THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Countdown to Kindergarten
Promoting Cultural Humility in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Brianne R. Fitzgerald RN, NP, MPH “The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is pleased to offer a funding opportunity to strengthen cultural humility and culturally linguistic appropriate services (CLAS) in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment to better serve racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities. The monies will come from the recent 1.5 million dollar settlement that resolved allegations related to mail order dispensing and delivery of controlled substances. The expectation is that this treatment grant will fund innovative solutions to improve the ability of OUD treatment providers to address complex and specific needs of their patients”.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
You can’t make this stuff up. While Rome burns the Politicians have come up with more acronyms and odd ways of addressing this human crisis that affects so many of us. The impetus for this brilliant idea comes from yet another study that shows the destruction and death that comes from substance abuse (no acronym). Researchers at Boston Medical Center found that over a 10 year period infective endocarditis (heart valve infection) will cause 20% of those who inject to Opioids (no one is looking at methamphetamine or cocaine) to die by 2030. This study was published in the Clinical infectious Diseases. (PU BLISHED ON9/1/2020 Schranz A, Barocas JA. Infective Endocarditis in Persons Who Use Drugs: Epidemiology, Continued on Page 2
To quote the vivid yellow T-shirts being sold last week outside the Branch Library between I and K Streets, they say, “I’m going to Kindergarten!”, punctuated by an exclamation point at the end. South Boston Online has no idea who thought of this event, but it’s evident that free enterprise is still at work in South Boston and America. We wish the young, new Kindergarten students the best – along with good health – in this year of the Coronavirus.
OUR RATE IS “ONE OF
HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT
1.75 % 2.50 % APR+
+
APR
1st 6 months then prime minus .75% for life
current fully-indexed rate
the best
AROUND!”
Super-EASY Online Application at massbaycu.org/heloc, or call (617) 269-2700 or visit our South Boston branch.
Serving Greater Boston since 1936. Federally insured by NCUA
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
+ APR= Annual Percentage Rate. 1.75% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is an introductory rate for the first six months. After the introductory period, rate on the outstanding balances will revert to Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the calendar month minus (-) 0.75%. Prime rate as of 04/01/2020 is 3.25%. The APR may vary monthly. Minimum rate 2.50% and maximum rate 18.00%. 10 year draw period. 15 year repayment period. Minimum $10,000 draw at closing and $1,000 advances thereafter. 80% combined LTV to $200,000 (</=70% LTV $300,000). Proof of adequate property insurance required and Flood Insurance may also be required. Subject to credit approval. Other terms and restrictions apply including 620 minimum credit score. Offer subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #615913
2
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Continued from page 1 Opioids Current Management, and Emerging Treatments. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2020 09; 34(3):479-493. PMID: 32782097. PubMed). The authors from Boston Medical center further state “ adopting a harm reduction approach, including expansion of syringe service programs to address the injection behaviors could have a major impact on decreasing the mortality associated w the opioid epidemic. Have any of these researchers looked out their window onto Methadone Mile where day after day there are scenes of the city’s attempt at harm reduction. The
so-called comfort stations are (don’t ask, don’t tell) injection sites. The dealers hover a mere block away and the medical support system is right there also to dispense Suboxone, Seroquel, gabapentin, benzos and sniffable Wellbutrin. The explosion of methamphetamine use is startling that even I am afraid to walk the Mile. Andrew Station has become a mini mile half clothed and fully intoxicate people sprawled on the benches and the curbs. The worsening of the situation on Methadone Mile was documented in both the Boston Globe and Herald this past weekend. There were 187 comments on the Globe article most of them asking why has this
mayhem been allowed to go on for so long. There have been stabbings, murder and people hit by cars out there this summer. The neighbors are protesting, New Market Square Business Association has protested this on coming catastrophe since 2016 and still the “leaders of this fair state offer us “cultural humility” as way to address this human degradation. The long Island argument has been beaten senseless by those opposed to it. I have worked on long island and the opportunities that once were available to those suffering individuals from adolescents, to the homeless to women and those living w HIV/AIDS have been lost when the bridge was destroyed. The bridge was
more than a bridge, it was a breath of fresh air, a place where one was safe to mingle with those who were working on back to work program like SOAR, a place where women could recover in a safer environment that what we have today. Untapped opportunities that could have been developed included learning a building trade, farming, animal care, art programming, computer programming, physical health and exercise treatments to name a few. It is beyond pathetic that given the monies that have come to the sate through the 1.5 million dollar settlement cannot be directed toward rebuilding a bridge. The island offered a dignified, safe and healthy way to recover.
Marathon run by the Martin’s Park Team MR-8. For the last seven years, Team MR-8 has run the classic Boston Marathon as a fundraiser that supports the Martin Richard Foundation. Like many other Marathoners in 2020, they ran a “virtual” Marathon, because the 2020 event could not be safely run this year, due to COVID-19. And volunteers put up signs reading “CHANGE” on the railings of the Park’s overhead walkway on Saturday. When South Boston Online
asked what the signs meant, we were told they meant “whatever we chose them to mean.” Okay! In our past “Online” issues, we have been describing places you should walk to, which will get you outdoors and also benefit your health during the pandemic. Be sure to walk to and through Martin’s Park. Bring your own kids or some young guests, but please notice how much you yourself enjoy seeing and exploring his Park (on foot, wearing a mask, and at a safe Social Distance, of course).
Visited Martin’s Park Lately? by Rick Winterson
M
a r t i n’s Pa r k became an “instant la nd ma rk ” in South Boston the moment it was first dedicated in 2019. The Park is located on Fort Point Channel next to the Children’s Museum, in the right angle formed by Sleeper Street and Seaport Boulevard. It is an integral part of the Smith Family Waterfront and its spectacular view of the Downtown Boston’s Financial District. Martin’s Park is sited on a particularly attractive segment of Boston’s Harbor Walk. Young Martin Richard himself was only eight when he lost his life at the hands of the Marathon bombers (April 13, 2015). The Richard family, even in the middle of their stupendous grief, determined that they would memorialize Martin’s name. Martin’s Park is one of those tangible memorials; the Martin Richard Foundation has contributed $2.3 million to other causes he exemplified in his short young life. We’ll quote from the school banner Martin once held in front of his class – “No more hurting people. Peace.” Nothing more needs to be said The entrance to Martin’s Park at the intersection of Sleeper-Seaport Boulevard is quietly green and attractive (see photo), but as always,
there’s a high level of activity within. Take a look at the black plaque with the silver lettering just beyond the entrance. Notice the South Boston names and enterprises connected with funding and building the Park from the groundbreaking in 2017 until it opened 15 months ago: WS Development (a key Seaport developer), Jon and Nicole Cronin (of Tony C’s and Ku de Ta), Fidelity/John Hancock, Robert Kraft and Family, the Children’s Museum, P&G Gillette, and so on. Last weekend saw the final
3
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 by Rick Winterson
Lord Hobo Opens at Two Drydock
D
espite the wellknown difficulties we have experienced (and still are experiencing) during this trying year of 2020, there are still encouraging news items for us to report. Among them is the opening of the newest Lord Hobo in South Boston, which is a dining and drinking spot – a beer garden, actually – in the South Boston Seaport District. And it’s just in time for OktoberFest, which really begins in September and ends on the first Sunday in October (Oktober?). The South Boston Lord Hobo, their newest, is located at on the ground floor and patio of the Two Drydock building, which is still under construction in its interior. As of last Friday, their enterprise opened for outdooronly seating on their large, 241patron patio, which is purposely
arranged to provide safe Social Distancing for the patrons. The décor of the patio and its views to the west are certainly eye-catching; additional seating inside and a taproom will be added as the Two Drydock interior nears completion. Lord Hobo is now in its fifth year in the business of creating their own trademark craft beers. Craft beers are developed, often quite
slowly over several years, using a variety of special ingredients and special brewing techniques, but good drinkable beers mostly result from the know-how, experience and willingness to experiment on the part of skilled brewers. Their story includes rapid growth over their first five years – 50,000 barrels will be brewed in 2020, distribution currently goes to 15 states, and now their third location has opened at Two Drydock. Dining on their patio will
be provided by Bon Me, one of the most prominent good truck operations in Boston. The Bon Me menu features “bold, fresh, and fun Asian cuisine”, which is delicious. Try their chef-crafted banh mi baguette, which they call “The JP”. Salads, noodles, or rice bowls are tasty choices, also. The JP is nearly vegan or macro – tofu bean curd, onions, etc. – except for the tangy taste and the roll isn’t sourdough. But it’s a treat, as well as healthy. Check out the patio, both within its boundaries and looking off to the skyline in the distance. South Boston Online walked over to Two Drydock and Lord Hobo from L and East Broadway in about 15 minutes. It’s nearby. Just turn right onto the pedestrian path at the Seaport end of the Summer Street Bridge, and you’re there, right in the middle of the rapidly developing Innovation Square. When its interior opens later this year, South Boston Online will add another Lord Hobo review.
Virtual Public Meeting
401 Congress Street Monday, September 28 6:00 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/32qddJY Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 161 529 8713
Project Description: Virtual Impact Advisory Group/Public Meeting to review the Supplemental Submission in connection with the Proposed Project at 401 Congress Street in the South Boston Waterfront. Please note ample time will be allotted during this meeting for participation and discussion with members of the public, in addition to review and feedback from the members of the Impact Advisory Group. This Meeting will be held virtually on Zoom. Please register at the link provided above.
mail to:
phone: email:
Aisling Kerr Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4212 aisling.kerr@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
4
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gen. McChrystal Speaks at Vietnam Memorial by Rick Winterson
T
he 39th Rededication of South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial to those 25 men who gave their lives in this conf lict was both sad and inspiring. A very large crowd attended, on a day when the summer sun smiled although tinged with a touch of fall. Perhaps the most stirring part of the annual Memorial Rededication ceremony were the words solemnly delivered by the roster of speakers, who expressed their feelings deeply a nd commendably brief ly. The colors were borne into the area around the Memorial by two militarily precise Color Guards, solemnly accompanied by the Fire Department Pipes & Drums. Fr. Robert Casey, the Pastor of the St. Brigid/Gate of Heaven Churches, delivered the Invocation that expressed recognition of their sacrifice and an emphatic wish for heavenly happiness “in God’s name”. Tom Lyons spoke of his gratitude for the remembrance of the 25 names on the Memorial, recalling “the moments we have shared for 39 years”, and closing with a heartfelt “Thanks for being here” to the large crowd in attendance.
Elected officials, with Rededication Speaker Gen. McChrystal and his wife Annie. Lyons introduced the Guest Speaker, General (Four-Star) Stanley A. McChrystal (US Army, Ret.), who began his Army career after graduating from West Point as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1976. He spoke tellingly of the military services rendered his father and his older brother, Scott, in Vietnam. Scott McChrystal actually gave up an opportunity to play professional baseball with the New York Mets to follow his family’s footsteps serving in the U.S. Army. The General paid tribute to his mother Mary for holding the McChrystal family
General McChrystal delivers his keynote speech at 39th Anniversary.
together during such trying times, and then he closed by saying, “Wars aren’t fought by giants – they are fought by ordinary men and women. That’s what makes this story – your story – so much more impressive and humbling for us all to hear.” G ov. C h a rl ie B a k er, Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh, Congressman Stephen Lynch, and District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn followed with words that were stirring, to the point, and also commendably brief. Three memorial wreaths were then mounted on tripods and
25 red roses for each one of the Memorial’s names were placed on the earth in front of the Memorial stone. The Fire Department Pipes & Drums played “A ma zi ng Grac e”. In a few words at the end, Tom Lyons eulogized Vietnam veteran John C. Calhoun, thanked everyone there once again, and let the gathering know that next year – on the 40th Vietnam Memorial Anniversary – the Medal of Honor Society will gather for the fourth time in Boston for their annual convention. The colors were struck and the ceremony closed.
General McChrystal holds his keepsake picture of the Vietnam Memorial.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Vietnam veterans line up to present roses to the Vietnam War dead.
A memorial rose for each name is solemnly laid in front of the Memorial.
The Vietnam homecoming greeting on the back of the Memorial.
The Vietnam Memorial Rededication’s Color Guards.
5
6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Tragic Haze This somber photo looks east on Broadway and shows the sun (on an otherwise clear day). It was taken last Tuesday, September 14, at 9:30 a.m. There was no local fog or haze from the northeast to obscure the morning sky. The overcast was caused by smoke from 3,000 miles away on the West Coast, where record-breaking fires in Oregon, Washington, and California have consumed nearly five million acres of forest (5,000,000) – that’s equivalent to 7,500 square miles, more than half the size of Massachusetts
Take Charge -Fill out the 2020 Census Look, the Year 2020 is more than half over. Mostly because of COVID-19, we have to write 2020 off – it is turning out to be a total loss. We have to do whatever we can to enter 2021 as strong as we possibly can be. To summarize, we must fill out the 2020 Census forms, take every precaution in the fight against COVID-19 (including getting tested), and vote now and in November. We need to elect the best possible candidates to lead us through this crisis. In the end, it really and truly is all up to us – as individuals. Let’s take charge!
A SWITCH TO FLOAT YOUR BOAT. Get $250* when you open an account.
We believe in warm and sunny welcomes, so you’ll get a $250* bonus when you open an account with us. And to make sure the switch is smooth sailing, we’ll help you transition from your old bank in four easy steps. Let’s start your summer off right.
DEDHAMSAVINGS.COM/SWITCH Member FDIC. Member DIF.
Equal Housing Lender
*APY (Annual Percentage Yield) accurate as of 1/1/20. $25 minimum opening deposit. Account must be opened with funds not currently on deposit at Dedham Savings. 5.00% APY for balances of $0 to $1,000. 0.05% APY for balances over $1,000. Rates guaranteed until 12/31/20, and subject to change thereafter. Limit of six (6) automated or preauthorized transfers each statement cycle. A fee may be assessed for exceeding these limits. Online statements required within 30 days of account opening, or account will revert to standard Statement Savings account at 0.05% APY for all balances. One account per customer. Limited time offer.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
7
Sports: A Few Comments by Rick Winterson
RUN-IN-PLACE 2020 MARATHONS
By now, you are aware that the Boston Marathon, after being deferred from April until last weekend, was finally canceled – due of course to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception in 1897, the Boston Marathon has been a significant way to raise funds for worthy causes, as well as becoming the most famous Marathon in the world. So, this year, 2020 fund-raising runners were asked to hold their events with local, “run-in-place” Marathons. Marathons are officially 26 miles and 385 yards long, which was (approximately) the distance run by Phidippides from the plains of Marathon to Athens in Ancient Greece. He was the messenger who delivered the news that the Greek army had defeated Xerxes’ Persian invaders. Whether he collapsed and died after delivering the victorious news is questionable. One thing is sure: The Marathon run was never an athletic event at the original Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. And the 26+ mile distance was set in 1908, when the modern Olympic Games were held in London. That’s the distance from the starting line at the King of England’s Windsor Castle to the Royal Box at the finish line in the Olympic Stadium. But please put the Marathon in perspective. The attached photo shows the Saunders Stadium in Moakley Park, with its synthetic cinder track. To complete a run-in-place Marathon, simply circle the Saunders track 105 times to cover 26 miles and 385 yards. That seems less forbidding than running from Hopkinton to Copley Square, now doesn’t it? Especially up Heartbreak Hill.
BRADY’S DEBUT IN TAMPA
Well, Tom and his team lost, which you’ve already heard from countless Boston boo-birds. But put this loss in perspective, too. For years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not been a good team. They have had winning seasons only twice in the last ten years; the last was a mediocre 9-7 season in 2016. Not even the G.O.A.T. could rescue the Bucs in their first 2020 regular season game, especially against the Saints (13-3 last year) and without any pre-season tilts. A turnaround of 22 starting Buccaneers simply does not happen overnight, even with Brady in charge and the Gronk at tight end. But guess what! New England has itself a quarterback, who at times is also a halfback/fullback. Cam Newton both runs and connects on his passes (all three Pats’ touchdowns were run in, two by Newton).
THE CELTS/RAPTORS SERIES
This was a (very) hard-fought, seven-game series. Don’t underestimate Toronto Coach Nick Nurse’s defensive strategy. In the last two games, he kept point guard Kemba Walker covered, full time and almost like glue. This held the 6’0”, slightly built Walker to five (5) and 14 points in Games Six and Seven, while basically allowing Tatum and Brown to put in their usual 20+ each. And it almost worked – the Celts lost Game Six and did not clinch Game Seven until the last couple of minutes, when Walker managed to get some of his production back. And don’t forget the contributions over the entire series from 6’9” Center Daniel Theis, one of the most valuable imports Boston has ever received from Germany. At both ends of the court, he exerted every ounce of his 247 pounds.
8
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Virtual Public Meeting
100th Birthday Remembrance Richard “Dick” Toomey
333 Dorchester Avenue Zoom Link: bit.ly/333DotAvePublicMeeting Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864 Meeting ID: 160 192 4364
Tuesday, September 29 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Project Proponent: SB Gateway I, LLC c/o National Development Project Description: The Proposed Project consists of the construction of a twenty-one (21)-story mixed-use building with approximately two hundred sixty-five (265) residential units, 47,000 square feet of commercial space, approximately 14,500 square feet of retail space, new public open space, and a below-grade parking garage.
Son of Mission Hill and then South Boston, he loved his family and his 41 years on the MBTA. To quote his next door neighbor, “he was the essence of kindness”. Happy 100th birthday in heaven, dad! You are so dearly missed by your family.
This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom. Please register at the link provided above.
mail to:
Love, Skip, Irene and Marie Toomey
phone: email:
Raul Duverge Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4492 raul.duverge@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 10/2/2020
BostonPlans.org
@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
Virtual Public Meeting
457-469A West Broadway IAG Public Meeting Monday, September 28 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Zoom Link: bit.ly/3k75Pcs Call In: 833 568 8864 Meeting ID: 160 504 3983
Project Proponent: Navem West Broadway, LLC Project Description: Navem West Broadway, LLC proposes a Notice of Project Change for the currently under constructed project located at 457-469A West Broadway. The request would change the 44 housing units from rental units to homeownership units including the six (6) IDP Units (affordable).
No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
mail to: John Campbell Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4282 email: john.campbell@boston.gov
Close of Comment Period: 10/9/2020
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
9
The Constitution of the United States of America
by Rick Winterson
T
his issue of South Boston Online is dated September 17, 2020, the 233rd Anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America, which took place on September 17, 1787 – over two centuries ago This historic event occurred several years after our new nation had tried to live (unsuccessfully) under the so-called “Articles of Confederation”. The signing of the Constitution was preceded by several months of disagreement and negotiation among our Founding Fathers. We can accurately point out that our Constitution ha s endured, has been amended 27 times (including once when a previous a mend ment wa s c a nc el led by a brand new, succeeding amendment), and has resulted in a type of government that later became the envy of the world. The Constitutional style of government, with its carefully crafted checks and balances, has been tried, mostly successfully, by many other nations, countries, and political organizations. Americans are so accustomed to our Constitutional government t hat fa r too frequently, we take it for granted. In addition, the date of the original signing was in September, the ninth month of our year. September contains many other observances and events, including Recover y Month, Hunger Action Month, the return to school, harvests all across our nation, Labor Day, and even the autumn “Solstice” – the astronomical beginning of fall. September is also the month when 9-11 occurred, the worst disaster ever inf licted upon us by an enemy attack within our own borders. Many American citizens have expressed their feelings that America ought to treat the seven days from September
11 to September 17 as a kind of “America week” or freedom week. Certainly, the 17th itself has been known informally by several names –Citizenship Day, Constitution Day, and even “I Am an American” Day – all of them centering around the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Please note that September’s “happenings” really don’t celebrate anything. Sta rting wit h L abor Day, they are more like public observances and calls to action. The Constitution itself has proven to be very f lexible. The first ten amendments to it, which are now known as “The Bill of Rights”, were passed in 1791, just four years after the Constitution was originally signed. During t he 20th C ent u r y, t he Constitution was amended 12 times – six times from 1900 to 1950; another six times from 1951 to 2000, bringing the total to 27 amendments at this time. Now a d ay s , you he a r about calls to “change” the Constitution, or even to ignore it and cancel it altogether. Well, actually, that kind of talk is acceptable in our nation – the very first Amendment to our Constitution (A mendment I,
ratif ied December 15, 1791) emph at ic a l ly a f f i r m s ou r most impor t a nt A meric a n liberty – “Freedom of Speech”. How do you think the Constitution should be amended (if at all)? Here’s a list of the most serious issues the U.S. faces right now: The COV ID-19 pandemic, a shrinking economy, record-breaking fires on the West Coast, racism, substance abuse, global warming, and voting controversies (early voting, vote-
by-mail, questionable ba llot counts, and so on). Despite the extremely serious nature of every single one of these problems, it appears to us at South Boston Online that the only truly Constitutional issue is connected to the voting controversies. So, for more than 200 years, our Constitution has served us well. Support amending it if you wish, but overall, the U.S. Constitution is a keeper.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 THE PRINT EDITION
Are you considering selling your ho1ne or condo? Real Estate is Thriving in South Boston Knovv the True Value of Your Home Today With a Free Market Analysis Q
(j Facebook.corn/RooneyRealEstat e
Rooney Real Estate, LLC 700 East Broadway South Boston, MA 02127 Jackie@rooney-re.com
Over 30 years of professional service • Over 2,000 real estate transactions #I sales agent in South Boston for 25 of 30 years rooney-re.com • office: 617-269-1000 • cell: 617-645-5370