THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Recovery Celebrated with Joy and Laughter
A joyful Maryann Frangoulis (of M.O.A.R.) celebrates recovery.
by Rick Winterson
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ecovery is a marvelous word. It basically me a n s “g e t t i n g better, or getting something back”. And “Recovery” always refers to something important, like health, a stolen artwork, or an out-of-orbit space capsule. And did you know that September is National Recovery Month 2019?
Monday, September 16, was Recovery Day, celebrated all around Boston, starting at City Hall. The word “Recover y” in Recovery Month refers to overcoming addiction – an addiction to substances such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or prescription medications. Most Recovery observances are actually celebrations, because putting an addiction behind you is such a joy. Last Friday evening, the 13th, the Gavin Foundation celebrated Recovery with a (free) Comedy Show, including a taco buffet with dessert, at the IBEW Hall on Freeport Street. Yes, it was an outstanding celebration of the joys of Recovery. And no, it made no difference that the Gavin’s Recovery celebration took place on Friday, the 13th! John McGahan, the President
Robbie Fitzharris Receives Small Business Award
Last Saturday, at the South Boston Street Festival, Robbie Fitzharris of Roza Lyons was presented wth The Thomas J. Butler South Boston Small Business Person of the Year Award. Pictured with him is Paul Dooley, Representing Senator Collins Office, State Representative David Biele, City Councilor Michael Flaherty,Tommy Butler, Massport, Robbie Fitzharris, Mayor Marty Walsh and Donna Brown, SBNDC. (Photo by Betty Dillon)
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial Rededicated
Twenty-five red roses are laid at South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial.
by Rick Winterson
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u mb e r s c ou nt for a lot, even in something as solemn and memorable as Sunday’s Rededication of South Boston’s Vietnam Memorial in Medal of Honor (M Street) Park. This was the 38th in an unbroken, highly fitting chain of Memorial dedications, led by Tom Lyons – a
dedicated USMC veteran himself. Twenty-five names of young South Boston men who died in combat in Vietnam, are incised on the Memorial’s black stone. Perhaps the most important figure is “one”, because the Vietnam Memorial in Medal of Honor Park was (as far as we know) the first in the nation – dedicated a year and two months before the Vietnam Memorial (“the Wall”) in the nation’s capital.
And yet, numbers alone cannot fully describe last Sunday’s ceremony. The weather smiled – really smiled – as it has during all prior rededications, right back to 1981. A large, enthusiastic crowd showed up. The political leadership of South Boston, the City of Boston, and the Commonwealth were all on hand. The precision of the military Color Guards – Army, Navy, Marine Corps – was accented by the skirls of the pipes and the beats of the drums from the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes & Drums. Fr. Robert Casey, Pastor of St. Brigid Church, said the Invocation, followed by Tom Lyons’ remarks. Tom stressed the need to understand the sacrifices Vietnam veterans made, up to and including that of their own lives. The keynote speaker was (four star, Ret.) Gen. John F. Kelly, who spoke passionately of the loss of his own son, Lt. Robert Kelly, in Afghanistan. Mayor Walsh advised the crowd, “Just take a minute to think about what it really means to be free.” Congressman
Lynch tellingly talked about his experience with the ongoing efforts to bring back the remains of those killed in combat. Gov. Charlie Baker described the necessity to separate the heroism of the warrior from the war itself. All of the speakers were tremendously eloquent. The ceremonial portion of remembrance and rededication began with the setting of three wreaths. The silent solemnity of the families of the 25, who gathered in memory of their lost loved ones, echoed soundlessly around the Park, as they emplaced roses on the base of the Memorial – red roses, to accurately symbolize the sacrifice of the 25. That uniquely American hymn of both sorrow and subsequent joy, “Amazing Grace”, was sounded by the pipes. This is a hymn of many verses, based on an English poem but later set to music by an unknown composer in America. “Amazing Grace” is an amazing mystery. Tom Lyons thanked the crowd for coming, and promised an equally memorable rededication in September, 2020.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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Boston Police Receives 500,000 to Support Health and Wellness Newly Created BPD Health & Wellness Team Focused on Promoting Comprehensive Screenings and Expanding Availability to Programming
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oston Pol ic e Commissioner Willia m Gross today joined the City of Boston Credit Union, Boston Police Runners Club, and Boston Police unions to announce the Boston Police Department Health and Wellness Team. The newly created initiative will be supported through $500,000 in initial funding from the Credit Union and Runners Club that will allow the BPD to provide services and programs necessary for improved health and safety of officers. “The home lives and professional lives of our first responders are intertwined supporting them with tools and resources to lead healthy lives is our top priority,” Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said. “Financial security along with physical and mental health are keys to keeping them safe on the job and leading fulfilling lives at home.” T he B o s ton Pol ic e Department’s Health and Wellness Team (HWT) is dedicated to providing the programs, resources and referral services necessary for the overall needs of BPD personnel. The development of the HWT will allow health ambassadors to deploy across the city to develop
Boston Police Commissioner William Gross accepts a check to support BPD’s Health & Wellness Team from the City of Boston Credit Union Board of Directors and President and CEO Dan Waltz. personal relationships throughout the department - going district by district and division by division - identifying the concerns of first responders to better align resources with individual and group needs. In 2018, the Boston Police Department (BPD) endured the loss of several officers due to health and wellness issues ranging from heart attacks, strokes, cancer and suicide, creating a need for a renewed focus on the health and wellness services provided to officers across the department. “No one in our community should feel alone - most especially those that answer the call every day to protect and serve us, our neighbors and our city,” President and CEO of the City of Boston Credit Union said. “We can do more and together with the Commissioner and his staff, we will find better ways to support our officers as they
support and provide comfort to us in our times of great need.” In addition to the $250,000 grant, the City of Boston Credit Union continues to support the Boston Police Department through Financial Education and Literacy programs with ne wly appointed c adet s. “We’re grateful to BPD leadership for taking the action necessary to provide comprehensive
support to department members,” said Cecil Jones, Boston Police Sergeant Detective, City of Boston Credit Union Director and President of the Boston Police Runners Club. “This funding will help continue our work to create a healthier environment and wellness opportunities for the men and women of the department who are committed to serving our community every day.”
On Tuesday, September 24th, vote for Michael Flaherty.
BOSTON CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE Boston Police Commissioner William Gross accepts a check to support BPD’s Health & Wellness Team from the Boston Police Runners Club.
www.MichaelFlaherty.com
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Michael F. Flaherty
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Erin Murphy Recieves Key Endorsments
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rin Murphy is a 6th generation Bostonian but first-time candidate for office. She is a veteran BPS teacher who left the classroom in June in order to run for City Council At-Large. Erin was born and raised in the Saint Ann’s parish of Neponset, where she raised her own family and still lives, but her roots in South Boston stretch back to the mid 1840’s, when her father’s namesake, Thomas Christopher Murphy, was born to Richard and Annie Murphy of East Broadway. Growing up, Erin spent many summers sailing at Harry McDonough’s sailing club at Castle Island and on her Uncle Tom Murphy’s motorboat at the SBYC. Many South Boston residents share her fond memories of Tom Murphy on his perch at his jewelry shop in Flood Square. Erin maintains her strong connections to South Boston today. She contributes her time every year to the South Boston Health Center’s Annual Harvest of Hope. She ran in several Boston Marathons to raise more than $50,000 for the Gavin Foundation and their recovery house on East 4th Street. Supporting and advocating for programs like the Gavin House are a core priority of Erin’s.
Congressman Stephen Lynch, Erin Murphy, City Council At-Large Candidate and John McGahan, Gavin House CEO Her son and many close family members have struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Working to re-build a world class recovery campus on Long Island is at the heart of her campaign for City Council. Erin is the recipient of several awards for her hard work and dedication to the c om mu n it y. A f ter ra i si ng awareness for drug and alcohol recovery, she was honored with the James F. Gavin Award in 2015. She was recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as an Unsung Heroine in 2016 for always showing up to volunteer, no matter the cause, as long as it benefits the neighborhood.
Erin was on Mayor Walsh’s transition team’s Education Committee, and is a volunteer member of his Office of Recovery Ser vices, in which role she continues to help Boston residents find the help they need for themselves and loved ones. Mayor Walsh also recognized Erin as an EXTR A-Ordinary Woman of Boston for the year 2016. Erin pushes herself to be better and to help others in their journeys to brighter futures — whether it’s nudging hundreds of four and five year olds toward successf ul academic careers teacher, running the Boston Marathon to support the recovery programs at Boston’s Gavin House, or reminding neighbors
of the beauty of our City with daily sunrise photos — Erin looks to raise up children, the vulnerable, and all her neighbors as she strives to make Boston more caring, more livable, and more inclusive for all of us. Erin is a proud 20+ year member of the Boston Teachers Union. She grew up in a labor union family and has promised to support public and private unions once elected. Erin knows that, without strong organized labor, there can be no real security for the middle class in Boston.
Erin is proud to have received ENDORSEMENTS from the following local organizations: Building Trades Council of Metropolitan Boston, IBEW Local 103, Elevator Constructors Local 4, Ironworkers Local 7, Laborers Local 223, Operating Engineers Local 4, Plasterers & Cement Masons Local 534, Plumbers Local 12, Sheetmetal Workers Local 17, Telephone Workers Local 2222, Longshoremans Local 800
Neighborhood Advisory Council Holds Meeting by Rick Winterson
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n We d n e s d a y evening, September 4, Capt. Joseph Boyle, Commander of the Boston Police Department’s Station C-6 in South Boston, convened the September meeting of the local Neighborhood Advisory Group (the NAC). The NAC is an appointed group drawn mostly from the various civic agencies in South Boston and from police personnel assigned to Station C-6. It is the NAC’s mission to keep the police here advised of
neighborhood happenings, and to recommend and assist with better community policing. This was the first meeting since the NAC began their summer recess in June. The comments in general, both from the police officers and the civic group members, indicated that it had been a fairly quiet summer in terms of the enforcement actions needed. A couple of breakins at 840 Summer Street, thefts at BC High/UMass, some timeconsuming coverage in our parks, one shooting incident, and the need to keep an eye on college
student parties were among the problems noted. Sgt. Steve Mcneil (Community Services) reported that 50 backpacks were given away to selected back-to-schoolers. A high point of the meeting was conferring a National Night Out (NNO) Award upon South Boston’s Deacon Paul Kline. The NNO Awards are given out by nominations from local police stations. Deacon Paul was recognized for his highly successful community work at St. Monica Church and in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Deacon Paul receives his National Night Out Award for his efforts in the St. Monica Church neighborhood at the September NAC meeting.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 Continued from Page 1
Recovery
Michael “Smokey” Cain receives his Award from Gavin CEO John McGahan. and CEO of South Boston’s Gavin Foundation, deserves a lot of credit for coming up with this idea. What better way is there to celebrate something like Recovery than with good food, fellowship, and comic laughter (some of the comedians were in Recovery themselves)? Over 300 guests hugely enjoyed the whole Comedy Show, which featured Irish-American Des Bishop as its starring comic.
John conducted a brief awards ceremony before the Show. There were two Honorees: The first was Michael “Smokey “ Cain, a lifelong resident of Charlestown. Smokey freely admits to the tragedies caused by drugs and alcohol in his own life and in his family. He lost his son Michael at 24, to cite just one example. Now, Smokey insists that he finds a better high by helping others get away from addictions and into Recovery. The other Honoree at the Comedy Night was Rep. David Biele, who represents South Boston at the State House. David was honored for his legislative efforts, including a bill to extend early addiction treatment out to 30 days. “Commitment” was the word used to describe David’s work in the field of addiction. He states that “My office is open to all.” John McGahan agreed, saying that unlike most officials, David always answers phone calls quickly.
Other speakers included “Joe”, a person sober more than three years, who spoke about his own personal Recovery. Maryann Frangoulis broadcast her absolute joy in Recovery as only Maryann can. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of M.O.A.R. – Massachusetts Organization of Addiction and Recovery. If you want to view a
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fountain of true joy, just ask Maryann to talk to you about Recovery. Remember, Recovery is not just tolerated, it’s celebrated. Recovery gives you “a life second to none”. So enjoy the rest of September – 2019’s Recovery Month. As for the Gavin Comedy Night, the Sprite, coffee, ginger ale, and sparkling water flowed – just flowed, all evening long!
Gavin CEO John McGahan presents Rep. David Biele with his Award.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Teamsters Local 25 Endorses Boston City Council Candidates Leading Boston labor organization announces support at historic Local 25 Union Hall
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eamsters Local 25 is proud to announce endorsements in races for Boston City Council. During a forum hosted at its iconic union hall in Charlestown, Teamsters Local 25 announced its support for candidates in seven district and three citywide races, including two open seats. Teamsters Local 25 is New England’s largest Teamsters union with more than 12,500 members. More than 2,300 active and retired Local 25 members and their families live in the City of Boston, and nearly 3,000 members work in Boston. “These candidates are proven leaders who work tirelessly to improve our communities and who will never stop fighting for work ing families,” said
Teamsters Local 25 President Sean M. O’Brien. “During a time when Local 25 is forging new partnerships to provide training and career opportunities for underserved Boston residents, we are conf ident these City Council candidates share our vision for a well-trained, wellpaid workforce, one that truly ref lects the diversity which makes
Boston and its neighborhoods a g re at plac e to l ive.” Teamsters Local 25 is proud to endorse union members for Council seats. They include Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty, a Teamsters Local 25 member who worked at Airborne Express while attending Boston College and Boston University Law School. Other
union members earning Local 25 endorsements are Councilor At-Large Anissa Essaibi George (Boston Teachers Union), District 2 Councilor Ed Flynn (NAGE), District 3 Councilor Frank Baker (C WA /Boston Typographica l Union, Local 13), and Dan Daly (IBEW Local 103), who is seeking the open seat in the 9 th District.
The Boston City Council Candidates Endorsed by Teamsters Local 25: Michael Flaherty, Councilor At-Large Michele Wu, Councilor At-Large Anissa Essaibi George, Councilor At-Large Lydia Edwards, Councilor, District 1 Ed Flynn, Councilor, District 2 Frank Baker, Councilor, District 3 Maria Esdale Farrell, Councilor, District 5 *Open Seat Matt O’Malley, Councilor, District 6 Kim Janey, Councilor, District 7 Dan Daly, Councilor, District 9 *Open Seat
The Boston City Council Primary election is on Tuesday, September 24th and the general election is set for Tuesday, November 5th. For more information about Teamsters Local 25, please visit www.teamsterslocal25.com.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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Sen. Collins & Rep. Biele Announe $1.2 Million in Grants for Laboure & Julies DESE Funding Allocated for Education and Workforce Development Programs in South Boston
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wo South Boston nonprofits were recently awarded substantial grants from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for workforce development, adult basic education, and English language education programming. Julie’s Family Learning Program and the Laboure Center were the two recipients, after securing the competitive grants following continued advocacy from State Senator Nick Collins and State Representative David Biele. The funds allocated were part of the annual appropriations the Legislature approved in the FY20 Budget for DESE. “These programs have a proven
impact on families and residents in South Boston and beyond. I was proud to be able to work with Rep. Biele and DESE official to keep these critical resources in the community,” said State Senator Nick Collins. “This is a great example of how the Legislative and Executive branches can work together with community based programs to better serve those in need.” The announcement comes in the aftermath of the abrupt closure of the Notre Dame Ed Center. Each nonprofit will receive about $600,000 to serve a total of nearly 400 students in family literacy programs, English proficiency classes, and general workforce development education curriculum. Historically allocated as a larger, single grant, Senator Collins and Representative Biele were able to collaborate with DESE to split the funding into two segments to ensure South Boston nonprofit
organizations would be eligible. “These grants will make an immediate impact among our most vulnerable populations and help put them on the path to future success,” said State Representative David Biele. “I was proud to work with Sen. Collins to advocate for these grants and investments in our community.” “We are grateful to Senator Collins, Representative Biele, and all of the elected officials who worked tirelessly to ensure that these services remained in this neighborhood,” said Jake Bombard, Director of Catholic Charities Laboure Center. “Our programs in South Boston serve clients for whom English language proficiency is critical in helping them move from minimum wage to a living wage,” he added. “Being awarded this grant provides Julie’s with an opportunity to deeply broaden our affirmative impact
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Membership open to those that live, work or attend school in a community of Middlesex, Norfolk or Suffolk Counties** 617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of WINcentive Savings is .10% APY and is accurate as of 1/1/19. APY is subject to change without notice. Must be a member in good standing of City of Boston Credit Union to open WINcentive Savings. Only one WINcentive Savings account allowed per member. Business and trust accounts or other non-consumer accounts are not eligible. Unlimited deposits allowed, but per calendar year prize pool entries are earned by month-over-month balance increases with each $25 deposit increase equal to one (1) entry with the following maximum entries per drawing period - maximum number of entries per month equals 4, maximum number of entries per quarter equals 12 and maximum number of entries per year equals 48. Account holder is only eligible to win once per drawing pool period. At least one account holder must be 18 years or older. Account must be open and active to win any prize during drawing period. Early withdrawal penalites apply; first withdrawal $10 fee, second withdrawal $25 fee, third withdrawal account closure is required with no penalty. If WINcentive savings account is closed member is ineligible to open another WINcentive savings account with City of Boston Credit Union for a period of 90 days, all earned drawings at the time of account closure are forfeited. Minimum deposit of $5.00. After twelve (12) consecutive months of saving, WINcentive savings account holder may do any of the following penalty-free during the one year anniversary month (month 13) of account opening; keep balance in WSA account, (any roll-over balance that remains at the end of the anniversary month will be treated as a new deposit for eligibility into applicable prize pools for the subsequent first monthly, quarterly and annual savings period); Transfer funds into another savings product offered by City of Boston Credit Union; Withdraw all funds but keep $5 on deposit in WSA to maintain account; Close account. Federally Insured Offer may be withdrawn at any time. by NCUA ** For complete City of Boston Credit Union membership eligibility and guidelines visit cityofbostoncu.com
upon a population so desperately lacking in help from an outstretched hand,” said Sharon Asiaf of Julie’s. “The DESE Grant gives Julie’s the ability to continue servicing disadvantaged ABE students participating in the former NDEC programing. At the same time, Julie’s is now able to continue providing needed services amongst our current enrollees thereby widening our outreach which is surrounded by support & promise. The end result shall be recognized by how this DESE Grant shall foster family legacies to be based upon encouragement and assurance as opposed to abandonment and timidity.” This round of grant funding was announced last week. Five proposals were submitted for the competitive grant program, and these two were selected after making the most compelling case for community impact of the funds.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
The 2019 Street Festival The 20th Annual South Boston Street Festival, presented by the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, took place on September 14, 2019. It drew thousands of guests, who enjoyed food, music, diverse entertainment, and over a hundred eye-catching displays of local goods and services. It was a complete and total success!
James Callanan and Mayor Walsh present a check to Megan Lee, whose son was the Scholarship Recipient.
James Callanan and Congressman Stephen Lynch present a check to Catherine Murray, Scholarhip Recipient.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
City Councilor Flaherty Announces “CPA in the City”; A Community Initiative to Raise Awareness of Community Preservation Projects
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oston City Councilor At-Large Michael F. Flaherty has announced “CPA in the City” - a community engagement initiative to raise awareness of the 91 community preservation projects that have been recommended since Boston’s adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and are either completed or underway. Boston voters adopted the CPA through a ballot initiative in 2016. The revenue collected by the CPA funds affordable housing, historic preservation and open space projects. The CPA has enabled Boston to allocate significant additional funding for affordable housing development, historic landmark preservation, and recreational open space enhancements since its adoption by Boston voters in 2016. By adopting the CPA, the City created a Community Preservation Fund. The City finances this fund
in part by a 1% property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills, beginning in July 2017. A statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund gives cities and towns that passed the act a “match”. They City uses this revenue to fund projects consistent with CPA guidelines. Through a legislative process consisting of two public hearings, Councilor Flaherty recommended passage of funding for 91 community preservation projects, totaling approximately $42 million over the past year and a half. “We are going through an era of rapid growth and development, and residents continue to seek resources to stabilize their neighborhoods. The Community Preservation program ensures that residents have a voice in the betterment of their community,” said Councilor Flaherty. “I look forward to hearing how these 91 projects
are improving our communities.” Councilor Flaherty looks to use “CPA in the City” as a way to recognize community preservation efforts on an ongoing basis. The testimony submitted will be shared with the public. To learn more about the Community Preservation program and where projects are taking place, visit https://www.boston. gov/community-preservation. For more information on “CPA in the City”, contact the office of Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael F. Flaherty via phone (617-635-4205) or email (Michael.Flaherty@Boston.gov) Councilor Flaherty, the Chair of the Council’s Committee on the
Community Preservation Act, wants residents to highlight how projects have improved their neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to do so by sending in their testimony via writing, pictures, and/or videos through social media, mail or email. Testimony can be sent to Michael.Flaherty@boston.gov or on various social media platforms using the hashtag #CPAintheCity. You can tag Councilor Flaherty on twitter by using @mfflaherty, on Instagram by tagging @michaelfflaherty or on Facebook @flahertyfanpage. Testimony also be submitted via mail to Councilor Michael Flaherty at 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201.
Flynn to Call for Hearing on Pedestrian Crossing Signals, Traffic Calming & Vision Zero Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is calling for a hearing at this week’s City Council meeting to discuss measures that would improve pedestrian safety and help achieve Vision Zero - the goal of having zero traffic fatalities in the City of Boston. The hearing aims to discuss ways to ensure that traffic crossing signals are effective in ensuring the safety of pedestrians, as well infrastructure improvements to our built environment - such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, road diets and rapid flash beacons - that would aid in traffic calming. Last week, two pedestrians were struck by a van in Fort Point, and one tragically passed away from her injuries. This tragedy, and other crashes across the city, remind us of the work that needs to be done to realize Vision Zero; especially when our neighborhoods are becoming more densely populated due to development, along with more vehicular and pedestrian foot traffic. For example, residents throughout the city have called attention to pedestrian signals that allow for crossing the street at the same time that vehicles have a signal to turn at an intersection,
which could potentially be unsafe for pedestrians crossing a busy intersection. The city is committed to pedestrian safety and Vision Zero, and this hearing aims to discuss the various infrastructural measures and changes that we can take to prevent serious and fatal crashes. Last year, Councilor Flynn and Councilor Baker held a hearing on reducing the city speed limit to 20 mph in our communities and other road safety improvements. Councilor Flynn continues to meet with neighbors & advocacy groups on improvements to make our roads safer for all. “Pedestrian safety must be a top priority for the City of Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “I look forward to continuing this discussion with the Boston Transportation Dept, Boston Police Dept, relevant agencies and concerned residents about how we can re-double our efforts on infrastructure improvements, slower speeds and enforcement.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov. .
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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Nine-Eleven: Remembrance: Eighteen Years Later by Rick Winterson
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ast Wednesday was September 11, 2019. At 9 a.m. on that day last week, it was exactly 18 years since the worst-ever attack inside America’s borders by a foreign enemy had begun. We formally call the day of that attack Patriot Day. Most of the time, we refer to it as “Nine-Eleven”, or just simply “9-11”. But we can’t (and should not) forget it. On the morning of September 11, 2001, a band of 19 terrorists from the Middle East hijacked four American passenger planes. Two of these planes took off from Logan Airport; the other two flew out of Newark and WashingtonDulles. Around 9 a.m. on “NineEleven”, the two from Logan crashed into the North and South Towers of New York City’s World Trade Center. The plane from Dulles flew into the Pentagon. In a burst of self-sacrificing courage, the passengers on the flight from Newark took back their aircraft. It is conjectured the hijackers on that f light were heading for the White House. And Todd Beamer’s final cry of “Let’s roll!” entered A merican histor y’s lexicon. Last Wednesday, on Patriot Day at 6 p.m., the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage at Sleeper Street and Seaport Boulevard held a Memorial Service. It was called, “Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
Martin’s Park, another remembrance of terrorism’s actions. and Their Families in Prayer”. The Shrine is Boston’s most recently opened Catholic Church. It was built in replacement of the original Chapel of Our Lady of Good Voyage as part of the Seaport District development; it is a short distance from the Fallen Heroes obelisk on the edge of the Seaport Green. There is something about the location of the Shrine – a feeling or a vibe. From its entrance, look across Sleeper Street and you will see Martin’s Park. As you know, that remarkable area was built and named in remembrance of young Martin Richard, who was killed in another terrorist’s vile attack: the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. There’s no doubt that arc from the Fallen Heroes obelisk, past the Shrine, and over into
The Remembrance gathers at the “Fallen Heroes” Memorial after a candlelight procession.
Martin’s Park has now become sacred ground, right here in South Boston’s Seaport District. After the Remembrance’s opening hymn, Fr. Bryan Parrish, the Shrine’s Rector, welcomed the c0ngregation. An opening prayer was offered. Victoria Barreras, representing her Gold Star family, told their story, punctuated by her tears towards the story’s end. A Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord is my Light”, was followed by a Gospel reading – John 15: 12-14, “Greater love has no one, than those who lay down their own lives for others.” Fr. Matt Westcott, Chaplain
of the 25th Marine Regiment, gave a sermon of Ref lection. Candles were lit sequentially by Deacon Paul Kline and a procession was formed as “America the Beautiful “was sung. The procession marched up Seaport Boulevard to the Fallen Heroes Memorial obelisk, where homage was paid to their sacrifice. Dan Magoun delivered some poignant remarks about heroism and the sacrifice that often accompanies it, especially within the families that Fallen Heroes leave behind. “Taps” bugled by Staff Sgt. Bean closed the 2019 “ 9 - 11 ” Remembrance.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
BCYF Tynan Happenings The Tynan Council and staff will be holding an event called “THE FAMILY FALL FEST” on the 16th of October in our School yard! It will take place between 5pm -7pm with a Pumpkin Carving contest, Halloween costume contest, prizes, food, music and more! This Family -Friendly event is open to the public for all ages.
Trip to Skyzone
Our Flag Football League will start on October 22nd for boys and girls ages 7-11yrs. This is always a fun and sometimes competitive league, so please don’t miss out registration is now taking place, please see our athletic director, Greg Lally . Our Tots & Junior Gym will begin on Monday Sept. 16 th , as well as registration. Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays from 3-4:30pm. Tots ages are 4-6 year old’s and Juniors 7-11 for boys and girls. Classes will include free time as well as organized recreational games. Yearly registration fee for all gym programs for the
Dave & Busters
year will be $20 per child and $5 for any additional sibling. Our After School Drop In Program is for boys and girls ages 9-13, from 3-5:30, Monday through Friday. Cost will be $20 for the school year. Activities include homework help, board games, table hockey, gym time including scheduled sports leagues, snack, arts & crafts, computer lab, field trips and Friday treats. This program has begun and is currently accepting registration. For further information please call the Community Center office at (617)-635-5110. As the weather starts to turn, we just want to say thank you to all for a
Last day of summer camp.
wonderful Summer! As Administrative Coordinator of the bcyf tynan, I would like to especially thank our young people for not congregating on the tynan grounds this summer. (behind the tynan) Over the last few years fewer teens have hung up the tynan after hours (parties)and I think by reaching out to our teens and providing them with a teen center of their own, more gym time and field trips we have gotten their attention and respect that we care! we hired over 20 teens each Summer for the last 4 years thanks in part to the South Boston Summer collaborative, the Mayor’s Summer job program (DYEE) Massport and John Hancock’s MLK scholarship summer program.
Franklin Park Zoo
Having a zero tolerance policy and reaching our goal was a combination of also working with the school department on more security as camera’s were added and flood lights were upgraded, The Tynan Council/bcyf leadership team efforts on fund raising for more teen resources, the abutters and more police presents thanks to Captain Boyle and his team at C-6. I will leave you with some pictures from August of our Summer activities! Summer Camp
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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Saving for Your Child’s Future can be Overwhelming, but Boston is Here to Help By Mayor Martin J. Walsh
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he start of kindergarten marks the beginning of a child’s educational future and here in Boston we believe nothing should hinder a child’s path to success. That’s why, in 2016, and in collaboration with Boston Public Schools, we launched Boston Saves as a three-year pilot program. Our goal was to build strong career pathways by helping families of BPS kindergarteners save money for their children’s college or career training. Throughout those three years, our efforts worked. We provided children’s savings accounts to 1,600 students from eleven BPS schools for a total of $80,000. Beginning this fall, Boston Saves will expand citywide, providing more families with the tools to invest in their children’s future. The program provides each kindergartener enrolled in BPS with a savings account, automatically started with $50.00. This money can then be used to help pay for the costs of college or career training once a student finishes high school. Families have the opportunity to grow the money in their child’s Boston Saves account by earning Boston Saves Dollars for specific actions that plan for the future. For example, if a family saves $25 for their child in a three-month period, Boston Saves will add another $5 to their child’s account. All told, families can earn up to $65 in
incentives for their child’s Boston Saves account in the program’s first year. Another way families can earn Boston Saves Dollars is by reading with their child for 20 minutes a day for 20 days per month in a three-month period. Once the reading is complete, families can fill out a reading self-reporting form and earn $5 for each three-month period, or up to $20 per year. Families can also view their child’s Boston Saves account on an online platform, called the Savings Center, which will open later this fall. When families use this platform to link their own financial account to their child’s Boston Saves account, they will be able to track all their savings for their child in one convenient place online. This will add an additional $25 Boston Saves Dollars to their child’s account. We understand that saving for a child’s future is a collaborative effort that includes financial education, planning and ongoing support services. Boston Saves recruits program partners, such
as nonprofits and financial institutions, to offer resources that range from financial education activities for students to college planning and credit-building workshops for their families. Peer support is also available through Family Champions, trusted family members in a school community who are trained by Boston Saves. Family Champions are able to explain the program to fellow families and encourage their saving progress – often in families’ native languages. Children’s savings accounts are building blocks of financial education for both children and their families. By equipping the youngest generation of Boston
residents with these resources, we are investing in our City. There is no better time than now to begin saving for the future. We are grateful to the many partner organizations who made the expansion of Boston Saves possible, including the Eos Foundation, Berkshire Bank, Boston Builds Credit, Boston Educational Development Foundation, Collatos Family Foundation, City of Boston Credit Union, Commonwealth, Inversant, Junior Achievement, Ma ssachu set t s E duc at iona l Financing Authority, Metro Credit Union, National Grid, ReadBoston, Rockland Trust Back, Tech Goes Home and The Boston Foundation.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Summer Art & Design Exhibition at Artists for Humanity Artists for Humanity (A for H), located at the corner of A and Second Streets. held their lavish annual Summer Art & Design Exhibition last Thursday, August 22. A crowd of festive viewers joined the young artists. Between them both, they filled the exhibition space in the newly expanded A for H building. It was a festive and (very) colorful event. South Boston Online can only show you a small slice of the many fine artistic efforts created by the young A for H artists.
Public Meeting
Public Meeting
765 East Third Street Wednesday, September 25 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
841 East Broadway Saint Brigid Parish, Cushing Hall South Boston, MA 02127
Project Proponent: Richard Cox and Joy Cox Project Description: Meeting to show the community design revisions to the development proposed by Richard and Joy Cox. Proposal to construct a four-story, residential development totaling approximately 34,714 square feet containing twenty-five (25) housing units which includes three (3) IDP Units (affordable) and thirty-six (36) off-street parking spaces.
South Boston Seaport Strategic Transit Plan Wednesday, October 2
303 Congress Street
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WPI Seaport (1st Floor) Boston, MA 02210
Project Description: The South Boston Seaport Strategic Transit Plan will identify specific recommendations to improve the operations, capacity, and connectivity of the transit network (MBTA buses, Red and Silver Line stations, shuttles, ferries, etc.) serving Boston’s Seaport District. At this second public meeting, the project team will present goals and objectives, existing conditions, and the evaluation process, and seek feedback from attendees. There will be opportunities for discussion and Q+A. Translation services are available upon request. 如有需要，可以提供 翻 译 服务. Servicios de traducción están disponibles a petición del interesado(a). Перевод на русский осуществляется по требованию. Serviços de tradução disponíveis a pedido.
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: 10/11/2019
BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
mail to: Jim Fitzgerald Boston Planning & Development Agency One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 phone: 617.918.4327 email: james.fitzgerald@boston.gov BostonPlans.org
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
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Kratom Update
Brianne Fitzgerald RN, MSN, MPH
K
ratom is a psychotropic (mind altering) that is a leaf and contains 2 ingredients mitragynine and hydroxy-mitragynine. They can be compared to the ingredients in marijuana (cannabinoids and THC). The second ingredient hydroxy- mitragynine is addictive. It is believed and studies are ongoing that the mitragynine may be therapeutic. Kratom comes in capsules, extracts, gum, and tea. It
can be smoked or ingested and has a distinctive and pretty horrible odor. There are three types WHITE kratom which is highly potent in low amounts is a stimulant and in higher amount offers sedative properties. RED kratom has more pronounced sedative properties and GREEN kratom (which is what I have seen in Boston area is a middle of road kratom. As for dosing 1-5 mgs produces a stimulant effect. 5-15 mgs produce sedation and some euphoria (like heroin) and > 15 mgs can be toxic causing psychosis. The media spin is that kratom helps with the post-acute (opioid) w/d symptoms. The reality is that it helps only when you take it. Once you stop the symptoms return. This can lead to dependence and often right back to the original drug. For those (younger folks) who are experimenting with this drug it is not a stretch to see someone go for using it as a stimulant, thinking that more is better and then seeing your response turn into sedation and
Public Meeting
Society of Arts and Crafts 100 Pier 4 Boulevard, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02210
Project Description: Joint Impact Advisory Group and Public Meeting for the proposed Notice of Project Change for the Seaport Square development project.
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
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
issue is the social marketing blitz that sends unsuspecting people who are trying to get off drugs (and unwilling to go into treatment for whatever reasons) to self-medicate and continue or worsen the downward spiral. The overall message that I would like to suggest is that we do our best to steer people away from depending on substances to depending on people and community. We as professionals do not hold the key to recovery; relationships with others: family, friends, community are key, and we do our best to reintegrate our clients back into society as functioning members. Treatment intensity is less important than treatment extensity. The Gavin Foundation works hard to build community through treatment (a detox and recovery homes, outpatient services and a drop-in center for folks who want to stay away from drugs and in a more positive environment).
The Law Office of
Seaport Square Notice of Project Change Monday, September 23 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
ultimately the need for something stronger (tolerance and habituation). Withdrawal symptoms are like opioid w/d. If one is severely dependent on kratom a detox or MAT is in order to help with treatment cessation. There have been documented overdoses (CDC), but the research is spotty, and it appears that the overdoses have occurred in the presence of other drugs. What is to stop dealers from sprinkling a bit of fentanyl onto their product as a known method to attract and addict novice users? Harm reductionists say that kratom is “better� than heroin. As I try to understand these advocates, I consider several things. The places one buys kratom are unregulated and of concern. The DEA has tried unsuccessfully in the past (2017) to get kratom labeled as a schedule 1 drug. The backlash from advocates and Congress stopped this but the DEA is still working on this. The biggest
@BostonPlans
Teresa Polhemus, Executive Director/Secretary
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION
246 E St #3 Reduced: $519,000
791 SqFt | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | Common Roof Deck |
Open House Sunday 11-1 pm