then assembled a group of young people at the foot of the obelisk as the sky grew dark. Candles were lit. He slowly called out the names of the 317 military men and women who have died in the Middle East since September 11, 2001. As each name was announced, the young people planted a flag on the grassy triangle in front of the Memorial. At the end, the bugler blew “Taps” – a 24-hour MFH vigil began. One of the spectators described the event as “so sad. Saying their names out loud will help keep them alive in memory. It was beautiful – flags, candles, tears!” On Saturday, the 11th, a mid-day crowd gathered on the north rampart of Fort Independence on Castle Island. Preparations had been made for the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest warship still afloat, to sail up Boston Harbor to Castle Island and render the Fort a 21-gun salute on 9/11’s 20th Anniversary. That she well and truly did! Afterward, the 101st Field Artillery’s howitzers and the brass cannons of the Concord Independent Battery (founded in 1804, the oldest artillery units in the nation; elements of the 101st are still in Iraq) rendered an answering 21-gun salute onshore, from the shadow of the walls of
The Independent Company Battery and the 101st Field Artillery at Fort Independence. Fort Independence. After the salutes, the National Anthem was played, followed by “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. In a fitting close as the crowd dispersed,
21st
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Performance times are approximate and subject to change
Time
L i br ary S ta g e
11:00
National Anthem
11:15
Tommy Butler Award
11:30
Woods School of Irish Step Dance
11:45 12:00 12:15
Ultimate Self Defense & Performance Center
12:30 12:45 1:00 1:15 1:30
Guilty Pleasure
New England’s Favorite Dance Band performing the best variety of Motown, Soul, R&B, Funk, Disco, Top-40, Rock, Country, and current popular dance hits.
1:45 2:15 2:30
3:15 3:30 The USS Constitution sails Boston Harbor to the McKay Memorial on Castle Island.
Houston Bernard
Houston has assembled a group of musicians in New England that brings vitality and grit to modern country. His brand of original country music is fresh and hard-hitting.
MusicBall Voice & Artist Development Program
Miss Linda’s Dancers Thomas Park
2:45 3:00
S t o p & S h o p S ta g e
Featuring up-and-coming youth talent and soon-to-be superstars
2:00
Young people emplace flags as each name of 317 military casualties.
the DJ broadcast the original recording of Kate Smith’s “God Bless America”. It will never be forgotten: 9/11 in America.
The Buckley Brothers
The Buckley Brothers Band is a explosive dance rock ensemble that is powered by rhythm and blues horn tunes from yesterday and today.
Southie’s own favorite top 40 & classic rock cover band. This year marks the band’s 25th anniversary of performing high-energy hits that will get you up dancing.
3:45 4:00 /SouthBostonStreetFestival
sbstreetfest
@sbstreetfest
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Artists for Humanity “Rocks the Block” at Their 30th
Vivid, colorful works of art by Artists for Humanity teen artists at Rock the Block. by Rick Winterson
T
he headline describes Artists for Humanity’s 30th Anniversary Party on Sunday, which celebrated three decades of teaching, coaching, and marketing the creations of thousands of teen artists in Boston. Susan Rodgerson, the Founder, Director, and Leader of Artists for Humanity, decided to call the party “Rock the Block”. And last Sunday’s 30th Anniversary blast certainly did that! Reviewing major social events sometimes kicks back – those reading the reviews think to themselves, “Why didn’t I go to that? It was free; it must have been a lot of fun.” And it certainly was. At “Rock the Block”, adults and young folks celebrated more than a generation of artistic
An art-loving crowd at Rock the Block, celebrating A for H’s 30th Anniversary.
achievements by Boston’s teen artists Sunday afternoon and evening. A bit of reminiscence: Artists for Humanity (A for H) began its operations in 1991. That was the year when Susan Rodgerson, a wellregarded artist herself, realized that the young people of Boston had (very) few opportunities to learn how to create their own works of art. She organized volunteers, who established and staffed studios in the lofts on and around Fort Point and the Waterfront. This effort soon became Susan’s full-time vocation. Thirty years of growth, hard work, and expansion followed. The next time you’re at the intersection of A and Second Streets, take a look at A for H. You’ll be struck by their recently expanded EpiCenter building, which now houses Susan and her A for H organization. Each year in the EpiCenter, A for H works to turn as many as 500 young people into teen artists. That is success by any definition – in an outstanding community cause. “Rock the Block” began at 4 p.m. last Sunday, in the park at A and Richards Streets across First from the A for H EpiCenter. Playground equipment and a special shipment of giant cardboard blocks delighted the younger children non-stop. Outdoor entertainment included music-making by fen Percussion, Boston Lyric Opera, and Boston Children’s Chorus. The three-hour show included Urbanity Dance lessons, the Red Trouser show, and Leah Able (Aerialist). The dancers were both original and graceful. A truly magical after-party light show graced Channel Center Street from 7:30 on. According to one of the Rock the Block guests, “This was a big celebration – very joyful. A for H is back in their building, exhibiting the art work by many, many of their teen artists. They were even serving hot dogs and lemonade.” And the exhibition in the A for H EpiCenter was certainly striking. Hundreds of paintings and many crafts (like making T-shirts) were exhibited; all of them had awesome lines and colors. The artistic abilities shown by the hundreds of A for H teen artists are really remarkable. South Boston Online can only end by saying, “You should have been there!”
At Artists for Humanity’s 30th year, children Rock the Block with giant blocks.
The Boston Lyric Opera stage truck was decorated by Artists for Humanity.
The Boston’s Children’s Chorus performs at the A for H 30th Anniversary.
Two young Artist for Humanity members make embossed T-shirts.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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Review: Moko, Japanese Cuisine
The eye-catching façade of Moko, “Japanese Cuisine”, 764 East Broadway (at K). by Rick Winterson
M
oko, “Japanese C u i s i n e ” , o c c upie s t he northwestern corner of K Street and East Broadway, at door number 764. Look for the black awnings, brush painted with gilt bamboo. It is recommended as a place either to dine regularly, or to enjoy the novel experience that accompanies various dishes made according to Japanese cuisine. You a re u ndoubte d ly familiar with the words “sushi”, “sashimi”, and “maki”. They describe items that can be consumed as appetizers or served as main dishes. Sushi usually describes a small mound of rice topped with a piece of sashimi.
Sometimes, especially if the food is very high quality, sashimi is eaten by itself (no rice). Maki would probably be the most familiar item to you. It is simply sushi carefully folded into rolls and served in small, round slices. Moko of fers t hir t y-si x (yes, 36) kinds of maki. Take your time and read their menu carefully. Salmon is frequently used as an ingredient, as is crab, but the offerings range from a “veggie tempura” maki to a maki called “Southie” that has a total of ten ingredients. Excellent! A recommended sushi/sashimi is the wasabi tobicko made with f lying fish roe. For appetizers, consider starting with either the shrimp dumplings or the pork dumplings – “shumai” means dumplings. The writer’s favorite soup is called “miso”, which is based on scallions that give it a delicate onion f lavor. Here’s a suggestion: If you like fried chicken (who doesn’t?), try the “katsu” at Moko, choosing the chicken instead of the pork. Katsu is a deep-fried cutlet that comes with steamed vegetables, miso soup, and rice. In other words, it’s a complete meal. And when you finish, ask yourself if you’ve ever eaten better fried chicken. Moko’s is a small, intimate place. It seats approximately
The intimate interior of Moko, looking toward the maki preparation area.
Moko’s five-seated drinks bar (with TV) for quiet socializing. 25 customers and has a bar with television. An exhibition footba l l g a me wa s being broadcast the last time we were there. Moko opens at 4 p.m. on weekday evenings and 12 noon to 11 Friday through Sunday. Reser vations are suggested. From now on, you are on your own with Moko’s Japanese cuisine. Develop your own preferences as you go along. But here’s one final
tip: learn to use “wasabi” as a way to enliven what you eat at Moko. Now, wasabi is a hot Japanese spice that combines the heat of mustard and horseradish. It is definitely gives off a different “hot” than the “hot” found in chili peppers. Wasabi is called a “pungent condiment” in the cookbooks but in this review, we’ll just call it the very best “hot” there is – it’s this writer’s absolutely favorite “hot”.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
Continued from Page 1
Summer
“There’s something for everyone,” Jenn said about the event, noting Boston Harbor Now creates spaces where there can be diversity of age and ability in the water. Boston Harbor Now is working to reestablish Boston as one of the world’s great coastal cities. The organization
encourages people to explore Boston’s waterfront and islands through promoting and hosting free and low-cost recreational, cultural, and social events in an effort to create a more equitable and inclusive harbor. And Saturday’s event was a perfect example of that. The Piers Park Sailing Center activities were a big hit, offering kayaking and paddleboarding. Many of the participants were first-timers.
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Volo Sports had bocce ball and volleyball. WildPops offered free popsicles but was also taking donations to benefit Volo’s youth programs. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay had a touch tank and greencrab. org had coloring books available and a green crab for people to see. Cataldo Ambulance was on-site offering a COVID-19 vaccine clinic; New England Photo Booth was set up
for free photos; TrikeHub PediCabs offered free rides up and down Day Boulevard; Massachusetts Water Resource Authority had a mobile water station; and LL Bean also had a table. Boston Circus Guild performers walked the beach and did routines on an aerial apparatus and A Trike Called Funk provided the music and a dance floor. It was the perfect end to summer.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
Virtual Public Meeting
363 E Street Wednesday, October 6
Zoom Link: bit.ly/3A4f8lP
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes Religious Education Registration is open for Religious Education K-6 Classes will begin this coming Sunday morning, September 19, 2021
Meeting ID: 160 793 2039 Project Description: The Proponent is proposing to construct a new residential development consisting of approximately 26,647 gross square feet of floor area, with twenty-four (24) residential units including, twenty-one (21) two-bedroom units and three (3) two-bedroom townhouse-style units, within a four (4) -story building of approximately forty-three (43) feet in height. The Proposed Project site consists of 9,411 square feet of land and was the former rectory building of St. Vincent de Paul Church, a former and now deconsecrated place of worship. The Proposed Project will also include twenty-five (25) garage parking spaces for motor vehicles, utilizing an automated lift system, as well as twenty-six (26) interior bicycle spaces for residents and sixteen (16) exterior visitor bicycle spaces.
mail to: Stephen Harvey Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4418 email: stephen.j.harvey@boston.gov
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Visit the Religious Education web page (https://www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org/parish-life/ education)to see the schedule and sign up!
Grade 9 Confirmation Fall Class Schedule: September 19th, and 26th 4:30PM - 7PM in Cushing Hall
Confirmation Retreat:
Close of Comment Period: 10/15/2021
Sunday, October 17th 11:30AM - 7PM St. Brigid’s Cushing Hall
Confirmation Rehearsal:
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Sunday, October 24th 12PM - 2PM at Gate of Heaven
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Thursday, October 28th 5:30PM at Gate of Heaven Class Schedule for Grades 7 & 8 can be found on our website: https://www.gateofheavenstbrigid.org/sacraments/ confirmation
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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Welcome Old and New Friends to SBCA! By Principal, Dr. Civian “We are honored to be able to welcome all our old and new students, families, faculty and staff back to South Boston Catholic Academy. We are excited to work closely with our families 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 all the 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.” From Ms. Gannon…In Grade 1C class we read “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg and discussed how
we felt on the morning of our first day. Some of the children were also feeling how the main character, Sarah Jane Hartwell felt, very nervous! The class enjoyed Jitter Juice at snack time, to
help the butterflies in our tummy. We had a great first day and we are looking forward to a great new school year in 1C! “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me
and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin New families are welcome to email Mrs. Jamie Brown at j.brown@ sbcatholicacademy.org to learn more about South Boston Catholic Academy.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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